Deuteronomy 9
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Deuteronomy 9:4-6, After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, “The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.
This chapter begins with strong declarations about taking the land from the pagan peoples who are currently residing there. God makes it clear that he is not allowing his people to be victorious in battle because they are good and righteous. Absolutely not! God is allowing the Israelites to take possession of the land because the other people groups are so wicked and depraved. God makes it clear that the Israelites also are far from perfect, as they are a stiff-necked people. To drive this point home, the people are reminded of when they made the golden calf idol and Moses had to beg for mercy because of their sinfulness.
I looked up the definition of stiff-necked. It means stubborn or haughty. The Israelites were certainly stubborn and prideful. God wanted them to know that they weren't getting this beautiful promised land because of anything they earned or achieved. They had integrity issues of their own. This really struck me today. I think about how stubborn and prideful I can be, how I can look down my nose at others and be downright obnoxious at times. And yet, God forgave me and saved me, not because of anything I did, but rather because of who he is. He is a good and loving God who offered me grace even though I don't deserve it. He offers you grace too. None of us deserve it, yet he offers it, freely and completely.
Have you said YES to God's generous and free offer of grace today?
Let's pray...Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you so much for loving me despite myself. Thank you for offering good things, good blessings, and amazing grace, to me even though I did nothing to deserve it. Help us get over ourselves and focus on you and you alone. In Your Name, Amen.