Bible Pathway - Feb. 8, 2010
Highlights:
Laws of holiness and justice for the people and priests; penalties for idolatry and immorality; laws regarding defilement of priests.
Verses for Today:
And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards . . . I will . . . cut him off from among his people. . . . If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman . . . they shall surely be put to death (Lev. 20:6,13).If the people of God were to receive His blessings, they had to enforce the death penalty upon anyone who was convicted of worshiping false gods or associating with familiar spirits (through spirit-mediums), or anyone who participated in homosexuality or other sexual perversions.
Millions of people have rejected reading all of the Word of God; consequently, they are confused. And, in an effort to find the answers to their problems, some are turning to astrology, fortune-tellers, palm readers, and spirit mediums. But these counterfeit counselors can only deceive and have caused many people to be victimized. Only God knows what is best.
In addition, Christ foretold that the immorality which existed in Sodom during the time of Lot would become prominent just before His return (Luke 17:28-32; comp. II Pet. 2:6,9).
It is a serious offense against God to participate in these sins that God says are an abomination. It is equally serious to question the wisdom of God for imposing the death sentence as punishment for committing these sins.
Even today, some are deceived and assume they do not serve man-made gods (because they do not call them such). But "gods" are objects for which our hearts have an intense desire and preoccupation. When you know what takes primary place in a person's thoughts concerning material things and desires, what he looks forward to, and what or whom he is willing to sacrifice for above all others, then you know what or who his god is. A person's real god is who or what he finds the most satisfaction in thinking and talking about. Some have replaced worshiping the Lord with personal pleasures on the Lord's day. The importance of worshiping the One True God must be above all.
As Christians we must set the example and abstain from any conduct that may influence others to be less than their best for Christ. Sanctify yourselves thereof, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God (Lev. 20:7). So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12).
Thought for Today:
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart (Jer. 15:16).
Christ Revealed:
As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Lev. 20:6-8). Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6) also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all truth (16:13).
Word Studies:
19:3 fear =reverentially regard; 19:4 molten =cast metal; 19:26 enchantment =fortune-telling or witchcraft; observe times =astrology; 19:28 print any marks upon you =tattoo yourself or cut yourself as the pagans do; 19:31 them that have familiar spirits =mediums, fortune-tellers; wizards = form of witchcraft of those who profess to communicate with the dead.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Rodney and Colleen Heikkila • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Gus Bilirakas (FL) • Country: United States (270 million) in North America • Major languages: English and Spanish • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 28% Catholic; 1% Orthodox; 2% Mormon; 2% Jewish; 1% Muslim; 11% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Trust that God will provide your needs when you put His will first in your life (Matt. 6:31-33).
Optional Reading: Mark 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:7-11
