“Take to heart all these words I am giving as a warning to you today, so that you may command your children to follow all the words of this law carefully. For they are not meaningless words to you but they are your life, and by them you will live long…”
Deuteronomy 32:46-47
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their unfaithfulness. In this passage, they stood at the edge of the Jordon, ready to enter the promised land. Moses had just delivered a prophetic warning—praising God’s faithfulness while cautioning Israel not to get comfortable lest they once again drift into idolatry. Verses 46 and 47 are Moses’ passionate closing shortly before his death.
Here Moses asks the people for more than an intellectual agreement (legalism) to his declaration; he asks for a heart change. The faith Moses is talking about is one that guides everything we do in our lives, which in time will shape the next generation, and then the generation after that…
Aligning with divine principles wasn’t just good advice; it was directly connected to their physical survival, spiritual longevity, and living with a sense of purpose in a challenging land.
Following God’s commands provides us with deep spiritual roots, true peace, protective boundaries, and eternal rewards. Non-Christians (and even some Christians) may believe that rules are about control and authority. But God’s commands are really the evidence of His great love for us.
When we are aligned with the Lord, we experience peace. Our relationship with Him thrives, and we can expect to hear His still, small voice guiding us in our daily lives.
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6
We may not know what God is doing in the circumstances our lives, but we know what He has done. We can look back on the years we’ve walked with Him and trace His faithfulness to us.
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:5-6
And when we begin to live as a Kingdom citizen, we begin to hear Him through His written Word, the Holy Spirit, and our own convictions. In time, we learn to recognize His voice through a posture of stillness, trust in His Word, and obedience.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
The core truths we center our life around shape our journey, our legacy, and our day-to-day existence.
The opposite of this is living by the world’s standards. It’s one of self-focus rather than God-focus. It’s about instant gratification rather than waiting on the promises and blessings of the Lord. Disregarding God’s commands leads to eventual calamity. And when generation after generation of people live in this way, God is put on the back burner and eventually forgotten.
“Don’t be deceived; God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7
May we live as the Lord commands and teach our children and grandchildren to do the same. In this, they will have abundant life in this world and eternal rewards in the next.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we forget you are a God of love, and your commands are for our benefit. Your rules are good, and Your love is incomparable. Help us to keep our eyes on You and walk in a way that brings You honor and glory. Help us to teach our children and grandchildren to keep Your commands as well, that they may please You in the way they live.
