“And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2 Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.” Deuteronomy 4:1-2 NLT
Father God,
Moses starts Deuteronomy by going over the last 40 years history and how God has got them to where they are, despite their rebellion and behaviour. Even confessing his own weakness, accepting Gods will and passing on the baton to Joshua. There is no bitterness and no jealousy.
And here he has the last opportunity to call them to obey their God for their own good and the good of their nation. Not to pick and choose what to obey. What would our last words of advice be to those we love and know? To get to know, follow and obey Your Son Jesus?
Some family would challenge the word obey because they have encountered extreme right wing Christians. Some because they knw they cannot be good all the time. But Jesus himself said he had not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. (Matthew 5:17). He showed us that the Law was not rules, rules, rules but living His way with faith, hope and love. The law is not a stick to punish our failure but a living love to keep us safe from evil and our own weakness. Help us to obey in gentleness and strength, righteousness and kindness, forgiveness and hope.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 15th March 2025
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies
But His smile quickly drives it away
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey
Chorus
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go
Never fear, only trust and obey
Chorus Twice
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more
Lord oh, for grace to trust You more
Lyrics: John H Sammis (Trust and obey).
Louisa M R Stead (‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus).