I confess that I prefer my morning Bible reading to be a few verses. This is not because of time constraints, but because I find it easier to concentrate and appreciate what I read.
This month I was confronted with the opposite of my preference as the readings were from the book of Deuteronomy with the first chapter having 46 verses. Subsequent chapters are quite long, but despite my preference, I have found the readings interesting and informative even though I considered that I was quite familiar with this book.
Moses spends the early chapters (that I have read so far) reminding the Israelites of the nation’s history, including past mistakes and sins and times when they expressed a wish to be back in slavery in Egypt.
In chapter 7 verses 7 and 8, the listeners are reminded that “The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you – etc.” The next chapter warned against thinking that all the nation had achieved was because of what the people had done, verse 17, rather as history reveals, that it was only because of God’s love.
I found those two passages very challenging. It is good to be reminded that our position as Christians is because “God so loved the world that He gave” and “The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me”. But I was also reminded of how easy it is to consider that decisions I made in the past have resulted in blessings I am now benefitting from.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the love you have bestowed on us, for the many blessings we have received and for the promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us. AMEN.