MARCH 17 READINGS…Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9
Moses continues with his instructions to the nation of Israel prior to the time that he would leave them. There is much instruction in today’s readings. As there is far too much for me to cover in my sharing, I have chosen two issues that Moses deals with…the call to holiness for His people, and justice.
The Lord tells Moses to instruct the people that they are about to enter a land filled with people who practice things that are detestable to the Lord. Please hear…its not that these things are a “little” off, or merely incorrect…these things are detestable. God warns His people not to practice any of the things they see these pagan people doing. As a matter of fact God gives instruction to utterly destroy these people, because their actions and their idol worship is such an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. The people of God then, and now are warned NOT to be involved in the sacrifice of their children to the false gods, like Molech…yet today our land is filled with the innocent blood of unborn children who have been sacrificed to this false god, and people make laws and celebrate in their bloodlust. The Lord instructs His people to stay away from fortune-telling, sorcery, interpreting omens, witchcraft, casting spells, psychics, and necromancy. Anyone who does these things are detestable to the Lord…don’t be mistaken it is not just the acts that are detestable, but also those who commit these acts. Church, hear the Word of the Lord… 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
Therefore, “Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”
Then Moses speaks to the people about justice. We have already read and spoken of the Lord’s instruction for justice previously…but now Moses is adding a new aspect to the matter of justice in the land. Suppose that an accuser falsely accuses another before the judges of the land. Moses told them that if it is found that the accusation was found to be false, then the accuser would be required to suffer the punishment for the offense that was stated. I have long thought that this would be a great principle in our legal system. This one thing kept many false accusations from being made in the nation of Israel. We live in a day and time where just being accused of something can destroy an individual. Just suppose if we implemented this God-given system of justice for the false accusers…how many would think twice before attempting to destroy someone with their false accusations?
Please share your insights and thoughts from today’s readings. May God give us strength to live in this world, but never to become like this world. Remember my brothers and sisters…this world is not our home, don’t get to comfortable here by becoming like it!
TOMORROW’S READINGS…Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19.