"Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord"

John Berry (American, born 1967)

Tell It to Your Soul (2024)

Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 x 2 inches

Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist

Moses urges Israel to love the Lord wholeheartedly, remember His deliverance from Egypt, and remain faithful when they enter the Promised Land. He warns them not to forget God in times of prosperity and recounts how He sustained them in the wilderness. The Year of Release is instituted, commanding the cancellation of debts, the freeing of Hebrew servants, and generous care for the poor. God promises he will raise up another great prophet. Moses renews the covenant and calls the people to choose life through obedience. Moses views the land, his death, and the transition of leadership to Joshua.

A central theme in these chapters is covenant faithfulness and expressing that through love, obedience, and trust in God, remembering God’s saving acts is emphasized. It also highlights generosity as a mark of a faithful community. Finally, the promise of restoration and the call to “choose life” underscore both responsibility and hope within the covenant relationship. Today, these passages remind us to guard against pride and spiritual forgetfulness in times of success. They challenge communities to practice generosity and to care for the vulnerable. Warnings of false spiritual influences encourages thoughtfulness and discernment as we navigate the difficult challenges of the day. John Berry's abstract painting Tell It to Tour Soul invites the viewer to read and interpret it in multiple ways. Consider how is looking at this painting is like reading the scriptures and their admonitions for our disparate lives.

Gospel Questions

1. How does your use of your money and talents reflect the generosity the Lord has asked for?

2. In what situations could you better choose life?

3. What outside influences shape your decisions? How do you discern whether those influences align with God?

For Children and Youth

Hi. Moses reminds God’s people to love Him with all their hearts and to remember how He took care of them. He teaches them to be kind, make good choices, and trust God as they get ready to enter their new home.

1. What does "choosing life" mean?