First Gratitudes

Deuteronomy 24, 25, 26 & 27

I don’t think I understand enough of the cultural context to fully understand some of the regulations in these chapters and verses about miscellaneous laws.  The NIV study notes don’t divulge a lot either. So we skim a little and get a deeper sense of the spirit of the law, but not so much of the letter of it today.

These chapters do speak directly to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, complete with tithing and first fruits talk. Declaring out loud with an offering basket in hand filled with sacred portions that He is indeed the LORD their God.

There is something that happens,

A gratitude that takes hold,

Between the giving of a Promise

And the work

And the walk

And the dark nights

Toward the time and the place

Where Hope dawns

And it is fulfilled.

The fulfillment of a hope

The expectation

And anticipation,

The steps of faith,

The placing of trust

The surrender of self-reliance

To come with open hands

The results

The manifestation of the

Things hoped for

And giving them back to God.

I wonder what that first harvest in the Promised Land must have been like.

That first trip to the place God chose make the dwelling place for His Name.

Looking up at the heavens,

And then back down at your full basket.

Filled with milk and cheese and butter,

Cheese and bread and honey.

And melons and garlic.

The realization

That Israel’s God,

Your God,

Is the Great I AM.

Ch 26:5 “Look down from heaven

Your Holy dwelling place

And bless your people Israel

And the land

You have given us

As Your promised

To our forefathers

A land flowing with milk and honey.

Tasting

And seeing

God’s goodness.

The work of trusting God

With all your heart

And with all your soul

Holding fast

And walking in all His Ways.

Radiant.

Rest.

Rejoicing.

I see you!

I hear you!

You are mine!

Precious.

Beloved.