EE[2] Helping Ensure Proper Motivations! SW[1&2] All I Ask of You. Before the Morning. MLH[2] EE[1] MLH[1]

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___(5) Mosaic Law Highlights

DEUTERONOMY, OVERVIEW

"WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING." DEUT. Chapters 1-4: Moses’ first discourse of this book recounts significant events during the Israel’s 40-year wilderness sojourn, how they got to this point of nearing entry into the Promised Land, including several victories from Jehovoe over their opposers. They are exhorted to carefully follow the instructions and judgments of Jehovoe, because it would show “wisdom and understanding” on their part to do so. They were also not to forget what they had seen by Jehovoe’s hand, and speak of them to their sons and daughters.

DEUTERONOMY 04A

A CLEAN HOME PLANET. Recall that the "Israel of God" is now "all those who walk orderly by this (Christian) rule of conduct, peace and mercy be upon them, yes, upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16). Most Christians are to have Paradise hopes, with this earth as a home planet. First, we must work to clean up this planet and let it be the gem both spiritually and physically Jehovoe GOD intended it to be!

“Now, O Israel, listen to the [instructions] and the judicial decisions that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land that Jehovoe, the God of your forefathers, is giving you. 2 You must not add to the word that I am commanding you, neither must you take away from it, so as to keep the commandments of Jehovoe your God that I am commanding you."

REFUSING TO WORK EVIL. Jesus taught similarly. Recall in his Sermon on the Mount, that he said he came, not to destroy the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. Thus, his teachings help us to maintain the spirit of the Law, the primary motivation behind it being true love, for God and neighbor. Jesus, in fact, said these were the two greatest commandments of the Law--the first, to love GOD with all our heart, life, and strength, and the second, to love our neighbor as oneself. We love God first by obeying Him (1John 5:3). Paul said "LOVE DOES NOT WORK EVIL TO ONE'S NEIGHBOR, hence love is the Law's fulfillment." (Romans 13:10). Let's consider Moses' next words:

“Your own eyes have seen what Jehovoe did in the case of the Baʹal of Peʹor; Jehovoe your God annihilated from your midst every man who walked after the Baʹal of Peʹor. 4 But you who are holding fast to Jehovoe your God are all alive today. 5 See, I have taught you [instructions] and judicial decisions, just as Jehovoe my God has commanded me, so that you may observe them in the land you will take possession of.6 You must carefully follow them, because this will show wisdom and understanding on your part before the peoples who will hear about all these regulations, and they will say, ‘This great nation is undoubtedly a wise and understanding people.’7 For what great nation has gods as near to it as Jehovoe our God is to us whenever we call on him? 8 And what great nation has worthy regulations and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?"

TREASURE GOD'S GIFT OF MARRIAGE. The scourge that killed many in Israel, falling to the worship of Baal, involved sexual immorality--utter disregard for GOD's marriage arrangement. As it turns out, realistically, many couples who didn't fully realize God's standard of marriage have still been living in the spirit of marriage in the eyes of God, and should consider making this right with God. What a marvelous gift to mankind is marriage, when a man and woman can remain loyal to each other in a covenant of closeness that should not compare to any other human relationship. Of course, their first loyalty is to GOD, as HE is the Originator of the marriage, and the Ultimate Preserver of the marriage bond, as husband and wife seek HIS direction and guidance in their life. Paul wrote of warnings in the Scriptures to conduct unbecoming of a Christian, leading to GOD's disfavor. (1COri 10:6-13) However, keep in mind that "mercy exults triumphantly over judgement." God simply wants all to come to recognize His right standards and keep them, promoting genuine peace, happiness, and love for all!

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DEUTERONOMY 04B

PROMOTING LIFE AND HEALTH. We finished last time with verse 8, which states: "And what great nation has righteous [instructions] and judicial decisions like this entire Law that I am putting before you today?" The Law God gave Israel was quite exceptional, and promoted both spiritual and physical health and genuine peaceful and loving relationships and actions among the communities of God's people then. Of course, God's sending of Jesus, and his offering of a sacrifice for man's life prospects, brought a fresh approach to that Law, allowing greater compassion and mercy, giving more opportunity for repentance--a true turn from wrongdoing, in hope of restoring God's favor. This was the message God ultimately intended for the rest of the world, to embrace true Christianity to serve Jehovoe GOD acceptably. Let's now pick up with verse 9:

"“Just be careful and watch yourself closely, so that you may not forget the things that your eyes have seen and so that they may not depart from your heart all the days of your life. You must also make them known to your sons and to your grandsons.10 On the day that you stood before Jehovoe your God in Horʹeb, Jehovoe said to me, ‘Congregate the people together to me so that I may let them hear my words, in order that they may learn to fear me all the days that they are alive on the ground and that they may teach their sons.’"

