Deuteronomy 8-- When you have eaten and are satisfied

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8 (especially verses 11-20)

You may have heard someone say (or said yourself), "The hardest times in my life are what ultimately brought me closest to God." Isn't it interesting how much we loathe pain, uncertainty, loss, and sorrow, when we consistently credit them as the most important landmarks on our spiritual journey?


What is articulated less often is the converse of that truth-- that the times of success, comfort, health, and wealth are often the least significant or helpful in our relationship with God. That, due to some worldliness or auto-pilot mode or apathy, when "everything's okay" we are often drifting further from our Creator.

Moses, brilliant leader (not to mention prophet) that he was, anticipated this very problem in Israel's future. And so the second half of chapter 8 is one long warning: "When you have eaten and are satisfied... do not forget the Lord your God" (8:10-11). Moses knows that when Israel has defeated its enemies and taken up residence in the promised land, the real trouble will begin.

Here's a summary of his warning:

• When things are good, pride will tempt you to give yourself credit (8:14), and this attitude runs heart-deep (8:17)
• If this attitude wins out and you forget God, it will lead you to other gods (8:19) and you will perish (8:20)

It's a serious warning. If you're a little scared reading it, that makes two of us. (Though of course, the great news is we ultimately don't have to be scared.) But right before or in a time of blessing and comfort, maybe we need a serious warning. 

"Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God..."