Deuteronomy 28:15-68

Moses was an old man, and the Israelites associated him with their past – which they wanted to forget. 

“Well, OK”, says Moses, “as long as you learn the lessons from the past, you can concentrate on the future.”  But his fear was that they had not learned the lessons of the past.  They still had the urge to forsake the LORD – to rebel.

So Moses challenged them to envision a future after rebelling against the God who rescued them.  It was a horrible sight.  The most undreamed-of consequences would follow if the nation rejected its Savior.  Outside of his protection, every possible curse would fall upon them.

These are not the words of a vindictive old man.  They are the heart of a father, reaching out to his children, seeking their restoration and peace.

LORD, whenever we envision life without you, we recoil in horror.  Keep us close, and surrounded by your protective arms.