Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 27
Scripture Focus: ‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ (Deuteronomy 27:26)
Devotional Thought: When the Children of Israel reached the Promised Land, they had a serious ritual to perform. The Levites led them in declaring behaviors they were to eschew in order to avoid living under the wrath of God.
Every verse in this second section starts with “Cursed be anyone who…” and concludes with what it was that the Israelites should avoid. It covers everything from sexual deviancy to murder to bribery. It then ends with the general “blanket” declaration, “Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them,” (v. 26). The Israelites were to affirm their agreement with each statement with an “Amen.” History shows that the Israelites didn't take these instructions too seriously.
We don’t like to be told what to do any more than the Israelites did. Knowledge of sin has, historically, increased our sinning. Not just because our trespasses are made known through the Law, but also because we are rebellious and controlling in our flesh nature. In other words, we don’t want anyone bossing us around, not even our Creator. This is our view of the commandments when we are not in Christ. But, when we come to know Christ, our eyes are opened to what was spiritually indiscernible to us before. The commandments that were death to us become life. Although we will always have to struggle with our flesh, may our attitudes be like that of the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:22, “I delight in the law of God, in my inner being.”
And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
Jenny
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to whom we belong. We are no longer slaves of sin. Sin is not our master. We are slaves to righteousness! You are our Master. Help us to love your commands and to find joy in obedience. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 25.1-7
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
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