Deuteronomy 30-32
You might recall that on February 6 I said we should remember Leviticus 26 as we move forward through the Scriptures. Our readings yesterday and today echo the same message, with blessings for following the LORD and curses for turning away from Him. Let’s keep these blessings and curses in mind as we watch Israel’s history play out.
With today’s reading we can already see the trajectory of that history. We may not yet know all the characters that we will meet along the way. We may not yet know all the twists and turns of the plot. But we can see the overall arch of the story, because the LORD is clear-eyed about it Himself.
The LORD is no fool, no gullible chump who naively expects a “happily ever after” relationship with Israel. He knows their hearts (and ours). He knows that they will fail to keep the covenant, that they will stray from His path. We see this repeatedly in today’s reading. Starting from the very first verse (Dt. 30:1) and continuing on through the entire “Song of Moses” (Dt. 32:1-43) there is a clear recognition that although Israel may enjoy the blessings for a time, the curses will certainly come to pass. Moses says this directly, just before the “Song”:
For I know that after my death you will surely act corruptly and turn aside from the way that I have commanded you. And in the days to come evil will befall you, because you will do what is evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger through the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 31:29
But the LORD invests in Israel anyway. He is faithful. He made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He intends to fulfill those promises. Further, despite Israel’s assured failure to keep the covenant, the LORD nonetheless anticipates their eventual repentance and return, and He promises to receive them back. (Dt. 30:1-10; Lev. 26:40-45) And so He shows Himself even more faithful and gracious.
And He is faithful and gracious still. As with Israel, He calls us to life, and that life is not far off or unattainable, because that life is in Christ Who is ever present with us. (Dt. 30:11-14; Romans 10:6-8) So choose life. Choose Christ. Every day and moment by moment. But if in your desire to choose life, you ever think that you have failed too often or too deeply, so that the Lord couldn’t possibly welcome you back, recognize that it is His own Spirit prompting you toward life. He is the One calling you, so answer the call in humility, confessing and repenting of your sin, and you will find that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ is faithful and gracious still.