Verse 11 begins with the particle “ki” in the original language, translated into “for” in English. It marks the climax of Moses’ third address and it expands on “this commandment” that Moses had commanded to the Israelites. Here, Moses explained that the command is (1) not too difficult, nor is it (2) out of reach.

Moses uses the analogy of ascending to heaven and beyond the sea to suggest that God’s command is not inaccessible. If you had watched “Journey to the West”, or “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, you would know that in these shows that the truth or the gods were hard to reach. But God’s command is not like that. God’s command was right there with the Israelites. Moses said that God’s command was in their mouths and in their hearts because by recitation, they commit the law into memory.

With that, Moses concluded his third address with an appeal to the Israelites to choose wisely, and this was consistent with what Moses had presented all along. The choice was between life and prosperity, or death and disaster. The corresponding conditions were through obeying Yahweh’s commands, or disobeying Yahweh’s commands. The corresponding consequences were life, descendants, and blessings, or destruction.

With that, Moses’ final appeal to the Israelites was to choose life – not only a long life in which the effects of sin and premature death are staved off, but also a dwelling in the land that Yahweh had promised. Moses’ final appeal to the Israelites was also a reminder to them that Yahweh is always true to His word – He had indeed brought them to the land He had promised, but the question will always be, will the Israelites keep to theirs?

This text continues to remain relevant to us today as the revelation of God took on another dimension through the incarnate Christ. Jesus Christ is Word who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He is Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). God has revealed Himself to us through Jesus Christ, and we who live in this new covenant have the revelation of God through His Word. We who confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, are graciously saved, and the Holy Spirit indwells in us.

Therefore, there is without a doubt that God is near to us today. There is without a doubt that God had revealed Himself to us through His Word and in Christ. The response that He asks of us is doable. To receive salvation through Christ, to be sanctified through joyful obedience and grateful service.

The question is will you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? And as children of God, will you love God, will you obey God, will you choose life? May we respond in joyful obedience to love God and to love others as we do ourselves, to read His Word, and to draw near to Him. May we respond in grateful service and in all humility serve others around us according to His will!

Prayer : Dear Lord, thank you that in you we have life, eternal life, and abundant life. May we respond in obedience to you, to love you wholeheartedly, and to love others around us in humility. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.