Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” — Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

If you know me, you know that I believe strongly in the sovereignty of God, especially when it comes to our salvation. I don’t believe anyone naturally chooses to seek after God wholeheartedly. Before we ever respond to Him, God must first be at work in our hearts, calling us, drawing us, and opening our eyes to our need for Him.

At the same time, the Bible never presents that truth as an excuse for unbelief. Scripture repeatedly calls people to respond to God, and here in Deuteronomy 30, Moses makes the importance of that response as clear as he possibly can.

As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, Moses places two alternatives before them: life and death, blessing and curse. In fact, the decision is so serious that Moses calls heaven and earth as witnesses. Then he pleads with the people: “Therefore choose life.”

There is no middle ground presented here. Israel could listen to God, love Him, and walk in His ways, or they could turn their hearts away from Him. One path led toward life and blessing; the other led toward death and judgment.

Jesus presents a remarkably similar picture in Matthew 7. He tells His listeners that there are two gates and two roads. One gate is wide and its way is easy, but it leads to destruction. The other gate is narrow and its way is difficult, but it leads to life. Later in the same chapter, Jesus describes two builders. One hears His words and obeys them, building his house upon the rock. The other hears His words and does not obey them, building his house upon the sand.

Two gates. Two roads. Two foundations. Two destinations. The message is difficult to miss. God places His truth before us and calls us to respond. Moses says, “Choose life.” Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate.” He tells us to hear His words and build our lives upon them.

And ultimately, the gospel brings this choice into even sharper focus. We cannot save ourselves. Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace. Yet when the gospel is proclaimed, we are called to repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ. The invitation is genuine, and so is our responsibility to respond.

In a sense, God ultimately gives people what they desire. Those who insist upon living for themselves, clinging to their sin, and rejecting God are choosing the road that leads to death. Those who come to Christ find the life they could never produce for themselves.

Matthew Henry put it rather pointedly: “Those that come short of life and happiness must thank themselves.” He goes on to explain that they die because they refuse the life God has placed before them.

That is a sobering thought. No one will stand before God someday and be able to blame Him for their rejection of Christ. The gospel has gone out. Christ has died and risen again. The invitation has been given. And the same call Moses gave Israel still echoes with remarkable clarity: Choose life that you may live.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Deuteronomy 30:19 teach us about the seriousness of our response to God?
2. How can we hold together God’s sovereignty in salvation and our responsibility to respond to His call?
3. Which path described by Jesus in Matthew 7 best characterizes the direction of your life right now?
4. Are there areas of your life where you are hearing the words of Christ but not putting them into practice?
5. How can you intentionally “choose life” today by trusting Christ and walking in obedience to Him?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for Your grace and for drawing sinners to Yourself. Thank You for placing before us the good news of Jesus Christ and offering eternal life through Him. Help me never to take Your invitation lightly. Give me a heart that hears Your Word, trusts Your Son, and walks in obedience to You. Help me reject the paths that lead toward sin and death and instead follow Christ on the road that leads to life. May my life be built firmly upon the Rock. In Jesus’ name, amen.