Deuteronomy 32:46-47

And he said to them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess.”

Deuteronomy 32:46-47

The first 31 chapters of Deuteronomy consist of Moses teaching and instructing the Israelites before they enter the promised land. Chapter 32 is Moses’ song and after concluding the song, Moses speaks to them today’s words.

The Bible repeatedly declares the importance of God’s word, and Moses states four things about it here. First, we are to set our hearts on the word. We do not just want to know it, but we want it embedded in our heart so that we are transformed by it.  Second, we are to pass on the word to the next generation. We received it, and we are commanded to pass it on.  Third, we are to recognize that the word is life: God’s word instructs us, declares salvation in Christ Jesus, and reveals the character of God. Fourth, the word prolongs your days, or in other words, it brings blessing. When we are obedient, we avoid pitfalls that derail our walk with God.

Praise God we have His word to us and that we live in a time and place where it is abundantly available to us. Let us treat it as the treasure that it is and set our hearts upon it daily. 

Pastor Jeff Mericle