Highlights:
Even kings must obey the laws of God and His Word. Every Israelite king was commanded to read the Law of God (the Books of Moses) all the days of his life (Deut. 17:19). See how to know a true or false prophet (18:22).
Verses for Today:
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet (Jesus) from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken. . . . I (God) . . . will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. . . . whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My Name, I will require it of him (Deut. 18:15,17-19).
Many centuries after Moses foretold of the prophet Jesus, the prophet Jeremiah foretold that, at Christ's return, God will make a new Covenant with His people who will hearken (Jer. 31:31-34). In conversation with His critics, Jesus said that both Moses and the Scriptures bore witness of Him: For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings (Genesis — Deuteronomy), how shall ye believe My words? (John 5:46-47).
Jesus declared to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world, meaning it has no earthly origin but is a spiritual kingdom (18:36). On the Day of Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaimed that Jesus had fulfilled prophecy when he said: A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. . . . Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after . . . have likewise foretold of these days (Acts 3:22-24; comp. Deut. 18:18-19). While the Jews sought both the promised Prophet and the Messiah (John 1:25), they failed to recognize Jesus as both the Prophet and Messiah whom Moses foretold. Christ has the sovereign right as a Son over His own house (Heb. 3:6) to be Master in His house. The keys belong to Him, and He must have control. He dwells within His own house, as a life within a life.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews wrote: He that despised (rejected) Moses' Law died without mercy . . . how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant (Agreement), wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto (insulted) the Spirit of grace? (Heb. 10:28-29).
Thought for Today:
And ye have not His Word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not (John 5:38).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Old Testament animal (without blemish) sacrifices which were made (Deut. 17:1). Christ was perfectly pure from all sin. Christ . . . without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19). As the Prophet (Deut. 18:18-19).
Word Studies:
17:2 transgressing His Covenant =sinful conduct, disregard; 17:4 wrought =done; 17:12 presumptuously =arrogantly, haughtily; hearken unto =listen to and obey; 17:5 stranger =foreigner; 18:3 due =right; 18:6 sojourned =has been residing; 18:8 patrimony =father's estate; 18:10 maketh . . . to pass through the fire =burns his child alive as an offering to an idol; divination =enchantment, witchcraft; 18:11 familiar spirits, wizard, necromancer =various activities of fortunetelling, consulting the dead, etc.; 18:13 perfect =wholehearted in your love and service to God, blameless; 19:4 ignorantly =unintentionally; 19:5 helve =handle; lighteth =strikes; 19:18 make diligent inquisition =investigate thoroughly; 20:11 tributaries =forced laborers
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jason Altmire (PA), Rep. Brian Baird (WA), and Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA) • Country: Belgium (10.2 million) in northwestern Europe • Major languages: Flemish and French • Religious freedom • 74% Catholic; 3% Muslim; 1% Protestant; .5% Orthodox; 20% Secular Humanism; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: If the words of God abide in you, whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive (John 15:7).
Optional Reading: Luke 22
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-6