Chapter 7: Choices From The Heart

Page 7

Now let’s go back to Deuteronomy 30:19 and see the entire context of God’s instructions to His people to “choose.” While this is directed at the

Israelites, I tell you that you need to take these instructions to heart if you value your eternal life. I will use the words of the New Jerusalem Bible starting at Deuteronomy 30 verse 8 and ending at verse 20. Take heed.

“[8] And once again you will obey the voice of Yahweh your

God and you will put all his commandments into practice, which I am laying down for you today. Yahweh your God will make you prosper in all your labours, in the offspring of your body, in the yield of your cattle and in the yield of

your soil. For once again Yahweh will delight in your prosperity as he used to take delight in the prosperity of your ancestors, if you obey the voice of Yahweh your God, by keeping his commandments and decrees written in the

book of this Law, and if you return to Yahweh your God with all your heart and soul.”

“[11] For this Law which I am laying down for you today is

neither obscure for you nor beyond your reach. It is not in Heaven, so that you need to wonder, ‘Who will go up to Heaven for us and bring it down to us, so that we can hear and practice it?’ Nor is it beyond the seas, so that you need

to wonder, ‘Who will cross the seas for us and bring it back to us, so that we can hear and practice it?’ No, the word is very near to you, it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to put into practice.” [In your heart to put into practice!]

“[15] Look, today I am offering you life and prosperity, death and disaster. If you obey the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I am laying down for you today, if

you love Yahweh your God and follow his ways, if you keep his commandments, his laws and his customs, you will live and grow numerous, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the country which you are about to enter and make your

own. But if your heart turns away, if you refuse to listen, if you let yourself be drawn into worshipping other gods and