Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18 - There are three distinct topics in this chapter:

First, a reminder that the Priests and Levites belonged to Adonai - and He was their inheritance. They would get their support from the sacrifices and first fruit offerings presented to the Lord by all the other tribes.  "For Adonai your God has chosen him from all your tribes to stand and serve in the name of Adonai, him and his sons forever." 

Second, a reminder and warning about the "abominable practices" of the nations that God was removing from the land that He was giving to Israel.  Included in these things that God considers
"detestable" are "anyone who makes his son or daughter pass through fire, a diviner, a soothsayer, an enchanter, a sorcerer, a spell caster, a consulter of ghosts or spirits, or a necromancer."  All of these things are still detestable to God.  Our society wants to say that these are entertaining - too many movies and tv shows promote what God calls "abominable"!  We, as believers, need to be discerning about such things.
"You must be wholehearted with Adonai your God!"  He will not allow such practices among His people.

Thirdly,  we are given a wonderful promise in verses 15-19 , "Adonai will raise up for you a prophet like me from among yourselves, from your own kinsmen. You are to pay attention to him... I will raise up from them a prophet like you... I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I order him. Whoever doesn't listen to my words, which he will speak in my name, will have to account for himself to Me."   Peter quoted this passage in his second sermon after Pentecost, showing us that Jesus is the One who completely fulfilled this promise. ( Acts 3: 22-26)

Father in heaven, help us to be wholehearted with You, every day and in every way.. listening to Your Word and doing what You say.  Grant to us the wisdom that come from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy. Fill us with Your Spirit and sanctify us through and through!  We thank You for the salvation that is through Jesus Christ the Lord, and it is in His name that we come. amen.