SAFEGUARD HEART. Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life." The heart holds our very motives, and our spirituality, inclining us to Jehovoe when motivated properly, leading to life. Each father and grandfather was to speak often about the things they had witnessed or learned about Jehovoe GOD in truth, sharing such stories and teachings with their offspring. And they had God's law to listen to and learn from, to share and discuss with others as well. There was much to draw each one close to Jehovoe, loving Him with a complete heart. Let's continue:

“So you came near and stood at the base of the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire up to the very heavens; there was darkness, cloud, and thick gloom.12 And Jehovoe began to speak to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—there was only a voice.13 And he declared his covenant to you, which he commanded you to observe—the Ten Commandments. Afterward, he wrote them on two tablets of stone.14 At that time Jehovoe commanded me to teach you [instructions] and judicial decisions, which you are to observe in the land you will enter to take possession of."

"UNBLEMISHED AND IN PEACE" The Christian scriptures offer proof that the Ten Commandments, written on stone upon making them known, are still in force by God, who wants us to live by them, along with the standards of Christian teaching, in support of the Law's precepts and teachings. (Ephes 6:2). "Love is the Law's fulfillment." James 2:10-13 says: "For if anyone obeys all the Law but makes a false step in one point, he has become an offender against all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” If, now, you do not commit adultery but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of law. 12 Keep on speaking and behaving in such a way as those do who are going to be judged by the law of a free people. 13 For the one who does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Certainly the Ten Commandments are among the most important of all God's instructions! May all who will look forward to living by GOD's loving instructions and guidance in the promised "world" of peace foretold. 2Peter 3:13 says: "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these uprightness is to dwell. 14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace."

Next time, let's consider of Moses' discourse to Israel.

DEUTERONOMY 04C

Our last consideration taught us to safeguard our heart from corruption, and to observe God's instructions, to be found by Him unblemished and in peace. Let's continue further in Moses' discourse.

“Therefore, watch yourselves closely—since you did not see any form on the day Jehovoe spoke to you in Horʹeb out of the middle of the fire—16 that you may not act corruptly by making for yourselves any carved image having the form of any symbol, the representation of male or female,17 the representation of any animal on the earth or the representation of any bird that flies in the sky,18 the representation of anything creeping on the ground or the representation of any fish in the waters under the earth.19 And when you raise your eyes to the heavens and see the sun and the moon and the stars—all the army of the heavens—do not get seduced and bow down to them and serve them. Jehovoe your God has given them to all the peoples under the whole heavens.20 But you are the ones Jehovoe took and brought out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to become the people of his personal possession, as you are today."

SIN OF IDOLATRY. It was the first Two Commandments of the Ten that clearly show Jehovoe requires exclusive worship of His people, ultimately all humankind, the work of His own hands. These state: "“‘I am Jehovoe your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.7 You must never have any other gods besides me.8 “‘You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.9 You must not bow down to them nor be led to serve them, for I, Jehovoe your God, am a God who requires exclusive devotion, bringing punishing correction for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation of those who hate me,10 but showing loyal love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments." It is the sin of idolatry that involves lifting up another thing or creature, including humans, above Jehovoe in worship--this practice blinds one spiritually, so this one is no longer able to see clearly and be fully honest and upright. (Psalm 115). Even the stars are a gift from God, supporting life throughout the Universe, but may we carefully follow God's guidance and direction obediently, to be able to enjoy life as He has intended for humans, first restoring true peace, purity, and happiness to our planet. We would never want to worship the sun, the moon, or the stars, or even our own planet Earth, as though these gifts from God and anything obtained from them are somehow greater than the love of God Himself, and our relationship with Him. We are to love Jehovoe, pleasing Him, patiently waiting for His guidance in doing what is right before Him, not selfishly running ahead of Jehovoe, or worshipping those we should rather respect, and losing out on our precious eternal future as His loyal, faithful worshipers.

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DEUTERONOMY 04E

As we concluded last time, Israel of old did turn to false worship too often, and what is next stated by Moses took place among them. What lessons can we learn from this, so as to remain faithful to Jehovoe in the new world at hand?

