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Deuteronomy 29 (ESV)
The Covenant Renewed in Moab
1 These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb.
2 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 3 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. 4 But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. 5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet. 6 You have not eaten bread, and you have not drunk wine or strong drink, that you may know that I am the Lord your God. 7 And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them. 8 We took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites. 9 Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.
REFLECTION:
Israelite’s relationship with God was initiated by saving acts. When the people were helpless, slaves in a foreign land, God performed “miraculous signs and great wonders” to free them. The most powerful motive the Israelites can have to commit themselves to God is to remember what He has already done for them.
It’s the same with us. God doesn’t ask for blind faith or commitment to the unknown. The God who calls for our commitment has acted in Jesus to save us from the power and the penalty of sin. We know His love through Jesus’ death for us, and His power through Jesus’ resurrection. Is it really safe to commit ourselves completely to God? In view of all he has done for us, we can answer with full assurance – yes!
What memories help keep me faithful to God? How are they like Israel’s memories? What are preventing me to follow God? What are my reluctance and concern? Place these cares and my memories of God together, wait for God’s speaking to me. Ask for God’s help so that I may follow God whole-heartedly.
