19 May Daily Manna
TEXT: Deuteronomy 28:58-68
KEY VERSE: “And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.” – (Deuteronomy 28:63)
The story was told of a young lawyer whose client was charged with murder. He did all he could to clear his client and finally found some extenuating circumstances which he used to his client’s advantage. After much deliberations, the court found the defendant not guilty.
The lawyer had to warn him to steer clear of evil and cleave henceforth to God. Years later, the man was again arraigned for murder. The lawyer who had defended him at his first trial was now the judge at the bench. At the conclusion of the trial, he was found guilty and eventually hanged by the neck. The same God who is merciful to sinners today will judge them on the final day if they die in their sin.
The above illustration depicts the goodness and severity of our God. In our text, Moses continued to emphasise the evil that would come upon the children of Israel should they fail to obey God’s word and fear His “glorious and fearful name”.
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
The Lord would bring great plagues upon them that would linger for a long time. Although they were to be as the stars of heaven, in His wrath, they shall be reduced. He who showed them kindness and multiplied them will turn His back on them. He would bring innumerable destructions upon them, scatter them abroad and cause them to be sold as slaves to enemy nations.
God has innumerable blessings for those who obey Him. If we remain obedient to His word, He promises to heal and make us propser. But if we disobey Him, the plagues of Egypt will be nothing compared to the suffering He will subject us.
God’s judgments are severe against those who fail to repent; but His goodness is towards those who continue in His righteousness. Genuine repentance from sin and continued obedience to His word is the escape route from judgment. Make your decision today.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Wholehearted obedience to God naturally attracts His blessings.
19 May Daily Manna – THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ruth 3-4
