Deuteronomy 11 
by Pastor David Groendyk

In a sense, this chapter is a preview of what’s to come at the end of the book when Moses describes in detail that obedience to these laws will lead to blessings and disobedience will lead to curses. At least four times we see Moses simply say, “Keep these commandments!” Each time he provides a reason or consequence of their choice to obey or disobey.

“Keep my commandments and love me with all your heart” (v. 1). Why? Because the Lord is a great God who does miraculous wonders for you. He has thrown the entirety of the Egyptian army into the Red Sea and rescued you from slavery in Egypt. He squashed the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in an instant by opening the earth to swallow them whole. God’s grace to this people has been unmatched, and his tolerance for open, stubborn rebellion is small. God’s gracious salvation and preservation deserve full obedience. “Keep my commandments so that you might keep the land” (v. 8). Why? Because this is a land flowing with milk and honey and upon which God has set his eyes for its good. The Lord himself especially cares for this Promised Land, unlike the land of Egypt where Israel struggled and toiled for so long. The promise of Paradise should cause Israel to be zealous for God’s commands. “Keep my commandments and love me with all your heart” (v. 13). Why? Because your rain and your crops depend on it. Healthy cattle and a great harvest are part of the blessings God promises Israel if they obey him, and famine and death are part of the curses God promises if they don’t. God providentially cares for and watches over his people, but that promise only belongs to those who are faithful to him, which should serve as great motivation for our obedience. “Keep my commandments and lay them up in your heart and hold them fast” (vv. 18, 22). Why? Because in doing so you will conquer. The God who has the power of infinite armies goes before his people. No one and nothing can stand against the believer who continued to hold fast to the Lord through obedience.

Now, lest we think that being a Christian merely boils down to doing the right thing and obeying God, keep in my mind that God’s gracious redemption precedes any effort on our part and both empowers and motivates us to keep God’s commands. Remember from chapter 10 that God has loved and chosen his people first (v. 15), and only after God has regenerated the heart (v. 16) can anyone fear God and hold fast to him (v. 20). God alone rescues, and God alone empowers. Nevertheless, there is a great sense of urgency in this passage to make a choice. Today, Scripture places before you blessings and curses, life and death (v. 26). Today, God offers his providential care and preservation. Today, God offers a Promised Land and a promised inheritance, if only you will choose to fear him and enter into a covenant with him. Today, he commands you to renew your zeal and commitment to him by examining your heart and life, to make sure you’re following his commands and haven’t forsaken his promises. Today, he tells even the longest of Christians to put away the sin that clings closely to them in an effort to make sure their calling and election. Today, he wants you to commit to making Christ, his salvation, and the way to follow him a habitual part of your conversations—especially around the home—as a means of continually reminding yourself and your loved ones of your great God and your weighty calling to obey him.

If you have failed at this in the past, there is grace to forgive your sin and guilt. If you struggle with this in the present, there is present grace for you now to change through the Holy Spirit. Through his grace, let there be no wavering in your love for God and zeal for obedience.