Daily PresenceSample

Our reading today lists out a great number of horrifying consequences of disobedience to God. The illustrations given are detailed and continuous. I can feel myself thinking, “Geez, a little intense God!” It left me pondering why such a short portion about what happens when the Jews are obedient and such a long portion about what happens when the Jews are disobedient. After a reflection over the journey of the Jews up until now and *spoilers* their continued disobedience to come, it was obvious: God loves them.

During our Marriage One Day Derrick Thompson illustrated a point of frustration in many marriages. Oftentimes we have expectations for our spouses to be perfect and meet every expectation we set for them. Then, when they fail to meet these expectations, we are angry, frustrated, and hurt. We break the heart of God when we fail to meet His expectations. Thankfully, He is righteous and perfect. For us, He pours out grace like a river through Christ. Even before Jesus, over and over God risks getting His heart broken again and again for the love he had for His people.

I love what Moses says at the end of chapter 29:

“The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.”

None of us can fully comprehend God and his wisdom. Yet, He is clear in His promises. He is clear in His purpose for us: to prosper us and not to harm us. So, all of the consequences laid out in our readings today are not threats. They are warnings. God is saying, as he said to Adam and Eve, I have so much good planned for you. I have abundance, joy, hope, and peace planned for you. I only ask for this: faith and obedience. Yet, if you choose to trust in yourself and lean into your flesh, you will suffer the consequences. Not because this is what I desire for you, but because ultimately, it is what you desire in your flesh: your will over Mine.