I love to read. However, when I was a student, it was always difficult for me to be motivated to complete the required reading for a course. Reading just about anything else seemed more interesting than what the teacher assigned. There is something in us that chaffs against being told what to do. Obedience does not come easily.

In Deuteronomy, Moses outlined the laws and ordinances for Israel to follow. He also proclaimed the consequences of obedience or disobedience. If Israel obeyed, they would be blessed. If they rebelled, they would experience the curses of the covenant, including military defeat and exile. In today’s reading, Moses urges the people to follow the Lord: “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him” (vv. 19–20).

Moses also acknowledged that Israel would not be able to remain faithful. Their hearts were too obstinate and stubborn. He anticipates a time when they would be exiled for their sins. Yet even then, he declares that God would not give up on them. He would bring about a transformation. “The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live” (v. 6). Israel needed a heart transplant, and the Lord promised that He would provide it.

This passage looks forward to the New Covenant inaugurated by the Lord Jesus (Jer. 31:31–34; Luke 22:20; Heb. 8:8). In Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Lord did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He died for our sin and offers forgiveness and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

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