S) "17 You have today declared the Lord to be your God, and that you would walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments and His ordinances, and listen to His voice."
Deuteronomy 26:17 (NASB)
O) This verse comes during a summary statement that Moses was making from v.16 through v.19. In it, he confirmed that the people weren't just deciding to be monotheistic, believing that there is one true God. They were declaring the name of that true God, the identity of that One to be the LORD, Jehovah, the Great I Am. Furthermore, it was not enough for them to believe, they also had to declare it. They had to proclaim it. They had to be willing to announce it to others. Finally, their declaration had to be more than words. They had to exhibit this belief, this declaration, by the ways they lived. By walking in His ways, keeping His statutes, commandments, and ordinances, by listening to His voice (all of this being exclusive to Him), they were letting their actions speak louder than their words. This way, the power and glory of God would be evident in their lives in undeniable presence.
A) This is all strikingly familiar, because God does not change. This verse is echoed in simple fashion, by Jesus in John 14:15. Declaring to be a Christian, it should be my pleasure and my goal to live my life according to His ways, His statutes, His commandments and His ordinances, and listen to His voice. All of this exclusive to Him. This should all be on full display to any person who ever meets me. The goal of my life should be that the better a person knows me, the better they will know Jesus Christ. This is not because I am great, but because He is great within me. This is not because of inherent righteousness, but inherited righteousness. This is not because of, or for, my glory. This is because of, and for, His glory.
P) Father, You are great, and greatly to be praised! You have redeemed me in the most epic, romantic, dramatic story. My life should be a reflection of Your glory, because of my obedience in following You closely. Remind me constantly, that Your glory is at stake. In every interaction I have, even when I am completely alone, Your glory could be on display, if only I am aware of my impact. I want to glorify You to both the earth, and to heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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