Opus 2017-323: Digging into Deuteronomy: Conditional Promises

(Deuteronomy 4:1 KJV)  Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

How many times do we need to see it to accept it.  It again seems that obedience is necessary so “that” (4616) (in order that NASB) God’s blessings will be bestowed.

The promise has been made.  The land is being given to Israel.  You would think that would be a done deal, but not so fast.  There are two other steps involved in this gift.

Israel needs to “go” (935) and “possess” (3423) (take possession NASB).  This is the action stage, obedience.  It would seem that the gift is a work in progress.  There seems to be a time element to the promise.  It seemed so final at first listen but not if you are paying attention.

Before they can act they need to “harken” (listen NASB) (8085).  I don’t know about you but this is the hard part. I don’t like to listen, or so my wife tells me.  There are different types of listening.  Some involve the ears, others the heart.  When we read we need to not only engage our mind but bring our heart into the mix.  We need to take the knowledge and make it our own.

Are you one of those people who really want their lives to be lived for Almighty God?  Do you want to hear the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”?  It isn’t enough to know that there are promises.  You also need to follow the steps outlined above.  You need to listen and live.  At that point the promise is fulfilled in your life.

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