The Hard Penalty of Idolatry
Deuteronomy 28 is hard to read. God outlines all the curses for disobedience to the law according to the covenant He has made with Israel. If they are to be His people, He is to come first for their lives. Deviating from his direction will only lead to disaster and pain. In the middle of a long list of curses that would come upon them is a hint at what causes people to crumble in their quest for the "good life" without God. Deuteronomy 28:47 (ESV) Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, Did you see it? They did not serve the Lord with JOYFULNESS and GLADNESS. And why did they not serve Him with joyfulness and gladness? Because of their "ABUNDANCE of ALL THINGS." I'm firmly convinced of this: It is far more dangerous to be rich than poor. Poverty is visible and challenging. It is demoralizing and terrible in so many respects. We must never belittle the struggle of those...