Deuteronomy 8, Memorial Day

Memorial Day, Deuteronomy 8

A. Remember the Leading of the Lord (v. 2)

1. “Remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee”

2. Israel had stood here before and doubted (Numbers 14)

a. This led to forty years of wandering

b. Forty years of humbling

c. Forty years of learning God leads His people

d. Forty years of learning God’s Word is true

e. God wants them to remember the past

f. They should see in the past that God has been dealing with them, that He has been testing and training them

g. This experience was intended to improve their character which they needed and reveal what was in their heart

3. America has come through many difficult times

a. Times when freedom’s future has been unsure

b. Times when basic freedoms have been under attack

c. Times when foreign enemies have threatened

d. Times when domestic problems seemed too serious to solve

4. God has led the nation through dark times

a. We have triumphed over our enemies

b. Times of refreshing have come from the Lord

c. We need a spiritual refreshing (revival) again

B. Remembering the Chastening of the Lord (vv. 5-6)

1. “Thou shalt also consider”

a. A father chastens his children

b. God sometimes chastens nations

2. God chastened Israel

Proverbs 3:12, For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

a. Their doubts cost them forty years of wandering

b. A generation missed out on the Promised Land

c. Chastening was for affection and correction

3. God still chastens those He loves (Hebrews 12:5-9)

a. Why should Christians remember this?

b. Is it important that America remember this?