March 18

Deuteronomy 24-27
When it comes to obeying God's commands, the blessings attached to that obedience is clear, as is the punishment for disobedience. However, as we come to the end of today's reading there is a slightly different twist given. God divides the people into two groups, having them stand on two opposing hills, and shouting out the blessings of God from one side, and the curses of God from the other. Some might say I'm splitting hairs, but I sense a slight difference between punishment and curses. To be cursed by God carries the full weight of the power that is able to create the universe from nothing. This is insurmountable power! It's one thing to receive lashes for my punishment; it's quite another to face a lifetime of God's curse following me throughout all of my existence. It's more than having my sin always before me; it's facing life with God as an enemy, dogging my every step, making my life miserable. As wonderful the blessings of God, so is the horror of His curses! Or, as it is written elsewhere, "It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"