Scripture Passage
Scripture Focus
“Never sacrifice sick or defective cattle, sheep, or goats to the LORD your God, for he detests such gifts.” (Deuteronomy 17:1 NLT)
Observation
There is so much that captures my attention from today’s passage. For example, consider 17:2-7 and 18:9-14. Warnings against astral worship, fortune-tellers, psychics and mediums are not just for Israel—“These things…were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come” (1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV). Friend, with horoscopes in every newspaper and New Age spiritualism pervading contemporary culture, we face the same syncretistic challenges today that God warned Israel against centuries ago!
The strong response (penalty of death) to the violation of the regulations seems harsh—until (again, I suggest) you consider Israel’s history with Jehovah, the covenant they have freely entered with Him, and the purpose of that covenant—that all nations of the world might be blessed through Israel. That would happen not just because an Israelite would give birth to the Messiah, but also by Israel’s revelation to the world of their holy God through obedience to this covenant.
The words in 17:14-20 are downright prophetic—Israel’s King Solomon, in particular, should have paid more consistent attention to these directives.
Still, all of that’s beside the point. What really has my attention today is Deuteronomy 17:1…
“Never sacrifice sick or defective cattle, sheep, or goats to the LORD your God, for he detests such gifts.” (Deuteronomy 17:1 NLT)
How often does God get what’s leftover in our day, of our energy, or from our bank account? It’s even true of “things”. Sometimes it’s when people have used up their “stuff” and it’s got no life left in it or it’s broken beyond repair…when it’s not worth selling ‘cause it wouldn’t bring a penny…sometimes (smile when you read this) *that’s* when people begin to wonder if the church could use it. Used to happen all the time with pianos. “Well, Pastor, the keys are sticking and it won’t stay in tune, but I wondered if you needed it down at church?”
Hey—don’t misunderstand me. I’m not bitter…and I’m not necessarily faulting the offer. There have been plenty of times when people’s “used stuff” has served as a rich blessing. I’m just raising the question of why…at times at least…God gets nothing but leftovers.
I want to put into practice in my own life what I know to be true—that my awesome, holy God always deserves the best. I want to be a follower who always freely offers the best.
3 comments:
Yesterday's readings spoke to me in a couple places. Today, we are so messed up in the world and are not taking what God asked us to do to heart. In 15:6, God told them to lend to other nations, but to not borrow. We are in serious trouble there. Then, in 14: 28-29, God tells us to provide for the poor. Ya know, we were once all poor, but He has made us rich. I know I need to be "regularly" giving and doing things to help the needy. It is truely a burdon on my heart.
Then, in todays readings 19:18-21, I see our world messing up again. Tons of people now a days, saving their own butts at the expence of an innocent person. Only today, seems like most of the those lieing to cover there butts, are the ones that get off with a slap on the hand at most. God means what He says and us christians need to be praying for this country and taking action in ways that we can. (speaking to myself here too.)
Then, in response to what you were saying pastor, if we confess that we are truely christians, then, I can think of no better way to say it then, lets put our money where our mouth is!!!
I too Have been trying extra hard to put God first in every decision I make. for too long I have put the Lord on the backburner of my life. I am trying to view all things in His perspective, it is very easy in these times to get caught up in the latest gossip or the newest trend.
The more I read of the things the Isrealites went through the more I realize that we may have a modern world but, we have the same issues as they did way back then. I have also noticed the more I have placed in God's care the more smoothly everything in my life runs. I am truly blessed to have such a gracious God by my side. Glen H
Becky, God doesn't smack hands. But, (contradiction not cussword) He will chuck a few Hailstones at ya if your not careful. Bible says God does not forget our transgressions and is faithful to execute Judgement. I want to be mindful of that and How Christ died for our transgressions, and not of how someone else is seemingly getting away with something.
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