Understanding
Today’s Scripture Selection: Deuteronomy 4:5-6
“See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”
We’ve all heard it, haven’t we? This is the age of “information overload.”
Growing up I thought there were an awful lot of commercials on TV; a lot of junk mail in the mailbox. But it was nothing compared to today. When I pause to think about how many images; messages; advertisements; news flashes; opportunities to buy; opportunities to sell are all around me every waking moment – well, frankly, it exhausts me.
Then I think about these words of Moses, spoken to a people about to enter their “Promised Land.”
I think about how he said he had given them, in God’s name, a tremendous choice. It was the choice between life and death.
And he reminded them, at the end of his journey, but at the beginning of their next journey, that they had a great opportunity.
He desperately wanted them to understand that the beginning of all wisdom was to honor and love God. And that it was about not just thinking about God in reverential ways; it was about following God in reverential ways.
Is it any different for us today?
In this age of “information overload” surely there is one way to true wisdom – to listen to the still, small voice of God as God tries to lovingly guide us.
So let’s commit ourselves to gaining true understanding.
Let’s commit ourselves to learning – always learning – from our God.
Prayer: Lord, open my mind and heart to you; that I may learn all you would have me know. AMEN.
