To celebrate a wedding anniversary, some couples will renew their marriage vows. The point is not that the original vows were no longer valid, but to show that they both are still committed to them.

In some ways, Deuteronomy 29 is like a vow renewal between Israel and the Lord. There are some differences though. The covenant on Mt. Sinai had been made with the previous generation. This was an opportunity for the new generation, who were young children during the Exodus, to make a personal commitment to the covenant. This highlights the importance of passing down the faith from one generation to the next. We cannot rely on the faith of our parents or our family history. Each generation needs to make that faith their own. This ceremony was a formal occasion in which the new generation could publicly affirm their commitment.

One of the most important elements of the covenant was that Israel would worship the Lord alone: “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations” (v. 18). Idolatry is a deep temptation for us today as well. We may not look to idols of wood or stone, but the gods of wealth, status, and the self are ever alluring. There is only One who is worthy to receive our worship.

When we are committed to the Lord and live as if He is most important in our life, it is a witness to the world. In the same way, if we call ourselves Christians and yet are unfaithful in our beliefs or actions— the world takes notice (v. 24). May our lives align with our confession that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father.

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