First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14

The Bottom-Line Question

10 If you shall obey the voice of YHWH your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if you turn to YHWH your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.

11 For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?" 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?" 14 But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.

World English Bible

Is it really so hard to understand what God wants from us?

This was the question Moses put before the people in Deuteronomy. The nature and ways of God might be mysterious. But his code of ethics and the worship that is his due were not. Both were clearly laid out before the people in the Law.

Despite everything God promised for faithfulness and all the curses he threatened for rebellion, people were (and still are) a fickle lot. People claimed ignorance or lack of understand or human frailty for failing to follow God's will. But, as Moses stated, God made it present for all to see. In fact, Moses asserted, God wrote the Law in the minds and hearts of his people. All they needed to do was return to God in heart and mind. And obey his Law.

But isn't that the problem for us. We do understand. But we don't want this understanding, because, with it, we know what God expects of us. And when we fail that expectation, we want to hide in the shadows, so we don't have to face the consequences of our actions. We understand what God wants, but we fail to succeed at obeying his commands. In other words, we sin.

If only we would hear God's voice, understand what he wants, and do his will.

Is it really so hard to understand what God wants from us? No, but we need help. That's what the mission of Jesus was all about. To help us hear the call of the Lord. Return to him. And do what he wants us to do.

Spend a few moments listening for the voice of God. What does he want you to do today?