As a certified Transformational Coach, I have learned that one of the fundamental habits is to show up fully present—giving your full attention. God chose Moses to lead his chosen people Israel. The first five books of the Bible1 gives an account of God’s covenant; the rescue of the Jews from slavery; his laws and statutes; God’s discipline through the wilderness due to unbelief; and the retelling by Moses of the teachings and events of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Moses commands obedience, “And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, . . .2 “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children . . .”3 Hear O Israel: The LORD Our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.4 It requires intentionality to actively listen, to lean in, to be void of distraction and be able to focus your attention.
To receive God’s words you have to seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures.5 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?6 Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children . . .7 And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and rules, that you might do them in the land that you are going over to possess.8
You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.9 The danger is that we tend to fear man rather than God; we mellow down truth and adapt to the norm or mores. But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong because you know neither the Scripture [Truth] nor the power of God [Spirit].10
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus encourages him to keep the commandments. The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. . . .11 Anything that hinders us from following Jesus will be demanded from us. For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.12
On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hand on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.14
Notes:
1. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
2. Deuteronomy 4:1
3. Deuteronomy 4:9
4. Deuteronomy 6:4
5. Proverbs 2:4
6. Deuteronomy 4:6-7
7. Deuteronomy 4:9
8. Deuteronomy 4:14
9. Deuteronomy 4:2
10. Matthew 22:29
11. Matthew 19:16-26
12. Deuteronomy 4:24
13. Psalm 22:10
14. Matthew 19:13-15
