God’s People

Like God’s people the Israelites, we need to live in obedience to His commands.

“The LORD has today declared you to be His people, His personal possession … you are to keep all His commandments … He will put you high above all nations…for glory, fame, and honor … you shall be a consecrated people to the LORD your God.”—Deuteronomy 26:18–19 NASB

Moses reminded the Israelites that they were a “personal possession,” chosen by God to be “His people.” God wanted to exalt them and give them “glory, fame, and honor,” but as with all His promises, there were conditions. If they wanted Him to fulfill His part of the covenant, they had to obey Him and do their part.

As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, they would choose by their actions whether or not they would receive the blessings God had prepared for them.

First, they were to “keep all His commandments.” This wasn’t complicated—they just had to obey God! They were to bring their tithes and offerings to Him, worship Him with their lives, serve Him alone, and not worship any other gods.

Moses also reminded the Israelites that they were to “be a consecrated people.” They would be tempted to follow the ways of the pagan nations around them, but if they followed those ways, they would not receive God’s blessings. They had to remember that they belonged to Him—consecrated, set apart, holy.

God has prepared abundant blessings for you. But just like the Israelites, you need to obey and serve Him. Don’t make it complicated! Just follow Him. Consecrate your life to Him. Develop a lifestyle in which you walk with Him all the time, filled with His Word and conscious of the presence of His Spirit. Remember, you belong to Him!

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer of consecration to the Lord.