Today’s text forms a portion of Moses’ last words of instruction to the Israelites just as they are preparing to cross over and live in the promised land. Notice how the image we hold of God intersects with how we hear and interpret these words. Do the words inspire hope or fear? Thankfully, God has placed the Holy Spirit inside of us to help us know and choose that which brings life – real and abundant life.
Be very patient and gentle towards the questions which arise within and bring them into prayer.
Deuteronomy 30:6, 9-14,19-20 (NLT)
6 “The LORD your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!…The LORD your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the LORD will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. 10 The LORD your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.
11 “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. 12 It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ 13 It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ 14 No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.
19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This[c] is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which “shimmered” for you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with the Lord. Journal your conversation.
Was there any particular emotion which emerged as you listened to the scripture? Talk it over with Jesus in your prayer.
Using all of your senses, place yourself in this scene of Moses preparing the people for their entry into the promised land. Who are you and what are you witnessing or experiencing? Write out the story in your own words, allowing the story and conversation to be your prayer.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
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