Take Care That You Do Not Forget the Lord

This meditation is based on a passage for March 14, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Deuteronomy 8:1-20

Reflection and Question: Deuteronomy Chapter 8 contrasts the experience of being in the wilderness with the experience of living in the bountiful land that God is giving to the Hebrews. In both, the people are dependent upon the Grace of God. In the wilderness, this is undeniable as God provides miracles of manna and water from rock that are required for survival. Moses warns against presuming that it is their effort alone that has provided the wealth that is theirs in the Promised Land. Thus, the central quid pro quo of Deuteronomy is clear: if you forget God, then you shall perish. What do you do to remind yourself of God’s Grace?

Prayer: Most merciful God, whether we dwell in the desert place or a prosperous land, all that sustains us comes from Your mighty Hand. Keep us always in a mind of thanks and obedience to You. Hold us in Your loving parental arms, we pray. Amen.