By Allen J. Huth, President of the Ezra Project |
In Deuteronomy chapter 8, we are reminded to remember the Lord our God. Good times and human success cause forgetfulness about God. We like to take credit for our success without much regard for God, the Creator of our very selves, and all things seen and unseen. God gives us reminders to remember where our success comes from.
God tests us with success to know what is in our hearts, to see our level of obedience, to uncover our ability to give thanks to whom thanks is due. Testing, or discipline, remind us to live by His Word. “. . . (A)s a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you” (v.5).
God warns us not to forget Him in the good times. He wants us to remember how we got to the good times. God gives you power to create wealth. We think we create our own wealth and we forget God. We will soon pay the same price the nation of Israel paid in the days of Moses. We will perish as people and as a nation if we forget God and serve ourselves, or idols. God is testing the USA and the world. It is starting to happen. How will we respond individually and as nations?
Deuteronomy 8 is about remembering. It’s about not forgetting how we got where we are:
Yes, Deuteronomy 8 is a reminder to remember. Remember what? “The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers” (v. 1). We are to remember Him and His commandments:
“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you . . .”. (v.2). We are to remember God is the One leading us.
“And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna . . .”. (v. 3). We are to remember He is the One that feeds us.
Verse 3 continues, “. . . that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” We are to remember we don t live physically, we live spiritually.
“Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today”. (v.11). We are to remember God’s commandments, His rules, and His statutes. And we are to remember to keep them.
Verses 12-14 continues, “lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied,then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God . . .”.
We are to remember God’s blessings in our lives.
“Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth . . .”. (vs.17-18).We are to remember it is not by our hand that we succeed, but it is only by the hand of God.
“And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.” (v.19). We are to remember to worship God and God alone.
God reminds us in Deuteronomy 8 to remember where the good times came from, and where they may go, if we forget to remember.
PRAYER
Father, we thank You for the reminders of what we are to remember. May we never forget You are the One that leads us. You are the One that feeds us. You are the One that guides and directs our steps. You are the One that gives us provision, success, prosperity. And You are the One that wants our allegiance.
May we respond from Deuteronomy 8, by taking a moment to remember, remember all the blessings You have given us personally, and as a nation. Holy Spirit, remind us today of all Your blessings in our lives. Thank You for the reminder to remember. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Bible is more than just a book—it’s a source of guidance, comfort, and inspiration. Whether you’re new to the Bible or seeking to grow in your faith, our resources, videos, and blogs will help you connect with its message in meaningful ways. Take the first step in exploring God’s Word and transform your life today.
