When God brings the blessings and curses He has promised upon the people, this should not drive them to despair, but rather they should be encouraged with the hope of being restored (v1-5). This reminds us of the tremendous graciousness and patience of God. God will not turn away those who repent.

The people’s restoration would not just be about being physically being back in Israel, but also it would involve a spiritual renewal (v6). In all that would happen in the life of Israel this was surely God’s greatest desire, to see a people transformed within as their sin is cut away, so that they become genuine worshippers and lovers of God.

Do you understand that this is God’s greatest desire for you? Pray about this!

The Lord was setting before these people life and death (v15-20). The things of God, His word, His commands, His Gospel are all so serious. We should fear being casual or trivialising these things as they are a matter of eternal life and eternal death.

This is challenging because while we don’t see the statues of false gods on every street corner, there are so many false gods which seek our affections and want to lead us away from the Lord. Who or what has your heart?