‘You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised.” (Deuteronomy 26:17-19)
When my people declare that they will walk in obedience and keep my ways, they are declaring that they are determined to listen to me. It is impossible to walk in obedience if you are not also regularly listening to my voice in my word and my voice in your heart. When my people declare that they will listen, then I declare that you are truly my people and my treasured possession. When my people declare that they will listen, I will set them in a place of praise, fame, and honor; a people holy to me. That special place cannot be inherited nor can it be earned; it is only achieved through a willingness to listen and then walk with obedience. I move those willing to listen to a place high above other nations, not to rule over those nations, but to be a clear example of the kind of relationship I long to have with humankind. Declare today that you will listen to me, and I will declare that you are my treasured possession, lifted up for the world to see.
— March 10, 2021