Deuteronomy 28

“Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field…” (v3).  God’s first covenant with Israel said that He chose them as His people and rescued them from Egypt, and if they would obey His voice, their lives would be full of blessing.  If they disobeyed, terrible consequences would follow – “afflictions severe and lasting” (v59).  Israel was supposed to demonstrate God’s reality to the world and shine the light of His goodness to others.

“And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity” (v11).  Serving God does not mean that our lives are trouble-free, but the truth is that walking with Him leads to real prosperity: peace, satisfaction, and joy worth far more than gold.