In the opening verses of Deuteronomy 11, there are four verbs in the imperative mood. The imperative mood is used to give commands or clear directions. These are God’s instructions to His people.
“You shall love the Lord your God, therefore, and keep his charge, his decrees, his ordinances, and his commandments always.
Remember today that it was not your children (who have not known or seen the discipline of the Lord your God), but it is you who must acknowledge his greatness, his mighty hand, and his outstretched arm,
His signs and his deeds that he did in Egypt to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and to all his land” (Deuteronomy 11:1-3).
Thousands of years may separate us from the first recipients of these commands, but they still matter today. Let’s examine them and consider how we can demonstrate these four responses to God’s grace.
(1) Love: Several times each week, I listen to one of my favorite readings of John 13-17 on YouTube. As I listen and reflect on these words, one thing stands out.
The disciples are very focused on what is about to happen, what will happen to Jesus, and what their own fate will be. But Jesus keeps emphasizing the need for love—love for God and love for others.
When I think about my daily life, I wonder how much the love of God shapes my relationship with Him compared to what I think is important.
What about loving God and others? What adjustments need to be made so we respond with love to God’s amazing grace?
(2) Keep: Taking life “one day at a time,” “doing the next right thing,” and keeping “the main thing the main thing” are all ways to encourage good behavior.
In John 13-17, Jesus tells his disciples that following his commandments shows their love for him. Ignoring his commandments, however, shows a lack of love.
What changes to our attitudes and actions need to take place to reciprocate the love God has shown us through Jesus?
(3) Remember: The Internet estimates that this word occurs 269 in the Bible.
“Remember” is a keyword in the book of Deuteronomy and should be important to us, too. We need to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, God’s love poured out through Him, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Do we have a plan in place to remember God’s goodness to us throughout each day? How can we implement this into our daily communion with God?
(4) Acknowledge: Paul writes about the cost of not recognizing God’s powerful presence in our lives.
For though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21)
One of the quickest ways to become empty-minded and lose clarity is to ignore God’s presence in our lives.
On the other hand, taking time each day to reflect on how God has cared for us and expressing our thanks is a great way to be aligned with Him and His wisdom.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 