MARCH 18 READINGS…Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19
A central theme through the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy is that God is a holy God, and that He has called His people to holiness. This theme leads to a better understanding of the justice of God, and the strict requirements the Lord gives Moses to share with the people of Israel. By now it should be abundantly clear that sin is a serious matter to the Lord. He is concerned for His people that they would both bring sin into the camp…and they would let that sin grow. The Lord gives very severe punishments for many things that almost seem the norm it today’s godless society. From rebellious children to pre-marital sex, the punishments were death. From taking care of the poor and treating them honestly to being responsible for your neighbors well-being…these instructions were given for a well structured society. Our modern day society can learn much about goodness, righteousness, and holiness in reading these wonderful books of the Bible.
Once again in our readings we see the importance of the people of God being right with God in order to come into His house of worship. Worship of God is a serious thing in the eyes of God…therefore He gave Moses important instructions, and commands concerning worship. The foreigner to the things of God could not be part of the worship…only those who were of God could worship God with the Israelites. Our modern day casual attitude in coming before God in worship, is for the most part not biblical worship…rather it is profane personal preferences and offerings that we like and have chosen to bring to Him. We need to understand clearly that in Moses’ day it was the Lord who was “in charge” of worship…and today we need to understand that it is the Holy Spirit of the Lord that is “in charge” of worship…or it is NOT worship. The Lord does not accept just anything in worship…nor does He accept just anyone. The Lord accepts worship that is from the Holy Spirit through His people…and God only accepts those who have come to Him through His Son Jesus! Those who are foreign to God because they do not know or trust in Jesus cannot offer authentic worship to God.
Please share your insights and thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in your life sanctifying you, making you holy, in order to come before the Lord. Recognize your standing with God in Christ Jesus…and submit to the leadership of His Spirit as you worship Him!
TOMORROW’S READINGS…Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1.
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