Psalm 147:12-14

Nations rise and fall based on the strength of their commitment to the Lord. Israel is a prime example of this truth. They lost their national sovereignty after the king of Babylon defeated them over 2,500 years ago, and then again after the Roman Empire destroyed the Temple some 2,000 years ago. In each instance, they had been warned by prophets to straighten up and stop following other gods. In each case, they failed to heed those warnings and lost their homeland—but not their identity. God always preserves a remnant through whom His promises will be fulfilled. True to His word, Israel became a nation once again in 1948.

We can learn much from Israel’s history. Moses, in Deuteronomy 28, said it best when he outlined the blessings the people of Israel would experience if they walked with God, and conversely, the curses that would overtake them if they committed apostasy.

The same holds true for us. We can walk in the blessings of God or experience curses—it is our choice. The earth has been under a curse since the Fall of Adam and Eve, so without the blessing of God, we are cursed by default. This is a difficult truth to consider, but the whole world was placed under judgment because of the Fall. That is why Jesus was sent. He paid the price for our ransom—a hefty price indeed.

How can we neglect so great a salvation?

Consider these words found in Hebrews:

“So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.”
—Hebrews 2:1–4 (NLT)

How many times have we drifted away from the truth we have heard? This is why it is so important to keep the Word continually before us, so we do not forget what it says. As God told Joshua:

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
—Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

Such is the way of blessing.