Sunday, July 6, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Deuteronomy 30:9–14

And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

“Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?’ No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. (NRSV)

Reflection

Addressing the nation of Israel, Moses makes the bold statement that God’s commandments aren’t just aspirational — they are achievable. At first glance, I’m not sure I agree. While they may not be “too far away” in the sense that it’s not difficult to understand what God is asking me to do, I would argue that they are hard to follow. After all, everyone who’s ever lived has fallen short of keeping all the commandments all the time. Hence the need for Jesus.

So how can Moses claim that what God asks of us in the commandments isn’t too hard? Maybe what he means is that it is possible to obey each one. God’s instructions don’t include anything outrageous like “always say exactly the right thing when someone comes to you for advice.” It may not be possible to obey each commandment 100% of the time, but it is possible to obey each one.

What’s not possible is doing it on my own. God didn’t create me with the ability to be perfectly obedient 100% of the time so that can’t be what God’s asking for. With that in mind, I find it helpful to think about obedience not as the absence of failure, but as the presence of continued growth — and a commitment to walking with God.

Prayer

Lord, my obedience to your commandments wavers even though I know what you’ve called me to do. And yet you remain patient, offering grace instead of shame, and Jesus instead of damnation. Remind me that following you isn’t about flawless performance, but rather faithful perseverance.

Give me strength when I’m weary, wisdom when I’m questioning, and courage when obedience is costly and inconvenient. Teach me to learn with every failure, to grow with your help, and to keep walking — not perfectly, but faithfully — with you. Amen.

Written by Nicole Spirgen, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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