Moses' Speaking to the Israelites Before He Dies
Deuteronomy 9:4-7
Amplified Bible (AMP)
4Do not say in your [mind and] heart, after the Lord your God has thrust them out from before you, It is because of my righteousness that the Lord has brought me in to possess this land--whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you. 5Not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your [minds and] hearts do you go to possess their land; but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out before you, and that He may fulfill the promise which the Lord swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
6Know therefore that the Lord your God does not give you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a hard and stubborn people.
7[Earnestly] remember and forget not how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness; from the day you left the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.
Lest we get puffed up, God reminds the Israelites (and us) that we are a stubborn people. It's not because of our righteousness that He removes our enemies. It's because of the wickedness of the enemy. And going even further--it's because God is keeping His promises--or His Word. It's not about me at all.
And the encouraging thing God revealed to me tonight is that I cannot manipulate God. He won't stand for it. In fact, He'll resist me. But He delights in obedience. (What parent doesn't?)
6Know therefore that the Lord your God does not give you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a hard and stubborn people.
7[Earnestly] remember and forget not how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness; from the day you left the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord.
Lest we get puffed up, God reminds the Israelites (and us) that we are a stubborn people. It's not because of our righteousness that He removes our enemies. It's because of the wickedness of the enemy. And going even further--it's because God is keeping His promises--or His Word. It's not about me at all.
And the encouraging thing God revealed to me tonight is that I cannot manipulate God. He won't stand for it. In fact, He'll resist me. But He delights in obedience. (What parent doesn't?)
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