Do you feel lucky? ∙∙

Do you feel lucky? ∙∙

Look! I have set before you today life and prosperity on the one hand and death and disaster on the other.- Deuteronomy 30:15

Deuteronomy 30:15-19

 15 Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.
16 For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
17 But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods,
18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
19 Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

Released in 1971, the film “Dirty Harry” achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. Its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance was so profound that the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2012. This iconic movie not only left a lasting impact but also pioneered a new genre of police film.

Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Inspector Dirty Harry Callahan, working in the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), is a masterclass in building tension. As Dirty   Harry confronts the robbers during a bank robbery, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats. The scene reaches its peak when the third robber surrenders, intimidated by Dirty Harry’s memorable ultimatum:

“I know what you’re thinking: ‘Did he fire six shots or only five?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kind of lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’

Well, do you, punk?’”

Every day, we are faced with a myriad of decisions, each shaping the tapestry of our lives in subtle or profound ways. These choices can be as trivial as deciding whether to wear a blue or red shirt or as impactful as determining how we allocate our free time. We might choose to immerse ourselves in a captivating book, binge-watch the latest TV series, or engage in physical exercise.

The media we consume also represents a significant aspect of our daily choices. Whether we absorb news from digital platforms, listen to podcasts, or scroll through social media, these decisions influence our perspectives and inform our understanding of the world around us. Additionally, our dietary preferences—be it opting for a quick snack, preparing a home-cooked meal, or dining out at a favorite restaurant—not only reflect our individual tastes but also impact our health and lifestyle.

At the core of these decisions is the inherent freedom we possess to make choices that align with our personal values and desires. While some options, such as selecting an outfit, may seem inconsequential, others hold greater weight and contribute significantly to our overall quality of life and sense of fulfillment. At the same time, some are momentous and life-changing with eternal consequences.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But not everyone has a right to their own Truth (Lutzer).

Ultimately, from the Father’s perspective, choices are black or white, good or evil, wise or foolish.

REFLECT & PRAY

“We almost always have choices, and the better the choice, the more we will be in control of our lives” (William Glasser).

Father, in my lifetime, I have made so many poor choices. Thank You that You are my counselor. Encourage me to make better choices, the right choices, and the best possible choices.

INSIGHT

In the Ancient Near East, during the time of Moses, when treaties were made and contracts were made, people invoked witnesses to their ratification. Often, the witnesses were their gods. This practice persists in the modern American justice system, where individuals are asked to “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”

In the Book of Deuteronomy, we see a profound moment where the Father stands as a partner in the Mosaic Covenant. In this sacred pact, He is bound by His own divine authority, for there exists no higher power to invoke as a witness. Consequently, the Father calls heaven and earth to serve as His witnesses.

Pause for a moment and reflect on the fact that our outcomes are determined by the choices we make. How can we achieve our desires when we feel dissatisfied and frustrated with our current situation? Recognizing that achieving our true desires involves making better choices is essential.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

The smart move is to gather as much helpful information as possible. We have access to the revealed truth of the Word of God. Seeking knowledgeable and wise counselors can empower us to make well-informed decisions, leading to the best possible outcomes.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 12:15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

In His image, the Father created us, endowing us with minds to think, hearts to feel, and a will to make choices. The Father urges us to make righteous decisions. We are not mere robots; instead, we can hear God’s Word, learn God’s will, and decide to obey or disobey (Wiersbe).

Making decisions, in itself, is not a difficult task, but making the correct choices is an entirely different matter. What are the consequences of our actions?

The Father has presented the most crucial choices in clear and straightforward terms, making them easy to comprehend. Life and goodness lie on one side, while death and evil loom on the other. Who really wants to choose death? Perhaps only the desperate, the despondent, and the depressed might consider such a choice.

Just to be clear, what are the choices? Choosing to love and obey the Father leads to life and goodness while rejecting the Father results in death and evil.

Do you feel lucky?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 6-2-1

© Dr. H 2024