I Won the Jackpot!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to win a $23,000,000 lottery jackpot? I have and if you're honest you have too. We speculate how it would change our lives or how much better life would be with so much money. We may even get to the point of thinking about various ways we would spend it, even to include giving it to ministries and worthy causes.

The Israelites were being placed into a position to have a lot of material possessions. Take the time to read Deuteronomy 8 for the background. They went from being slaves in Egypt to wondering the wilderness for 40 years. The Lord fed them and took care of them. The Lord was bringing them to a land of brooks of water, fountains and springs, wheat and barley, fig tees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey. They would have plenty. They would be able to build beautiful homes to live in and would have herds and flocks and silver and gold in abundance. Yet the Lord had to warn them. To paraphrase these words He said that they were to be careful that in receiving all these material blessings they would not forget Him. It gets even worse. Not only does He warn them not to forget Him and keep His commandments but also warns them about being proud and "lifted up" thinking that it was their own power and might that had gained them this wealth.

God knows us well. He knows that we are much more dependent on Him when we do not have the abundance of things. Think of the economy today. Unfortunately many people are out of work and are financially hurting. I believe we could say people pray and seek Him much more in these kinds of circumstances. When our lives are difficult whether it be financial, marital problems, rebellious children etc. we have a tendency to look to Him and depend much more on Him. When these things are alleviated by His hand and grace we may forgot where it came from and we do not seek Him as we did.

If you are so blessed by the abundance of material possessions remember the Lord your God to serve Him and keep His commandments. It is by his hand that you have them. If you are struggling to put food on your table don't lose heart. The righteous are not forsaken nor do their descendants beg for bread. (Psalm 37:25)

"And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:18)