The themes covered in today's chapter have already been addressed several times in Deuteronomy. Here they are condensed into lists of blessings and curses. The list of blessings starts and ends with affirmations that the blessings are only for those who obey all God's commands (Deuteronomy 28:1, 13-14; see also vv. 2, 9). But the sad truth is that all of us have areas in our lives where we are not fully obedient to God. This passage should cause us to ask whether we are forfeiting God's blessing through our disobedience in some area.

The blessings listed here cover national life, family life, and personal life. They include fruitfulness (vv. 4, 8, 11-12), productivity (v. 5), victory in war (v. 7), belonging to God (v. 9), economic prosperity (v. 12), being honoured and feared (vv. 1, 10, 13), and what is comprehensively included under the word ″blessing″ (vv. 2-3, 6, 8).

Advocates of ″prosperity theology″ take the verse, ″The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity″ (v. 11), and others like it, to claim that believers should expect physical and material prosperity on earth. And, indeed, there are numerous examples today of people who have experienced material and other blessings because of their obedience to God.

But we must remember that these promises were given to a nation under the old covenant (not primarily to individuals). While the principle of prosperity for the obedient is applied in some passages to individuals under the new covenant, other passages show that the path to prosperity may sometimes be through deprivation and suffering. We see this with individuals under the old covenant, too (see Psalm 73, and the books of Job and Habakkuk). In these examples, people who fear God and live by His laws struggle with their apparent lack of prosperity and even wonder whether God has forsaken them.

In Christ's basic call to discipleship, He promised His followers life, vindication, and victory when He comes with His holy angels (Mark 8:35-38). Eternal prosperity is assured. However, Jesus also said that the path to this prosperity will be one of suffering and self-denial (vv. 34-35).

During the time of obedience, though we may be deprived of some material blessings, we will have an abundantly full life (John 10:10), filled with joy (15:11) and peace (Philippians 4:7). Following this, an eternal reward that surpasses all earthly prosperity awaits us. Speaking of life under the new covenant, the apostle Paul said, ″Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come″ (1 Timothy 4:8). Those who live to please God will certainly not be short-changed. They have the best of both worlds.