THE STORY OF JESUS: Deuteronomy 16-19
“Follow justice and justice alone!” (Deuteronomy 16:20)
Moses is reviewing the religious and social laws for God’s people.
The theme of justice and mercy lies beneath all of these laws.
The goal is to set up a nation where everyone is equally blessed and honoured.
The warnings against ungodly religious practices, including child sacrifice.
The rules for cities of refuge, judges, witnesses, prophets, kings.
The religious festivals, meant as times of joy for ALL people (16:11).
The future place of worship was meant to be a unifying center for all the people.
Even the king is not better than his fellow Israelites (17:20).
Despite the time-limited shape of many of these commands, we still hear God’s heart.
God’s ultimate purpose is to restore His creation kingdom for all (Genesis 1).
His promise of a human to crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15) is for that purpose.
The nation of Israel, the laws of Moses, prophets and kings – all point to this Messiah.
Jesus comes to restore justice, but He does so by offering Himself in mercy.
If you want justice, you need mercy – “follow Jesus and Jesus alone!”
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, though I find much of Moses’ Law complicated and confusing, I still hear God’s heart, and I see His justice and mercy… and they all point to You!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Rules for living God’s way for all the people. Do this and live, that’s what the Master said. Follow His ways carefully and live in the joy of the Lord Who is your strength for He will bless the work of your hands as you work joyfully in His presence.
Follow justice where the Lord God has placed you so that you may truly live.
No God: no life.
Know God: truly live forevermore.
Be separate and live in His Way and do not live as those around you who serve other gods. Read His Word each day so that you may be strengthened and know the Way of the Lord to carefully live for Jesus keeping our eyes on Him. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
Listen to His Voice as He continues to speak to His people – this is the Way – walk in it.
God’s Way gives the freedom to live for Him within His boundaries of His surrounding love as we continue to walk in His SonShine guiding us on the Way to life forevermore.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.