March 21

Deuteronomy 30-31 (biblegateway.com)

Choosing Life and Trusting God’s Leadership

In Deuteronomy 30-31, Moses delivers his final messages to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land without him. He encourages them to choose life by loving and obeying God, emphasizing that the choice to follow God’s commands is not only about obedience but also about experiencing the blessings of a restored relationship with Him. In chapter 31, Moses appoints Joshua as his successor and reminds the people of the importance of passing down God’s Word to future generations. These chapters emphasize the need for a steadfast commitment to God, both in times of blessing and adversity.

Moses has fervently urged the nation to obey the Lord and follow His commands, presenting them with blessings and curses as motivation. However, he understood the nature of his often rebellious and stubborn people and warned of an eventual apostasy. As a result, they would face the gravest consequences—exile, and dispersion among the nations. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, Moses spoke of a future restoration. He anticipated a time when Israel would recognize their mistakes, take God’s word to heart, and ultimately return to Him.

Deuteronomy 30 is a chapter of hope, restoration, and choice. In this chapter, Moses speaks to the Israelites, urging them to choose life by following God’s commands, which will lead to blessings. However, Moses also warns them about the consequences of disobedience. Ultimately, the chapter highlights God’s mercy and grace, promising that even if the people fail, God will restore them when they turn back to Him. It serves as a pivotal message of hope, emphasizing the possibility of repentance and restoration.

Moses begins by explaining that there will come a time when the Israelites will experience the consequences of their disobedience. However, if they turn away from God and face exile and punishment, they will still have the opportunity to return to God. When this happens, they will be able to repent, and God will restore them (v. 1-3). Even if they are scattered among the nations, when they return to God and obey His commands with all their heart and soul, God will bring them back to the Promised Land, bless them, and prosper them (v. 4-10).

Through repentance, the Israelites will experience a transformation of heart. The promise that “the Lord your God will circumcise your hearts” (v. 6), signifies that God will graciously transform the hearts of His people, replacing their former spiritual stubbornness with a renewed desire to obey Him. After returning to the Promised Land with this new heart, they will remain faithful to the Lord and, as a result, experience His abundant blessings. By loving Him wholeheartedly they will no longer fall into the cycle of rebellion that had plagued them in the past. This inner transformation is a key aspect of the New Covenant which will ultimately be fulfilled for Israel as a nation at the return of Jesus Christ.

Moses assured the Israelites that when they were ready to return to God, He would be ready to welcome them back. God’s mercy is beyond comprehension, extending far beyond what we can imagine. Even if the Israelites deliberately turned away and brought destruction upon themselves, God’s love remained steadfast, offering them restoration. He promised not only to take them back but also to transform them spiritually, renewing their hearts. In the same way, God desires to forgive and restore us. Sadly, some only realize this truth after their world has fallen apart, when pain and sorrow finally open their eyes to what God has been saying all along. Are you feeling distant from God because of sin? No matter how far you have strayed, He offers a fresh start—if you will only turn back to Him. Reflect on areas of your life where you may need to repent or return to God. What is holding you back from seeking restoration?

Moses continues by presenting the choice between life and death that lies before Israel. He explains that God’s commandment is not too difficult or beyond their reach. It is not hidden in the heavens or across the sea, but it is near—in their hearts and in their mouths (v. 11-14). God’s commands are accessible and can be followed, and Israel is called to choose life by loving God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him.

Moses sets before them the choice to either obey God’s commandments, which will lead to life, blessing, and the continuation of the covenant, or to turn away from God, which will lead to death, destruction, and curses (v. 15-18). Finally, Moses calls Israel to choose life by choosing God. Their love for God should lead to obedience, and obedience will result in life—in the land, in prosperity, and in God’s favor (v. 19-20). This is a choice not just for the current generation, but for future generations as well.

God still calls us to obey His commands, reminding us that His laws are neither hidden nor beyond our ability to follow. Have you ever said you would obey God if only you knew what He wanted? Or have you ever felt that obedience is too difficult? These excuses don’t hold up—God’s instructions are clearly revealed in Scripture and reflected in the world around us. Following His commands is not only possible but also wise and beneficial. The hardest part is simply making the decision to begin.

God does not force His will upon anyone; He allows each person to decide whether to follow Him or turn away. However, this is not a trivial choice—it is a matter of life and death. God desires for everyone to choose life, but that decision must be made daily. The choice between life and death is presented to all people. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be choosing death—whether through disobedience, sin, or neglecting God’s commands. How can you actively choose life by loving God and following His Word more closely?

Deuteronomy 30 is a chapter of hope and choice. It highlights the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. But for believers today, it also points to a deeper truth—our ultimate hope is not found in our own ability to follow the law but in the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Moses calls the Israelites to choose life by loving God and obeying His commands, knowing that this will lead to blessing and restoration. The chapter is a reminder to all believers that obedience is not just about following rules but about living in relationship with God, a relationship rooted in Jesus Christ. God offers us the choice of life, but it requires a response. Obedience flows from faith, not as a means of salvation but as a response to His grace. As we reflect on God’s call to choose life, let us embrace the fullness of His love, trusting in Christ’s redemption and walking in His ways.

