12: Warning #2: Blessing comes from the Lord (Deut 8:1 – 20)

Worry for living or desire for blessing could lead them to idolatry. The Lord confirms that He is the source of blessing, so thus, they don’t need to seek idols.

πŸ‘‰ Read Deuteronomy 8:1 - 20

These were God's will in their wandering in the wilderness.

By (             ) them, the Lord (           ) and made them keep His commands from their hearts.

He taught them that man does not live by (            ) alone but by all the (              ) of God.

It was to discipline them as a (             ) disciplines his child. So thus, eventually, the Lord wanted to bring (         ) to them.

 

What is the warning for you when you have success in your life? (14, 17)

 

The promise of blessing was given to Abraham and will be fulfilled for his descendants. To which generation will God fulfill the promise? (18)

 

Answers and Meditations

Humbling, tested

Humbling: verses 2,3,16.

 

Bread, words (or things)

Manna: not knowing (3, 16). Leading in unfamiliar ways trained them to trust only in the Lord. Familiarity will give them self-confidence in their plan and experience.

The Hebrew word for 'word' is 'dabar,' which also means 'thing.' Everything that comes from the mouth of God will give us life. Jesus breathed out and said, receive the Holy Spirit. Also, God breathed out into Adama's nostrils to make him alive. 

 

Parent, good

The Canaanite life (7 – 10) will differ from the wilderness life (2-3). The same God leads His people to the wilderness and to Canaan. The Lord disciplines His people so that they would seek the Lord.

 

Do not feel self-important and self-confident.

Until you are immune to the toxin of self-confidence, the Lord might not give you glory and wealth.

 

When they obey.

Obedience will bring fulfillment to God’s promise of blessing. Jesus’ obedience has brought the covenantal blessing. Thus, He said, it is finished.

 

A humble life in the wilderness was not because their God was incapable, but He disciplined them. The Lord confirms that the blessing comes from the Lord and warns them not to follow the Canaanite gods for blessings. Failure will wait for you if you follow worldly methods for success, deserting God's ways.

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