Lesson 24
After the Isrealites fled from Egypt and headed to the promised land, God gave them his commandments to follow, in the wilderness. Similar to cause and effect he set before them two options. He promised to bless them if they followed His laws but would curse them if they abandoned the laws. By turning their backs on the blessings of God, the Israelites opened themselves up to the evils of the world and the harms it would bring. As proved by the angels and all of mankind that came after them, not following love leads only to sin and death. God repeatedly told the Isrealites to choose their own path, they had to choose life for themselves. God desires us to choose His way of life and love but he has never forced this choice on anyone. What choices do you make daily? Do you think being a Christian should be easy? What happens to Christian’s that fail their tests? Are they rewarded with eternal life? What kind of tests will they face?
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 New King James Version
15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;
Joshua 24:15 New American Standard Bible
15 But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Acts 14:22 Easy-to-Read Version
22 In those cities they helped the followers grow stronger in their faith and encouraged them to continue trusting God. They told them, “We must suffer many things on our way into God’s kingdom.”
James 1:12 International Children’s Bible
12 When a person is tempted and still continues strong, he should be happy. After he has proved his faith, God will reward him with life forever. God promised this to all people who love him.