South Main Baptist Church
Jan 23, 20232 min
Deuteronomy 30:19
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before your life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
Our featured verse for today is at the end of a long speech of Moses starting at the beginning of Deuteronomy 29. Moses summoned all the Israelites and reminded them of all the miracles of God they had seen when He brought them out of Egypt. Moses recounted God’s care for them, giving food from heaven, water from a rock, and divine guidance, leading them with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. Moses related the word of the Lord to them, describing again the battles God had won for them and the lands they had conquered. The speech crescendos with the Lord exhorting them not to turn back to idols and the false Gods of other nations. Finally, Moses’ culminates with the plea, “Choose life!” Moses makes the point that to follow God is to choose life. And to reject God is to choose death and destruction.
1. What do you think Moses meant when he said, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you….” How can witnesses add accountability to your life?
2. What do you think Moses meant when he said, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.” What are the consequences of rejecting God? What are the blessings of choosing the Lord?
3. How is choosing God the same as choosing life? How does choosing life help your children to live?
1. HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD. Take this passage of scripture seriously as it calls you to reject anything that takes priority over the Lord and follow Him.
2. HEED THE WORD OF THE LORD. Do what God word says. Choose the Lord! To choose Him is to choose forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life over death and destruction.
3. SPREAD THE WORD OF THE LORD. As you follow God’s plan you bring others with you. Let both your life and your lips proclaim the word of God.
4. CHOOSE LIFE. In every area of your life…choose life. Spiritually give your heart to Jesus and be saved. Work to preserve the lives of men, women, infants, and the unborn. Be kind and loving to all in the name of Jesus!
Oh Lord of life and light, all creation reflects your beauty and majesty. You created the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry lands, the sun, moon, and stars, and all the living creatures. And at the peak of your splendor, you created human life, in your image, precious and loved. And in the image of God please help me to respond, choosing you above all other gods and idols. And may I reflect your love of life by loving and preserving the lives of others in reverence to the work of your hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.