What does Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and the providence of God have to do with our current situation?

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

God’s Providence and His Supremacy 

In the providence of God, as a church, we are going through a sermon series on the supremacy of God. This past Sunday Ken gave the second sermon in that series. And as it turns out we just happen to have extra time in our routines right now to reflect on that reality. While we rightly have many thoughts on our minds these days we must not let them crowd out the supremacy of God.

Notice that verse 4 draws our attention to the fact that God is supreme. Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. That is to say, God alone is ultimate. He is matchless. He is unparalleled. He alone is worthy of our worship. He alone reigns and rules over all of life. He alone is deserving of our devotion. We were created for His glory. The LORD our GOD is one!

God’s Providence and Your Personal Life

In the providence of God, we are also reminded that our purpose in this life is not about us. The very fact that our daily life has been so quickly disrupted reminds us that we are not supreme. That position is held by God alone. Notice that verse 5-6 places a call on your life to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Spurgeon once asked, “What then, is the measure of this duty? “How much am I to love God?” He answers by saying we should love him “supremely.”

This is glorious news. That means that every aspect of your life, every part of your day, every millisecond of your existence finds its greatest satisfaction in love for God. What a remarkable truth! What a mesmerizing thought that our life has that much worth! That the creator of heaven and earth wants our love. Have you thought about that in the last few days? 

Verse 6 reminds us that we should regularly have this thought. It should be so common to us that it is to be on our heart. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  This is not an optional thought, it is one that shall be on your heart. 

During this time of a disrupted schedule don’t forget to ponder your love for God. 

God’s Providence and Your Home Life 

In the providence of God, we find ourselves in days of social distancing. As a result of this, we are spending more time in our homes. Quick stop! Notice that connection: the providence of God and us spending more time at home. God has providentially given us time in our homes with the other people who live there. Do not gloss over that fact! Your extended time at home right now is not just some unfortunate interruption to your life brought on by a pandemic (as if a pandemic even comes close to thwarting the plans of God). 

This is something that many people are noticing, though they may not connect it to the providence of God. I recently saw a meme which indicated that after not watching live sports for several days the man realized there were other people who lived in the same house. He furthered noticed that they seemed nice and maybe he should spend time with them.

One of the relationships in our home that these verses highlight is the one with our children. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 

Dad and Mom, right now you have a unique opportunity to spend time with your children to share with them the truth that their greatest satisfaction is found in love for God. Furthermore, you have the privilege of giving them hope that this is possible because of the love that God has shown us in Jesus. Through this pandemic, God has providentially given you more time to teach them diligently as you sit in your homes together. Will you use this time wisely?

Let me encourage you to not waste this time. Enjoy these extra moments with your kids. Take time to talk with them about the Lord. Take time to ask them how they are doing. Take time to make memories. Take time to help them think about loving God. 

God’s Providence and Your Home Life cont’d

Not only do you have extra time with your kids you also have extra time with your spouse. What a wonderful opportunity to reflect together on your shared satisfaction in God through Jesus Christ. You are coheirs in Christ and as such share a bond greater than any other earthly affiliation. 

Let me encourage you to take time to consider how you currently view your spouse. Do you see him/her as a fellow image-bearer? Do you view him/her as someone whom God has providentially put in your life? How can you grow in appreciation for your spouse?

Let me encourage you to spend some extra time caring for one another and helping one another love God more. 

What if I am single? Your satisfaction in love for God is not less than anyone else’s. Notice what verses 8-9 say. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

You shall bind what? The command of verse 5-6. Your personal life and home life, just like everyone else’s, should be a regular reminder to yourself and others that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. The way you spend time at home, the manner in which you use your home is a daily opportunity to spread a love for God to others. When people walk into your home (which they will again at some point, lol) you have an opportunity to spread God’s fame by making disciples in your home. 

Let me encourage you to take time to evaluate how you view your personal and home life. God wants to display His glory in mighty ways through your life and home. 

God’s Providence and Our Resourcing

These things being true, we have been and will be seeking to provide you with resources to help you spread the fame of God in your personal life and in your home life over the coming days.  Make sure to check our Facebook page for posts!