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DILIGENT OBEDIENCE REQUIRED OF ISRAEL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17
Deuteronomy 6:16-25

Hebrews 11:6

 

“…he is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek him.”

 

DILIGENT OBEDIENCE REQUIRED OF ISRAEL
 
The expressions “testimonies” and “statutes” (Deut 6:17) that Moses used referred to the same laws but highlighted the different aspects of their application. Diligent obedience means there has to be efforts to adhere to what the Lord has commanded. The work of a soldier illustrates the need of diligence. In his story “I Escaped From the Boers,” Winston Churchill explained that it was the carelessness of the sentries that facilitated his escape from prison. He saw them looking in the opposite direction, talking and lighting a cigarette. At that point, he jumped off the wall and escaped. It was not that the soldiers were not willing to fulfil their duty but that they were not diligent.
 
In keeping the commandments of the Lord, the enemy should not be allowed to take advantage of any negligence on the part of God’s people. Moses had a long experience with the children of Israel and he knew their weaknesses and it was easy for them to be negligent and go against the Lord. All of them were not immune to rebellion. Aaron yielded to the demands of Israel and made the golden calf. He and Miriam also were not afraid to speak against Moses. Ten of the twelve spies discouraged the people from entering Canaan. These and other incidents of rebellion were fresh in Moses’ mind and thus he warned Israel to be diligent to keep the commandments in their totality. This tells each one of us who wishes to follow the Lord that strong temptation is always there to cause one to disobey. Thus the warning of Moses is always needed.
 
God said that He would be with them if they would do that which was right and good. Moses repeated his instruction to Israel to do that which was right and good before the Lord. The disposition to do right and good is guided by the Law of God.
 
THOUGHT: Diligence is the measure of my love for God.

PRAYER: Father, grant me the grace to diligently serve Thee.

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