Moses constantly reminded the people of Israel to remember and to obey the commands that the Lord had given them. He was after all their leader chosen by God to take them to the land he, God had promised them. He was the “father-figure” who invariably pointed out and refreshed their memories of how God had chosen them, did not forget them and still loved them.
He would also apply lessons to what they went through as they wandered through the desert toward their promised land. He told them once: ” Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. Yes, he humbled you by letting you go,hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 8:2-3
He told them the application to this was to teach them that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. We must continue to obey the Lord our God by walking in his ways and obeying his commands. He also emphasized that as a parent disciplines his child, the Lord God disciplines us for our own good.
Personally, at times I have been told that it seems like God is such a disciplinarian, that he’s harsh and too judgmental and unfair. I can understand that type of thinking because at different times in my life, I would allow that “thinking” to enter my heart and mind.
I still refresh my thoughts and remember what God has done for me, and my family and I “understand” as the scripture teaches that God is indeed God. “He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him, and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9
God’s promises are true. His commitment to us is true. And, what’s more, his pact is generational. Oh, what a mighty and strong God we serve. He is our Father and he disciplines us as one; but in love, in truth, and to build that character to teach and leave to the next generation.
Remember the Lord our God. He is the one who gives us power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to our ancestors with an oath. Deuteronomy 8:10
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