|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Moses said, “Take care that you do not neglect the Levite as long as you live in your land” (Deut 12:19). I praise you today as the God who remembers those who minister for the sake of the gospel. You have given me the privilege of supporting them as they shepherd your sheep. What a loving, giving King you are. I exalt you today and praise your name! Today in Your Word Today you told me more about Moses’ second sermon to the Israelites in the plains of Moab at the end of the 40-year wilderness period. In the first part of his sermon, Moses reviewed the Ten Commandments and exhorted the people to obedience and covenant faithfulness (Deut 5–11). Today’s reading begins part two of Moses’ sermon (Deut 12–26), where your laws are explained in detail so Israel would know how to live a holy life that was pleasing to you. These laws showed the people how to love you and love others, and the principles behind these laws still apply today (cf. Matt 7:12; Rom 13:9–10). Moses told Israel, “Suppose there are prophets among you…and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’…do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him” (Deut 13:1–4 NLT). This teaches me that loving you means being faithful to you alone. This may involve personal sacrifice, for you said, “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’…Do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in” (Deut 13:6–9 NLT). This shows how seriously you take my faithfulness to you! Reflection Would I be willing to say ‘No!’ to my family if they enticed me to idolatry? Would I be willing to hand them over to be executed as covenant breakers and even strike the first blow myself? Request Father, give me a heart that desires to love and serve you above all things. Help me listen to your voice and cling to you. Thanksgiving Thank you for your many blessings! I am like a tree planted by streams of water. “The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Ps 1:3, 6). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” attributed to S. Sundar Singh. Meditation Verse: Deuteronomy 13:4. |