Devotion Thoughts - 03/04/2011

Deut 23:1-25

These rules seem harsh, applying up to the tenth generation. God must have felt very strongly against the Ammonites and Moabites if they were not to be prayed for. As for Edomites and Egyptians, only from their third generation were descendants allowed to worship with the Israelites. There were also special wartime hygiene rules to observe so that the camp of the Israelites remained holy, allowing God to walk in their midst and fight for them against their enemies. A close look at the rules given for social practices reveals that they are an amplification of the Ten Commandments, the basis for sound community living in Israel. For example: worshipping God leaves no place for cult practices.


Thankfully, it's a wonderful new world! Since Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross for mankind, anyone who confesses to being a sinner, even the most wicked amongst us, and receives Him as Saviour is acceptable to the Father!


Deut 24:1-22

Further rules, that have a basic foundation in the Ten Commandments, are enumerated, all intended to make for common decency in the community lifestyles. Thinking of the well-being of others plays a significant part in their interpretation of the commandments.


Deut 25:1-19

Humane and decent practices that encourage good social relationships are emphasised. Nations like Amalek that refused to subscribe to such decent practices were to be wiped out.


Luke 10:13-37

Jesus pronounces the end for those that reject His ministry. When the disciples return and tell Him about their successes, He tells them about God's victory over Satan and how His disciples will have even greater power. But they were not to become arrogant or complacent about having such power. Instead, they were to always be grateful that their names were written down in God's Book of Life.


As for who our neighbour is, Jesus gives a parable in which it becomes clear that anyone in need is our neighbour. Those who thought themselves righteous and not in need of help (Matthew 9:13) are not our 'neighbours' in the sense conveyed by the parable.


Psalm 75:1-10

A song written by Asaph.


He starts by praising God, then says what he imagines what God would say about not being proud or arrogant. He then tells how only God has the power to pass judgment. For this reason He alone is worthy of our praise.


Prov 12:12-1


Again the theme is about the blessings of God that will be upon those who practice an industrious and righteous lifestyle, as opposed to the troubles that will overtake the wicked.

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