The Goodness of God

"You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son." -Deuteronomy 8.2-5

As the people prepare to enter all of the goodness of the land, Moses again calls to mind the forty years of wandering. He reminds them that during that time God humbled them and tested them, seeing if they would trust Him and obey Him. During that time He provided for them both with food, and making their clothing last. But the wilderness itself was punishment for disobedience and lack of trust. But even in the discipline the people were able to see the goodness of God.

The people had refused to trust, deciding that they knew the best course of action for their lives. But upon seeing the consequences of their lack of faith, they decided that it was safe to trust God. He allowed them to face defeat, and the forty years of wandering began (Numbers 14). God humbles them, remind them that they are His people, and that He is God, not the other way around. They will obey Him willingly, or they will be disciplined out of His love.

But it is crucial to note that even during the discipline, God's love shines through. His discipline does not mean He is absent, or uncaring, simply that He is trying to teach them something and remind them of who He is. During the time of discipline they did not enjoy the blessings of the land, but they did receive the blessings of God's provision. He sustained them with food that they didn't produce or even know what it was. He made their clothing and footwear last for forty years. Even while they were being punished, God was with them.

Men, do you know that God is good? Do you know that His discipline is a result His love, and that He shows it by taking care of us even when He disciplines us? Discipline does not mean that God does not care, simply that we are being prepared, and tested, for His full blessings.

Let us embrace the discipline of God, knowing that it is for our own good, and in that discipline, let us see the goodness of God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor