In Deuteronomy Moses recounts the past 40 years of Israel's history. He lists the 10 Commandments given on Sinai. He reports how Israel responded at that time to the presence of God with awe, reverence and a promise to obey. Then Moses writes:
The LORD heard you when you spoke to me, and the LORD said to me, “I have heard what this people said to you. Everything they said was good. Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! (5:28, 29)
God saw and heard the sincerity of the people of Israel at that moment. They really do mean what they say and what they say is good. But sadly it will not always be this way. God knows the future as well as the past. He knows that they are very prone to wander away into disobedience and idolatry. You can almost feel God's sorrow. His words sound almost wistful, almost as if He is saying, "I wish I could count on their commitment and loyalty. I wish it were true."
I read these words and I think of the old hymn: "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it; prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Oh take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above." We all are too human and need God's grace and power to remain faithful and obedient. May He find lifelong loyalty in you and me.
The LORD heard you when you spoke to me, and the LORD said to me, “I have heard what this people said to you. Everything they said was good. Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! (5:28, 29)
God saw and heard the sincerity of the people of Israel at that moment. They really do mean what they say and what they say is good. But sadly it will not always be this way. God knows the future as well as the past. He knows that they are very prone to wander away into disobedience and idolatry. You can almost feel God's sorrow. His words sound almost wistful, almost as if He is saying, "I wish I could count on their commitment and loyalty. I wish it were true."
I read these words and I think of the old hymn: "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it; prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Oh take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above." We all are too human and need God's grace and power to remain faithful and obedient. May He find lifelong loyalty in you and me.
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