Deuteronomy 8 - 10.2.26

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:6 - 20

6 Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.

Observation: 

God is asking the Israelites to “observe the command of the Lord and walk in obedience.”

The word “observe” stood out to me.  Besides the fact that I just wrote it here, I find it interesting that instead of just saying obey, God said to observe.  The word “observe” has three main meanings.  One is to notice or perceive something and register it as being significant.  The others are to watch carefully, attentively and to hold in honor as when we are observing a holiday or moment of silence..

So, when we observe the commands of the Lord, we are more likely to follow through and walk in them. When we incorporate and truly observe them, give them significance, study them, and honor them for all they do in our lives, we are honoring God our creator.

God provides for and rewards those who revere Him by bringing them into a good, beautiful land with everything they need and want.

He then warns them not to forget when they are satisfied and flourishing, that He is the one who provided all this. They used to be slaves and spent time wandering in a “vast and dreadful wilderness.” Until He delivered them.

God is the one who gives us the ability to produce wealth.

Application: 

I need to put into practice meditating and thinking on God’s commands.  

Asking:

What does each one mean?

What would obey this look like?

How would it affect others?

What steps can I take to put this into action?

What boundaries should I put in place so temptation or distraction does not hinder my obedience?

Most of all, remember I am nothing without God’s hand working through me and for me.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I could easily point my fingers at the people who in Biblical times strayed from God after all the miracles they saw first hand. However, I have your word, my own personal experience and the testimony of others declaring how wonderful and faithful you are and I stray at times. Please forgive me.  Thank you for all you’ve done to ensure my success and future.  Especially Jesus paying the price for my sins so I can be with you for eternity.  When life seems like a wilderness, help me remember how faithful you are and that this season will pass.  In times of abundance and prosperity, help me keep my eyes on you as the source of everything that is good.  Thank you for your strength, grace and mercy and that you have an excellent plan for me. Amen

- Cindy Howard