Day 4, Year 1 Calling Upon Heaven and Earth to Help You

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV)

The word “you” in the above verse is a common use of the collective singular in the Bible. This is because a group usually moves in only one direction, and the influential member often determines the direction. Thus, if feasible, believers should join a community that fears God to receive His blessings.

The problems that people encounter are often diverse. One of the purposes of this devotional series is to present helpful verses to aid us in reflecting and adjusting ourselves according to the Bible. This is a project that encourages readers to seek help from the Scripture. However, the problems encountered in life could sometimes be complex and varied; at times, this textual approach might not immediately solve the problems encountered by believers. Hence, when you encounter urgent problems, you must find someone who can help you in time. Perhaps, reading these verses, texts, and questions might not be able to address your current needs; so, you could put these devotionals aside temporarily and reread them when you are ready. After all, even if you set aside the devotionals, you are still walking along the correct path as long as you continue to choose life.

In the past, the Israelites stood at a crossroads, one side leading to life, the other to death. Moses strongly advised them to choose life and blessings. Their entire nation was likely heading down a disastrous path that was leading to death. Moses therefore had to call upon heaven and earth to urge them to choose life. Perhaps, your past experiences, the environment you are in, and surrounding people and things are pulling you toward the land of death. But do not be afraid. With steadfast determination and insisting on choosing the path of life, the forces of death must ultimately depart from you, because heaven and earth all point to the great life of the Most High God. This is what calling upon heaven and earth as witnesses means in today’s verse. So, do not be blinded by the problems or difficulties. Instead, let the eyes of your heart be opened to see the testimony of heaven and earth. God wants to help you; but when in need, you also need to take the initiative to seek help from others.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think you have the firm determination and perseverance to ultimately choose God’s path in life? If you lack something, where could you find help?

2) When you encounter problems that you cannot solve alone, do you usually ask others or Jesus (possibly with prayer) for help?