Contemplative Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 4:5-8 (New International Version)

⁵ See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. ⁶ Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” ⁷ What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? ⁸ And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

God’s people were about to enter the Promised Land. God had given them (and repeated to them) the laws he wanted them to obey.

Look at one of the promises of obedience:

this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations

The nations around God’s people will notice the laws that God’s people observe. And once the nations observe, they will say:

Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

God’s laws – here the old covenant – are excellent laws about diet, nutrition, agriculture, business, government, justice, and all the other things that make a nation and a culture. The nations – those people who have no relationship with God – can plainly see the excellence.

I believe the same is true for God’s new covenant with us.

• love one another
• don’t lie, hate, cheat
• and so on

These are not burdens; they are excellent guides to a good life now and forever. The nations can plainly see this.