ASLC Devotions - Monday

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 

In this statement, Moses is giving the Ten Commandments to the people.  But he doesn't just read off 10 rules out of context. He sets them in a historical, biographical, and theological context. Moses is saying that these commandments are a way to remember God. Right now, when he's speaking to the people, they are wandering in the wilderness still looking forward to the culmination of the promise. But he says - when the promise is fulfilled - when you have all the good things that you're going to have - don't forget where they came from. Don't pretend to yourself that you built the large cities and planted the vineyards. Those came from God.

We are coming to the end of a political campaign season (many of us might say here "Thanks be to God!") where there was some sloganeering and bumper-sticker debates about who should have the credit for the wealth and prosperity people experience. While I don't really believe that either side actually believes the most extreme versions of their own slogans and bumper stickers, I think they both got it wrong. The government didn't do this, and you didn't do this. God did this. Whatever good is in your life is pure gift from God. So that won't help you decide whether to vote D or R tomorrow (which is good, because that's not my role or goal) remember that whichever way you vote and whoever wins, all the blessings of life which we are privileged to receive are gifts from God. That would be a good reminder as you're watching the returns tomorrow evening.

In Christ,
Pastor Seth

Remember to join us for worship at 8:30 and 11 this coming Sunday and visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar of events and ministry opportunities.