Deuteronomy 6:10-25
And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord … and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers … (Deuteronomy 6:18-19).

Today’s passage summarises what led to the stories in the book of Judges and the need for the appointment of Judges. God in His infinite wisdom, apart from wanting to raise for Himself a people without spots and wrinkles, saw the temptations that the Israelites might face in the future, so He fore-warned them. They did not listen. The instruction was: “You shall do what is right and … cast out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has spoken” (vs. 18). Please, keep this passage at the back of your mind as we read the rest of the story. It demonstrates to us that God was justified in His apparent neglect later on, when they were in bondage. The people of the land they refused to kill became a snare unto them. They learnt their ways and worshipped their idols.

Dear friend, what has God warned you of? What has He told you not to do or get involved in? Do we think He is wicked when He warns us? No! It is for our own good. It is to bring us to our expected end with less pain and harm. We are under a better covenant in Christ Jesus than the Israelites. Let us draw on His grace and help to withstand temptations and also to heed His warnings through genuine obedience. May the Lord help us in this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Your Turn

• Pray for yourself.
• Pray for missionaries around the world – for protection for them and their families, for provisions for their family and work.

Hymn: Merciful /4x Merciful are You Lord.

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 22