Read Deuteronomy 28:1-15

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1)

Allow your eyes to survey the length of this chapter in Deuteronomy. Nearly 70 verses! It can be divided into two parts: Blessings and Cursings. The LORD God promises the nation of Israel that if they obey His commandments they would be blessed and favored, but if they disobey they would be cursed and punished.

Yet, if you are observant, you will see that the blessings of the LORD are quickly overwhelmed by the cursings of the LORD in this chapter. The cursings for disobedience are four times larger in content than the blessings for obedience! How intimidating!

How could anyone not feel burdened and overwhelmed by the difference? The odds were not favorable, especially when the tipping point completely relies on obedience. We have to wonder - was there ever any hope to receive God's blessing through obedience? The answer to that question is discovered throughout the rest of the pages of Scripture.

It is answered historically and theologically.

Historically, we see that the nation of Israel time and time again lived under the curse of the law because of disobedience. The Book of Judges is a prime example, as well as the exile to Assyria and Babylon. The blessings of God under the law could not be attained! It relied on the righteousness of man of which he is completely bankrupt.

Theologically, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that the law could never bless man. Rather, it curses man because the law brings to the doorstep of his heart the knowledge of his sin.

“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:19–20)

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”” (Galatians 3:10)

The path through obedience in the law was never possible, achievable or realistic. This is why mankind needs a new way to God. And that way is JESUS, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (see John 14:6). The Gospel message is the solution to the problem of Deuteronomy 28. The righteous and blessed Man Jesus ransomed Himself for the unrighteous and cursed men of the world.

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us…” (Galatians 3:13)

Jesus is the answer, dear friend! Yet you may glaze over these words and say, "I already know this." But do you? I pray to God that you do!

Do you live under the burden of obedience to God? Then, my friend, you do not know this! Do you think you must be a good Christian to receive God's blessings? Then, I say again, you do not know this! Are you weighed down with guilt and condemnation over your sin, even to the point that you may be afraid that God doesn't love you? Then you do not know this.

You must exit Deuteronomy 28 and enter into dwelling place of grace found in Ephesians 2:8!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8)

Stop trusting in yourself. Place all of your trust in Jesus Christ and the grace He has provided you by His own blood. Live free from the curse of the law and the punishment of disobedience, and walk empowered by the blessings of Christ which shower upon you from that old rugged cross!

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16–17)

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