I was privileged to grow up under the tutelage of a loving father who wanted only good things for me. Even so, there were times when I chafed at his restrictions which seemed overly restrictive. He told me that as I grew in maturity I would understood that he desired only my good.
The phrase “God has commanded” is repeated several times in Deuteronomy 5-6. Moses wanted the people to understand that the words and commands were the words of God and not man. Moses was only the mediator of the commandments. Second, Moses indicated that the law was not intended to restrict their freedom, but would rather bring fullness to their lives.
Listen! “You shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you…” (5:33). To walk in God’s commands very simply means to obey them. Notice that blessing accompanies obedience. Blessing is never automatic; it is the result of our obedience to God’s commands. Only God can inform man how best to live in relationship with Himself, with others, and with His creation.
Moses affirmed that the first and greatest command is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength (6:5). It is this radical love relationship that creates the joyful desire to obey God’s every command. He desires only your best.
Prayer: Teach me more about Yourself so that I will live in the joy and abandon of total obedience. Amen.