Deuteronomy 30:15
"See, I have set before you today
life and prosperity, death and adversity....
choose life"
choose life"
That seems like an easy choice. If we're given the option of life or death, wouldn't we naturally choose life? After all the urge to live is very strong. Creatures of all sorts do all they can to stay alive.
Until we find ourselves in a situation of chaotic crisis. Then what?
The pandemic clearly defines choices. How much social distancing do I need to do? Am I safe in and outdoor crowd? Do I really need to wear a mask outdoors? Do I really need to stay at home since I feel don't sick? Can I make my own choice to do what I want since everything seems to be just a recommendation? For some, the options are confusing. Do we listen to local politicians telling us what we want to hear or the board of health saying the opposite?
In Deuteronomy, Moses is not simply talking about being alive and deciding to keep body and soul together in a crisis. Moses is talking about obedience to God’s teachings and faithfulness in worshiping God. In other words, keep the covenant God made by walking in his ways, and observing the commandments.
And how do you do that?
In verse 20 Moses gives 3 ways. First, choose life by loving the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Second, choose life by walking in God's ways and listening to God's voice.
Third, choose life by keeping God’s commands and holding fast to God. Act in appropriate ways toward each other and God.
In other words, we are God's people. God established a covenant with Abraham and God establishes a covenant with us through our baptism.
This is the way of life through this chaotic chaos.
Until we find ourselves in a situation of chaotic crisis. Then what?
The pandemic clearly defines choices. How much social distancing do I need to do? Am I safe in and outdoor crowd? Do I really need to wear a mask outdoors? Do I really need to stay at home since I feel don't sick? Can I make my own choice to do what I want since everything seems to be just a recommendation? For some, the options are confusing. Do we listen to local politicians telling us what we want to hear or the board of health saying the opposite?
In Deuteronomy, Moses is not simply talking about being alive and deciding to keep body and soul together in a crisis. Moses is talking about obedience to God’s teachings and faithfulness in worshiping God. In other words, keep the covenant God made by walking in his ways, and observing the commandments.
And how do you do that?
In verse 20 Moses gives 3 ways. First, choose life by loving the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Second, choose life by walking in God's ways and listening to God's voice.
Third, choose life by keeping God’s commands and holding fast to God. Act in appropriate ways toward each other and God.
In other words, we are God's people. God established a covenant with Abraham and God establishes a covenant with us through our baptism.
This is the way of life through this chaotic chaos.
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