“THERE OUGHTA BE A LAW!”
(Deuteronomy 25:1 – 27:26)
“Then Moses and the priests, who are Levites, said to all Israel, ‘Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the LORD your God. Obey the LORD your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today.’” – Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (NIV)
We live in an interesting time. It often seems as though lawlessness abounds everywhere. The news reports are rife with reports of criminal activity. At times, even seemingly good people will compromise themselves and commit “minor infractions” with little concern. Ever go over the speed limit on the highway? Ever take home some supplies from the workplace? Ever text while driving? The list goes on and on.
Interestingly, this kind of thinking sometimes infiltrates people in the church! All too often, we give in to our carnal, fleshly nature, and mentally try to justify actions in our life that are clearly not in keeping with Biblical principles. Thoughts such as “just this one time won’t hurt,” or “God wants me to enjoy this,” or “we live in grace, not the law.”
In our text today, we need to understand that the people of Israel had been living among a foreign nation for generations, a people who did not know the God of Israel or His ways. So, Moses “lays down the law” so to speak, to bring the people of God into conformity with the will of God.
Simple Truth:
Today, although we haven’t been prisoners in Egypt, we are in a “foreign land.” Our citizenship is in heaven. This land is not our home. Let’s live our lives in a higher standard than the culture around us!
Reflections:
-
- Are there any areas in your lifestyle that are more world-like than Christ-like?
- Remember the old “WWJD” slogan – “What Would Jesus Do?” Perhaps it’s time to apply that principle to our daily decisions!
- Instead of seeing how close to the edge of the cliff we can walk and still be safe, we should see how far away from the edge we can be to better serve the Lord!
- Are there any areas in your lifestyle that are more world-like than Christ-like?
Application:
- We are the people of God. We need to prioritize daily living according to the Word of God!
- Let’s stop comparing ourselves to those around us, and instead follow the example of Christ!
Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me today, and every day, to not compromise my standard of living to the ways of this world, but rather to live according to Your will. May I listen to the “still small voice” of Your Holy Spirit as He leads me and guides me in the paths of righteousness. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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