“ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES”
(Deuteronomy 28:1 – 31:29)
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” – Deuteronomy 30:11-14
In our reading for today, there is one very small, seemingly insignificant word, that is repeated numerous times – “IF.” Moses tells the people of Israel that IF they do certain things, then their actions will result in certain specific outcomes. To summarize, if Israel obeys God’s commands, they will be abundantly blessed. But, if they disobey His commands, they will be cursed. The fact that Moses tells the people this truth, over and over, emphasizes two things. First, the importance of this principle. And secondly, how prone they are to not pay attention to it!
We must realize that this principle is still true today. In essence, actions have consequences. The outcome of our life is all about the choices we make. And, it’s not just what we believe to be the “big choices,” but it is the continual, seemingly small, daily choices we make that will determine our life’s direction.
Simple Truth:
The decisions you make today have a dynamic effect on the trajectory of your entire life.
Reflections:
- The most important decision of our life is what we do with Jesus. That decision will determine your eternal life.
- God’s commands are “not too difficult.” God doesn’t require from you what is impossible to do.
- God speaks to you through His Holy Spirit. His Word is in you. You simply need to listen and obey.
Application:
- Are there changes you should make in your life to better align with God’s perfect will?
- Are there any things in your daily routine that are more influenced by cultural tradition than God’s Word?
- Begin to create a daily habit of spending time reading God’s Word, and seeking Him in prayer.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, draw me close to You. Let me hear Your voice, and obey Your will each and every moment of the day. I commit myself anew and afresh to serving You with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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