Wednesday 17th September
Read Deuteronomy 30:15-16
“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” (NIVUK)
You may have heard of the ‘prosperity gospel’. If you haven’t, AI gives this succinct definition when one looks it up. “A Christian belief that asserts God rewards faithfulness with material wealth and well-being, such as money and health”. One of the questions that springs to mind when reflecting on Moses’ words to God’s people is whether he believed the ‘prosperity gospel’?
A straightforward reading of this passage may suggest that he did. Love God, obey Him, keep His commands and they will be blessed and live and increase in the land God is giving them. Follow God, get the promised land. It is almost identical to that helpful AI definition.
It does kind of depend on what Moses thinks ‘life’ and ‘blessing’ are made of though. All the evidence of the patriarchs and people of Israel suggests that ‘life’ and ‘blessing’ does not equal goodness and perpetual happiness. Abraham’s life, Moses’ life, were full of struggle and tragedy. But their lives were full and blessed by God.
Perhaps it is worth also reflecting on Jesus’ words concerning the life God promises His people.
“He said:
3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:2b-10) (NIVUK)
