First Reading:  Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

The Authority of God

1 Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances, which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Yahweh, the God of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your God which I command you.

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who shall hear all these statutes, and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 7 For what great nation is there, that has a god so near to them, as Yahweh our God is whenever we call on him? 8 What great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

World English Bible

In the late 1970's, a popular bumper sticker read "Question Authority." Authority is the source of rules for daily living and social conduct. The bumper sticker fails to address number of different authorities we have in the new millennium. Which one(s) do we question, much less follow?

The Israelites had the same problem. With many different clans and cities, each with their own god, there were many temptations and many choices. Toward the end of his life, Moses reminds the people why they followed God. He was unique! The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worked in the lives of the people. Unlike foreign gods of nature who were distant, Israel's God was close; he heard his people and answered! [1,7]

As their God was unique, so was his Law. The Law insisted upon high moral character and action. The Law guided the daily lives and social conduct of the people by promoting compassion and justice [8]. To insure justice, the people were to keep the entire Law and not pick and choose based upon convenience [2].

Ultimately, the honor of the people was not going to be based upon their acts, but upon the gift of God's Law (6-7). The honor of the people reflected the justice of their Law, which, in turn, reflected the goodness of their God.

With many authorities vying for our attention, the test of authority is the results its rules has on daily life. God has shown us the results of moral living, so his authority is proven.