ODJ: Remembrance

November 13, 2017 

READ: Deuteronomy 8:1-18 

Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees (v.11).

I once heard about a first-time author who came to Jesus due to the stunning success of his book. The way he saw it, God escalated the book’s accomplishment beyond the merits of his talent in order to get his attention. Humbled, the author responded by seeking God and ultimately believing in Christ. What makes this story so unusual is that success more often has the opposite effect; after initial demonstrations of gratitude, we tend to forget God in the midst of plenty.

Well aware of this tendency, Moses issued a series of God-inspired warnings to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. After reminding them of their sojourn in the wilderness and God’s provision during that time (Deuteronomy 8:1-5), Moses encouraged them to “obey the commands of the Lord . . . for [he] is bringing you into a good land . . . a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. . . . When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you” (vv.6-10).

Moses further cautioned the Israelites to “be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands. . . . When you have become full and prosperous . . . do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery” (vv.11-14). Finally, he said these words to the fledgling nation: “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful” (v.18).

Today, may we go further than lip-service platitudes of thankfulness to God. Instead, based on all He’s done for us, let’s truly determine in our hearts to worship and remember the One who gives us all we have and makes us all we are.

—Remi Oyedele

365-day-plan: Acts 23:23

MORE
Read 2 Chron. 24:1-25 to learn about Joash, the king who failed to remember and worship God. 
NEXT
How do you remember God’s acts of kindness and provision in your life? What steps can you take to avoid being in a state of forgetfulness?