Looking at Deuteronomy 30:10-14, the translation of verse 10, “If only you would heed the voice of the LORD, your God, . . .” implied that future divine blessings and promises were contingent on the obedience of God’s people. The prophetic address assured the Israelites that the commandments were reasonable for them to know and obey. God knows all things, and despite their brokenness, God had designed a covenant that fit his people. They could do this. The almighty was not far away but close to his people. If they kept faith in him, he would not lead them wrong. Regarding the law and faithfulness, God told his people that their fidelity was not an insurmountable goal, rather he said, “No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.”
While many believers suppose they are going to the promised land of heaven, they are quick to say they are not saints, implying that perfect holiness is too hard or impossible. It was this attitude that Moses was facing with his people regarding fidelity to God’s law. Remember that through Moses, God had brought them out of the bondage of Egypt by tremendous displays of divine power. The real work of liberation belonged not to them but to the LORD. Similarly, Christ has redeemed us from Satan by the power of the Cross and Resurrection. Again, we did not save ourselves. We are saved by the LORD. And yet, then and now, many claim fidelity and holiness is too hard. This is exposed as an empty excuse; indeed, let us call it what it is—a lie. We can do all things in Christ. The gift of grace can make what seems impossible, possible.
Psalm 69:33 echoes this theme of reliance upon God: “Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.” Fidelity to the covenant always assures God protecting and nurturing his people. Look at the words or expressions in the rest of Psalm 69 associated with God’s intervention: “your favor, great kindness, constant help, bounteous kindness, great mercy, saving help, hears the poor, spurns not,” etc. The selection ends with an affirmation that “God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah.” True for the first people of God it is even more so realized for Christians since the Church is the new Zion or Jerusalem.
The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 spells out the essential law that we must obey to merit eternal life. We need to be possessed by a divine love that is so thorough that it spills over into love of neighbor. If we want to reach the promised land of heaven, we must avoid the current name-calling, the polemics of hate and bigotry, and indifference to the oppressed and poor. It we want God to care about us then we must also care for others. Ours is a jealous God and he wants all that we are. The transformation of love must reach the mind and heart of the believer, our core identity. Many are hesitant to love in such a way. It signifies risk and sacrifice. This radical call demands obedience to God. Saving faith is literally an active fidelity realized in obedient love. A failure to love is a refusal to obey. A failure to love is to dismiss God and our obligations to one another. Love brings life in Christ. A failure to love brings death.
We humbly submit to the Lord, we obey.
We ask for contrite and compassionate hearts, we love.
We bend both the knee and our will, we are faithful.
OBEY! LOVE! BE FAITHFUL!
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