“Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel, and he said to
them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which
you shall command your children to be careful to observe — all the words of
this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by
this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to
possess” (Deuteronomy 32:45-47).
From this great passage we learn several key
elements in faithful living toward God:
First, we must set our hearts on following God.
Just as Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord and to do it,
and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10), the Christian
must be preparing his heart to learn the will of God so that he can keep God’s
commandments and teach God’s will to the lost. Rather than being obsessed with
things of this world, we must “set our mind on things above, not on things
of the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Let us make the decision to follow God’s
will in all things.
Second, we must set our hearts on the word of God.
Oh the beauty of the 119th Psalm: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that
I might not sin against You” (v.11); “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my
meditation all the day” (v.97); “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path” (v.105). Peter rightly declared, “Lord, to whom shall
we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Our hearts are to
turn to God and His word for guidance in daily life for it is profitable and
complete (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3).
Third, we must set our hearts on teaching God’s
word to our children. There is a great privilege in having children. Children
are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5). With that blessing comes
responsibility. The Christian must teach his children the ways of God,
nurturing and admonishing them in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-4). Teaching is not a
once in a while activity, nor is it something to be left to a Bible class
teacher on Sunday morning. Teaching our children and grandchildren must be done
daily, looking for opportunities in all that we do (Deuteronomy 6:4ff).
Fourth, we (including our children) must be
careful to observe all of the words of the law. Jesus said, “If you love Me,
keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is essential in gaining
salvation. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him
(Hebrews 5:9). In order to obey, we must first gain understanding. We must
study the Bible so that we can know the truth (John 8:31,32; 2 Timothy 2:15).
In order to observe the Scriptures, we must open our Bibles and look deeply
into the text for instruction and in order to grasp the ways of God. Remember,
faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).
Fifth, setting our hearts on God and His word is
not a futile thing. To be futile is to be worthless, useless, or have no
purpose. The study and knowledge of God’s word is not a vain thing. The famous
words of Hosea 4:6 declare that the children of God were being destroyed for a
lack of knowledge. The Proverbs are written so that we would understand the
importance of Godly wisdom. Brethren, it is very important that we study the
word and follow God’s ways. The purpose of study is that it brings us closer to
God and with proper application it will help us to gain life everlasting.
Sixth, setting our hearts on God and His word will
bring us life. The wonderful words of life we sing about and that Peter spoke
about are the words of God. There are many books produced each year for the
purpose of helping the reader to be better in life. These self-help books are
on everything from physical health to financial health and even some claiming
to give the reader spiritual health. But there is only on Book that will ever
point us to life and that is the Bible. Many of us are busy trying to be better
parents, employees, or be better prepared for retirement. In and of themselves,
these are good goals. But the greatest goal and the most often neglected goal
by many, is the opportunity to gain eternal life. We must make Bible study a
priority in our lives so that we may know the truth and be saved.
Seventh, setting our hearts on God and His word
will prolong our days. While no one person is guaranteed long life in this
world, the principles of God promote physical and financial health. Christians
with hearts set on doing the will of God will not be brought down by drugs and
alcohol that kill so many people in this world. Christians determined to follow
Christ will not be involved in gambling and riotous living. Christians who love
their fellow man will not take their lives or harm them in any way. Christian
living is wholesome living and lends itself toward happiness and long life.
Then as faithful children of God, we can reach out to the lost with the Gospel
and edify the saved throughout our lives, serving God while we live so that we
can rejoice forever in the next life.
The words of Moses to Joshua and the children of Israel are
highly motivational for the child of God today. Let us strive to set our hearts
on God and doing His will so that we can gain eternal life.