The month of November heralds the quadrennial U.S. presidential election, and with it the reminder of one of our nation's great freedoms: the freedom to choose. Regardless of sex, race, social status, education level, or wealth, the citizens of the United States possess the right to vote. But with that right comes responsibility.
As citizens we are responsible to make informed decisions, to carefully weigh all our options. We must consider the outcome of a potential candidate as it effects not only our lives, but the good of the nation as a whole. When given the choice, we have to ask ourselves the critical question: Who will we choose?
This same question weighed heavily on Moses' heart as he passionately, deliberately, and tearfully delivered his farewell speech to the Israelites at the borders of the Promised Land. Would they continue following the one true God after Moses was gone? Or would they go their own way? They were free to choose, but Moses did everything in his power to help them choose well.
Like a broken record, the nation's wise, grey-headed leader repeats much of what he has already said: Love God and keep His commands (Deut. 11:1); remember what God has done for you (v. 2–7); serve Him wholeheartedly (v. 13); teach, treasure and obey God's words (v. 18–20). If the people persisted in knowing, loving, serving, and obeying God, their hearts would remain inclined toward Him. If not, they would inevitably drift.
Following the Lord is not a one-time, 'check the box and cast your ballot' type of choice. It is an active daily commitment to seek Him in His Word, draw near to Him in prayer, and pursue His will in our lives. James minces no words in saying, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (Jas. 1:22; 2:17). God wants us to choose Him actively and persistently.
Upon entering the Promised Land, Moses commanded the Israelites to publicly proclaim blessings from Mount Gerizim, and curses from Mount Ebal (Deut. 11:29). If the people chose to follow the Lord faithfully, He promised abundance and victory: "...I will send rain on your land in its season...so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied", and, "Every place where you set your foot will be yours...No man will be able to stand against you" (v. 14–15, 24–25).
But Moses also warned them of the outcome should they turn away: "...the Lord's anger will burn against you, and He will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you" (v. 17). Moses was not bribing or bullying the people of Israel. He was simply laying out the facts. He encouraged them to weigh their options. He wanted them to make an informed, wise decision.
God clearly and plainly lays the truth before us in His Word: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (Jn. 3:16). Apart from Jesus, we will perish—this is not a threat, but a fact. God's offer of eternal life stands, and the time to accept it is now! God wants us to choose Him in wisdom and in truth.
After some initial enthusiasm the Bible tells us Israel fell away from the Lord, suffering the curses of famine, disease, plague, and war. This may seem harsh, but God does not 'campaign' for our hearts with smooth talk and half-truths. Rather, He shows us the humbling truth about our sin and offers us the solution: His Son, Jesus Christ. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, emphasis added).
However, the choice to follow Jesus is by no means an easy one. It requires self-sacrifice, perseverance, and above all, courage. He told His disciples, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). Scripture tells us not to be surprised or ashamed if we suffer as Christians, but to rejoice and praise God that we bear Jesus' name (1 Pet. 4:12–16). God wants us to choose Him from a place of humility and courage.
"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse..." (Deut. 11:26). With these words Moses made it clear Israel had a choice as to whether or not they would follow the Lord. God would not force the people to choose Him, and nobody else could make the choice for them. Moses' words also reveal the undeniable truth that with God, there is no middle ground. If Israel would not follow Him, they would ultimately turn to the pagan gods of the surrounding nations (v. 16).
Salvation is not inherited, passed down or born into. It is not salvation by neutrality or default. You must make a real, personal choice to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20). Jesus desires a relationship with you, but He's not going to break down your door. You must make the choice to let Him in! God wants us to choose Him freely and willingly.
Have you truly chosen Jesus Christ, or are you coasting on the wake of someone else's choice? Have you truly weighed your options and considered the outcome, or are you choosing to turn a blind eye to your sin? Have you truly committed your life to Christ, or are you just checking the boxes? The Lord desires a willing heart; He will not force anyone to come to Him. So the question remains: Who will you choose?
Lord, in Your great love You've given Your creatures the freedom to choose You or reject You. May I not take that freedom lightly! You desire all of my heart, but You will not take it by force. Help me surrender all that I am to You—not just a portion. God, guide me in an active, persistent pursuit of Your will in my life. May I choose to say 'yes' to You daily! Let wisdom and truth guide my decisions, and help me understand the responsibility that comes with the freedom to choose. Give me courage to follow You boldly, even when trials and hardships come. Keep me humble before You, O Lord, that I might never forget my need for a Savior! In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does the active, persistent choice to follow Jesus impact your life? Are there any areas where your pursuit of His will has slipped into passivity?
- Would you describe your choice to become a Christian as well-informed? What reason would you give someone for why you believe in Jesus Christ?
- Why do you need a Savior?
- How has being a Christian grown you in courage and boldness?
- If you have not made a real, personal choice to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, would you consider praying this prayer right now? Jesus, I confess I've been trying to live life on my own terms and it's getting me nowhere. I need Your forgiveness and I am ready to give my life to You, to walk in the path You have for me. I believe You are the Son of God and I accept Your death on the cross as payment for my sins. I believe You died and rose again, and I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I want to trust and follow You, Jesus. Guide me in my new life with You! Amen.