Read: Deuteronomy 5-7
Focus Verse: “And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deu. 6:25)
Devotion: Moses prepares the people for a question. When future generations question why they have to follow the 10 commandments and the other laws and decrees, this is what they are to say: “The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today” (Deu 6:25). [see also Deut 6:20-24] So, remind the people of God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, then if we listen and follow God we will prosper, things will go well for us. In the end it’s our righteousness to follow God. So, God’s righteousness is God’s deliverance, our righteousness is following God. Further, God’s deliverance isn’t because we’re anything amazing, in fact we aren’t, but it happens because God loves us despite our sad state (Deu 7:7-8). God delivers so I am obedient.
Pray: LORD I pray you’d help me respond to Your deliverance with my obedience. Amen!
Additional Scripture: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matt 23:12).