SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 26
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The path that we choose will determine the destination that we reach. Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. [Matthew 7:13-14] The Lord is reminding His people that choosing to follow and obey Him will result in blessing, while choosing to reject Him and His way will result in misery and death.
The description here is a fairly accurate picture of what happens to Israel. They reject the Lord, and then things go from bad to worse until they are exiled – scattered among the nations. And the land enjoys its sabbath rest [compare Leviticus 26:34 with 2 Chronicles 36:21]. It also promises that the judgment will not be final, that the Lord will remember His covenant and will restore His people when they finally repent.
Do we believe this? Do we believe that following Jesus is the better way, that it leads to life, while going our own way actually leads to misery and death? This is true not only in the ultimate sense, but in daily living. If I commit a specific sin, it will tip my scale in a not so healthy direction, it will undermine my heart, my mind, my focus, my integrity – even if only slightly. But watch those little indiscretions add up. All it takes is a straw to break the camel’s back. Or it only takes a spark to get a fire going. You get the point.
We need to take Jesus (and all the bible) seriously when we are warned about reaping what we sow. The seed we plant, we harvest. Follow the Lord, and life will move in the direction of blessing and success; go our own way, and life will move in the direction of misery and death.
Remember, the path that we choose will determine the destination that we reach.
PRAYER:
Lord, I know from experience that this is true. I can think of ways that I increase my misery by my foolish choices. Impress this truth on my heart.
Do this and live! That’s what the Master said. Live and do this. I like the refrain from Joshua, but as for me and my household, we will serve the living God. That’s the only choice. During the days of Judges, as the leader went – obedient/disobedient – so went the people. Jesus told the people that He was the Way – the Way to life everlasting. What other road is there?
Open my eyes Lord that I may see the Way each and every day and live for You. Lead me and guide me in that way everlasting.
Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.