07
Hear, Learn and Follow God’s Rules!
Rod ShimabukuroAnd Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them. Deuteronomy 5:1
I read and reread verse 1, in it’s surrounding context, which led me to dig deeper in a few commentaries. These Jewish-Christian scholars are well studied in the Torah, their culture and traditions.
God’s statutes and rules are to be heard, learned and carefully followed. His rules and laws are ethical and moral in character.
• Deuteronomy is a translation of Israel’s redemptive history into living principles, the authors interest is entirely moral, and he wants to arouse Israel’s loyalty to Jehovah and to His revealed law. [ISBE]
• In Ch. 5:1-30, There is no separation of one’s religious duties to God from one’s moral commitments as a member of the divinely created community. [JSB]
• Deuteronomy demonstrates that God’s faithfulness results in mercy to his sinful people, and it’s theology is focused on convincing Israel to trust and obey, and to conquer the land. [ESSB]
I’m seeing a few themes important for my personal, Christian life, in relationship to the larger family of God.
- Through God’s moral teachings and commands to ALL HIS PEOPLE, He is faithful and merciful, guiding His church to trust and obey.
- There are options of obedience and disobedience…thus to Hear, Learn and Follow remains God’s command for me.
I’m super grateful to God, His Spirit’s work in me and those around me, who are hungry and thirsty for the Presence of God - through His Word! The gatherings, fellowship and communication Beckie and I are having with others are rich, rewarding, deep and meaningful.
There’s a hunger for Biblical morality and truth. There’s a yearning for the presence of His wisdom, knowledge and discernment - for people to know Him and how to live for Him. It’s Awesome!
So first, I must continue to hear, learn and follow - then instruct, encourage and pray for people in my life to do likewise.
Dear Jesus - I sing and pray this Psalm…”I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.” Ps. 119:7.
Help me to hear Your voice, through Your Word, learn of You and carefully follow Your commands! I love You! I want to live a loyal, obedient life for You!
