Remember, Know, Obey, Blessed

Deuteronomy 4:32-40 highlights three essential aspects of our walk with God:

• Remember what God has done (verse 35) because His faithfulness is worth recalling and builds faith

• Know in your heart, not just your head, that He alone is Lord (verse 39)

• Obey His commandments (verse 40a) because they lead to life

Moses provided the Israelites with a pattern for walking with God. This pattern still works today. If we start at the beginning with remembrance, we will find it easier to know God. The better we know God, the easier it will be to surrender to His Lordship and obey His instructions and commands.

We should follow this pattern because of who God is, not for any reward. God did not dictate to the Israelites; He drew them into a relationship with Him. That is what this pattern reveals. It's a way to cultivate and maintain a fruitful relationship with God. Remembering builds trust, knowing builds connection, and obedience leads to intimacy. There, they would experience an abundance of God's blessings. And it is the same for us today.

Remember, Know, Obey, Blessed

Moses told the Israelites that when they follow the remember, know, obey way, they will experience God's blessing.

Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time. (Deuteronomy 4:40)

That blessing is multifaceted:

1. God's blessing is good

   ...that it may go well with you..."

   The Hebrew word used here means be good, well, glad, pleasing (STRONGS H3190). It speaks of happiness, success, and benefit. It is beneficial to obey God.

   
   

2. God's blessing is generational

   "...and with your children after you..."

   God's blessings are never just confined to us; they have the power to affect our descendants. The blessing associated with following God's way is an inheritance for future generations. This is not only because they are likely to follow in our example, as we remember, know, and obey God. When God deals with our children, He will remember His relationship with us.

   
   

3. God's blessing is enduring

   "...that you may prolong your days..."

   In Hebrew, this means to live long and well under God's favour. It does not only mean living a long time; it also means this long life will be stable and fruitful.

   
   

4. God's blessing includes peace and provision

   "...in the land that the Lord your God is giving you..."

   Canaan represented a place of God's promise and provision. It was a land flowing with milk and honey. This indicated an abundance of cattle and agriculture, which were essential for flourishing at that time. Here, the Israelites would also find peace and security if they continued to follow God's way.

   
   

5. God's blessings are part of His covenant

   "...for all time..."

   This phrase can mean 'for all days' or 'continually'. There is no expiration date. God's blessings outlast even our time on earth because His faithfulness is everlasting and not bound by time. There is great security in that!

   
   

The Book of Deuteronomy holds Moses' words to a nation he led for 40 years. Even though Moses knew he would not enter the Promised Land, it was monumental that the Israelites would finally experience what God had first promised their forefathers. Moses sought to remind the Israelites of all that God had done for them and to instruct them on how to follow God once they entered Canaan. If they took heed, it would go well with them in the Promised Land. If we take heed, we too will experience God's blessing.

Deuteronomy is an important Book. It is like an activation for a nation and a manual for success. Moses reminded the Israelites of their history with God, told them how to live, and encouraged them to make the right choices in the future. Jesus quoted from it often and even said,

"For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" (John 5:46-47)

As we consider this passage, let's value it as Scripture and take it as vital advice for Christian living. You can review the other devotionals in this series at the bottom of the page.

>>> Reflection: What steps can you take today to walk the remember, know, obey way?

Write the Scriptures: Remember, Know, Obey, Blessed

Take time each day to meditate on and write one of these verses. Expect God’s Word to renew your mind as you engage with it slowly and prayerfully.

Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time. (Deuteronomy 4:40)

Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; (Isaiah 48:18)

And because you listen to these rules and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that he swore to your fathers. (Deuteronomy 7:12)

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Blessing in Action: Remember, Know, Obey, Blessed

➡️ Pray and write down ways you can walk the remember, know, obey way. Put your list somewhere you will see it often.

➡️ Encourage someone this week to remember, know, and obey God.