Beautiful Word Devotional #352

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

Deuteronomy 30:19

In the Old Testament, God offered rules that guided the daily lives of the Israelites. As Paul said, this law was given to make us conscious of our sin (Romans 3:20), of our inability to be holy and acceptable to our holy God. The people could obey or disobey. God’s intention was always that his people would choose the path of life where love, not selfishness, motivated choices.

But individuals then—and since then and today—continually chose to act wickedly. As a result, the nation of Israel fell countless times. Israel simply could not do right. And neither can we.

Thankfully, God allowed Jesus’ death on the cross—and his resurrection victory over sin—to pay the cost of our sins. We are forgiven, free to be in relationship with God, and empowered by his Spirit within us as we build the kingdom of God, an eternal kingdom of love.

Lord, I can’t do right. Thank you for sending Jesus to take the punishment for my sin, amen.