Deuteronomy 12: Why all the repetition?

“When you drive out the nations that live there, you must destroy all the places where they worship their gods—high on the mountains, up on the hills, and under every green tree. Break down their altars and smash their sacred pillars. Burn their Asherah poles and cut down their carved idols. Completely erase the names of their gods! You must not worship the Lord your God the way the other nations worship their gods, for they perform for their gods every detestable act that the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters as sacrifices to their gods.” — Deuteronomy 12:2-3, 31 NLT

Yesterday was proof that reading the Word daily gives us manna and sustenance to get through

the day. Even today, as I read, I’m reminded that life’s disturbances don’t have to throw me into turmoil. If I just pause, pray, and wait, enough truth will be revealed—I will see the Lord’s hand in it. Sometimes I don't even recognize myself, but I know it’s the daily building of my foundation in the Word that is shaping who I’m becoming.

I think this might be the fourth or fifth chapter in a row where we hear the Lord say to completely destroy everyone and everything associated with idol worship in the land they were conquering. Either this is a Ferris Bueller movie, or the Lord is repeating Himself for a reason. He’s putting in the effort to really get it through our thick skulls how easily we are influenced by others—and how much caution we need to have. When I find myself picking up on all the repetition it's definitely a cue for me. Why would He repeat this over and over? WE must be strangely susceptible to the influence of others.

Lord, help me be the influencer. Help me be so bold that my relationship with You illuminates a different path for others—whether they don’t know You, are searching for You, or simply need a reminder of Your presence. Lord, use me.