Deuteronomy 32:10
“He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye.”
Our last time in Deuteronomy, the focus was on how we are God’s portion. The analogy was given of the heirs were sitting in a room, going in a circle choosing their items. God was part of this process. When it was His turn, He chose us. He could have chosen riches, the wonders of the world, the animals, stars and so on. Yet, he chose us.
Today’s passage provides the state in which He claims us. Israel was lost and wondering, hungry and hurting. So were we. Many of us came to Christ because the offer came at a time of pain. It may have felt like a rescue.
Our lostness came/comes in many forms. Some may have been out of place socially. These situations are fluid. Friend groups open and close. The in between stages can be lonely. Others may be bound up with anxiety. There are many types, social, specific, panic disorder, ptsd, obsessive compulsive and generalized anxiety disorders. These can be crippling.
In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us not to worry about what we will eat, drink or what we’ll wear. These are the poor. Jesus addressed the rich a few verses earlier. Do not lay up treasure for yourselves on earth. They are obsessed with having more.
Some are trapped in vices. These range from substances, thoughts, cultural competition, unhealthy relationships, internet habits, working and so on. Our lives tend to be directed by these things. Our relationships and family often suffer due to these. We all need some assistance.
The Lord rescued us, if we know it or not. There were many situations in the Bible that illustrated people in jeopardy, but unaware. Luke 12:20 is about the wealthy person focused on acquiring more. While he’s excited about his prospects, Jesus calls him foolish for tonight he will pass away. We might not be aware, but the Lord saved us from trouble and continues to do so.
Sometimes we do know what the Lord saved us from. Great gratitude abounds. The Israelites were an enslaved people in Egypt. God dramatically rescued them. The Passover is a celebration of part of that rescue. We should remember and celebrate our deliverances as well.
Lord, thank You for rescuing us. Help us to be ever grateful for it.