Deuteronomy 30:11 Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” 14 No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.

This is the conclusion of the people of Israel receiving the law from God – the commandments, statutes, and ordinances. V.11 above got my attention because Israel would fail miserably at keeping the law. True, the commands of God were not “too far away”. They were not hidden or high up on a mountain somewhere. They were written and kept in the midst of the people. Moreover, the commands were not complicated or hard to understand. In this sense v.11 is correct.

However it was human sin that got in the way of Israel following the law and receiving God’s blessing. Instead they reaped the curses of God. Left to our own devices human beings are completely incapable of pleasing the Lord, obeying the Lord, completely submitting to his will.

Thank God we have Jesus our Savior through whom we have received the gift of salvation. Our sins are forgiven and we are restored to God the Father. And thank God for the Holy Spirit that strengthens and purifies us, giving us some hope of living as God has designed for us. Not perfectly of course, but to a much greater degree than when we are left to our own strength and will.

BTW I’m again taking a few days off to rest and pray and renew. You may not see me post much this week – and that is why. Love and peace to all of you.