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Deuteronomy 11:26-28

²⁶See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse窶� ²⁷the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; ²⁸the 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.

Recently the Prayer of Jabez has become quite popular (1 Chronicles 4:10). It is a wonderful prayer that asks for the Lord to change the circumstances in which we find ourselves into blessings. We do need to remember that most blessings are contingent upon obedience. As New Testament saints we emphasize grace, but that does not change the principle of these verses. We still reap what we sow. We cannot ask for blessing while walking in disobedience and expect God to wink at our disobedience.

The choice to obey is clearly laid before us. Instead of the many rules of the Old Testament Law, we have the leading of the Holy Spirit who indwells us. We choose to obey or disobey. We choose curse or blessing. It is sad that we think we can pray for God to remove this righteous principle. It is there to deter us from evil and guide us into life.

What are these other gods? They are ones that promise prosperity despite disobedience. They are lies that say that the pleasure of sin is more than momentary. They offer an alternative to the clear choice of obedience and blessing or disobedience and curse. They lie! Other gods are a curse in disguise.

Meditation: Obedience brings the blessing of God!