Read Deuteronomy
11-13 & Mark
13:1-13
To discover:
As you read note how God protects Israel
against unfaithfulness.
To ponder:
Moses’ sermon continues. Israel
are to remember it was (largely) they themselves who as children witnessed the
Exodus, desert wanderings and judgements against those who rejected Moses and
Aaron. So, positively, they must “love” and “obey” God, with a promise of the
land described as abundant and cared for by God himself – like Eden not Egypt (11v10-12,
Gen 2v8). Negatively, they must “be careful” not to be “enticed” into idolatry,
so that they don’t experience God’s “anger” and “perish from the good land.”
Instead, they are to keep God’s commands always before themselves, and teach
them to their children (11v18-21). Then “no man” will stand against them.
This
“blessing and curse” is to be proclaimed from respective mountains when Israel
enter the land. These two choices also face us, as the gospel promises curses
for faithlessness as well as blessings for faithfulness (Heb 6v4-8). And God will
keep both.
The detail
of the law now begins. The places and means of false worship are to be
destroyed so the “names” of the false gods are wiped out. Here, “name”
represents the authority of the respective god. So the people are called to
worship God only at the place he chooses “to put his Name” and “for his
dwelling” – a sign of his authority over the land. The tabernacle will therefore
be given more permanent locations, and eventually as the temple in Jerusalem.
And sacrifices and offerings will not be offered, or tithes, offerings and
gifts eaten just anywhere - as to some extent was being permitted (12v8, 13, 17).
Instead, they must be brought to the specified place, where the people can eat
their portions “in the presence of the LORD.” However to save travel, animals
can be slaughtered and eaten anywhere, as long as the blood is poured out and
the Levites’ share not neglected.
It is thought
provoking to remember God’s concern that he is worshipped as he prescribes and
“not as everyone sees fit.” Not all forms of “doing church” are acceptable. He
is concerned for joy and fellowship (12v12), but above all, that we look to
Christ as his “place” for atonement and to which we offer our all to God’s
service. The worship of both church and life must therefore be profoundly
Christ centred, remembering and affirming him and all he has done, and engaging
with the Father only through him.
This is
also why other religions must be rejected. Their potential for evil is affirmed
with the reminder of Canaanite child sacrifice. However, whatever is engaged
in, those claiming to be prophets or fortellers of dreams, who may even perform
signs and wonders, must not be listened to if they advocate false gods, but
must be put to death. Indeed, the Israelite is to reject and actually stone
anyone who entices them in this way. And if after “thorough investigation” it
is established that a town has been led astray, its people and livestock must
be destroyed completely, its plunder burnt, and the town to be a “ruin
forever.”
Although
these penalties do not apply within the church, the seriousness of false
religion has not changed (Rom 1v18-32), nor God’s view of the “false teachers”
who encourage people into false religion or morality (2 Pet 2v1-22). Churches
should therefore take action when ministers “entice” people to these things, or
Christians adopt the worship practices of other spiritualities. And we should
remain discerning, being commanded not even to welcome those within the church who
deny Christ and the gospel and so lead people from God’s true place of worship -
even if they do work miracles (Matt 7v21-23, 2 Jn 7-11).
Praying it home:
Thank God for your church and all that is good about it.
Pray that you, your church family and ministers would be kept from false
teaching.
Thinking further:
None today.
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