[Daily Devotion] March 14th, 2018

In these verses (Deut. 8-10), Moses is reminding the people of their history as they wandered so long after their escape from Egypt that this current generation may only know the story and not actually have experienced the hardships. Having a life of prosperity in Canaan is dependent upon their obedience to God’s laws. Moses reminds the people that their success in ousting the Anakites was more God’s response to the wickedness of those people rather than the superior military force of the Israelites. It is easy for all of us to take credit for something that really is evidence of God’s power in our life.

Moses reminds the people that they may be God’s special people due to the covenant relationship they hold with Him rather than their own “goodness”. The Israelites are no better than any other group of people. While Moses was on the mountain receiving the 10 commandments, they forgot their special relationship and created the golden calf. What set the Israelites apart was their understanding that God moves within their history and may use nature, but was more than a natural power. Polytheism was prevalent at that time, but the Mosaic faith focused on the close relationship between God and His people. The covenant relationship undergirded the Israelite community.

The Israelite people seemed to have a short memory the same as we do at times. They had to constantly be reminded of the covenant and that obedience was the way to a fruitful life—physically, emotionally and spiritually. When we obey, then we will experience the peace that comes in living in right alignment with God’s laws. Our lives often mirror that of the Hebrew people in their cycles of being near and far from God’s design for their lives. However, God clearly tells us in the key verse above how to live. It is up to us to listen and follow.

Lord, you offer us an abundant life when lived within the parameters that you set for us. Help us to have the strength to follow your word and the wisdom to discern your guidance for our lives. We see your hand in our own history and desire to live as the men and women you created us to be. In Jesus Christ. Amen.