Nitzavim - vayeilech
Deut. 29; 9 - 31; 30

Life is filled with choices. We choose our spouse; we choose our career; we choose how we handle our finances as well as a myriad of other choices. What I have described as choices may not seem like choices at the time. However, if we are really honest with ourselves, they are indeed choices.  This week, as Moses renews the covenant obligations and promises, he reminds the Israelites that they have a choice.  Moses has laid out the will of God for them. Now they must choose whether they will walk with the Lord or go their own way. Moses explains to them the repercussions of the choice of both.  It seems so obvious that the choice should be to follow the Lord because the Bible says that they would have abundant life.  However, if it is so obvious what the right choice is why is it that the Israelites had such a hard time keeping God’s Word? This is a question I am sure many of us constantly ask ourselves.  “Why do I make wrong choices in my life, leading to unfortunate consequences?”     Deuteronomy 30:19-20 provide the key. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,  ²⁰ by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."   Verse 20 makes it very clear that loving God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him are the keys to making right choices.  Perhaps “love” is first because it is primary in being able to obey and hold fast, although obeying and holding fast will help to cultivate love.  When we love God we will serve Him; when we love God we cling to Him; when we love god we will make right choices.     If our motivation is simply fear of the almighty, we will not have the motivation to withstand temptation and we will make wrong choices.  So how do we cultivate the kind of passionate love of God that I am describing?

         Here are some suggestions in cultivating love, obedience and faithfulness to God. One suggestion is to remember the works of God.  Psalm 145 is a good place to start.   As we recall and in a sense re-experience the wonderful works of God we are reminding ourselves of the power of God and the faithfulness of God.  Of course by remembering what Yeshua did for us every day, we are remembering how much God loves us. 

        Another suggestion is to keep a journal of our personal walk with God.   Then when things are difficult, you can read your journal as your own personal book of Psalms.  Thirdly, repenting is a necessary element in developing a love relationship with God. (this is not merely a suggestion!) Sin will always get in the way of having a passion for God.  Sin quenches the spirit.  Ask God to reveal areas of your life where sin prevails.  Just as sin places roadblocks between individuals so sin places a roadblock between us and God.   Another suggestion is to read good books, study the bible, listen to uplifting music and have good friends who provide fellowship. In other words, allow your senses to be exposed to things that draw you closer to God.   As you engage in these and other similar activities, your love for God will increase which will manifest itself in obedience and faithfulness - thus making right choices.  When we isolate ourselves from God by not thinking about Him; by not associating with believers; by not taking time in His Word; by taking in too much of what the world has to offer, we can wander away thus making poor choices.    Isolation leads to loneliness and self pity which can often lead to poor choices. As we prepare for the high holy days, let us meditate on these verses and choose life! 

Shabbat shalom!