See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.
Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. - Deuteronomy 4:5-9 NIV
As with any great nation that has been blessed by God, there is a tendency to forget, or as Moses told the Children of Israel, "let them slip from your hearts as long as you live," God's commands. Israel was told not to forget that it was God's blessings that brought them to where they were. They were not to forget that it was because of his love that they prospered. They were not to forget to pass this wisdom on to their children. They were warned not to think that it was all their own doing or they would be doomed.
In spite of Moses' commands, the righteous decrees and laws that were established would soon be forgotten. Generations would grow up that didn't understand why they were born into such fortunate circumstances. They would take all of God's blessings for granted until one day it would be too late, and their great nation would be lost.
Sound familiar?
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