Deuteronomy_6
Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:11b-12
…when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Observation - What does it say?
Deuteronomy is a series of speeches that Moses gives to the people of Israel. And in this portion he is urging the Israelites to love God, which he makes clear is done by obeying God’s commands. And as they are careful to love and obey God, it will set them up for a great, long life in the Promised Land.
Embedded in this talk of love and obedience is a very strong warning: Once in the Promised Land and enjoying all it has to offer, be careful not to forget God and what he has done for you.
Understanding - What does it mean?
If you aren't careful, Comfort + Time = Forgetfulness.
I have been saved for 17 years. And while life hasn’t been free of struggles and challenges, it is nothing like my life before when I was dead in my sins, hopeless, angry, addicted, lonely and depressed!
As we also read in Colossians today, “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
When God encountered me, saved me, rescued me, I was filled with so much joy and love and gratitude toward God I couldn’t contain it! All I wanted to do was be with him, to please him, to worship him. Since that first day, I have found that the more emotionally in touch I am with those memories the more my heart is filled with love and gratitude toward God.
However, after 17 years, it can be a challenge to remain in touch with what life was like before God rescued me. Without being intentional to frequently relive those experiences their memory grows stale and faded and, along with it, my love and gratitude toward God.
Life Application
Be careful not to forget all God has done for me!
The best way to do this is to retell my story. Tell others my story, recount it alone before God and give thanks, write it down to re-read later.
