But Wait! There's More!

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 28

Scripture Focus: And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity... (Deuteronomy 28.11)

Devotional Thought: Have you seen those commercials on TV that give an unbelievable offer if you order now? Many times, when you think the commercial is over, the narrator returns and says, "But wait! There's more!"

God had a "But wait! There's more!" in Deuteronomy 28. He had promised his people blessings for obedience: political leadership, civil prosperity, and military might could all be theirs if only they would make the Lord their God. But, there was more than prosperity for them. There was abundance: I "will make you abound in prosperity!" Abound means to have more than you need, to have something left over at the end. When the people of God come to the end, there is yet more!

When the end comes for the people of God, when houses and lands, power and prestige, fame and fortune fade away, there is still something remaining for those who obey God. Life may bring us blessings and enjoyment. But, there comes a time when "desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—[when] the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it" (Ecclesiastes 12.5-7). Then, child of God, we will hear our Savior say, "But wait! There's more!"

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings of this life: health and home, family and friends, and so much more! But, Lord, we hold on to those things loosely. There is something more. Thank you for the promise of abundance forever and ever! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 25.8-13

8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11 For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12 Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 13 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.