Deuteronomy 14 reminds the people of Israel that they are a "holy people".. a "unique treasure out of all the peoples on the face of the earth." Because of their unique position as God's people, everything about them was meant to set them apart.. dedicated and consecrated to Him. This included what they could eat and not eat. These restrictions were given "so that [they would] learn to fear Adonai [their] God always." A choice to obey even these dietary laws would show that they honored God in everything!
Paul wrote this: " Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." ( I Corinthian's 10:31 He was dealing with a disagreement between those who thought it alright to eat certain foods and those who didn't. The bottom line for Israel in the Old Testament and the New Testament church is the same - our choices, even in the small things - should honor our God.
Chapter 15 is a reminder about the 7th year. the Sabbath year, but the focus is more on the fact that debts were removed and slaves were freed at that time. God would bless those that gave up what was owed to them. He would provide abundantly for those who did not harden their hearts against the needy brothers or the poor in the land. "Rather, you must give to him; and you are not to be grudging when you given to him. ( v10)
Again, we can see the principle reflected in the New Testament, in II Corinthians 9:6-11 Paul writes, " Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.... Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God."
Father in heaven, may our lives reflect Your love and grace in all that we do and say. Help us by Your Holy Spirit to bring glory and honor to Your Name in every one of our life choices, from what we eat and drink, to how we give and in every other way! Because of Your great mercy to us, we present ourselves, our whole beings, as living and holy sacrifices.. as acts of worship to God, our Father and to our Savior Jesus Christ. With praise and thanksgiving we pray in the Name of Jesus, who is our Redeemer. Amen.
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