Deuteronomy 31 marks a profound moment in Israel’s journey as Moses prepares to pass the leadership baton to Joshua. This chapter is filled with farewells, instructions for the future, and God’s reassurances to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land without Moses.

Moses, now 120 years old, is nearing the end of his life and leadership. He calls all of Israel together to give them his final instructions. Moses announces that he will no longer lead them into the Promised Land, but Joshua, his appointed successor, will take his place (v. 1-3). Moses reassures the people that even though they are losing their leader, God Himself will go with them and will not fail or forsake them (v. 6). This is a reminder that the success of Israel is not due to the greatness of its human leaders, but to the faithfulness and presence of God. Moses encourages Joshua in front of the people, telling him to be strong and courageous, because God will be with him just as He was with Moses (v. 7-8). The transition of leadership is emphasized, and the people are reminded that their success depends on their obedience to God and trust in His promises.

Although leaders come and go, God remains with His people, and it is His faithfulness that ensures success and victory. Moses’ reminder to the Israelites that God’s presence will remain constant should encourage us to trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even when leaders or circumstances change. How do you view leadership transitions in your life or in your community? Consider areas of your life where you may need to trust God’s leadership more fully. Do you rely on human leaders more than on God’s eternal presence? Commit to trusting in God’s faithfulness and leadership, knowing that He will not forsake you.

Moses commands that the book of the law be placed beside the Ark of the Covenant to serve as a witness against Israel should they turn away from God in the future (v. 9-11). Moses instructs the people to read the law every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles so that all Israel, including foreigners, children, and women, can hear and learn to fear the Lord and follow His commands (v. 12-13). The importance of public reading of God’s Word is emphasized, as it ensures that every member of the community, regardless of age or status, is reminded of their responsibility to God.

Every seven years, the nation would gather as a priest publicly read the law. Since written copies were not widely available—there were no personal Bibles, books, or printed materials—the people depended on oral transmission and memorization to preserve God’s word. Learning and reciting the law was a vital part of worship, ensuring that no one could claim ignorance as an excuse for disobedience. To live according to God’s will, we must also internalize His Word, filling our hearts and minds with its truth. For the Israelites, this process began in childhood, emphasizing the importance of passing down faith to the next generation.

Teaching children and new believers should be a top priority, and we should invest our best efforts, resources, and wisdom into guiding them to follow God in every aspect of life. Reflect on your personal engagement with Scripture. Are you consistently reading God’s Word, not only for personal growth but also in ways that can benefit and encourage others? Consider making a commitment to share God’s Word with others and help them grow in their understanding of it.

God then instructed Moses to bring Joshua to the tent of meeting, where He would commission him to lead Israel after Moses’ death. Moses called Joshua, and both presented themselves at the tent of meeting (v. 14). God revealed to Moses that, despite His faithfulness, Israel would eventually turn away from Him and break the covenant (v. 16-17). He foretells that when the people experience prosperity in the land, they will become complacent and start worshiping other gods (v. 18). God predicts that He will hide His face from Israel because of their disobedience and allow them to face consequences for their sin (v. 17).

Yet, God promised that this would not be the end for Israel. The Lord commanded Moses to write down a song and have the people sing it so that it would serve as a witness against them (v. 19). This song is intended to serve as a reminder to future generations of what Israel has experienced and the covenant relationship they have with God. It also speaks of Israel’s failure to remain faithful and the punishment that will follow. Even as Israel is called to worship and obey, they are warned about the dangers of idolatry and disobedience. So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites. (v 20-22).

The Lord then gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will lead the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I will be with you” (v. 23). God reassured Joshua that He would be with him, just as He had been with Moses, and that Joshua would successfully lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Next, Moses writes down the entire law and instructs the Levites, the priests, and the elders of Israel to keep the law and ensure it is preserved (v. 24). They are to take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord. The book with the words of this Law refers to Deuteronomy. It was to be placed beside the ark, not in it. Only the Ten Commandments were placed in the ark. There it is to remain as a witness against the people.

Moses knows that Israel will ultimately rebel against God, and this will serve as a reminder of their sin and the consequences of turning away from Him (v. 27-29). Moses calls the leaders of Israel to gather before him as he reminds them of the gravity of their responsibility to obey God’s commandments (v. 28). He emphasizes that they are entering into a covenant with God and that their obedience or disobedience will directly impact the future of the nation (v. 29). He gives them a final, powerful call to faithfulness.

The chapter ends with Moses singing the song, which would become an integral part of Israel’s worship and a reminder of the covenant they had made with God (v. 30). This section marks the final phase of Moses’ leadership, with his death imminent. He not only commissions Joshua as his successor but also prepares Israel to take possession of the Promised Land with the laws, teachings, and warnings necessary to remain faithful to God. Moses sets the stage for the next generation to enter into the covenant and live in the land, knowing the importance of obedience to God’s commands in order to receive His blessings.

These chapters in Deuteronomy present a powerful call to choose life—a life of obedience, love, and faithfulness to God. Moses reminded Israel that their future depended on their response to God’s covenant, but for us today, that choice is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We do not choose life through obedience alone but through faith in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf. Through His death and resurrection, we are offered new life, grace, and restoration. As we reflect on the lessons of Deuteronomy, may we choose to walk in obedience—not to earn salvation, but as a response to the life we have been given in Jesus.