Understand, therefore, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is about to give you this good land as a possession, for you are a stubborn people!
Deuteronomy 9:6 NET
Moses spoke these words to Israel after shepherding them for 40 years. He knew them well. He knew that they were a stubborn and rebellious people. And he went on to describe some of their many acts of rebellion against God.
It was not because they were righteous that the Lord had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, entered a covenant with them, put up with them for 40 years, and was now preparing to bring them into their homeland. They demonstrated over and over that they were not.
It was a matter of God’s grace and faithfulness to his covenant promise with Abraham. And it was to further his plan of redemption for the human race.
But these words are not just to Israel (1 Cor. 10:1-13). They are just as applicable in my own life. It is not because of my own righteousness that God has delivered me from slavery to sin, brought me into a covenant relationship, put up with me for the past 50+ years, and prepared an eternal home for me. I have certainly done nothing to deserve his grace and mercy. It is because of who he is.
I am so thankful that God loves me despite who and what I am. And that he patiently guides me through the wilderness as I look forward to my eternal home. Even when I fail him. When I doubt him. And when I chose my own path rather than his. He is always faithful. Even when I am not. Praise God!
