Monday, 22 June 2020

Mitzvot and blessings

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Deuteronomy 4:40 "You must keep His statutes and His mitzvot, which I am commanding you today, so that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and so that you may prolong your days in the land that Adonai your God is giving you for all time."

We tend to view God's commands in terms of boundaries (not to be crossed). We ask, why does God want to limit our freedom? Why doesn't God want us to have a good time? Why does God want to punish us by placing restrictions and burdens on us through His laws?

This one verse debunks all of that. God wants things to "go well" with us and our children after us. God even defines what "go well" means; "So that you (yes, Moses is talking to you) may prolong your days in the land." What does it mean to remain "in the land?" This has to be a reality, but also euphemistic for something.

The land of Israel is the destination (destiny) of those delivered from the "brick making" of Egypt. Brick making under a task master is metaphorical for the system of works. God wants to bless us, but we want His blessing on our brick making. God wants to deliver us from brick making into His presence. Being "in the land" is euphemistic for being in God's presence, living in the reality of His promises.

God promises a land flowing with milk and honey. Psalm 16:11b "Abundance of joys are in Your presence, eternal pleasures at Your right hand." God's desire is to bless you by grace. Don't miss it.