Do Not Put The LORD
Your God To The Test
When the LORD your God has brought you
into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to
Jacob, to give you – a land with fine, large cities that you did not build,
houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that
you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant – and when
you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the LORD, who
brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. The LORD
your God you shall fear; him you shall serve, and by his name alone you shall
swear. Do not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who are all
around you, because the LORD your God, who is present with you, is a jealous
God. The anger of the LORD your God would be kindled against you and he would
destroy you from the face of the earth.
Do not put the LORD your God to the
test, as you tested him at Massah. You must
diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his decrees, and his
statutes that he has commanded you. Do what is right and good in the sight of
the LORD, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may go in and occupy
the good land that the LORD swore to your ancestors to give you, thrusting out
all your enemies from before you, as the LORD has promised.
Life looks rosy to many people. Their
work is fulfilling. Their home does not need repair. The bank account shows a
surplus. Family members are enjoying good health. Friends are loyal. Good times
can also be dangerous. The comforts and pleasures of this world can become so
important that we give God little or no place in our thoughts. Prosperity can
quickly lead to complacency. God knew this would happen to His people when they
entered the Promised Land. So He warned them not to forget the source of their
blessings. Be careful not to forget the LORD – especially when all looks
bright! Prosperity may be a greater test of character than poverty.
Our Daily
Bread – November 2, 2006