This day the Lod your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have today declared the Lord to be your God, and that you would walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments and His ordinances, and listen to His voice. The Lord has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.
Deuteronomy 26:16-19 NASB
These verses in chapter 26 describe the relationship that the people of Israel had with God. He wanted them to obey Him and He wanted to bless them for praise, fame, and honor. It makes sense that there were so many different commandments that were given to the people by God because He wanted them to live a life set apart from the sinful ways of the world. God desires that I also would live my life set apart from the ways of the world around me. I am to be a light of truth in the midst of a dark and sinful world. I know that I am not always living out my faith as I should but I desire to change. Lord, help me to not hide in this world but let me live my life as a testimony to You.
Deuteronomy chapter 25 continues the listing of sundry laws started in chapter 24. Every law listed is to keep the people pure and set apart from the sinful ways of the world. I am currently looking for a job and I am excited to start earning a salary but in Deuteronomy chapter 26 Moses reminds the people to offer their first fruits to God. In offering their first fruits to God the people acknowledged that they are only where they are because of God’s blessing. Was this offering a way to keep pride in check? I am excited to get a job but I do not want the income to become an idol that draws me away from God. I want need to remember to offer from my first fruits to God. In acknowledging and embracing my inability to do anything apart from God I am humbled and reminded of my need for God.
