monday
JULY 25
In yesterday’s Logos article, we learned about the important connection between obedience and worship. Such a connection strengthens us with many blessings.
“While they were under the divine protection, no people or nation, though aided by all the power of Satan, should be able to prevail against [God’s people]. All the world should wonder at the marvellous work of God in behalf of His people. . . . And the favour of God at this time manifested toward Israel was to be an assurance of His protecting care for His obedient, faithful children in all ages.”1
God’s protection cannot cover us if we are living contrary to His commands. God has given us many promises, but they can be fulfilled only if we are His obedient servants. We cannot truly worship God and disobey His commandments. “But God requires obedience to all His commands. The only way in which it is possible for men to be happy is by rendering obedience to the laws of God’s kingdom.”2
“Great blessings were promised to Israel on condition of obedience to the Lord’s directions.”3 Deuteronomy 28:1–14 lists many of the blessings promised to the children of Israel, all on condition of obedience. In principle, these promises and blessings can be ours today if we obey His commandments. The rest of the chapter lists the curses that will fall on those who are disobedient. “God has pronounced a curse upon those who depart from His commandments, and put no difference between common and holy things. . . .
“Let no one deceive himself with the belief that a part of God’s commandments are nonessential, or that He will accept a substitute for that which He has required.”4
REACT
What are some of the things the children of Israel did to remain under God’s protection?
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1. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 449.
2. Our High Calling, p. 24.
3. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 535.
4. Ibid., p. 360.
Written by Elizabeth A. Adonu, Owings Mills, Maryland, U.S.A.
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