Deuteronomy 5
In this truly great Chapter of Scripture we have a second “telling” of the Ten Commandments, God reminding His people how to properly live for Him. In fact, the word “Deuteronomy” literally means a “second” giving of the “Law!” (By the way, if God repeats Himself on matters of great importance, so can we! So can your Pastor! So must a good parent to his or her children!)
True, this repetition of the Law of God is forty years after its first proclamation. And here Moses is clearly reviewing these things with Israel prior to his death. But still the critical essence of God’s commands to the Jews is obvious.
Did you know this? Nine of these Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament, God expecting US to live righteously as well! The one about honoring the Sabbath is NOT specifically reiterated, because we are now expected to worship on the Day of Jesus’ Resurrection. Sunday, the Lord’s Day!
Anyway, let me show you today’s verse.
After Israel promises to “obey” God and live by His Precepts … God speaks:
“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” Deuteronomy 5:29
I think our great God here is expressing a wish!
A longing of His Heart!
“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always …”
God does not do this a lot!
One of His cravings!
Yes it seems … the passion of the Lord for His people is (not only God’s Pleasure) … but also their own welfare!
Read the rest of the verse … if Israel obeys:
“That it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!”
God will bless them … because acts of obedience to Him automatically carry within themselves certain benefits!
Not stealing … keeps one out of jail, at least for theft!
Not killing … keeps one from having to flee from some avenger of blood!
Not lying … allows one to have liberty in his speech. He does not have to “remember” what he said to a certain person … what “story” he concocted … he can just tell the truth!
Even eating by God’s standards … likely produces better health and maybe even longer life!
Wow!
Obey God’s Commandments!
For two reasons …
With number one being the Glory of God, fulfilling His Desires! “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always …”
And number two, blessing upon God’s children! “That it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!”
Amen.
Sounds like … if we please God, He will bless us.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
But keep in mind that in certain cases (the man Job comes to mind) one can obey God and still have trials … but in the end, God always keeps His Word!
We must follow the first half of today’s verse … and let God take care of the last half, in His Own Way, His Own Time! “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always … that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” Deuteronomy 5:29
Wow!