Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? — Deuteronomy 32:6
It’s always nice when someone does something nice for you. Many times they expect nothing in return, they are simply trying to do something for you. But it’s also nice when you can return the favor. No matter how big or small, it is something that gives you a sense of satisfaction.
If you are like most people, when you return the favor you want to do your best. After all, someone took time out of their life to do something for you. You want to give them the best you can when you return it. Perhaps you go the extra mile or do something more than was expected.
In this verse of Deuteronomy, the question was asked “do ye thus requite the Lord?” The definition of requite is to repay a favor, or to attempt to repay a debt that was paid on your behalf. The verse continues talking about how God is the one that bought them and formed them, making them what they were. The writer was sharing that their entire existence was as a result of God, His love, and His work.
The writer was encouraging the people that God deserves their absolute best. He doesn’t deserve to be second in their lives. He doesn’t deserve half hearted service, worship, or praise. If you consider all the things that God has done, He deserves the absolute best. While the writer was talking to the people of that day, couldn’t the same be said for us?
If we think back on all the things that God has done for us, doesn’t God deserve our very best? Think back to the debt of sin that He paid. Recall the times that He has kept you from sin and sorrow. Remember the times that He comforted you in the midst of the trials of life. Through the good times and the bad, God has done so much for us.
From our very creation, God knew us and had a plan for us. He guides us and shapes us to continue to accomplish His will in this world. While we may not understand it all, God deserves our very best. Give God your best today in all that you do!