Deu 11 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-7 Observe the connexion of these two; Thou shalt love the Lord, and keep his charge. Love will work in obedience, and that only is acceptable obedience which flows from a principle of love, #1Jo 5:3|. Moses recounts some of the great and terrible works of God which their eyes had seen. What our eyes have seen, especially in our early days, should affect us, and make us better long afterwards.

‏ Deuteronomy 11

* The great work God wrought for Israel. (1-7) Promises and

threatenings. (8-17) Careful study of God's word requisite.

(18-25) The blessings and the curse set forth. (26-32)

1-7 Observe the connexion of these two; Thou shalt love the

Lord, and keep his charge. Love will work in obedience, and that

only is acceptable obedience which flows from a principle of

love, #1Jo 5:3|. Moses recounts some of the great and terrible

works of God which their eyes had seen. What our eyes have seen,

especially in our early days, should affect us, and make us

better long afterwards. 8-17 Moses sets before them, for the future, life and death,

the blessing and the curse, according as they did or did not

keep God's commandment. Sin tends to shorten the days of all

men, and to shorten the days of a people's prosperity. God will

bless them with an abundance of all good things, if they would

love him and serve him. Godliness has the promise of the life

that now is; but the favour of God shall put gladness into the

heart, more than the increase of corn, and wine, and oil. Revolt

from God to idols would certainly be their ruin. Take heed that

your hearts be not deceived. All who forsake God to set their

affection upon any creature, will find themselves wretchedly

deceived, to their own destruction; and this will make it worse,

that it was for want of taking heed. 18-25 Let all be directed by the three rules here given. 1. Let

our hearts be filled with the word of God. There will not be

good practices in the life, unless there be good thoughts, good

affections, and good principles in the heart. 2. Let our eyes be

fixed upon the word of God, having constant regard to it as the

guide of our way, as the rule of our work, #Ps 119:30|. 3. Let

our tongues be employed about the word of God. Nor will any

thing do more to cause prosperity, and keeping up religion in a

nation, than the good education of children. 26-32 Moses sums up all the arguments for obedience in two

words, the blessing and the curse. He charged the people to

choose which they would have. Moses then appointed a public and

solemn proclamation of the blessing and curse, to be made upon

the two mountains of Gerizim and Ebal. We have broken the law,

and are under its curse, without remedy from ourselves. In

mercy, the gospel again sets before us a blessing and a curse. A

blessing, if we obey the call to repentance, to faith in Christ,

and newness of heart and life through him; an awful curse, if we

neglect so great salvation. Let us thankfully welcome these glad

tidings of great joy; and let us not harden our hearts, but hear

this voice of God while it is called to-day, and while he

invites us to come to him upon a mercy-seat. Let us be diligent

to make our calling and election sure.