23 February 2023
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
From Deuteronomy 30:15-20, NRSV
In today’s reading we hear Moses setting a clear choice before the people of Israel. They must choose whether or not to obey the Law that has been laid down for their guidance. Observance of the Law will bring life and blessings whilst failure to do so will result in their downfall. Although the initial reaction of the people of Israel was to commit to the Law, their experiences in the desert tested their resolve and their love of God. When things became hard they lapsed in their observance of the Law and their unfaithfulness often led them far from God. As we prepare for Lent, we are presented with the similar choice of whether to commit to loyalty to what God asks of us.
- Why do you think Moses presented the people of Israel with this choice?
- What are the consequences of choosing to commit to living as God wants us to?
Reflect on aspects of your own Christian life which require a special effort on your part and commit to doing so.
