“Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the Lord did at Baal Peor; for the Lord your God has destroyed from among you all the men who followed Baal of Peor. 4 But you who held fast to the Lord your God are alive today, every one of you. 5“Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. 6 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ Deuteronomy 4:1-6 NKJV
Father God,
The Book of Deuteronomy begins with Moses giving them a potted history of their last 40 years. How God has got them to where they are, despite themselves. God, You were faithful even though Moses himself will not be going to the promised land.. The baton of leadership has been passed to Joshua who certainly has been well mentored for the role, by You and Moses. (Deuteronomy 3:23-29).
Moses knows this people well and still loves them. He has know them all since birth. So what does he say? He uses the opportunity to say what they most need to hear. Not about the privilege of leading them. Not how difficult they were. Not how he loved his family. He reminds them to obey You God.
To obey You, their God, for their own good and the future good of their nation. Not to change anything. Not to pick and choose what to obey.
Obey, is not a popular word now. Often dropped from wedding vows but let’s not get into that Lord. Children do not like to obey. Some parents and some teachers have difficulty with discipline because of this. What is the perfect example of obedience? Jesus. He said he had not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. (Matthew 5:17). He called us to obedience to You, not keeping rules, rules, rules but living as He showed and taught us.
It is not easy and it is not always black and white Lord. Thank you that the law is not a stick to punish our failure but to point to a way to walk in love to keep us safe from evil and our own weakness. Help us to obey You. Not to chaff against the Yoke (Matthew 11:29) but keep in step with You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 23rd February 2026
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).