Wealth and PovertySample

Blessings and curses

“A nation that you have not known shall eat up the fruit of your ground and of all your labors, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed continually.” (Deuteronomy 28:33 ESV)

God makes a covenant with Israel. A covenant is an agreement between two parties: God and man. This covenant sets out rights and obligations. It also stipulates the consequences if the covenant is broken.

The most important aspect of this covenant is God's commitment to Israel as a gracious and merciful God. God reveals Himself. He shares His grace with the poor and oppressed people. Not long ago, they were freed from slavery. They are helpless. They wander through the desert. But God does not abandon them. He declares Himself to be their God. He will use His power to protect them.

And somewhere in that covenant, there is a condition: make sure you keep respecting me. Put me first, or otherwise, terrible things will happen to you. The land of Canaan is overflowing with riches. All of that is yours. But don't forget me. If you do, poverty will overtake you. You will lack everything instead of having a well-stocked pantry.

The Book of Judges is full of examples of this kind of judgment. Idol worship resulted in invasion, robbery, and plundering by the enemy, leading to poverty.

God promised Israel prosperity if they kept His commandments. What do you think about that now? Does obedience to God guarantee prosperity?