Decisions can be hard. We’ve all had the experience of staring at a multiple-choice test and feeling unsure. Thankfully, most decisions we make affect our lives very little. Would you like chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Will you wake up at 6:30 or 7:00? Some choices, however, carry much more weight. In Deuteronomy chapter 30 Moses presents a life and death decision for the children of Israel. It is a decision which reappears for each generation and for each individual. How will we choose to respond to the commandments of our God?
The passage begins by describing the blessing that is instruction from our Creator. God’s commandment is not too difficult, too hidden, or too distant (Deut 30:11-13). This reminds us of the New Testament teaching, “… His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). We often overlook how kind God is, merely for the fact that He would communicate His law to us – and do so in a way which we can understand. He expresses grace in providing instruction which is neither burdensome nor grievous. God does not ask the impossible of us. God helps us make the right choice because His teaching can be understood and can be followed by anyone.
The text goes on to emphasize that the word is near to the children of Israel (Deut 30:14). The Law of God was designed to be a continual part of their lives, even affecting the generations that would follow (Deut 6:6; 11:18-20). The commandment of the Lord was in their hearts and minds. In the Christian age of today we see the same requirement for constant teaching (2 Tim 2:2, 15). The Lord Christ had the same education emphasis for His followers (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). God helps us make the right choice because His followers prepare and educate others.
The next section of Deuteronomy 30 is where we find the actual decision laid out. The multiple-choice test has two options, life or death (Deut 30:15). The right choice will require much: to walk in God’s ways and keep His Law (Deut 30:16). The wrong choice brings with it great and certain punishment: to surely perish (Deut 30:17-18). Then God’s Word presents the two choices again and points to the correct answer. “…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life…” (Deut 30:19). When’s the last time you saw a teacher standing over their student saying, “Pick answer choice A”? God helps us make the right choice because He reveals the correct answer!
Decisions really can be hard. Let’s be grateful for Heaven’s assistance in our lives. We should always cling to our loving Master (Deut 30:20), because He works in so many ways to help us make the right choice. How will we choose to respond to the commandments of our God? Disobedience unto death or obedience for life?
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