PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Deuteronomy 11-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You must not worship the Lord your God in their way…” (Deuteronomy 12:31)
We need to remember how detestable the ways of the nations were.
Cruelty, injustice, abuse, sexual excess, etc were built into their religions.
“They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire…” (12:31).
We may think of God as overly demanding, but these are good demands.
Stop killing, cheating, lying, raping, abusing, stealing and so on.
What would a school today demand of a student that was doing these things?
What rules would a church put in place with a leader that did these things?
These rules are designed to protect and promote love – for God and people.
Some parts may seem backwards to us, but in their day they were advanced!
The language of blessings and curses is an ancient way of saying ‘consequences’.
If they behave in unloving, harmful ways, they will not succeed or prosper.
God aims to build a loving ‘grace community’, but Israel could not do it.
Jesus comes to finish the job, to embed the love of God into our hearts.
Our culture and context is different, but the aim is the same: LOVE!!!
PRAYER
Lord, your command is to love God and people, which has always been God’s Law. Help us to not follow human nature in unloving ways, but to follow your way in all our ways.
When the people of Israel move into the promise land – they will be dependent on the rains for their crops as opposed to where they were – crops irrigated from the Nile – not dependent on rain. God takes them to a land where they are dependent on the Lord: “It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” God will send the rain on his people if they are obedient to him: “the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord”. That includes how they worship as well. God says: “You must not worship the Lord your God in their way….You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit.” God lays it out clearly and wants the people to purge the land of the religious practices of the people they will be dispossessing of the land. God is especially specific about the offerings that are consecrated – set aside- according to his commands: “But take your consecrated things and whatever you have vowed to give, and go to the place the Lord will choose.”
I wonder if I’m too casual? Even though I know the perfect offering/sacrifice has been offered, Jesus – but still gifts that I give – I should not take it casually – it has to be from my heart!
Do this and live. That is what the Master says. Love Him and keep His commands. Wherever you are, the Lord cares for His own. His presence is upon us, His people, always. And I need to keep my eyes on Jesus, to do His will. I need to love Him always and serve Him with my heart, soul, mind and strength. I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and not be enticed or serve the gods around me. I need to be fixed on Jesus and tell the next generation about His wondrous love.
Keep Your Eyes On Jesus,
When The Tidal Waves Of Trouble Round You Roll.
Keep Your Eyes On Jesus,
He Will Calm The Storms Of Life That Toss Your Soul.
Living In A World That’s Full Of Sorrow.
We Are Tried And Tempted Every Day.
Knowing Not The Secret Of Tomorrow.
We Find Refuge When We Watch And Pray.