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One of the things that bothers us sometimes is that God gave the land of Canaan to Israel – but in doing so others were dispossessed.  But is that really the point of the scripture?  When it comes down to it none of this world “belongs” to any of us – despite what we might think about how we’ve “earned” this or that.  Ultimately, would you really trade a single passing possession of this world – no matter how precious it might seem to you – for eternal life with God?

That’s a serious question.  Some people – people who believed in God – have answered it in the affirmative.  Can you believe that?

Today’s lesson scripture teaches us not that God gives us material wealth or possessions, but that all that we have – everything including tomorrow morning’s sunrise – is a gift from God:

37 Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.
38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.
39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night.
40 They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance.
41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.
42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.
43 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.
44 He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,
45 that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!  Psalms 105:37-45 (NRSV)

When you think of it that way, it makes sense to give thanks by observing God’s laws.  That’s especially the case when you consider what those laws amount to.