Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

“The Past is no more, and the future is yet to come; but today is a gift of God’s Grace, a moment to live fully in His presence.” – says Henri Nouwen. The start of new year gives us a chance to reflect on how life and religion connect and re-align our hearts with God’s eternal promises and divine purpose.

The New Year is an opportunity to reaffirm our pledges to our relationship with God and our ambitions. It is the time to reflect on our lives-where we are, where we have been, and where we are going-is a natural pause offered by the New Year. It’s an opportunity to assess our priorities and reorient ourselves towards what matters in our lives. The New Year is an opportunity to reaffirm our life and resolve to live in faith, obedience, and service in our relationship with God. We should reconfirm our spiritual commitments to love God completely, seek His guidance, and commit ourselves to His purposes, just as we could decide to pursue personal or professional goals. This double rejuvenation of our connection with God and our objectives-acknowledges that real success arises when we ground all of our aspirations in God’s plan. Our efforts become blessed and in line with HIs everlasting plans when we collaborate with Him.

When we ponder in and through Deuteronomy 10:12-22, we will be able to see that God calls us for a divine relationship based on obedience, respect, and love. Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “Christianity is not a spectator religion; it demands participation, partnership, and a response to God’s covenant of Grace” It means that God expects an active involvement in all our relationships with God and our personal lives. Let us look at this pericope in detail.

01. God expects: a partnership based on love and respect

“God does not want a servant out of duty but a partner out of love, walking in harmony with His will and purpose.” Says Dallas Willard. We are reminded as we begin the new year that God wants more from us than just obedience; He calls us into a loving relationship based on respect for one another and a dedication to His kingdom.

When we look at v.12-13 very closely we would be able to see that God asks us to love Him, serve Him with all our hearts and souls, live in HIs ways and fear Him. This is a partnership based on love and respect rather than slavery. Thus, the new year provides an opportunity to dedicate ourselves to spiritual practices that increase our respect for God. A W Tozer is of the opinion that “The heart of worship is surrender. We cannot partner with God while holding onto our own will.”

02. God expects: acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty

Recognising God’s supreme control over all facets of life and submitting our plans to HIs flawless will are essential components of acknowledging his sovereignty. Let’s resolve to trust His wisdom this year, knowing that His methods are always good and His purposes are always greater.” A W Tozer says, “The sovereignty of God is not just a doctrine to believe but a reality to live by, surrendering our lives to His perfect and unfailing plan.

In V14-15 we read that even though God owns the planet and the skies, He nonetheless chooses a people for Himself. This serves to remind us of His grace as well as His sovereignty. To be a partner, we must acknowledge God’s sovereignty and match our goals with God’s goals. John Calvin adds with this idea, “The earth is the Lord’s , not just in title but in essence. Stewardship is the way we partner with Him in His dominion.”

03. God expects: A Circumcised Heart

V16 says, in the absence of an internal reform, the external covenantal sign is inadequate. Circumcision of the heart represents a life free from stubbornness and fully committed to God. Let’s examine the areas in our lives where we struggle and give them to God. Charles Spurgeon inspires us in this respect, “A heart untouched by God cannot truly fulfil HIs purpose. Conversion begins within, where God’s Sprit mould the soul.”

04. God expects: kindness and justice in all our dealings

V17-18 says, God is all-powerful and all-just, without favouritism. He does, however, have compassion and stand up for the weak. To be a partner with God means to live out HIs kindness and justice in all our dealings. N T Wright gives an insight “To love God is to love what He loves. Justice for the oppressed, care for the vulnerable, and hope for the hopeless.”

05 God expects; A committed relationship

V19-22 says that we are called to be faithful partners by God, who has been faithful. This entails walking in obedience and loving strangers and to Commit to acting in a way that reflects God’s justice and love this New Year. As John Wesley says, “Commitment to God is not a one-time act but a daily covenant renewed through faith , service, and praise.” As we begin this new year, let’s listen to God’s call for a committed relationship. Let’s reaffirm our agreement with Him to following in His ways, love as He loves, and serve as He serves.

Prayerfully

Alexachen