DEUTERONOMY 12:1-32

In preparation for entering the land of the Promise, the children of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob listened to Moses present the expectations of God to them. The design and desire of God is to make Israel a holy nation. The Law given through Moses provided the duties as well as the blessings of this precious holiness.

Obedience to Almighty God brings joy to Him

“There also you and your households shall eat before the LORD your God, and rejoice in all your undertakings in which the LORD your God has blessed you.”

Deuteronomy 12:7

Obedience to the LORD gives us cause to rejoice

Notice, the Law requires “carefulness”. Innate in the human character is a deep and abiding concern for self-interest. When we are hungry or thirsty we take great care to assure we ingest nutritious food and clean water, knowing that a lack of care can caused sickness or death. Contrarily, holiness demands that we take great care for God’s interests. For Israel, the “carefulness” was following Yahweh alone and following Him fully.

What is in God’s interest, is also in mine

This may be the most difficult perspective for humans to adopt. Moses warns them (12:8) do turn away from doing what is right in their eyes and pursue what God pronounces as right. They must follow Him to a place (we later learn it is Jerusalem) where these offerings are to be sacrificed – to the exclusion of all other places. Again, there will be joy for them … if they are careful!

A swerve to the right or left is spiritual carelessness

“Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God.”

Deuteronomy 12:28

These Old Testament principles guide us even though the Law is obsolete. Why? Because God never changes. His expectations for people do not change. The Lord’s church is called to be “a holy nation”. Our lives are blessed by God as we live our lives in covenant with Him. Our joy is found in His joy. So, we take great care with our souls … and, REJOICE!

Discover … His Joy

Access … His Joy

Share … His Joy