Lessons from history

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, Deuteronomy 10.17.

Moses was reminding the Israelites of their history. God did not favor the Israelites because they were the most numerous nation in existence. Actually, they were the least numerous of all. God brought them out of Egypt because of his love for them and his faithfulness to the promise he had vowed to their ancestors. God had promised their ancestors that if they would obey him, he would love and bless them. Indeed, they would be blessed beyond all peoples, Deuteronomy 7.14.

Moses reminded them of the provisions that God provided for them while they were wandering in the desert. He gave them food to eat; their clothing did not wear out; their feet did not swell. Moses told them to remember how God disciplined them, just as a parent disciplines his child, Deuteronomy 8.3-5.

Moses warned them of forgetting the Lord by not keeping his commandments. He warned them about feeling self-important and saying that their own abilities had gotten their wealth. He also advised them of what would happen if they were to worship other gods bowing before them, Deuteronomy 8.17-19.

God is faithful to those who remain faithful to him. He is not swayed by bribes. Bargaining is not an option for his followers. God alone is worthy of all adoration.

by Vicki Matheny

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