Scripture:
Deuteronomy 29:18-19 ESV
[18] Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, [19] one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike.
Observation:
I felt like I needed to back up to this scripture. It just seemed to pulling on my heart. So let’s take a look at it. We can see by the very first word this is a warning. Beware this means pay attention. GOD want HIS people to be aware of those around them, and the condition of their hearts and walk with GOD. The reason for this is, it’s a slow fade. The heart can be misled. GOD knew HIS people had a built-in forgetter. They needed to be reminded regularly of how great and awesome HE really is. You see they would look at the things they could see or the things that they had done and forget the one who made it all possible. Their heart would slowly drift away, and then bam, they would start to think they were the ones that did it, or give glory to some false god that had nothing to do with their position at that point. They had to be aware of bitterness and other emotions because those were the things that would mislead them, and the issue with that is it would not only hurt them but all involved even the ones around them that were chasing after GOD with all their heart.
Application:
This scripture hit me today, and the reason is clear. We should honestly make sure we know the condition of our flock. There are people whom GOD has placed in our circle of influence, that may be hurting and you would never even know it. They could be questioning things like…if GOD is love why would HE let that happen? Or why did my child have to die? Or even why am I even here?… one sees me anyway. The conditions of those around us are vital, and our awareness of them could help save a life… and the lives of those around them. We live in a broken world. They are hitting people right next to you. Maybe they are at your job, and their pain is causing you discomfort. Because it’s coming out as anger. Or maybe they sit in church next to you every Sunday, you ask them how they are and they smile…say blessed, and look back at the preacher. But I side their broken but would never say it. I am going to ask you today to make the extra effort to be aware. GOD has given you influence and placed people around you. Show someone the love of GOD today. It may be the one thing that keeps their heart from getting bitter and turning away from HIM. HE has a plan for them and HE has one for you too and maybe part of that plan is reaching others for the kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your word today. I love the way you speak to us. You truly are love. I pray today that you open our eyes to those around us who are hurting and broken. Those who may have questions like why or what did I do to deserve this or whatever other question that could pull their heart in the wrong direction. I pray that as you open our eyes to them you will give us a word for them. A word that could break down the wall to their hurting heart and open a door for us to show Your love. Let us be attentive to our flock. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.