Deuteronomy 30:9-14 (NRSV)
Read Deuteronomy 30:9-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9and the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, Verse 10when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Verse 11Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. Verse 12It 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?" Verse 13Neither 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?" Verse 14No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.
Devotion
The flames of independence and freedom have been put away for another year. Last evening’s "oohs" and "ahs" from a crowd impressed by a night sky lit up with fireworks and sparklers, along with family picnics resplendent with red, white and blue are over. The fourth of July, Independence Day 2004, is history.
And so today we take delight in these words from Moses. They are quieter and more personal than those of the past week-end. In Moses we hear of a God who takes great delight in us, whose only desire is to prosper us, we who are God’s chosen people. Unlike the vastness of the sea or the distance of heaven, God’s word is near, already written and present on our lips and in our heart.
Prayer
Open up our hearts and our lips to savor and taste your word, oh Lord. In the quiet of these moments, light us up with your joy and your splendor. Give us the courage and boldness to turn to you and experience your incredible delight. Amen.