“Know, therefore, that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people” (Deuteronomy 9:6 ESV).
Moses spoke to the people of Israel as they stood on the edge of the promised land, preparing to enter what God had sworn to give them. He reminded them that their possession of the land was not a reward for their righteousness or obedience. Instead, as the surrounding context shows, God was fulfilling His promises to Abraham and acting according to His sovereign choice. Moses described the people as stubborn, exposing their tendency toward rebellion rather than faithfulness. His purpose was to humble them and to correct any false belief that they had earned God’s favor. The land was a gift of God’s grace, not a wage for their works.
This message aligned with the broader truth of Scripture that salvation is not based on human effort but on God’s mercy. As the apostle Paul later affirmed in Ephesians 2:8–9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
We are tempted to think that God blesses us because we are doing well or living right. Yet this verse confronts our spiritual pride and reminds us that we bring nothing to the table but need. Just as Israel did not earn the land, we do not earn salvation or God’s favor. God chooses the undeserving to display His mercy, and our stubborn hearts are no different apart from His grace. This truth calls us to humility and gratitude. We rest not in our goodness, but in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, who alone makes us right with God. When we remember this, we are freed from pride and driven to worship. We live daily depending on His grace, not trusting in our performance. This is how we walk in the truth that it is by God’s grace not our goodness.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that we are often prideful and quick to believe that we deserve Your blessings. Forgive us for trusting in our own righteousness. Remind us that every good gift comes from Your grace and Your promises, not our performance. Teach us to walk humbly before You and to rest fully in the finished work of Your Son. Shape our hearts to depend on You daily and to give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.