The Lord desired a special relationship with the nation of Israel choosing to bless them both spiritually and physically above all other nations. One such blessing involved bringing them safely into the land of Canaan. However, many of these blessings were dependent upon Israel maintaining the right type of relationship with the Lord. He, therefore, issued several commandments for the Israelites to carefully keep (i.e., Deuteronomy chapter 11). The Lord desired for Israel to “hearken diligently” (Deuteronomy 11:13) and “diligently keep” (Deuteronomy 11:22) these commandments. He wanted His people to carefully listen when He spoke, giving God their full attention (listening to every word). He also wanted them to attentively obey what they heard. He always desired for His people to listen to and obey Him. God speaks today through the Bible. He still wants men to diligently hear and obey.
Dependability seems to be a diminishing virtue in each succeeding generation. Sealing a deal with a handshake and the saying “my word is my bond” are no longer dependable means of transacting business. Unfortunately, even God’s people are less dependable today than previous generations. The Bible describes the painful experience of dealing with unfaithful people by likening them to a broken tooth or a foot out of joint. A broken tooth exposes raw nerves and makes eating nigh impossible. A foot out of joint makes movement hopeless without assistance. The Bible warns not to place confidence in a broken tooth, a foot out of joint, or an unfaithful man. Believers should stand apart from the world in this regard by becoming more like God.
