“That you may live”.

There is no other more powerful declaration than these well-spoken words found throughout* the pages of Deuteronomy regarding the revelation of Your heart toward people.  

They capture and weave into my heart the depth of love that resists the notion of a ‘legalistic judge’ and begin to reveal a heart passionate for relationship so indicative of a Creator* and a Father*.

The power of a personal journey with You arose most dramatically in me when I first walked through the pages of Deuteronomy.  I was looking for Your law.  David said this was the well-spring of life – and I wanted that.  Deep roots, strong branches and fruit in its season.*

Leviticus seemed more for the priestly branch, so Deuteronomy, and its personal application, seemed to be the place to camp.  I was expecting boot-camp.  But instead, I was enamored.  Indeed, You were very clear about the holy place intended for me, I just hadn’t expected the ‘why’.

With the same depth that You counsel about the Law, You equally spare no words on Your desire to care for, protect and lavish with benefit.*  Enamored.  Embraced.  Awed.

Deuteronomy awoke a sleepy and stale heart and opened a vision for Your passionate plea for relationship throughout the entirety of Your word.  The Old Testament was suddenly not so old anymore.

Not just once, but certainly written as a theme, ‘well with you’ and ‘that you may live’ are knitted like jewels throughout the clarifying counsel and urgent call to obey.   These ‘whys’ are the distinctive mark of Your heart and an early revelation of Your heart toward a people you call Your sons and Your daughters.*  Clearly, You created us in Your image and here, in Deuteronomy, You unfold the truth that we live life to our fullest when we live it with You.

And, just in case I was tempted to see only the Law and feel overcome, just before Moses last breath, he assures me, “…this commandment…is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off…but the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it…  I have set before you life and death…therefore, choose life…”.*

The Law.  What was first a set of instructions, now is revealed as an invitation.  An invitation into the living, perfect, passionate and lavish love of Your heart.  The Law…that I may live.

“You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you….”*

* Clicking on *’s will open a new web page providing the indicated reference.