The Blessings of Obedience

The People of God Set Priorities
Hope and Confidence Come from God
Trust God's Promises

Leviticus 26:3-13

The Message

“If You Live by My Decrees . . .”

^3-5 “If you live by my decrees and obediently keep my commandments, I will send the rains in their seasons, the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. You will thresh until the grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting time; you’ll have more than enough to eat and will live safe and secure in your land.

^6-10 “I’ll make the country a place of peace—you’ll be able to go to sleep at night without fear; I’ll get rid of the wild beasts; I’ll eliminate war. You’ll chase out your enemies and defeat them: Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand and do away with them. I’ll give you my full attention: I’ll make sure you prosper, make sure you grow in numbers, and keep my covenant with you in good working order. You’ll still be eating from last year’s harvest when you have to clean out the barns to make room for the new crops.
^11-13 “I’ll set up my residence in your neighborhood; I won’t avoid or shun you; I’ll stroll through your streets. I’ll be your God; you’ll be my people. I am God, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely.

For Reflection

Yesterday's passages were a warning exclaiming. "Here's what will happen if you do not obey me."  Notice that God's action is triggered by human inaction on God's recommendations for an obedient fulfilling life.

Today, "Here is what will happen if you follow God's recommendations for a fulfilling life."  In both cases the cause for success or failure in following Gods will is a result of something we do.

Don't blame God.  God is not the original born loser.  In our failure to embrace God, we are the losers.

Pray

that you will walk the streets with God at your side.  Pray that you will live in God's neighborhood.  Pray that you will never forget to thank, praise, and worship the God of your salvation.