Today is the 35th day that we have been counting the omer.
One of the greatest desires of every person on this earth is that they would have a great life, a life full of good things and a life of joy and happiness. It seems that everyone is searching for fulfillment. You may have heard of Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist who formulated a theory of psychological health. He was attempting to explain human behavior, defining conceptually the needs of each individual. In his theory, he determined that ultimately everyone is driven to achieve self-actualization. In his mind, that ultimate goal of self-actualization would result in the highest sense of personal fulfillment.
As Moses was giving his final instructions to the children of Israel, he addressed the same basic question that Maslow attempted to answer. However, Moses was a bit more specific in his answer. Maslow theorized, but then left the ultimate answer to each individual. Moses, on the other hand, gave a specific answer to every individual. He said that if a person and even a nation wanted to find their real purpose, they could not look to themselves for the answer. He told the children of Israel that a wonderful life, with all the great benefits and pleasures, was found in “loving Yehovah your God, paying attention to what He says and clinging to Him”. Why? “for that is the purpose of your life!” (Deuteronomy 30: 20)
Moses was right. He spoke the truth that he had seen play out over all the years of leading more than two million people from Egypt, through the desert, and up to the banks of the Jordon River. He laid life and self-actualization, self-fulfillment out for them that day. We may not like what he said, because we have this desire inside of us to do what we want to do no matter what it is, but Moses was not wrong. He was right. Our greatest fulfillment and accomplishment on this earth is wrapped up in one thing – loving Yehovah, paying attention to everything He says, and having an intimate relationship with Him. Nothing else will do.
Pastor Ann
May 16, 2020