What Can I Do? – September 2, 2024

Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. . . 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.” Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9

What Can I Do?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God gave the nation of Israel many laws in the Old Testament. When you count them all, there are 613 laws to follow. Imagine if you went to a pool, and the sign of pool rules had over 600. That would be a big sign! And it might make you ask, what can I do at the pool? But laws from God were designed for good.

There was once a father who made his daughter’s favorite lunch: macaroni and cheese. He needed to use the stove, so he kept his daughter far away. He had a rule that she couldn’t be near the stove. Even after the stove was off, she could not go to get her favorite lunch. She had to wait. So, she asked her dad, “What can I do?” Her father told her that she can stay safe. His rule was difficult to follow, but it kept her safe.

When his daughter grew up, she made many friends in school. On the first day of class, the teacher went through all the rules. The daughter listened, but her friends did not. Later that week, there was an emergency, and only the daughter knew what to do. Her actions kept everyone safe.

In the book of Deuteronomy, God had given his people many laws, over 613. And he knew that they would ask, “What can I do?” Because the laws would feel too difficult. But God reminds them that these laws were for their good. They would keep them safe and make them stand out among the nations. More importantly, the laws would keep them focused on God.

When we read God’s commands for our lives, we might say, “What can I do?” Because we cannot keep them all. We know they keep us safe, but they are still too difficult. However, God’s laws make us look to Jesus. Jesus kept every single law in your place so that in God’s eyes, you have kept the law perfectly. What can I do? I can trust that Jesus has kept the law for me, and that is good.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for keeping us safe. Your laws are good and holy. We know that we fail to keep them, but our Savior, Jesus, has kept them in our place. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What kind of rules do your parents have for you?
• Which rules do you know, that come from God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Which rules from your parents or God are the most difficult to follow?
• Why do your parents and God give you rules?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it a comfort that Jesus kept every single law of God?
• Write out a list of rules that apply to your life.