 • Key Ingredients • Deuteronomy Chapter 15 • Debts canceled Every Seven Years One of the key ingredients in the Book of Deuteronomy is that it reminds the Israelites not only of GOD's promises to them as HIS chosen people, but it also serves as a beautiful lesson for us today—demonstrating how faithful GOD is and what HE guarantees to do for those who are obedient and faithful to everything HE requires of us. It's interesting how that works: we are faithful and obedient to the process and to GOD’s ways, laws, and requirements—and then GOD always does His part. Now, don’t twist what I’m saying here. GOD is always faithful and fully capable of fulfilling His promises. Our lack of faithfulness or obedience does not make GOD incapable. However, our obedience and faithfulness do play a major role in whether or not we see GOD work in our lives, and in whether our prayers are answered or remain unanswered. Our obedience, faithfulness, and endurance are the key ingredients to fully experiencing the blessings of GOD. This is what Moses was reminding the people of Israel—and us today—as we read the book he penned. Therefore, it’s a good idea to read the Book of Deuteronomy to reflect on GOD’s faithfulness toward those who are obedient to HIS commands. Now, this leads me to the chapter I want to talk about—Deuteronomy chapter 15. I was awakened out of my sleep around 1:45 this morning. I sat up and, as I listened, I heard these very words: "Deuteronomy 15." Immediately, I knew I needed to read it. As I stumbled up and made my way to my reading area, I heard these next words: "It is good to remember." Of course, I knew that whatever was "good to remember" would be tied to the chapter I had just heard—Deuteronomy 15. DEUTERONOMY 15 When I got to my reading area, I flipped through the pages of Deuteronomy chapter 15 and read each subtitle:
Before I get into how the LORD was speaking to me through this chapter this morning, let me start by quoting a beautiful prayer shared by Hosiah Hope:
Debts canceled EVERY SEVEN YEARS Deuteronomy 15:1-6 reads:
“At the end… you shall grant a release of debts”: GOD is always faithful. That we can take to the bank and cash in on every single time. HIS word will never return to HIM void. In other words, GOD will accomplish the purpose behind every word HE speaks. It will do what it says—it will accomplish what HE intends, and GOD will achieve HIS desired outcome through it. Case in point: Since at least 2019, we had been praying for the release of debt in my personal situation. I was carrying a student loan that had grown too large for me to manage, and I was struggling to stay consistent with the payments. Throughout that difficult season, GOD sustained me and helped me navigate the challenge. By HIS grace, I was able to avoid going into default—until the day came when my “grant release” was fulfilled. Yes, I have witnessed firsthand the full manifestation of GOD’s promise. Let’s read verses 1 and 2 again: “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the Lord’s release.” As I said, my student loan was the only debt I had, and it was weighing heavily on me. But there is a day called ‘the Lord’s release.’ Now, notice the condition found in verse 5 that must be met in order to fully benefit from the Lord’s release of debt cancellation. Verse 5 reads: “only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today.” You must observe and obey all of GOD’s commandments. HIS guaranteed blessing of debt cancellation is tied directly into your complete obedience. You do (obey) and then GOD will do (bless and/or answer a specific prayer request). No one automatically receives the Lord’s release from debt simply because they proclaim, “I’m a Christian.” All who profess to follow Christ must live up to HIS standards, follow HIS laws, and obey HIS voice. Yes—all of them. When we are faithful to the point of meeting GOD’s standard and satisfaction, then HE can open the windows of heaven and pour out HIS grace and blessings. This past year, I personally saw GOD grant me HIS divine release--“the LORD’s release”—on my behalf. On January 29, GOD canceled my student loan, which totaled $280,484. FAVOR! But let’s be honest and clear about this: I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN GRANTED GOD’S DEBT CANCELLATION IF I HAD NOT MET HIS CONDITION STATED IN VERSE 5 OF DEUTERONOMY 15. We must meet HIS standard first, and then the blessing comes after we successfully pass through whatever process of spiritual growth GOD requires us to go through or endure. I passed HIS tests and met HIS requirements—and that qualified me to be approved for ‘the LORD’s release.’
The Book of Deuteronomy could easily be called the Book of Remembrance, because it constantly calls us to reflect on the promises GOD has made—what HE will do if we are obedient and faithful. As the Body of Christ, we should never expect GOD to bless us simply because we declare that we are Christians. It’s never that simple, and that certainly is not GOD’s way. We must follow HIS ways, obey HIS commands, and endure whatever hardships or spiritual growth processes GOD requires of us. Did you catch that? Let me simplify it so you don’t miss it: To experience GOD’s divine favor--the Lord’s release—we must:
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The word of the lordWhen the LORD God imparts a word, it is meant to teach, reprove, correct, or train His servants—the Body of Christ—so that every member may be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The LORD has appointed apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for service, mutual encouragement, and building up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Archives
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