3 Dangers in Lack & Blessing
3 Dangers
in Lack & Blessing
There are passages in Scripture that seem too good to be true. For example, in Deuteronomy 8, God describes the rich and abundant land that his people are to inherit. It is a land... in which you will lack nothing (Deut 8:7-10). The same passage also mentions the plentiful supply of water, wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olive trees, and honey; the hills are full of iron and copper.
God gives us three dangers to watch out for when we fear not having enough or when we experience his blessing:
Comfort and Excess can lift up our hearts, causing us to forget the Lord our God (Deut 8:14)
Our hearts can be tricked into prideful thinking, "My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth." (Deut 8:17)
Self-righteousness can convince us that we are worthy to be favored by God and given protection and provision (Deut 9:4).
These dangers are sandwiched between two realities that God points out to his people:
"...man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Deut 8:3.
"...you are a stubborn people. ...you provoked the Lord your God to wrath... you have been rebellious against the Lord. ...the Lord was so angry with you that he was ready to destroy you." Deut 9:6-8.
If Moses had not stood between the wrath of God and the stubborn people, they would have been wiped off the earth. Though Moses pleased the Lord, Moses could not ultimately save the people from the dangers of their own hearts. A better prophet was needed.
Years later, that better prophet said, "...your heavenly Father knows that you need [all these things]." He was the Word of God, through which sinful man could feast and be nourished and live forever. He would give them a better spirit, his Spirit, to lead and counsel man's heart, navigating the dangers posed to it according to the Word.
Do you lack something in your life? How does Jesus supply what you do not have?
Do you have an overabundance? How does the Spirit lead you in avoiding the dangers listed above?
By the Word and Spirit, navigating with you,
Loren