The Israelites had been wandering around in the desert for forty years and were standing at the entrance to the Promised Land. Before they entered, Moses gave a farewell speech.

After Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s many blessings in the past, he told them that Canaan, the land they were going to enter was not like the land of Egypt where they had come from. Even though Egypt did not receive much rain, the food still grew very well. The people were able to use water from the Nile River, especially when it overflowed, to water their crops. They would dig valleys and trenches in the ground to direct the flooding water to the places where the crops were growing. So even without the rain, they were able to have good vegetable gardens.

Canaan, however, would not be like that. In Canaan they would need to wait for rain from heaven for their vegetables to grow. They wouldn’t be able to get water from a flooding river but would simply have to trust in the Lord to send the rain. But Canaan would still be better than Egypt, because they could be sure that the Lord would care for them. He would give them what they would need. Every day of the year, the Lord’s eyes would be on the people, caring for them and giving them what they would need.

And so they didn’t need to worry as they entered the Promised Land because they could trust the Lord their God. He would provide for them always.

And that is exactly what the Lord says to us to. These words that Moses spoke to the people of Israel are also for us. The eyes of the Lord our God are always on us, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year. Isn’t this wonderful! Because you are God’s covenant child, you do not need to worry about the future, but you may know that God will be with you every day. And even when things do get hard for you, trust in the Lord. He is caring for you!

Reflection with your child:

How does God care for you?

Source: Sermon by Rev. A. Veldman