"Choose Ye This Day"
Karin Paparelli

"Look, today I have set before you life and death, depending on whether you will obey or disobey." This is what the Lord spoke to His people through His servant Moses in the desert thousands of years ago. Yet this is not outdated rhetoric by some ancient philosopher. This was and is the heart of God for His people. This verse, taken from Deuteronomy 30:15, has echoed through the generations and is still heard among God's people today. We have the choice to choose life or death, curses or blessings. No brainer, right? Careful, lest we fall.

Moses had given the Israelites their alternatives before entering the promised land. He explained the Lord's expectations for them; concerning justice, worship, war, family relations, even dietary restrictions. If the Israelites were to be called God's own people they had certain responsibilities and privileges. At the end of all the warnings, Moses made it crystal clear one more time. He said, "Oh, that you would choose life. . .Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and to cling to him, for he is your life and the length of your days." Well anyone who has studied the Old Testament at all knows how that story goes. They prosper and soon forget their God and indeed many, if not all, of the warnings and curses come upon them. Of course it is easy to criticize and judge them, we've got their past, present and future in black and white before us. It is so tempting to read it and say out-loud, "No, no. Don't do it. Can't you see what it will cost you? It will take generations to repair." Ah, but what might someone say to you if your life (beginning, middle and end) was available for all to read? Don't you think they might also shout at you similar statements and warnings with every blunder you make?

None of us have the advantage of knowing our futures here on earth. Everyday we make decisions based on our perception of reality, our limited understanding of truth and perhaps the advice of our contemporaries. Oh sure, many may even pray before really big decisions, but overall it is all on the fly isn't it? Or is it?

I'd like to challenge you with the same words Moses spoke over the Israelites so many years ago. Today you have the choice to choose life or death. Life for your marriage, life for your finances, life for your children, life for your soul. You see, although much has changed since those words were first spoken, (hey we even have a New Testament now) much has also remained true. God still has expectations for His people. Okay, so we can eat what we like, but He is still to be first in our lives. There are still certain responsibilities and privileges associated with being a child of God. This is not an argument against grace, we are indeed saved by grace and grace alone, lest no man should boast. But if we examine the words of Jesus closely we will see He held very specific expectations for those who would follow him. Let's take a look at just a few. . .

Loving - "Love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) "love your enemies. . ." (Matt 5:44)

Self sacrificing - "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."(Luke 9:23)

Watchful, prayerful - "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass. . ."(Luke 21:36)

Forgiving - "I do not say to you (to forgive) up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew (18:22).

There are so many more. The Gospels are rich with expectations of what God's children should behave like. In a word, Christlike. And there are also expectations and promises that we share as children of God; eternal life, spiritual gifts, the guiding of the Holy Spirit etc. There are also consequences (curses?) for disobedience.

Jesus himself says that we are to abide in the vine, however, if we do not bear fruit we shall be removed from the vine (John 15:2) and those branches who do not abide in Christ become withered and are then thrown into the fire (John 15:6). Or how about this one? "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory . . ." Luke 9:26 At this point you may be thinking, "Hey! Where's the grace?" Well, Moses told the children of God so many years ago, "If at that time you want to return to the Lord your God, and you and your children have begun whole heartedly to obey all of the commandments I have given you today, then the Lord your God will rescue you. . ." (Deut. 30:2). But now that Christ has come, we are heirs to a much greater promise,"If we confess our sin, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". (1John 1:9)

As I ate breakfast this morning with my children, we entered upon a discussion concerning God's law of sowing and reaping. The children were fascinated as we tried to think of natural and spiritual examples. The Word of God says do not be deceived, God will not be mocked, we each will reap what we have sown. We have choices everyday. We can sow in kindness, love and generosity, encouragement, hope and faith. And someday reap a harvest of righteousness. . . if we do not give up! Consider carefully which you will choose, each will cost you something. Disobedience will cost you your life. Life will cost you obedience. Consider wisely. May you walk in His grace. Thy kingdom come!

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