Deuteronomy 13:1-14:21
Obedience to God involves an uncompromising attitude toward those who would lead people away from God. Those who say ‘Let us go and serve other gods’(13:2,6,13) must not be permitted to exert their evil influence on God’s people. God says, ‘You must not listen to them (13:3,8). Temptations to ‘idolatry’ can come under the guise of ‘spirituality’- ‘a prophet... a dreamer of dreams... a sign or a wonder’(13:1; 1 John 4:1). ‘Idolatry’ can come from within one’s own family. The Lord must come first (13:6-11; Luke 14:26). God’s judgment is upon ‘idolaters’ so that others may see their folly, turn from ‘idolatry’ and receive God’s mercy (13:12-18). Remember God’s purpose of love (John 3:17). In our worship and in the whole of life, we are to be ‘a people holy to the Lord our God’(14:2,21).
Deuteronomy 14:22-15:23
‘Tithing’(Giving the tenth to God) emerges out of holiness: ‘You are a people holy to the Lord your God... You shall tithe’(14:21-22). It is more than giving things to God. It is giving ourselves to Him. It also involves caring for others (7-11; Isaiah 58:6-7). We have been ‘earmarked’ as servants of the Lord (17). Being ‘earmarked’ for God involves listening to God (Isaiah 55:2-3). Bring ‘the firstling’ to God (19). ‘We are here to bring You the best that we can bring. And it is our love rising from our hearts’(Mission Praise, 717). ‘Just as I am... to be the best that I can be for truth, and righteousness, and Thee, Lord of my life, I come’(Church Hymnary, 448). No second bests - Only the best will do for God.
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Blessings in Christ
Christ in all the Scriptures
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