“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”

Israel’s responsibility was to destroy the people of Canaan along with everything connected with their religion, so that nothing would remain in the land that might corrupt God’s people (7:1-5). Israel’s favoured place as God’s chosen people was not an excuse for them to do as they liked, but a reason for them to avoid corruption and be holy. If they were disobedient, they would surely be punished (v.6-11). But if they were obedient, they would enjoy the blessings of national growth, agricultural prosperity and good health (v.12-16).

The varied experiences of life in the wilderness had taught Israel that life depends on more than the food people eat. It depends upon spiritual forces that are found only in God (8:1-4). The Israelites were to keep this in mind when they settled in Canaan, a land they would find to be rich in natural resources. They were to fear God and thank him for his gifts, not take everything for granted (v.5-10). If, in their prosperity, they forgot God and ignored his law, he would punish them as he had punished the Canaanites before them (v.11-20).

In our wealthy western economy, we are often focused on wealth or value. Perhaps we compare the amount of income we receive to another’s, or measure our own success by the state of our bank balance or home type. These are man-made ideas and goals, not of God or something on which He places any importance.  That said, if we are blessed with wealth in anything and of any kind, we are called to share and use it to glorify God and thereby extend His kingdom on earth. 

I may not be financially wealthy, but I am able to give my time to people who need it. I may be able to share my knowledge of Gods’ love by expressing my love to someone the world may consider unlovable.  We are all blessed with different gifts. Those are the things we are wealthy in and should be shared with others. For me that means within our church family and outside of it too. What better way to attract people to join us in our worship of Him. It was such as this that drew me into His presence and birthed my faith.

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Application: 

Is there a time or an incident you can remember that helped you to find or expand your faith?  Maybe you could do the same for someone else.

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus we are so thankful for your example to us of The Fathers love. Please would you help me to demonstrate this same love to those who I meet. Give me the wisdom to know what to say and who to say it to, so that my words and action would be a blessing from You to them. Amen.