For a recent homework assignment, first-year students were asked first to read Deuteronomy 30:15-20, then to respond to the question, "What is the message intended by the author of Deuternomy and how is this passage relevant for today." I got some wonderful answers, but here's one in particular I want to share with you this Advent:In my opinion, the message intended by the author in Deuteronomy 30:15-20 reflects God’s desire for a deeply abiding relationship with the Israelites (“holding fast to him”). For Gpd knows that they can only truly experience his intentions for their well-being by following his ways. He spells it out for them so well: “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse,” and “Choose life, then, that you … may live, by loving the Lord, … obeying his voice.” And “if you obey the commandments…loving the Lord…and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments…you will live and grow numerous…God will bless you in the land.”
God desires .. their complete trust, and He shows them how to reach that kind of relationship with Him. But notice that He gives them the choice to freely make. Thus they will be responsible for their choice: His justice (blessing or curse) is that he will give them what they freely choose.”
This Christmas, remember to choose the gift of God's love, who is Christ our Lord. Advent blessings. Merry Christmas.
