Devotional: Law for New Life: Deuteronomy 4:1-9

“So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statues and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people’” (Deuteronomy 4:6, NASB).

My training and practice as a Registered Nurse cemented in my mind that observing trends in the patient’s condition is of utmost importance. Is the patient getting better? Is the patient losing ground? How do I know what is going on with the patient? The most basic two ways are the vital signs—blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate along with respiratory pattern and breathing effort. Of course there are many ways to observe and measure the patient’s progress. Vital signs are just the most basic and starting point.

I tend to observe trends in other areas of my personal life and the life of others. I ask questions like why is the rate of suicide increasing in the African American population since overall we have a much better opportunity to live a good life than our parents and grandparents had. Regardless of the problems that one wants to talk about this generation seems to have difficulties in spite of advances that have been made. Why is this true? I don’t know all the answers, but as I have stated I watch trends. In the book of Deuteronomy Moses tells the people to establish trends and patterns of living that will serve them well when they enter into the Promised Land.

In Deuteronomy Moses reviews the journey of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt to their present anticipation of taking possession of the land that the Lord is giving them. In his review Moses reminds them of the trends and patterns that the people had experienced during their journey. Now, Moses gives them specific instructions to live by. “Now, O Israel, listen to the statues and the judgments which I am teaching you to perform, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the LORD the God of your fathers, is giving you” (4:1) They are not to change the words of the law when they see other people doing things differently (v.2). Regardless of the situations that they find themselves in they must remain faithful to obey the words of the Lord. Instead of looking for wisdom and understanding from the peoples in the land, they should trust God’s words. If they obey the Lord the people will come to know that they are a wise people (v. 6).

The downfall and regression in the quality of the people of God takes place when they fail to follow the laws that God has given to them. Instead of being trend setters, we become victims of new patters; and thus negating the power, wisdom and influence learned from the gods of this world.

Prayer: May we always follow Your law Lord for new life. Amen.