I came across this text in my Bible reading today:
“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. 15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. – Deuteronomy 30:11-15
The Lord is telling his people here that they have the ability to follow God; they know his Word, they have adhered to his instructions, so they have everything they need to do what is right. To do what God wills is the path to life, and to reject him is the path to death. I think what is to startling about this is that he pits the conversation on the plane of life and death – it’s a big deal, and that’s not something to miss. So often we think about spiritual choices casually as if we’ve made a choice from an a la carte menu – whatever suits us best. But that isn’t it – there is one true God and only one choice for life, and that is to follow Him.
V. 19 later says – ‘therefore, choose life.’ It’s a simple but important encouragement. And on this side of the cross, we know that this means to choose Jesus our Lord, who followed the law perfectly and did what we could not, he didn’t sin. He always chose life and we are now united to him, and by choosing him we are choosing life. What follows is a heart that follows after God and seeks to do his will – but do not be fooled in thinking this is a choice that will appease personal preferences – it is always a matter of life and death.