March 11, 2006 - Deuteronomy 14-16 and Mark 12:28-44
It is so interesting to read the book of Deuteronomy and see how God had a comprehensive plan for His people. He gave them commands and principles for every facet of life. In this passage alone He dealt with mourning, food, tithing, debts, the poor, slaves, and the feasts. Aren't you glad that God is so thorough? He is so wise. He has thought of everything. We just have to know His Word and apply it to our lives.
In chapter 14 I was struck by two things that it said about tithing. The purpose of tithing was to learn to fear the Lord. (v.23) It was a sign of respect and trust, so it had less to do with money, and more to do with worshiping God. Then, it said that there should be rejoicing when the tithe was eaten. I believe this corresponds to the New Testament teaching that God loves a cheerful giver. In other words, we give to the Lord in joyful worship because we love Him and reverence Him.
Chapter 15 speaks of God's heart toward the poor. We must hear what He says, because it represents His way of taking care of people in society. It should be the personal responsibility of each of us to help those around us. Then, the government would not need to do it, and we would receive a blessing from God. (v.10)
Chapter 16 reviews the three feasts. Again, this points to God's comprehensive plan. Over and over the Israelites would be reminded of what God had done and what He was doing for them. This would help them not to neglect God nor forget His promises. Three times a year all of the men were to appear before the Lord without exception. There were no excuses, and no one could be too busy for God. I think that would help all of us today. We need times of concentrated emphasis upon the Lord several times a year, instead of just on Sundays.
Mark 12 is a great passage, too, when it comes to God's comprehensive plan. Jesus gives the foremost commandment. Of course, it is to love the Lord completely and to love our neighbor as our self. What a profound concept! If we love in that way, everything else will fall in place, won't it? God's plan is not a legalistic plan. It is a plan for our hearts. Every law or principle is there to instruct our hearts and to lead us closer to Him in that continuing love relationship. Please, don't get caught in legalism. It will kill you spiritually.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 17-19 and Mark 13:1-20.
In chapter 14 I was struck by two things that it said about tithing. The purpose of tithing was to learn to fear the Lord. (v.23) It was a sign of respect and trust, so it had less to do with money, and more to do with worshiping God. Then, it said that there should be rejoicing when the tithe was eaten. I believe this corresponds to the New Testament teaching that God loves a cheerful giver. In other words, we give to the Lord in joyful worship because we love Him and reverence Him.
Chapter 15 speaks of God's heart toward the poor. We must hear what He says, because it represents His way of taking care of people in society. It should be the personal responsibility of each of us to help those around us. Then, the government would not need to do it, and we would receive a blessing from God. (v.10)
Chapter 16 reviews the three feasts. Again, this points to God's comprehensive plan. Over and over the Israelites would be reminded of what God had done and what He was doing for them. This would help them not to neglect God nor forget His promises. Three times a year all of the men were to appear before the Lord without exception. There were no excuses, and no one could be too busy for God. I think that would help all of us today. We need times of concentrated emphasis upon the Lord several times a year, instead of just on Sundays.
Mark 12 is a great passage, too, when it comes to God's comprehensive plan. Jesus gives the foremost commandment. Of course, it is to love the Lord completely and to love our neighbor as our self. What a profound concept! If we love in that way, everything else will fall in place, won't it? God's plan is not a legalistic plan. It is a plan for our hearts. Every law or principle is there to instruct our hearts and to lead us closer to Him in that continuing love relationship. Please, don't get caught in legalism. It will kill you spiritually.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 17-19 and Mark 13:1-20.