Reading: Deuteronomy
26:1-11
Sometimes we find that when the circumstances of our
lives are comfortable and pleasant we forget God and his blessings. It seems to
be part of our sinful nature to feel that we deserve a good, easy, plentiful
life.
When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness God
provided for them every day. He gave them manna to eat – a mysterious bread
from heaven that formed like dew on the ground. He provided quail. When there
were not natural sources of water, he delivered it supernaturally for them.
Their clothes and shoes did not wear out. They had everything they needed.
In Deuteronomy, however, they were about to enter into
the Promised Land. God would still provide for Israel, but it would be through
the fruit of the land, the turning of the seasons, the growing and gathering of
crops, and other blessings that are easy to consider the normal way of things.
To help them remember God’s provision in the normal way of things – because he
is the one who causes crops to grow, seasons to turn, and fruit to ripen – God instituted
the giving of firstfruits and tithes. A portion was returned to the Lord in
gratitude and recognition of God’s blessings. This exercise helps us put
ourselves into God’s hands and to entrust him with our future. We know God has
given to us generously out of his love for us, so we return part of his
generous gifts to him and trust that he will continue to bless and provide for
us.
This is part of what the devil was trying to get Jesus to
doubt when he tempted him in the wilderness. It is something he tries to get us
to doubt, too. He tries to get us to forget the good blessings and provision
God has poured out on us, and he tries to make us doubt that God will ever
provide anything good to us again. Indeed, the devil want us to wonder if God
is even good.
Thanks be to God that Jesus overcame the devil by the
Word of God, and we, too, have been given that Word that assures us that our
God provides for us because he loves us.
What good thing in your life do you struggle to see as a
blessing from God? When do you feel tempted to think that you must provide for
yourself because you fear that God will not provide for you?
Father in Heaven,
you provided the Israelites with a good land, good fruit, and many rich
blessings, and then you asked them to return a portion to you from those
blessings. Thank you for the good blessing you have given to us, especially the
salvation you have provided for us in Jesus, but also the many many earthly
blessings we enjoy. Forgive us for not recognizing you as the giver of all
things. Forgive us for doubting that you can and will provide for us. Help us
to see the many ways you have blessed us in the past, and let that recognition
sink in so that we are moved to gratitude, generosity, and faithfulness. In
Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Comments