Scripture
Deuteronomy 32:45-47-“When Moses had finished reciting all these words to the people of Israel, he added: ‘Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.’"
Observation
I’ll admit it: there are times when I’m “listening” to the day’s devotional reading while driving and the words are just white noise added to the sounds of traffic and the many thoughts that fill my head. To say it’s going “in one ear and out the other” doesn’t even begin to explain how little of God’s Word is being appropriately processed and retained. Today, the words of Moses rebuked my feeble efforts and reminded me, “These instructions are not empty words—they are your life!”
The Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32 speaks of God’s power, faithfulness, graciousness, and ultimate supremacy, and as its conclusion, Moses gives 2 commands and an important reminder:
Command 1: Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today.
Command 2: Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey.
Reminder: These words are your life and by obeying them you will enjoy a long life.
Application
It obviously doesn’t say “take to” your ears, or “take to” your eyes, or even “take to” your mind; rather, “take to heart”. This type of intentionality, focus, and care needs to be given toward His Word daily. Of course, I know this, yet I fall short so often! It takes a daily re-commitment to block out the distractions of the world and my flesh and choosing to allow His Word to affect my heart in a way that it becomes the center of my thinking, decision-making, and behavior. I then have the responsibility of passing it on to my children. “I’m too busy”, “I’m too tired”, and “They don’t listen” are not acceptable excuses. God has given me 3 of His precious children to steward, and if I truly love them and want the best for them I have to realize that it all starts here. Society is making sure it’s telling them what to think, social media bombards them with even more ideas and beliefs, and being able to discern the Truth from everything else begins with me passing on His Word. As the reminder states, if they obey His Words they will experience His blessings, so they need to be taught and held accountable. So this week I will:
- First, acknowledge that it all starts with me taking to heart His Word, thus when doing my daily devotions I will ensure my heart is free from distractions and fully committed to His words, which are my “life”!
- Second, I will commit to curbing the excuses and making time to share, teach, and pass on these words to my children.
Prayer
Jesus, please forgive me for treating Your Word like it was empty. Forgive me for not giving it the attention and respect that it deserves. Thank You for Your Word, and thank You that You desire to speak to me and teach me. Please enable me to take these words to heart that I might be able to pass it on and see my children develop a deep understanding and relationship with You! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
