Year of the Bible: Part Four of Twelve عينة

Blessings and Curses. God speaks to his people in a parental tone, and He so obviously knows that they are prone to wander from His fullness in living! There are fourteen verses devoted to blessings, yet fifty-four to curses! The blessings were overwhelming, and the favor promised by God was so clear to other nations that they could not doubt the hand of God on Israel. When they obeyed, God would be honored among the nations, and they would see His favor on His chosen people. God let them know there was an opposite side to the blessing if they did not carefully follow His commands. Tony Evans notes in his commentary that if the people chose to live as enemies of God, He would treat them as His enemies. One of the worst curses foretold was the impending siege on their land and exile in a foreign land, all because of their disobedience. David Pawson's Unlocking the Bible teaching made a distinction that the people of Israel would always own the land of Israel, but they would not always possess it if they did not honor God. He calls it unconditional ownership but conditional occupation. The Israelites had two options. Remain faithful and experience the covenantal blessings, or rebel and experience the covenantal curses. Similarly, we have a choice, just as Israel did. We have the opportunity each day to choose blessings or curses. We can take up our cross and follow Him or choose our way. Question: Do you call on the Holy Spirit to empower you each day? How is your life flourishing or struggling as a result? Prayer to Pray: God, you have made accessing blessing so easy through the work Jesus did on the Cross and the Helper you sent in the Holy Spirit. Teach me today to take advantage of what you offer to me through who I am in you. Help me understand what you have given to me through Jesus and the Holy Spirit in more profound ways. Help me to walk in blessings, not curses. In Jesus' name, Amen!