Day 78

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19.  “Random Acts of Kindness”

In each of these various passages this week there is a constant theme: Obedience.  There are illustrations for us as to what obedience produces, and in turn, what disobedience produces.
         There are also lessons on leadership, lessons on communication, lessons on consequences and their “ripple effect,” and lessons on the sovereignty of God.
         In its entirety, it produces a week truly focusing on the impact of our choices, and describing the necessity for those choices being in-line with God’s desires and instructions.

         The late John Vernon McGee once mentioned the difference between people who are “woefully ignorant” and those who are “willfully ignorant.”  There are some who do not yet know the truth, and there are others who know it but reject it.
         Today’s passage describes the curses for the willfully ignorant.  These are the consequences for those who willfully disobey God’s word.
         It is similar to God telling them not to touch the hot stove, but they do anyway, and He told them exactly what they would feel.  The commands are in place for their protection, physically and spiritually.
         On the other side, there are blessings for obedience.  “If you fully obey the LORD your God” (Dt. 28:1) in all areas (generosity, raising children, worshipping God alone, honoring parents, honesty, etc.) then you will be blessed in all areas. 
         To walk in the peace and favor of God is a noticeable blessing.  We should also keep in mind that God’s blessings for us are not limited to our lifetime on earth. 

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?