Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:26-28
“See, I am setting before you today a blessings and a curse ----- the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the command of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.”
Dr. Cho is the pastor of the largest church in the world. His congregation hails over one million members. Someone asked Dr. Cho, “What is the key to your great success?” His reply was very simple “I pray and obey.” Obedience to God will always bring blessing in your life.
Blessings are gifts from God of help, favor, and happiness. Curses are causes of unhappiness or harm. One of the very first principles that every Christian must learn is that obedience to God guarantees blessings. Now please don’t misinterpret what I said. I did not say it guarantees you a life without ever having any trouble. I did not say that! God can bless you even in the midst of your troubles? However, obedience guarantees blessing.
God is speaking to His people & He says, “See, I am setting before you today a blessings and a curse ----- the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the command of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.” God is saying. "It’s your choice. You can choose either blessing in your life, or a curse. If you want blessings, then keep my commands. If you want a curse, then disobey my commands & follow other gods."
In reading the Old Testament, we find over and over again how Israel enjoyed the blessings of God. God gave them good harvests; their families were healthy & strong. God blessed them with children. God gave them wealth. They had peace & harmony in their society & defeated their enemies. Whenever they chose to follow after other god’s a curse fell upon them. The harvest was not bountiful; plagues swept through the land, 10’s of thousands of people died as a result of their disobedience; and when enemies attacked them, they were defeated & carried off into bondage.
"Why would anyone choose the curse? Why doesn’t everyone pursue the blessing?" The answer, I think, is found in the words of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7: 13 & 14. Jesus is saying, "The road that leads to destruction is so broad & so enticing that many follow that road, even though they know it leads to destruction. But only a few people choose to live eternally and right by taking the narrow way."
Tomorrow I will share with you 4 things that will bring blessings into your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment