Forget not...

Moshe, and indeed, much of scripture (but specifically Moshe) warned Am Yisroel not to forget "...the LORD your God...". Deuteronomy, chapter 8, etc, etc. This he did in no uncertain terms, and while many people accurately ascribe a severity to his tone when Moshe made that important statement I cannot help but to 'hear' a sadness in his voice. You see, Moshe knew God. He knew God quite well, and he came to understand things about the Highest that only one can who has spoken unto Him panim al panim (face to face). In many ways HaShem was Moshe's only true friend and Moshe cared for Him deeply. And, in that closeness, in that love, Moshe (knowing of God's character), sought to see that his God, his friend, wouldn''t be hurt by others. But, we humans are a funny sort, we so often fail to understand the obvious... Is there a more passionate plea? Is there a more erstwhile cry? '...forget not the LORD your God...'. In Devarim (Deuteronomy) chapter 8 Moshe reminds us of all the kindnesses God had granted unto His own. And, he pleads 'forget not...'. In our day so many people claim an eagerness to serve God, and in so doing they happily keep parties and feasts: Chanukah and Christmas, Pesach and Easter, Sukkot and Thanksgiving, the list goes on. Food is prepared, houses and buildings are tidied, guests are invited... We are busy, busy enjoying the many blessings of HaShem. But, in all of our preparations and planning have we forgotten something? Or, someone? I often picture a house; it is on a small rise in a little field at the junction of two roads. Evening has fallen and night begins. In that house people are milling about, they are preparing for a celebration which has in many ways already begun. The lights are bright and voices are loud with enthusiasm. It is time for a feast! But, outside at the junction of the two roads where the lights do not shine and where the voices of joy do not sing out is a lone figure standing, watching, waiting... He had given everything unto His people, He instructed them to rejoice in His blessings... And, so they had... but, the Great King stands without as His people celebrate their blessings in forgetfulness. And, this Great King, being a gentleman without compare, He is left alone... waiting for someone to invite Him in. He is waiting for someone to remember the reason for the feast. I don't know about you, but I think Moshe wept a bit for His friend. God gave you homes to live in, will you not invite Him in? Forget not the Lord your God, He has never forgotten you...