Deuteronomy 30: Because He Loves You
Have you ever stood in the grocery aisle, paralyzed by too many choices? Organic or cheap? 2% or whole? Almond, oat, or who-knows-what milk? We’re faced with countless decisions every day—but some are bigger.
That’s the kind of choice Moses gives Israel in Deuteronomy 30.
“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity…” (v.15)
That’s a weighty and life-altering choice.
The God of the universe, who chose them out of obscurity, rescued them out of slavery, provided for their needs in the wilderness, gave them incredible promises, stoops in grace, and invites them to make that choice—choose Him. And shows them the actual choice: life and prosperity or death and adversity.
How did it look for Israel to “choose life”? Moses says it was:
“By loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him…” (v.20)
The entire book of Deuteronomy centers on the glory of God’s one-way love—and the call to respond by loving Him with all our heart, soul, and strength.
Love God by Obeying His Word
Loving God isn’t just about feelings; it’s relational and responsive. We love Him by “obeying His voice”—not to earn His love, but because we receive His love each day. His commands are His way of loving us; they’re for our good, and when we listen and follow, we show our trust and our love.
Love God by Holding Fast to Him
And we love Him by “holding fast to Him”—amidst all the distractions and false gods, clinging to Him in weakness, and not letting go when things get hard.
In the Bible, the heart isn’t just where you feel—it’s where you think, believe, and decide.
Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, and Strength
Loving God with your heart means basing your decisions on His Word. The heart isn’t just about emotions. Biblically, it’s the center of your thoughts, convictions, and decisions.
Your soul is your inner life—your desires, identity, and emotions.
Loving God with all your strength is love with sleeves rolled up; it’s love in action when your faith influences your words, actions, and service.
Loving God and others is not how we are saved, but it is how we demonstrate the intimacy of our relationship with Him.
Loving God and others is not how we are saved, but it is how we demonstrate the intimacy of our relationship with Him.
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.” (1 John 5:2)
Obedience isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s how we walk in it. It’s how we live the life Jesus died to give us.
“For the LORD is your life…” (Deut. 30:20)
Encouragement for the Weary Heart
If you’ve failed lately—He’s not walking away.
God doesn’t say, “Shape up and choose Me.” He says, “I have chosen you. Now walk with Me.” What He’s saying is, “Here is life and peace and joy—I want you to have it regardless of what’s going on around you.”
So whatever’s going on today—look again to Jesus, sent by the Father, and hear the invitation:
Choose life. Choose to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength… because He first loved you.
Not because He needs you, but because He loves you.
Not to earn His blessing, but to walk in it and to love Him more.
Not to impress Him, but to respond to Him.