Deuteronomy 29:1-29
Sometimes, the mundane and routine activities of life can cause us to forget the spectacular and miraculous events that have been peppered throughout. This often seemed to be the case for the Israelites, usually causing them to slip into their bouts of rebellion, idol worship or laziness. This life-induced amnesia led them to become lax in their commitment to God and the covenant they had made with him.
This passage of Scripture presents the people of Israel with yet another reminder of God's miraculous and gracious provision, protection and love for them, while also calling them to renew their commitment to him. Moses gave them a refresher of all that God had done for them over the years, making note of the many wondrous things he had done which they had probably taken for granted, like wearing the same clothes and shoes for 40 years without needing to replace them. Have you ever gotten to that point? I know I have; when God has been just so good to me that I begin to feel and act like I'm entitled to his favor. Then he humbles me through some significant life event and I realize that I need to acknowledge his grace and return to my place in him.
That is what God wanted from the Israelites at this point. He wanted them to remember how they got to the point at which they were and give credit where credit was due. He wanted them to keep in mind that they were still his people and he was still their God and they should behave as such. Otherwise, they were destined to be utterly ruined - cursed by God, separated from him and his covenant in their generation and the next. In other words, when you know better, you must do better because the consequences for doing wrong when you know what's right are much greater than when you don't.
God, please forgive us when we go our own way, forsaking your will and guidance. Help us to acknowledge your ownership of our lives and honor you in word and in deed. Help us to not become haughty and self-indulgent; crediting ourselves for your works in and through us. Remind us, daily, of our covenant with you established through the blood of your son, Jesus, so that we will remain on the path you have set for us. Deliver us from the curses that come with pride and rebellion against you. Cover us with grace to faithfully serve you and praise you in every situation and condition. Help us remember to return to you the love you lavish on us constantly. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Sometimes, the mundane and routine activities of life can cause us to forget the spectacular and miraculous events that have been peppered throughout. This often seemed to be the case for the Israelites, usually causing them to slip into their bouts of rebellion, idol worship or laziness. This life-induced amnesia led them to become lax in their commitment to God and the covenant they had made with him.
This passage of Scripture presents the people of Israel with yet another reminder of God's miraculous and gracious provision, protection and love for them, while also calling them to renew their commitment to him. Moses gave them a refresher of all that God had done for them over the years, making note of the many wondrous things he had done which they had probably taken for granted, like wearing the same clothes and shoes for 40 years without needing to replace them. Have you ever gotten to that point? I know I have; when God has been just so good to me that I begin to feel and act like I'm entitled to his favor. Then he humbles me through some significant life event and I realize that I need to acknowledge his grace and return to my place in him.
That is what God wanted from the Israelites at this point. He wanted them to remember how they got to the point at which they were and give credit where credit was due. He wanted them to keep in mind that they were still his people and he was still their God and they should behave as such. Otherwise, they were destined to be utterly ruined - cursed by God, separated from him and his covenant in their generation and the next. In other words, when you know better, you must do better because the consequences for doing wrong when you know what's right are much greater than when you don't.
God, please forgive us when we go our own way, forsaking your will and guidance. Help us to acknowledge your ownership of our lives and honor you in word and in deed. Help us to not become haughty and self-indulgent; crediting ourselves for your works in and through us. Remind us, daily, of our covenant with you established through the blood of your son, Jesus, so that we will remain on the path you have set for us. Deliver us from the curses that come with pride and rebellion against you. Cover us with grace to faithfully serve you and praise you in every situation and condition. Help us remember to return to you the love you lavish on us constantly. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading! Your comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated.