Deuteronomy 27

“Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, ‘Be silent, Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the Lord your God. Obey the Lord your God and follow His commands and statutes I am giving you today.’” Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (HCSB)

One Christmas morning, while my family gave each other presents, I told my children, "After all the wrapping paper has been torn off, and you see what you've gotten, let daddy and mommy help you open the manufacturer's packaging. There are small parts that may get lost or broken, so we have to open boxes with care."

Well, it happens every year. An over-confident “zealous for fun” child rips through a box, and something gets broken or damaged before it ever gets played with. It's sad because the trauma and grief (which always seems to follow disobedience) could have been avoided by employing a little self-control and following the rule.

Israel is about to open the “mother of all gifts.” They're on the verge of experiencing the fulfillment of God's promise. They are going to enter the land that generations of Israelites longed to possess. All the dialogue from Moses led up to one thing: It's actually going to happen!

In a short time, Israel would transcend in a way very few people groups ever have. That is why Moses tells them, “Today, you have become the people of God.” It's not that they haven't been God's people; His presence with and love for Israel had been undeniable. But at this moment, Israel was becoming a Nation with land and borders.

It's one thing to become a legitimate nation, like other nations. It's another thing to be a nation, separate and holy unto God.

It is from this fever-pitched nationalistic emotional and spiritual fervor that Moses gives a Biblical version of my holiday speech to my children before opening presents: Be quiet and listen! This “gift from God” needs to be unpacked methodically and carefully. Your enjoyment and blessing are dependent upon your following the instructions. In fact, I want you to write your own copy of the instructions!

Let's respond to today's passage by renewing our vigilance to know God's Word, His instruction manual for life. By seeking His instruction and adhering to it, we can fully enjoy His gift of deliverance through Messiah, Jesus.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” John 14:15 (HCSB)