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THE PENALTY FOR TRANSGRESSION IS SURE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
Deuteronomy 29:16-29

Matthew 26:40-41

 

“Watch and pray…”

 

THE PENALTY FOR TRANSGRESSION IS SURE
 
The punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah became a yardstick for the fate of all transgressors because their sins were so abominable. They deserved nothing less than annihilation. The location of those cities is on the shores of the Dead Sea. This is a lake that is nearly all salt and water, and nothing can live in it even though it receives fresh water from River Jordan. It illustrates the severity of God’s wrath upon all who go against His commands. The message is clear: keeping God’s covenant means total obedience.
 
If Israel would transgress the covenant, their sin would be known to all. All the curses written in the book would come upon them. In the previous chapter there is a long list of these curses that were predicted. They would be uprooted from their land and taken to another. Their enemies would enslave them and take them to a foreign land against their will. This prescribed punishment of captivity means that Israel would be subjected to the will of their enemies. Such a penalty would be devastating and inflict much pain to the victims. The highest punishment would be death and the Bible declares that this is the wages of sin. Moses closed Deuteronomy 29 declaring the sovereignty of God: “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut 29:29). He was telling Israel to submit to the revealed will of God only.
 
Moses led Israel step by step and did his best to ensure that they fulfilled all that the Lord commanded them. The Lord was going to give them a land of their own where they would have all authority. The need for preparation for any eventualities and also to maintain law and order was critical. They also had to serve the Lord rightly and their sojourn would be meaningful.
 
As we look forward to our heavenly heritage, let us obey our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
 
THOUGHT: All who believe in Christ will not perish.

PRAYER: Father, may I truly look to the Rock of Ages to be my Refuge.

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