We have seen before that God’s law was presented in a similar way to other legal codes of the time, although the content was quite different.

It was common for ancient law codes to end with a section explaining the blessings that would come to those who followed the code, and the disasters that would happen to those who did not.

The blessings that God promised were both physical – plentiful food, protection from enemies – and spiritual – God dwelling among them. The curses are described in more detail and come in several stages. After each stage, there is the possibility of redemption if the people return to God and repent.

These disasters would not fall on the nation because of people’s individual sins, but because of a wholesale rejection of God’s covenant that affected the nation as a whole. Remember how God was willing to spare the city of Sodom if he found just ten righteous men (Gen 18)? God is righteous, but he is also compassionate.

As you look around the world today, it might feel tempting to give up and to think that there is nothing you can do to stand against the godlessness that is all around but take heart! God is always looking around the world to find those who are faithful to him so that he can strengthen them (2 Chronicles 16:9). The righteousness and faithfulness of just a handful of believers can hold back God’s hand of judgement. You really are a light in this world – shine brightly!

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH