And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them.” (Deuteronomy 5:1)

Again and again, Moses exhorted Israel to “hear” the commands, “learn” them and then “do” them. Perhaps he felt the need to reiterate this multiple times because most of the people he was speaking to had not been present to hear the voice of God at Mount Sinai. Had they been there, it is likely that the overwhelming impact the experience would have made upon them would still be lingering in their hearts and minds. Then there is this — as God’s children, we have to be reminded of things over and over.

Have you ever said to your children or grandchildren, “How many times do I have to tell this to you?” Even when they are older, more schooled and experienced, maybe even into their early adulthood, we still have to remind them of the most basic and fundamental things. The point is that people haven’t really changed over the millennia that have passed since Moses spoke to Israel — we’re still hard of hearing and slow to learn. Thus it is necessary to be told, again and again, those principles that are important if we hope to live an abundant life.

If we are to do what God wills for our life, we must know what it is. In other words, knowledge is needed before someone can perform something expected of them. Furthermore, in order to learn we must be able to hear, and not just in the physical sense, but have the willingness to perceive the intent of what is being taught. Even if all those components are in place, knowledge alone is insufficient to bring about the desired result; understanding and wisdom is required. It is one thing to know what God said; it is another to understand what He meant when He said it.

According to Paul, that kind of understanding comes only by the Spirit of God who guides us into all truth. As we continue in life, we must have ability to apply what we have learned to our everyday life — that is where wisdom comes in. It is imperative that all of us, as we walk out our faith in this world, know the Word of God, understand its principles and concepts and then wisely apply those principles to our lives. If we do this, the Father will be well pleased and others — especially our descendants — will benefit greatly.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

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