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 scripture readings this week reflect on our relationship to God and others. How and why do we seek to fulfill God's commandments? What and for whom are the benefits for doing so? A cultural gospel of "health and wealth" prosperity would have us see the scriptures as instruction books for living the good life: just turn to God and follow the commandments and you will be abundantly prosperous. From this perspective our relationship with God is transactional—if you do this, then God will…—everything depends on us.
Yet a more careful reading brings God's provision, God's action, back into focus. The word is near, not far off. It is in our heart. Keeping God's law is commanded, but the ability to do so is not of our own doing. God has already made it a part of us. God has placed the law in our heart. The law is not an if/then transaction. It is a gift given so we and our communities may live.
Prayer
Giving God, help us to know that your law is a gift you have placed in our hearts—not just one more obligation. Strengthen our faith to trust that your desire for us is much more than we could ever desire of you. In your steadfast love. Amen.