Years ago, I had a favourite black velvet pant suit. I wore it everywhere and any time the occasion called for it. It was very well made, and it stood up remarkably to all the wash and wear. But alas, it finally began to fade, and I reluctantly parted company with it.

In today's verse, Moses is indicating the fact that the Israelites' clothes didn't wear out in the wilderness as a result of their obedience to the Lord. In this chapter, God is making a covenant with the Israelites. He outlines in great detail how He wants them to obey and serve Him, with the successful results if they do and the disastrous results if they don't. In the next chapter, God continues:

Deuteronomy 30:11-12,14 – This commandment I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it too remote. It is not in heaven, as though one must say, "Who will go up to heaven to get it for us and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" For the thing is very near you — it is in your mouth and in your mind so that you can do it. (NET)

God is telling us that living this life in obedience to Him is so doable and so near that all that we need do is choose it and determine with our minds and hearts to live it. He wants us to live this life in Him — fully, joyfully, successfully, and without end, even when this part of our journey is done.

I am reminded here of how many things in this life wear out and have no eternal value. We are reminded of this every time we have to replace an appliance or a vehicle. They last for a long time, but never do we think that they won't wear out.

Isaiah 40:28 – Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an eternal God, the Creator of the whole earth. He does not get tired or weary; there is no limit to his wisdom. (NET)

My pant suit wore out. That's this life. However, God's Word and ways never wear out or end. He is truly worth all our trust and obedience!

Prayer: Father, help us to place complete trust in You. You don't change or give up on us … ever! We don't wear You out. You are everlastingly with us, and that's just plain awesome! Amen.

The psalmist is speaking of two lovely things in life which most of us enjoy: gold and honey.

When gold is cleaned and polished, it shines. It sparkles. It's captivating. Most of us enjoy wearing jewellery made of it and displaying it at times.

Honey is delicious. It's sweet and smooth. It's easy to digest and comes now in so many different flavours.

Although we may enjoy these things a great deal, Jesus wants to bring our attention to something that we should enjoy more, something to be desired more. Some folks spend a lot of time seeking gold or things in life that they desire as much as gold. We can spend a lot of time and money trying to satisfy all our physical appetites and yet still be hungry after all.

Jesus teaches us that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21 KJV). What do we treasure in this life? Riches? Fame? Status? Or the statutes of the Lord? These are more to be desired, God says, if we choose to love Him above all else.

Psalm 19:9 – The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (KJV)

God's Word teaches us that no matter how enticing or beautiful the things of this world may be, or how delicious and delightful that satisfying all our appetites can be, if we are wise, we are to desire — even more than gold and honey — His Word, His truth, and His righteousness.

I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold.
I'd rather be His than have riches untold. …
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
       – Rhea F. Miller

Prayer: Lord, help us to desire You above all and more than anything this world can offer. Amen.