Deuteronomy 8:10-19

Today I'm "thinking myself empty" concerning Deuteronomy 8:10-19. One of the first questions that occurred to me is, is this passage applicable to us today? And if so, in what way?

That may seem like a strange question concerning a passage from the Bible but it is actually very important when seeking to understand and apply the Old Testament. This passage records Moses charging the Israelites to follow the LORD after they enter the promised land and settle down. So the dilemma concerning how to apply this text arises from several simple facts:

1. None of us are Israelites.
2. None of us live in the Promised Land.
3. The covenant referred to in this passage is not the covenant that God made with our ancestors.

So how are we to apply and understand this and other passages like it? Hopefully, I'll come up with some good answers by Sunday!

Passage for Sunday November 26

Yesterday we looked at Psalm 107 and the theme of Thanksgiving. I hope and pray each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

This coming Sunday, we will again consider the theme of Thanksgiving but from a very different angle. Here's the passage:

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 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. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 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. 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. 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. You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 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. 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.
Deuteronomy 8:10-19 (Today's New International Version)

I encourage you to read this passage daily and include Deuteronomy 7 as well.

Grace and peace,
Steve