“and you will … [be] powerless to lift a hand.” Deuteronomy 28:32 (NIV)
We’ve spent a lot of time looking at the First Step; “We admitted we were powerless over our dependencies and that our lives had become unmanageable.” This passage in Deuteronomy, I believe, is the first one in Scripture to be so pointed and direct about First Step issues. Deuteronomy 28 is that legendary section of the Bible that lists the famous “Blessing and Curses.” If you haven’t read them for a while, it would be a good review. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2028&version=NIV) After a cursory reading, it would seem that powerlessness comes from disobedience to the Law. Gee, what a surprise!! In Paul’s dissertation on grace, he asks, “shall we sin (violate the law) so grace shall abound?” He responds with a definite “God forbid.” Do you think he knew about the powerlessness that follows disobedience? I would certainly think so. So then it seems that all our troubles come from disobedience and rebellion after all. In spite of God’s grace and goodness, consequences follow bad behavior. Or is it because of God’s grace that consequences follow bad behavior? You be the judge.
In Service to God and Country,
Chaplain Pete
