Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:1-4)
In Deuteronomy 6:1-4, Moses wrote about God’s promises of longevity, strength, and prosperity for believers. He began by instructing us to fear the Lord. Reverence for God must be connected to doing what God says. We do not obey out of fear of consequences or in an attempt to manipulate God into doing something. Our obedience must come from a heart of honor and a desire to please Him.
However, Moses continued, stating that God’s promise of longevity wasn’t just about your heart but also your actions. Knowing the Word or memorizing it is not enough if we don’t live it out loud. In this passage, Moses pointed out: “ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it.” Moses was saying, “You need to do this!”
When we live in that mindset, God promises that it will be well with thee, or that you will succeed in the endeavors God leads you to, that ye may increase mightily, or that you will gain strength as you accomplish the tasks God has set before you, and that you will live in the land that flowery with milk and honey, or that prosperity will be yours.
Finally, Moses taught the people of Israel that the Lord our God is one Lord. This reminded them and should remind us that our relationship with God is called to be the center of our lives. When God is at the center of everything we do, and we honor Him by obeying His Word, we are promised a longer and better life.
Practical Application
Choose a few key verses from this passage to memorize. When facing a challenge, remind yourself of God’s promise to get you to the other side.