Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
“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!”
Toward the evening hours of his life on earth, Moses spoke God’s counsel to the Israelites at length. Having interfaced with God in rare ways and walked closely with Him for over 40 years, Moses knew the kindness of God on the one hand, but also the severity of God on the other. He knew how obedience to God’s commands brought Israel great blessings and peace, and how disobedience to His commands made them suffer loss in many ways. Moses had seen all that, and even pleaded with God on many occasions when things went out of hand. Therefore, to heed what Moses said was not only important but also wise. He was the man of God with whom God’s word was at the time!
In his closing submission to the Israelites, Moses spoke these heavy words in our text: “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!” Oh, how the voice of God can be heard clearly in Moses’, speaking with authority yet full of compassion! Notice, in His kindness, God (through Moses) presented “life” and “blessings”, and in His severity, the LORD also presented “death” and “curses”. Yet, in His love and good will, He quickly said to His people, “choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Hallelujah!
The LORD certainly knew that, if left to himself, man would sometimes knowingly make the wrong decisions. Indeed, in keeping with His kindness and justice, God presented both sides. However, the LORD knows that life and blessings are far much better than death and curses—and advised His people to choose life. Hallelujah! Beloved, Jesus said, “I am…the life” (Joh 14:6 NIV). Thankfully, in Him and by the Holy Spirit, you are spiritually alive now. However, choosing life by walking in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25), staying rooted in God’s Word, and consistently speaking life and blessings into every situation around you are all so important. Remember, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Pro 18:21 NKJV). Always choose life. Always speak life.
Pst. Emmanuel