Bible Pathways 03/09/2003
Read Deuteronomy 24 -- 27
In Today 's Reading:
Divorce; domestic relations; firstfruits and tithes; the law on Mount Ebal; an altar on Mount Gerizim
Moses, the lawgiver and prophet, placed great emphasis on the necessity of honesty and truthfulness in all areas of life. In his second message, he warned against taking advantage of others. He illustrated this by the merchant who had two sets of weights and measures ? one for buying and the other for selling: You must not have two different ephahs in your house, a larger and a smaller. You must have a full and fair weight, and you must have a full and fair ephah, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. For everyone who . . . acts crookedly, is detestable to the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 25:14-16).
God hates lying and bribery. Each of us has the opportunity to exercise the principles of justice and equity or to take advantage of others, which may take some form of dishonesty such as wasting time on the job, taking what doesn't belong to us, unethical business transactions, lies, fraud, or any other dishonest act.
Our relationship with others goes much deeper than either word or deed; it goes to the hidden motives of our hearts and reveals what we truly are. This means that the thoughts of a Christian should always be the expression of ?What would Jesus do??
The attitude of fairness and consideration for others' well-being applies to a Christian's daily conduct. The self-centered "I" must give way to Christ and His control.
It is possible to have bitter thoughts while doing kind deeds and to say loving words while having wrong attitudes and motives. But, our Adamic nature and its self-serving conduct can be overcome by the Christ-centered nature that He has bestowed within us.
Abraham, the father of the faithful (Romans 4:11), exemplified this as he gave up his right to the possession of the best land to his nephew Lot in order to settle a dispute.
We [must] demolish arguments (mental warfare) and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:4-5; see also Genesis 13:8-9).
Christ Revealed:
Through the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and Pharaoh (Deuteronomy 26:8). Jesus left His home in heaven to deliver us from Satan and his control (John 6:38,51,58). Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father (Galatians 1:3-4).
Prayer Needs:
Government Official: Rep. Vito Fossella (NY) · Country: South Africa (43 million) on the southern tip of the African continent · Major languages: Afrikaans and English · Religious freedom · 67% Protestant; 20% animism, magic, and ancestor worship; 10% Roman Catholic; 3% Asian religions · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when you are oppressed (Psalms 102:8-13).
Optional Reading: Luke 24
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:14
