March 12, 2006 - Deuteronomy 17-19 and Mark 13:1-20
As we continue to read through the laws God set out for His people before they entered the Promised Land, let's concentrate on some of the details today. I am sure God spoke to you today as you read this passage. I will share a few things He said to me.
In chapter 17 there is a section for the future kings of Israel. They were commanded not to return to Egypt. (v.16) They were not to go back that way again. God had a better future for His people. They were not to marry many wives like other kings or multiply their wealth, because those sins would cause them trouble. Then, they were to write out by hand a copy of the Laws of God and read it continually, so they would not become proud. Just think how the history of Israel would have been different if they had followed these laws. Just think how our lives would be different, if we were faithful to follow God's Word.
Chapter 18 has a very specific list of false religions the people were not to follow. Instead, they were to be blameless. (v.13) That means they were not to practice these sinful religions at all. They were to remain true to God and His Word. They were to listen to their own prophets, and the way to know a true prophet was that He would be accurate every time. (v.22) God's standard is high for His people and for His prophets, but He is always there to guide us, isn't He?
Chapter 19 warns against polluting the Land with the sin of shedding innocent blood. Do you remember reading this before? It was a big deal with the Lord wasn't it? I hope we can see that and apply this principle in the USA. We have been guilty of shedding much innocent blood, and God will have to punish for it, if we don't repent. Finally, did you notice the punishment for a false witness? They were to be found guilty of the crime of which they were accusing the other person. That would stop a lot of lawsuits today, wouldn't it? I believe God's way would deter evil in the Land. We need to draw wisdom from it for today.
Mark 13 speaks of the Tribulation time before Jesus comes again. The main theme is that things will get worse and worse before the end, but we are to keep spreading the Gospel until every ethnic group hears the Good News. We must let the Spirit guide us through persecution or whatever happens. The Lord is with us. He will take care of us, even if it means shortening the days. What a great and loving God!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 20-22 and Mark 13:21-37.
In chapter 17 there is a section for the future kings of Israel. They were commanded not to return to Egypt. (v.16) They were not to go back that way again. God had a better future for His people. They were not to marry many wives like other kings or multiply their wealth, because those sins would cause them trouble. Then, they were to write out by hand a copy of the Laws of God and read it continually, so they would not become proud. Just think how the history of Israel would have been different if they had followed these laws. Just think how our lives would be different, if we were faithful to follow God's Word.
Chapter 18 has a very specific list of false religions the people were not to follow. Instead, they were to be blameless. (v.13) That means they were not to practice these sinful religions at all. They were to remain true to God and His Word. They were to listen to their own prophets, and the way to know a true prophet was that He would be accurate every time. (v.22) God's standard is high for His people and for His prophets, but He is always there to guide us, isn't He?
Chapter 19 warns against polluting the Land with the sin of shedding innocent blood. Do you remember reading this before? It was a big deal with the Lord wasn't it? I hope we can see that and apply this principle in the USA. We have been guilty of shedding much innocent blood, and God will have to punish for it, if we don't repent. Finally, did you notice the punishment for a false witness? They were to be found guilty of the crime of which they were accusing the other person. That would stop a lot of lawsuits today, wouldn't it? I believe God's way would deter evil in the Land. We need to draw wisdom from it for today.
Mark 13 speaks of the Tribulation time before Jesus comes again. The main theme is that things will get worse and worse before the end, but we are to keep spreading the Gospel until every ethnic group hears the Good News. We must let the Spirit guide us through persecution or whatever happens. The Lord is with us. He will take care of us, even if it means shortening the days. What a great and loving God!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 20-22 and Mark 13:21-37.