Young People's Group

“OH THAT THEY HAVE SUCH A HEART”

by Pastor Mitch
May 16, 2010

The Kind Of Heart That Pleases God

True obedience is never just about the act of keeping God’s word. It is the kind of heart that goes with it that really matters. In the text of Deuteronomy 5, when the people of Israel were at Mt Sinai, they stood in awe of God when He spoke to them out of Mt Sinai. Out of the great fire, cloud, and thick darkness on the mountain, God spoke to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments. The Israelites saw the great glory and greatness of God and it was a most frightening experience for them. So much so that they asked Moses to hear what God had to say to them, relay to them His word, and they will do it. This was one of those few moments that God was glad that the people of Israel had a right heart before Him. They had responded to Him with a heart that pleased Him. What is this kind of heart that God is looking for?

1. A Heart That Would Consistently Fear Him

“Oh that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments” 
Deuteronomy 5:29

It was God’s desire and wish that the people of Israel would have a heart that would revere Him and obey His commandments always. The Lord knew that it was not going to be easy for the people of Israel to unswervingly keep His word. His desire was for them to constantly stand in awe of Him and to tremble at His word. Young people, let’s also seek to have a heart that would humble ourselves before a great God and to fear Him and His word always.

2. A Heart That Is Focused On Doing His Word

“Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord God has commanded” 
Deuteronomy 5:32-33

The Lord also spoke to the people of Israel to take heed and to obey all the commandments that God had given them. Their hearts should not be distracted by the things of life. They were to focus on practising the word of God with all their heart. They were meant to cultivate hearts that would seek to walk in the ways of the Lord always. Let’s also be challenged to have hearts that are focused on keeping His word.

The Blessings Of God On Those Who Have Such A Heart

“That you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” 
Deuteronomy 5:33

When we keep the commandments of God, we will experience quality (and quantity) of life. The Lord will bless us with the privilege of living in His mercies. We will live our lives well. There will be His goodness in all that we do. Young people, there is the promise of God’s blessing on our life from His word. Our part is to exercise faith in doing His word that it may be well with us always.

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