Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8: 11-20
Psalm 41, 52 * 44
Epistle: Hebrews 2: 11-18
Gospel: John 2: 1-12
Is the blistering admonition God delivers to the Jewish people in Deuteronomy relevant to us today?
I find the parallels uncomfortably close.
I was fortunate to be born in the wealthiest country in the history of the world. Unlike my ancestors in Ireland, I face neither famine nor persecution. My basic needs are met. Everyday, I eat my fill — and usually more.
What matters now is whether I’m grateful.
Do I thank God for these blessings on a daily basis, or do I complain about what I do not have?
Do I thank God for these blessings, or do I complain about others who want to come here too?
Do I thank God for my blessings, or do I live in constant fear that others will take what is mine all mine?
God forbids the Jews to say, “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.”
God then makes clear the consequences of noncompliance—
“Like the nations that the LORD is destroying before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.”
Are we somehow exempt from this today?
Also, what does God mean by “perish”?
Fergus Tuohy
No comments:
Post a Comment