​God Promises a Blessing and a Curse

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse - 27 the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; 28 the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known. 
 
AMONG Moses’ final words to Israel are God’s two promises: Stay true to God and be blessed. Turn to idols and be cursed. What promise do you want to become true for you? 
   It is not common to say, “God promises judgment.” We’d rather see such words as warnings about possible consequences. But if we truly believe God promises a curse on our life for rejecting his Lordship, perhaps we would be more intentional to know God.
   Or let’s be positive. If we truly believe God’s promise to bless our full devotion to  him, it’s likely the fear of God would rule our lives. (See prior lesson.) Certainly we want to live into his blessings, don’t we?
   Yes, God promises blessings to those who hold fast to the first command: Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”  This was essentially the first thing Israel heard from God as they began their freedom march to the Promised Land. The LORD God had set them free from bondage toward the New Promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. The Covenant-making God was fulfilling his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Why did they succumb to the curse?
   They did not believe his promise of a curse, did they? They turned to their own desires as their god. And Israel found pleasure in the enemies’ gods. Ultimately they discovered the power of God’s promise to curse idol worshipers. They became an impoverished nation ruled by the tyranny of godless men. They didn’t know how bad the curse would be. They did not learn how good God’s blessings are.
   Do you know how good God’s blessings are? They are his personal gifts to you that direct your life into his presence. Blessings are spiritual.  Upon his faithful people he bestows love, joy, peace and other fruit of the Spirit to help you enjoy your salvation. Blessings are physical. Sometimes they come in daily needs.
Deuteronomy 28:8 The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. Sometimes God blesses in abundant provision. Job 42:12 The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys.
   Always God is willing to bless you with himself: Numbers 6:24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.           Do you desire the blessed life?