Read Deuteronomy 24
Highlights:
Laws for relationship with others; the offering of firstfruits; the offering of tithes; Laws for worship; blessings at Mt. Gerizim and curses at Mt. Ebal.
Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt. . . . thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it (Deut. 25:17,19).
From the days of Moses to the reign of David, the Amalekites, descendants of Esau (Gen. 36:12), were numbered among the enemies of Israel (Ps. 83:7). These perpetual enemies made a fierce attack on the Israelites at Rephidim near Mount Sinai soon after the exodus from Egypt (Ex. 17:8-16).
The judgment of God was against the Amalekites for their unwarranted attacks upon Israel when they were weak and defenseless. A record of this sin was kept in the book and God foretold, I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven (Ex. 17:14).
Israel illustrates how the people of God are guided by the Spirit of God and the Amalekites picture the old Adamic nature motivated by Satan that can often hinder Christians. Paul explains how our old sinful nature still exists and tempts us to fail in fulfilling the will of God: I delight in the Law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members (Rom. 7:22-23).
Just as God commanded Moses to destroy the sinful Amalekites, we are to allow our sin nature to be destroyed. Our old man is crucified with Him (Christ), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (6:6).
Although love was to be Israel's guiding principle, the love of God was not to be interpreted as sentimental weakness or indifference toward lawlessness.
This principle of justice is based on the unchangeable nature of God and is implanted within every Christian. Furthermore, the weak person and the wronged person are to be protected; evildoers are to be dealt with according to their crime.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other Commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law (Rom. 13:9-10).
Thought for Today:
God carefully takes note of every thought and intent of the heart.
Christ Revealed:
Through the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and Pharaoh (Deut. 26:8). Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (Gal. 1:3-4).
Word Studies:
24:3 hate, dislike; 24:4 abomination, detestable; 24:10 pledge, a loan, security; 25:1 unto judgment, to court; 25:13 divers, different; 26:5 sojourned, dwelled temporarily; 26:6 evil entreated us, treated us harshly; bondage, cruel slavery; 26:10 set, offer; 26:14 in my mourning, in distress, defiled ceremonially; hearkened, listened; 26:18 peculiar people, treasured possession; 26:19 holy, consecrated; 27:11 charged, commanded; 27:15 an abomination, a detestable thing; 27:16 setteth light by, disgraces, dishonors; 27:19 perverteth the judgment, denies justice or the rights; 27:24 smiteth, strikes, kills; 27:25 taketh reward, accepts a bribe; 27:26 confirmeth not, fails to live by word of this Law.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Tibet (province of China) (4.6 million, from 1990 census) in eastern Asia • Major language: Tibetan • The Chinese government is still committed to promoting atheism, while at the same time, officially permitting Lamaism (a form of Buddhism) • 97% Tibetan Buddhist; 1% Muslim; 1% Bon; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that at all times you will find pleasure in what pleases the Lord (Phil. 2:13).
Optional Reading: Luke 24
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:13