We’re approaching the end of our second month together as well as completing the Pentateuch, the five books written by Moses. Today we read Deuteronomy 18-21.
There are many things I could write about every day, but I try to focus on three or four. Today I will examine these ideas of avoiding evil; enjoying what God has given us; defending the innocent; and the rights of the firstborn.
Avoid the occult
Most tribes throughout the world were hedonistic. These polytheistic pagans believed an unknown deity controlled each element in their world. There was a god of fertility, of water, of grain, etc. The people had plenty when those gods were pleased. If they had lost favor, there was scarcity.
These practices of worshipping the creation instead of the Creator are detestable to God and for this reason He chose a people, Israel, from among all those nations to conquer all these other tribes and introduce them to Himself.
Sadly, the men, after conquering these people, would adopt their practices and the Israelites would become corrupted. Therefore, God demanded that they annihilate these nations along their way.
It was the idolatry they practiced that had condemned them to destruction.
When we allow this into our own lives, which I have written of, we are seeking God’s wrath. Witches and goblins may seem harmless and entertaining, but they are not.
I know many who enjoy the Harry Potter stories and are still devout Christians. We invite corruption when we embrace the occult. Therefore, chapter 18 warns against these practices.
Discernment is necessary
We then read about following false prophets, and there have been many throughout history. I pray every time I write, my message is from God Himself. If you ever read anything from me, or anyone else, please take the time to investigate if it aligns with scripture. If it does not, please reject it.
In chapter 20, we see God wants us to enjoy the things He has provided.
If anyone has built a new house, planted a new vineyard, etc., they are to stay behind to enjoy those things so that they do not perish, leaving them for someone else to enjoy.
This also includes not forcing someone who is fainthearted to join them in battle. Let each of us fully devote ourselves to the Lord.
If you have someone who enjoys being around you, but is not a believer, they are there for you to disciple.
You should not, however, assign them responsibilities to serve. They will not become saved through service. Instead, they will profess a watered-down faith, leading to uncommitted converts.
The end of innocence
We read throughout today’s chapters about the refuge cities and allowing a place for the innocent to flee. What spoke to me was the need to protect innocent blood.
When I think of innocent blood being shed, I can’t help but picture all those babies who end in abortion, simply because someone believes they have a right to end these lives.
We never have a right to take a life with malice or forethought. If you have “decided” to get an abortion, and reasoned why you would proceed with that decision, you have had forethought. Your guilt is a heavy burden; only faith in Jesus can lift it.
He will forgive all our sins. Even those atrocious ones. But once we seek His salvation, we agree that we have sinned and repent. Turn from those practices and seek His righteousness. He is faithful and just.
Don’t play favorites
Then in 21:16-17, this discussion of the firstborn rights.
We are not to give those rights to a son we may love more because he was born to a wife we loved more. Instead, this right must go to the actual firstborn.
Jacob violated this birthright when he tricked Esau into selling it for a bowl of stew.
Again when Jacob gave his blessing to Joseph’s sons instead of Reubens.
While it is disturbing to see these violations, it is a reminder that none of us are without sin. We all, Jew and Gentile, need a Savior.
Standing on our own merit, we all fall short of the glory of God. (see Rom 3:23) We all need redemption.
Jesus offers salvation to everyone who calls on Him and repents. Each person must make this decision for themselves. You must choose this while you have time.
