Life, Good and Blessings
24/04/15 07:33 Filed in: Discipleship
The theological horizon for life in the people of God is given at the end of Deuteronomy. The chapters 28-30 are a summary of the first five books in the Bible, focusing on the faithfulness to the covenant. The prophets, Jesus and the apostles understood their ministries in the light of this theological horizon.
The blessings and the curses are consequences of human choices. The revelation of God is given to his people in the Books of the Law, and now they are commanded to choose obedience. The commandment has to be internalized and known by heart. In this way it is not far, and is known by everyone in the community. It is not difficult and it can be obeyed.
For everyone in the people of God the options are very clear: life, good and blessings, versus death, evil, and curses. God does not leave them in the dark, but he commands them to choose life. He is not forcing them to do so, but he is very clear of what their choice must be. He is specific about what they must choose: to love him, to walk in his ways, and to obey his commandments, decrees and laws. This is life for them: love for God and obedience to his instructions.
Whatever their choice, there will be consequences. If their heart will change and will disobey, they will be destroyed. If they will choose life the will live. This life will be a life of love for God, obedience of his voice, and getting closer to him. This type of life is deeply relational. The focus is not on knowledge, but on relationship.
For everyone in the people of God the options are very clear: life, good and blessings, versus death, evil, and curses. God does not leave them in the dark, but he commands them to choose life. He is not forcing them to do so, but he is very clear of what their choice must be. He is specific about what they must choose: to love him, to walk in his ways, and to obey his commandments, decrees and laws. This is life for them: love for God and obedience to his instructions.
Whatever their choice, there will be consequences. If their heart will change and will disobey, they will be destroyed. If they will choose life the will live. This life will be a life of love for God, obedience of his voice, and getting closer to him. This type of life is deeply relational. The focus is not on knowledge, but on relationship.
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