PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Deuteronomy 13-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“It is the Lord your God you must follow…” (Deuteronomy 13:4)
This primitive form of capital punishment (stoning) is disturbing.
Moses prescribes the only form of ‘law and order’ that he knew.
It reminds me of ho Jesus speaks of gouging out eyes or cutting off hands.
The practice itself is not God’s desire, but the evil is that serious.
To follow other gods was to join in their cruel, abusive practices.
Those with power used, abused, raped and demeaned the weaker in their rituals.
It was horrible, and totally against what God wanted for people.
God rescues the weak from Pharaoh, God cares for the fatherless and foreigners.
God calls them to the way of love, not the way of hate, hurt and harm.
What if someone with authority, or someone we love leads us to harm others?
What if everyone else is approving of harmful beliefs and and practices?
What if religious leaders and churches make decisions that go against God’s love?
“Do not yield to them or listen to them.” (Deuteronomy 13:8).
I sense Jesus calling me: ‘follow me in the way of love, no matter what!’
PRAYER
Lord, no matter what I want to follow you in the way of love. I can’t stone anyone, but I can refuse to follow others in their unloving ways. Help me to follow you!
God is tough on those that deceive! People who mislead. The punishment is severe. As people who are to be a blessing to others – I must be genuine and totally honest, loving and not manipulative. Help me Lord to stay on the right path and represent you well wherever I go! May my life be as a faithful servant dependent on you!
It is the Lord God I must serve with all my heart and soul and mind. Not my will but His will be done. I need to do what is right in His eyes. I am His and He is mine and His banner over me is love. May He bless the works of my hands as I live for Jesus.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.