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Daily, we run into situations that require us to make a choice. Either we choose allegiance to what we want to do and make decisions according to our will, or we choose to follow what God has commanded us to do. One of the purposes of Deuteronomy was to help the second generation recognize that this was their choice as they were “on the move” towards the Promised Land. Moses, in looking back, wanted them to choose wisely.

Two principles and a Solution for the Journey

Principle #1:

1. Choosing to obey God’s commands will lead to experiencing His goodness and faithfulness (19-25)

- Starting off well is important, but continuing and ending our journey in obedience to the Lord really matters (cf. 1 Jn. 5:13)

- On the journey, be careful not to just run with ‘your own ideas’ (Prov. 15:22)

- Through obedience, you will discover that God is faithful to His word and can be trusted (Num. 23:19)

On the journey, are you experiencing God’s goodness and faithfulness? If not, daily evaluate: do you choose allegiance to what you want to do, or do you choose to follow what God has commanded you to do? If you are, “give thanks to the LORD, for He is good and His love endures forever” (1 Chron. 16:24) and continue to choose to obey.

Principle #2:

2. Choosing to disobey God’s commands will lead to experiencing His anger and judgment (26 ff.)

- Don’t minimize disobedience in your mind. An unwillingness to obey God’s commands is equivalent to rebellion

Warning signs of living in disobedience may include:
- feeling dissatisfied and making false assumptions about God (vs. 27)
- fearful living rather than being faith filled (vs. 28)
- arrogantly refusing to listen and presuming on God (vs. 41-46)

Do you see some of these character warning signs popping up in your life on a regular basis? If left unchecked, they can have a snowball effect and lead to serious consequences. Confess (1 Jn. 1:9), turn from your disobedience and follow God’s ways.

Question – How does one avoid the sting of disobedience?

Solution:

3. Trust and obey God who has sovereign authority over your life; there is no other way (29-33, 36)

- Don’t let your fears stop you from going where you know God wants you to go. “The LORD your God who is going before you, will fight for you” (vs. 30)

- Follow the LORD wholeheartedly (cf. Php. 3:13-14)

What fears are you battling that have you in a holding pattern? Are you discouraged that you can’t seem to move forward? “Cast all your cares upon him because He cares for you” (1 Pt. 5:7). “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him (obey), and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Obedience will lead to experiencing God’s goodness and faithfulness, disobedience will lead to experiencing His anger and judgment. On the journey, choose wisely. Trust and obey Him wholeheartedly!

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