Deuteronomy 5:32–33: “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.”

February 20th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Deuteronomy is the most quoted Old Testament book by Jesus in the Gospels. The name deuto means second, and onomy means law, so this is the second time the Law was given. Moses was about to go be with the Lord, and the next generation of God’s people were about to enter the Promised Land. So God had the aged Moses read it to them once again, encouraging them to embrace the Law of God, recognizing that it was given to them with their best interest and good in mind.

The older generation had been given the opportunity to enter the land, but had been too afraid of the obstacles there. They murmured and complained and refused to take the gift God was giving them. So instead God took their children into the land they had rejected. But He wanted to remind the new generation of all that He had given in the way of law, order, and worship, so that they, as a nation, would prosper there.

Some old American Hymnologists have mistakenly symbolized the crossing of the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land as going into heaven. But in fact, it is more like going through the baptism of the Holy Spirit and entering into the spirit-filled life. God wants us to prosper in this life and in His Kingdom right now, so He has given us commands to follow that we “may live and that it may be well with [us].” Yes, heaven is a wonder-filled place that we will enjoy after we go to be with Him, but God also wants us to live and do well while we are still here on this side of heaven.

“Lord, we do want to walk with You and not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Please keep us on the road of life this day.