As history unfolds, so too does the biblical narrative. The colors have been wonderful and vibrant at times, and at other times they have been sullen and grey. The change has always been because of sin–the degradation of mankind into choosing his or her own way. Humanity writes for themselves their own path, and it ultimately leads them to destruction. See also the last 20 centuries after Christ. No matter the man or the woman, there will always be the spiral down toward one’s own end. Nevertheless, God is a God of redemption, of reconciliation, and of hope. No man or woman ever has to ever live without hope. God always provides a way where there is otherwise no way. And so it is with Israel–God’s ancient people–as they prepare to march to their promised land. They were previously instructed to listen and to love the Lord their God, and now they are given a reminder that has profound impact for us today…
“Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord…”
Deuteronomy 6:10-12a
God’s ways are not our ways, and His means are not our means. The people of God were about to be given cities, houses full of good things, hewn cisterns, vineyards, and olive trees. The point here is that God is their provider and their sustainer, because He made promises to their ancestors. Their work to achieve this abundance was not in their own way, but in God’s way. In other words, God was giving them all they were about to possess, so that they will always remember and honor the Lord. And this is yet another reason why Christ had to die.
Why?
Because they didn’t remember the Lord. And we don’t either.
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- How do you view your material possessions? How do you view your relationships? How do you view your family? How do you view your job? How do you view your position at your job? How do you view your dreams for the future?
- Do you live with the mentality that everything is a gift?
- How is it even possible to live this way?
A life before following Christ is a life lived for one’s own self. It’s getting as many toys as you can have, enjoying as much pleasure as possible, and striving to grab as much power as you can–now. The problem with that scenario is that you can’t take anything with you after you die. And so, your life in that case is a blip, a vapor, or a pop that goes off and then is forgotten forever.
On the other hand a life lived as a follower of Christ is given instant purpose, instant meaning, and deliberate opportunities now, as well as the promise that your life will echo into the future. Every possession is a gift, every relationship is a privilege, and every ounce of pleasure and power is viewed as a conduit or blessing of God’s character. In other words, the Christian’s purpose is the same as the people of God’s purpose has always been; that is to say, the Christian and every people group of God is to live as conduits of God’s character always remembering that everything they enjoy is a gift from God.
But, there’s a problem. We forget. Just like the Israelites of old. We too get busy, distracted, and tunnel-visioned. Enter Christ. He didn’t get distracted, He didn’t lose focus, and He remained the perfect conduit of God’s character offering His life for ours. He died so that we would live. The follower of Christ simply looks to His life, death, and resurrection as the only way to a right relationship with God. It’s a simple transfer of trust from one’s own life to the life of Christ. And that’s the greatest gift that could ever be received. Many call it grace. The point is the same, God gave Himself so that we would have Him forever. We simply believe and in faith receive this gift. In so doing, we’re changed, we’re given a new heart, and we’re able to live fully as God’s conduits always remembering He is our Provider. And when we fail–which we will–He has made a way for reconciliation. Confess (agree with God) and repent (turn away) in faith. The walk of the Christian–confession and repentance in faith, and remembering that they are the recipients of the greatest gift offered to humanity–God’s Son.
Will you remember God as your Provider this week? Will I? May it be so. Amen and Amen.
— July 6, 2018