Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey Day 36
posted on April 05
Day Thirty-Six Tuesday of Holy Week, April 12
Blessings and Curses
Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-8
Blessings for Obedience
28 If you will only obey the Lord your God, by diligently observing all his commandments that I am commanding you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth; 2 all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Lord your God:
3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.
4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your livestock, both the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock.
5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
6 Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7 The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you; they shall come out against you one way, and flee before you seven ways. 8 The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns, and in all that you undertake; he will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: If only you will obey the Lord your God… (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Reflection: Since Holy Week is a recounting of the long obedience of Jesus, it seems fitting that we would share some teachings on obedience from weary wilderness of Deuteronomy. Throughout scripture God offers blessings for obedience; they literally wrap around obedient followers and surround them with the good life. The blessings of position, place, progeny, prosperity, and more can be ours if we are obedient to the commandments God has given us. We are even promised victory over hardship in the battles of life. If we read on, we can see that Chapter 28 also lays out curses for disobedience. Take some time to consider those. Reflect today on your own obedience. What are some ways that you are obedient right now? Are there some ways in which you might be living in disobedience? Spend some time in confession, and in thanksgiving for the blessings you are offered.
Prayer: God of the Weary Wilderness, we know that you call us to an obedient lifestyle. We give you thanks for the obedience of Jesus Christ, who modeled for us the life we should live in our own world. Call us to further obedience, and to further discovery, of what obedience looks like for us in the 21st century. Help us to use scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to become more obedient to you. Amen.
Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist
