SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 7
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” [Matthew 5:29-30] Moses, like Jesus stresses the seriousness of the law for life. These are not just options, these are life and death behaviours. We struggle with the complete destruction of the Canaanites and their culture, but there are two main reasons why it had to be so severe.
The first reason is the corruptness of the times. We have grown accustomed to a society guided by Christian morals and values (still having an effect on our society today, though the source of those morals and values is now forgotten). Can we imagine how lawless, violent, corrupt, cruel, abusive the cultures of that day were. Sure there was also evidence of God’s common grace (the Hammurabi Code!), but at the common level whole generations had been raised without moral restraint and conscience. “Everyone did as he saw fit.” [Judges 17:6, 21:25]
The second reason is the seductive power of sin. The Israelites were like recently sobered alcoholics walking into a bar; they had spent over 400 years in Egypt, under its religious, moral influence. Their own sinful nature, which we all share, was also prone to wander from God, feed the sinful desires of the flesh. Do we realize how easily we are seduced by the morals and pleasures of this world?
How many subtle sins and desires are we allowing to remain active in our life, and they are undermining our health, happiness, success and character? Spiritual and moral compromise is deadly. And we are prone in their direction. Satan knows our weakness, and takes advantage of it. Our casual attitudes become our downfall.
We should not use what Moses says to attack others; rather we need to heed Jesus and start with ourselves. Deal with the attitudes, behaviours and desires that weaken our relationship to God. Cut off destructive or distracting relationships, as far as we are able. Put in place accountability and support. Think like a recently sober alcoholic determined not to get sucked in to that former lifestyle. Do what it takes to stay sober.
PRAYER:
Lord, life is a battlefield, loaded with landmines. Help me to be alert, serious, but not afraid – trusting in You and Your help to give me success!
Be a holy people. Be a separate people since the Lord our God has chosen us. Why? Because it is He who chose us and because He loved us and told our ancestors that He would redeeem us. Therefore, know that God is God, a faithful God, keeping His Word. He also promised that He would give His people success.
My response must be to be faithful to His commandments and do as He asked. Our relationships must not be like that of the Judges time period where every man did what was right in his own eyes, but rather, the time period of Joshua – but as for me and my household, we will serve the living God.
Help me this day Lord to focus on You and then all I do and say will be a blessing Help me by your Spirit to continue my journey of joy in Your Light. Lead me and guide me.
Leaning on the arms of Jesus,
Oh, it is so sweet and precious!
He will surely bless and keep us,
Calmly resting free from care.
Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safely on the arms of Jesus,
I’m leaning, yes, leaning,
Leaning on the arms of Jesus.
Leaning on His arms of power,
Jesus is my strong, high tower;
He’s my peace—a constant shower—
He will every need supply.
Leaning on His arms, I’m trusting,
What have I to fear? I’m resting;
Jesus is my constant blessing,
He will all my burdens bear.