Monday, May 4, 2026

 Deuteronomy 18  There are three sections in this chapter: 

Verses 1-8 emphasize the place of the Levites in the nation.  They did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes, but they had a promise much greater.. "the Lord is their inheritance".  They were given portions of the sacrifices brought to the Lord and they were able to "stand and serve in the name of the Lord forever." 

Verses 9-14 firmly condemn the detestable practices of the nations that God was removing from the land - divination; sorcery; witchcraft; mediums and spiritists; etc.  Israel was forbidden to take up any of these practices.  God called them to be "blameless" before Him. 

Verses 15-22 give the promise from the Lord for another prophet that would come.. " I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." the Lord told Moses.   Jesus told His listeners time after time that He spoke only what the Father told Him.. John 12:49-50 is one example, "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say and what to speak. And I know His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father told Me."  Jesus, Himself ultimately fulfilled this promise to Israel. 

Yet there were other prophets of God throughout the history of Israel. Some were true prophets who spoke the words that God gave them.  But, there were also men who were false prophets, who spoke "presumptuously" - arrogantly, rebelliously, insolently.  These men should have been put to death for they turned the people from the Truth.  God told the people to watch for the fulfilling of the prophecies given. This was the test of a true prophet. 

What can we learn here?

No matter who we are.. according to the ways of the world.. we who have come to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, Lord, and King have been given and inheritance like the Levites.. for the Lord Himself is our inheritance.  He has given to us the privilege of standing before Him and serving Him.  He has also called us, like He did Israel, to be blameless before Him.. not imitating the detestable things of this world. And, He has exhorted us to speak Truth.. to humbly speak the words of God.. and to be careful to refuse those who speak falsehoods and heresy. We must know His Word and be alert and diligent in obeying His word.  

Father, fill us again with Your Spirit that we might always walk in faith, in truth, and in the power of Your might as we follow Jesus Christ our King. We desire to be blameless before You and we know that You, the God of peace will sanctify us entirely that we may be without blame at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, for You are faithful and You will do it.  ( I Thes. 5)  We look to You for help.. for perfect hearts and willing minds.. that we might seek You and find You.. every day and every hour.  Bring glory and honor to the Lord Jesus as He lives in us and accomplishes Your will in us. We ask this in His Name. Amen. 

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