Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9, Ps. 147:12-13,15-16,19-20, Matthew 5:17-19
“Give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you.” (Deuteronomy 4:1)
Have you ever wondered what would become of your life if you were committed to obeying God’s commandments to the full? Why do we often pick and choose? Dear friends, if we TRUST that God desires only our good, we wouldn’t have a problem OBEYING God’s instructions.
When the devil was seeking out the fall of Adam and Eve, he sought to attack the trust and confidence they had placed in God. The devil said: “if you eat this fruit, you will be like God, your eyes will be open” meaning that God was trying to keep them from enjoying something. In the same way, the devil always tries to make us believe there is something to gain or enjoy from disobeying God. However, the only gain we get from sin is death. (Cf. Romans 6:33)
Trust God and obey His word. Trust your parents (your elders, your teachers, etc.) and keep to their instructions. It might seem hard for you to just be good but I tell you, this is the shortest cut to success in life. This is what Moses teaches us in today’s first reading. Give heed to the statutes and the ordinances… that you may live and take possession of the land… God means well by giving us the commandments. There is a reward for every act of obedience which far outweighs whatever lie the devil may be promising us.
You may be wondering, these commandments were given to our forefathers, why do we need to bother ourselves with them today? Jesus says to us today, God’s commandments are not yet expired: “Do not think I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them…. till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot will pass from the law until all is accomplished.” This statement reveals that there would surely come a time when heaven and earth will pass away (which is not yet). it reveals that the law is for a purpose, and there is a mission that must be accomplished on earth.
Finally, Jesus teaches us today that it is not enough that we obey the commandments of God, we must be generous enough to teach others to obey these commandments. We must show good examples. This is how we become great in the kingdom of heaven.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, increase my trust in you and help me to obey. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 3rd week of Lent, Bible Study: Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9, Ps. 147:12-13,15-16,19-20, Matthew 5:17-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu