From The Mountaintops: Devotions From Time Of GraceSample

Mt. Gerizim

In some of his very last words to the Israelites, Moses gave instructions for a powerful religious drama he would not be alive to see. Six tribes were to ascend the slopes of Mt. Ebal. The other six tribes--Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph (i.e., Ephraim and Manasseh), and Benjamin--were to ascend Ebal’s twin. Mt. Gerizim rose 2,849 feet to the south of the city of Shechem. As the Levites shouted God’s curses on sinful behavior, others from Mt. Gerizim would answer antiphonally with God’s blessings on obedient behaviors.

The Lord takes no pleasure in administering punishment. How eager he is to open up the faucet of heaven and pour out prosperity on believers: “All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. . . . The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. . . . If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never the bottom” (Deuteronomy 28:2,3,8,13).

That stirring instruction in holy living would have made a powerful impression on all, especially the children. Truly when Israel gave God its obedience, there was no limit to his generosity. At King Solomon’s time, there was so much gold in circulation that silver was considered of little value.

Say it with me: “Lord, I love to do your will.”