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February 26 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 57

Today's Bible Project video centers on what the Bible means when it speaks of the heart.  



DAILY READINGS

Deuteronomy 13-14 & Psalm 57

DAILY NOTES

Deuteronomy 13
  • Any prophet or "dreamer of dreams" lead you away from God to other gods, he is to be put to death.  That person has, among other things, spoken "treason" or "falsehood" against God.
  • The same thing should happen to "anyone" who tempts you in secret to follow another God, even if that anyone is a family member.  
    • Notice that you're not even to show them "pity or compassion" or even try to protect them.  
  • The text (Verse 13) says to watch for scoundrels--literally, sons of decadence.  If they are found to be leading people away from God, they are to be put to do as well, and all those of their town that followed them.
Deuteronomy 14
  • The Isrealites were to remain a distinctive people.  They were not to follow the customs or practices of any of the nations around them.
Psalm 57
  • Notice that verse 5 is identical to verse 11.  What does that tell us?  The psalmist understands that even in his trouble, God is to be praised.  

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

I'm drawn to the idea of Deuteronomy 13:6--"If anyone secretly entices you..."

Think of how communal the Israelites were.  Their whole life is shaped by their ancestry, their family lines and a strong sense of being, collectively, God's people.  We have a lot to learn (relearn?) about the value and importance of our Christian community.  Much of what ails the church today, I'm convinced, is, in part, a result of our loss of community.  

And so to be "secretly enticed" must mean that someone has gone out of their way to entice another.  Another way to read that is that someone is secretly letting another person to continue to entice them in secret.  Either way, that takes a willingness not just to turn your back on your community, but also a commitment to keep it secret.  It's a double life.

No wonder Jesus said it's impossible to serve two masters.  Eventually, one of them is going to win out.  There is nothing hidden, Jesus also says, that will not be revealed.  Now we understand why the need "to make atonement" is necessary.  Our relationship with God needs renewal.

That's why the command to love God with everything we have is so significant.  It's a strange equation.  If you love anything else with everything you have, you'll find you won't have much time for God.  If you love God with everything you have, you'll find the rest of your life blessed in immeasurable ways.

Stay blessed...john

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