Scripture - Deut. 5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Observation - Moses reiterates the ten commandments to the Israelites and reminds them that these rules were meant to preserve their lives. In fact, the goal of these laws were "that it might go well with them and their children forever."
Application - Righteousness (right standing with God) will never be obtained through following laws or rules. We learn that once we have broken one, we are guilty of breaking them all. Righteousness comes through faith in what Christ has done for each of us. Scripture teaches that God's rules and laws afford us the opportunity to realize we are law-breakers and need Jesus, but they do even more than that. As revealed in Deuteronomy 5, God's laws also pave a smooth path for us to walk through life on. The Lord indicates that by following them, things will go well for us... and our children. Following God's laws will not make me more holy, righteous or loved than another, but they will certainly smooth out the rocky terrain of this lifetime, impacting me and my family. Following God's law is not good for God, it's good for me!
Prayer - Lord, thank you for your Word. It is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
