Living as Designed

In Deuteronomy 4:40 Moses urges that God’s people “keep His statutes and His commandments which I am giving you today, so that it may go well for you and for your children after you, and that you may live long on the land which the LORD your God is giving you for all time.” (NASB 2020)

We can easily read this as a threat wherein the people need to obey or else. The covenant in place with the Hebrew people was like that. It was the Law of God. But its purpose was not to produce righteous people. It was to make it clear that no amount of effort could possibly make them righteous and acceptable to God.

The Law pointed to Christ. This episode is no different. In the earlier verses Moses tells the people that they are going to fail, but that they can count on God to restore them.

Then from that promise, Moses urges the people to live as God designed them to live. This is our calling as well. We demonstrate life in Christ Jesus, and we urge people to listen to God.

We do it because God’s design is actually what is best for people and their lives will be better for it; now, and eternally.

To get more of the story, please read Deuteronomy 4:30-40.