Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Deuteronomy 5 is a rerun of the Ten Commandments.  These are often thought to be the ten most important laws.  They should be viewed as representative of what Jehovah wants us to do.  God is the only being that should be worshiped.  His name should be respected, and no false gods should be created.  The Sabbath day of rest is another way to honor him.

The fifth commandment and further establishes the order in the family with the children’s respect for their parents. Other laws of personal behavior are enumerated.  Murder, theft, adultery, false testimony, and coveting establish conduct that shows love and commitment for others.  Following these instructions are necessary for a civilized society.

Deuteronomy 6 tells us “If you obey all His decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life.”  This is the dilemma of all humanity.  We must obey all the laws with no mistakes.  No one can do that.

To remind themselves and their children of these laws they are to teach them to their children, talk about them all day and night long, write them on their clothes and walls.  As Christians, we must do the same.  Sunday School, Bible studies, Bible schools, Christian camps, T-shirts, and wall plaques are all ways we try to accomplish this.  This daily Bible reading is another way to bring God’s word into you.

The repetition may seem overkill, but we need the reminder often.  We must constantly remind ourselves of what Jehovah promised first the Jews and now us.  When we forget about Him, we will fail Him and ourselves.  Our sins are forgiven, but we want to be as faithful as we can.

The promise in Deuteronomy 7 is that Yahweh will enter the promised land ahead of them and drive out the current residents.  All they must do is remain faithful to God and He will provide for them.  Simple isn’t it.  Yeah, right.  They are being rejected because they have refused to acknowledge the Lord.

This also happened to Israel and can happen to us.  We must follow God and not just obey man-made rules that sound good to us.  We must listen to Jehovah, not our culture, ministers, parents or other leaders.  We are individually responsible for our own behavior.  God will bless us.  That blessing may not follow our desires, but His.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger