Good Memory, but Sometimes Short
Moses is continuing his more or less final instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land that God had promised to their forefather, Abraham.
First of all they were to remember the lessons of the past (8:1-5). God had disciplined them, humbled them, tested their faithfulness and provided for them. "Know then in your heart" writes Moses, "that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you" (8:5, NIV).
Secondly they were to obey the instructions that the Lord had given them. They were to follow the Lord and revere Him. He was giving them everything they could possibly desire: "a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing…" (8:9, NIV).
Thirdly, they were to be continually thankful to God for His blessings. The very human tendency to forget where all those blessings come from and to rely on one's one strength, ability, wisdom, and power was a constant threat. Rebellion and disobedience always followed on the heels of pride and self-reliance (8:10-18). Moses reminded the people: "…remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant…" (8:18, NIV).
Lastly, Moses utters a dire warning that if God's people forget Him and rely on themselves or other gods, they will suffer the same consequences as the nations they are about to dislodge (8:19, 20).
It's easy to give "lip service" to these principles but to live out something completely different.
Our trust is often misplaced.
In our personal lives, as well as in our church and community lives, Solomon's words ring eternally true: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight…My son preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life to you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, FOR THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE and will keep your foot from being snared" (Proverbs 3:5, 6, 21-26).
Time for a reality check on just exactly what, or who, we are trusting.
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