Bible Verses About…
A Blessing And A Curse
102-BRA, (Deuteronomy 11:26–28)

“Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” (Deuteronomy 11:26–28, NKJV)

I love the Book of Deuteronomy. Here is a little preview of the first 11 chapters. Chapters one through three— the Historical Review: Moses details God’s past dealings with Israel—the events at Horeb, instructions, disobedience, and judgment at Kadesh Barnea, etc. Moses is forbidden to enter the promised land (3:23–29). In chapter 4, Moses commands obedience and warns about Idolatry. Chapter 5, the Ten Commandments. Chapter 6 cautions against disobedience. Chapter 7, Blessings of Obedience. Chapter 8, the Lord is the source of blessing. Chapter 9, Israel’s rebellions, reviewed. Chapter 10, the second pair of Tablets (put into the ark). Chapter 11, Obedience and Disobedience and their consequent rewards.

Israel had already seen the fruit of disobedience. Now before Canaan, they must be reminded afresh that the bounties of God’s goodness were theirs only if they obeyed Him. It was up to Israel if they wanted to be blessed or not. One reason humans are so unique of all created beings is that God gave us “free will” and the “power of choice.” God commands, but we are free to choose whether to obey or disregard His commandments (Joshua 24:15; cf. Jer. 18:7–10). For example, in the days of King David and Solomon, the nation was blessed. But in the days after that, especially under “evil kings,” the nation was cursed and severely experienced divine judgment.

Inherent in Israel’s disobedience was idolatry. Idolatry is alive and well today, and all human beings (including believers) are prone to have idols in their lives. What idol controls your life today? An idol can be “anything” you prioritize in your life ahead of God—anything that takes God’s place in your heart. It could be a carrier, sex, money, position, games, music, etc. Whatever claims your number one attention is your god. Christ said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24, NKJV)

The point is this: There is no neutral ground when it comes to God— we either obey Him wholeheartedly or disobey Him. “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Beloved, a decision is required of us today (Joshua 24:15). Whenever we walk in disobedience, we exalt ourselves against Jehovah and declare that our set of rules, standards, ways of life, and fleshly desires are all more important than God’s commands. This is idolatry at its core. He desires that we obey Him and be blessed. Would you?

Exhortation: “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:32–33, NKJV)

That’s your “TGV Daily.” Until next time, Obey God and live!