The first thing we see is God's giving the Israelites a direction: "follow what I give you today," and he explains how to do this: by obeying him. Their response could be either choosing to keep living as they were, or to change. The benefit of their doing things God's way is that he will keep his covenant of love, honoring his promises to bless them with offspring, crops, livestock and health. Today we have the same expectations of and benefits from God if we choose to be obedient to him in all circumstances. The choice is ours.
God promised to remove those who were against the Israelites if they do not turn to false gods. So often we see this today in those that choose
what feels or looks good for the moment, but then must pay for the consequences of their choices.
God says he would protect the Israelites, enabling them to destroy those around them methodically, so that they would not be destroyed. They are instructed to burn their gods and to get rid of their gold and silver that cannot be destroyed by fire so that there are no reminders of their past life.
As for you and your house, who will you choose to serve and obey?
Eleanor Chew, Fairhaven, Mass.
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