"Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly
in a land flowing with milk and honey,
just as the Lord...promised you."
(DEUTERONOMY 6:3)

Deuteronomy 6:1-9
In this passage God promised long life and prosperity to the Israelites if they would obey Him. He even gave them instructions for a way to help them remember the promise. He told them to write down His commands and wear them on their foreheads and hands. It would be a daily object lesson to help them remember.


Sadly, there is no record that any Israelite in the Old Testament actually wore them. Worse, the record clearly shows that they failed to obey His other commands, too. There were times when it was more normal to disobey than to obey God’s laws. It’s not that the “phylacteries,” as they were later called, would magically keep them from sinning. They were merely the first step in the process of obedience: making the people aware of the God to whom they belonged.


God’s promises to us are somewhat different today, but they still hinge on obedience. The promise of eternal life was won by Christ’s obedience, not our own. And the promise of abundant life now is fulfilled as we walk daily with Him.



Scripture Focus

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Insight

AS WE FIND PRACTICAL WAYS TO REMIND OURSELVES THAT WE BELONG TO JESUS, WE WILL ENJOY HIS PROMISES AND FOLLOW HIS GUIDANCE.

Bible In A Year

  • Joshua 7-8
  • Psalm 100
  • Acts 24-25

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