“If you become father to sons and grandsons and you have lived a long time in the land and you act ruinously and make a carved image of any kind and you do what is evil in the eyes of Jehovoe your God so as to offend him, 26 I do take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today that you will surely and quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of. You will not last long on it, but you will be utterly annihilated. 27 Jehovoe will scatter you among the peoples, and just a few of you will survive among the nations to which Jehovoe will have driven you. 28 There you will have to serve gods of wood and stone made by human hands, gods that cannot see or hear or eat or smell."

SECURITY SYSTEM: Clearly, God takes His command to worship only Him quite seriously. No other so-called gods, anything or anyone exalted above Jehovoe to obey or love, should be allowed to take God's primary place in our hearts. He is the God of truth, peace, and "is love." There is no need to desire any other standards than what God Himself sets for the human family. HE and HIS WORD is our security system. Take the Ten Commandments--our security and happiness are threatened by the violation of any ONE of them! If someone ignores the Command not the steal, what insecurity and unhappiness this creates among those robbed of what belongs to them! May we treasure God's loving instructions for the human family, and worship Him exclusively! Let's see what Moses further has to say regarding this circumstance that Israel of old found themselves in, after being exiled to Babylon:

"“If you search for Jehovoe your God from there, you will certainly find him, if you inquire for him with all your heart and with all your soul.30 When you are in great distress and all these things have happened to you in later times, then you will return to Jehovoe your God and listen to his voice.31 For Jehovoe your God is a merciful God. He will not desert you or bring you to ruin or forget the covenant that he swore to your forefathers."

A FAITHFUL PEOPLE. Israel did return to true worship of Jehovoe for a time, but largely rejected Jesus, losing God's favor as a nation. But the nation of spiritual, or Godly Israel was still intact, among true Christians, including many of Jewish heritage! (Galat 6:16). We needn't repeat history in the critical time inheriting a new world of righteousness and peace. (2Peter 3:13; Psalm 37:11). Rather, we may fulfill the promised blessings for those obedient, faithful servants of the true God, Jehovoe! Let's ever aim to remain as faithful to God, as the moon is a "faithful witness in the skies," like Jesus "the faithful witness", ever adhering to our delightful purpose, loving God, people and our planet. (Psalm 89:37).

_______(6) Eternal Express

POWER OF BIBLE TRUTH. Colossians 1:6 acknowledges the power of the truth of God's purpose: "Just as the good news is bearing fruit and increasing in all the world, so it is also doing among you from the day you heard and accurately knew the undeserved kindness of God in truth." May we appreciate and continue growing in the "accurate knowledge" of Bible truth. Colossians 1:9,10 continues: "That is also why from the day we heard of it, we have never stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, 10 so as to walk worthily of Jehovoe in order to please him fully as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God."

BECOMING TRULY UNITED. Accordingly, we need the truth, accurate divine knowledge, about God that Christians may be truly united. 1Corinthians 1:10 says "10 Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." All Christians, regardless of our "tribe," need to give attention to true Christian doctrine, that we may all be united in the "one faith" of true Christianity. (Ephes 4:5). Surely God and Christ would provide a means for the entire Christian household to become united in the true faith!

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION. Colossians 2 Why should we give attention to the life and words of Jesus? Colossians 2:3 says "Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge." All should come to be united by accurate divine knowledge through Christ, having understanding, putting truth together to form the complete picture of God's will, on the basis of true love, "the perfect bond of union." Verse 2 speaks of hearts being comforted and "that they may be harmoniously joined together in love and may have all the riches that result from the full assurance of their understanding, in order to gain an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God, namely, Christ."

CHRISTIAN SMALL LETTER PRIMARY REVIEW,

But let each person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor."--Galatians 6:4, AMP

%:AVOID JEALOUSLY SEEKING TO OUTSHINE OTHERS. Let's look at a scripture from Galatians 6. Actually James highlights why we should be careful not to be so competitive in our dealings with others, although it is a common spirit in this world. Many are jealous of others, and become contentious in wanting to outdo, or outshine, others. Here's the problem, in the words of James 3:16: "For wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing." Is that what we want? Disorder, and every vile or unworthy thing? This does not bring genuine joy or happiness to our life. Rather, the counsel of Galatians 6:4 comes to our aid here. We read: "But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person." We're to be seeking to improve day by day, in our life or our business or our hobby, but not comparing our work to others. Rather, try to become better than you were last week, or last month, or last year at this same time, examining your own activity, comparing your previous records to what you're doing now. I like also how the Amplified Version puts this verse: "But let each person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor." %:RATHER, SCRUTINIZE YOURSELF & YOUR WORK, FINDING JOY IN YOUR OWN MERIT & GRADUAL IMPROVEMENTS.

The SongWeekly this time: