Why should we obey?

DAILY READING

Deuteronomy 6:10-25

FIELD NOTES

The passage in Deuteronomy that we read yesterday, instructs us to obey God, to follow “stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded” (v. 20). We are directed to obey not to receive a reward, but because “the Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today” (v. 24). The Jewish people hearing this message knew that God delivered them from Egypt. God promised to protect them and He fulfilled that promise. 

What does that mean for us? We are not slaves in the land of Egypt. Why should we obey God? 

Sometimes it is difficult to follow God’s commandments when we don’t understand the context for them. The Jewish people understood this directive because God had promised to save their people, and He delivered on this promise. They pass this faith down to future generations not because they are trying to earn something from God. Instead, they are obeying to honor a God who fulfills promises. 

If you read a passage in the Bible and struggle to see how this applies to you and your life, look for context – read the passages around it, explore correlative Scriptures, and do a little research. Why was this passage written? This might help you find the application to your own life. 

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What do you do when you don’t understand something at work or at home? Do you research it, forget about it, ask questions? 
• Do you apply the same approach when you don’t understand something within the Scriptures?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Is it difficult to follow rules? Is it easier to follow rules when you understand why we have the rule? Think of a rule that doesn’t make sense to you and ask a parent or trusted adult why that rule is in place.

PRAYER GUIDE

God, it is difficult for us to search for meaning. It is far easier to gloss over something that is confusing or seems like it doesn’t apply to us. Lord help us to understand your Word. Help us to hear the instruction you are giving us and have the faith to apply it to our lives. Amen.