Two Paths

The time finally had come. The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. Throughout their time in the wilderness, God provided them with guidelines, rules, and principles by which to live. Then, before entering the land, He provided a clear summary of the choices they faced, and the consequences they could expect.

It could not have been simpler, or more straightforward. Amazingly, He promised to “guarantee a blessing on everything” they did. He promised to establish them. Provide them with rain at the right time. Economic prosperity. Safety. Abundance. They would “always be on top and never at the bottom.”

What glorious promises! What more could they have wanted? All they had to do was “fully obey” God. Keep His laws. Do things His way.

But God acknowledged that there was another path. He knew that they might be tempted to “refuse to listen” to Him. Not to obey His Word. To go their own way. Just as there were clear consequences for listening and obeying, they were consequences for disobeying.

Then, they would experience confusion, uncertainty, and defeat. They would have health problems. They would “grope around in broad daylight like a blind person groping in the darkness, but you will not find your way.” When they had problems, “no one will come to save you.” They wouldn’t experience all the pleasures and blessings God had designed for them.

He was giving them the choice. Which path would they choose? Time would prove that they often chose the wrong path, discovering that His warnings were true. But they had made that choice.

He offers the same choice to you. Which path will you take?