And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke; and you shall put them in the ark.’ (Deuteronomy 10:2)
The only difference between the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments from God was that the first tablet was hewn by God whereas the second one was hewn by Moses. However, it was God who wrote on both the tablets of stone.
Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance, just as the Lordyour God promised him.) (Deuteronomy 10:9)
An inheritance is something of great value and often changes everything. In this case, the most valuable thing in the universe was and is God. God Himself was to be their reward.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)
Whenever we are asked to do a project or have joined a new job, we are often briefed on what is expected of us.
I believe that God here is giving Israel the basic things that He requires of them. Although this text is written to Israel, these are also things as Christians that we need to remember and apply to our lives as well. He asks that we:
1) Fear Him - means to simply honor and respect Him
2) Walk in obedience
3) Love Him
4) Serve Him with all our hearts and souls
5) Observe His commands.
Our obedience should flow from our gratitude and love for God, not from our desire to earn God’s favor.
This may sound strange to a young believer’s ears—that God’s commandments are actually for our own good. So often our selfish hearts view any limits to our “freedom” as something that hinders or hurts our chances at having a full, enjoyable life. But in fact the opposite is true.
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