Deuteronomy 13 records the vital importance of not worshiping false gods. Moses tells us even if a prophet or visionary offers miracles or visions as “proof” of the power of other gods, we are not to be tricked by this test. Moses said even if one’s closest loved ones offered the temptation to worship other gods, not to do it. In fact, in such situations, the response was to stone that relative to death. That’s how important it was not to worship false gods! The consequences seem so extreme to us, but once again we see how vital it was for the Israelites to remain faithful to the LORD and to follow only Him. This principle remains true for us. When we turn away from the LORD the consequence is always death–either spiritual or physical death, or both. That’s why it is vital for us to love and serve Him alone.
Deuteronomy 14 starts by reminding the Israelites of which animals were clean and unclean. Moses wanted them to keep their holiness in every area of their lives as of first and foremost importance. The second half of the chapter is devoted to instructions concerning the peoples’ tithes. They were instructed to bring their tithes to the place the LORD directed every third year. As we read the account we find the people were told to celebrate and eat the tithes of grain and animals together, and to “remember” the Levites. Because the Levites were set apart to serve God, and weren’t given their own land, the rest of the tribes were to provide for them. This principle carries over throughout the history of God’s people and into the development of the early church as we read in the New Testament. While the Apostle Paul, tells us he served as a tentmaker, to pay his own way as he shared the gospel in various places, he also tells us that existing churches supported him. He tells us Peter and the other apostles received support for their ministries from those they served. The principle is vital, because even though there is no group of “Levites” in our day, those who invest their lives full-time in serving Jesus, rely on those who don’t for support. This frees up full-time workers to advance the Kingdom of God in ways that would not be possible without that full-time focus.
Deuteronomy 15 restates the laws of canceling debts, releasing slaves, and the sacrifice of firstborn male animals. One of the statements that catches our eye is there ought to be no poor people among the Israelites. Moses tells the people as they obey God they will be blessed abundantly. Then they ought to show kindness to the poor. This principle carried throughout Israel’s history, although it was often abused. For example, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for making a public show of helping the poor. Yet, in Acts 3-4, we find Peter and John healed a lame beggar, giving the man something far better than “alms,” or financial offerings. In James 1, we’re told true religion before the Lord is found in helping widows and orphans in their distress. As Jesus’ followers, we are called to follow in the long line of God’s people who alleviate the poverty of others. We do this both by sharing the good news of Jesus, so people will not be spiritually poor, and by meeting the physical needs of those struggling with poverty. To share Jesus without meeting physical needs makes our “good news” seem shallow. To meet the physical needs of others, without telling them about Jesus is merely social welfare, and while helpful, leaves the people we “help” still condemned to an eternity without Jesus.
John 19 records the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. We read again of Pilate’s desire to release Jesus, but the Jews called for His death. They even said they had no king but Caesar. As Jesus endured the cross, John tells us, He made three statements from the cross. In all, the four gospels record seven “last words” of Jesus from the cross. John’s statements include: 1) Jesus telling John that Mary was his mother, and he her son. In this way Jesus ensured His mother would be cared for after He rose from the dead and returned to heaven. 2) Jesus said, “I thirst.” This is a statement any human being in Jesus’ situation would have made. We can scarcely imagine the pain Jesus must have gone through. The blood loss He experienced from being whipped, would have caused severe dehydration and thirst. Hanging on the cross would only have added to that thirst. 3) Jesus said, “It is finished.” The Greek word John used to record the statement does not mean, “It is over,” but rather “It is completed,” or “It is fulfilled.” Jesus’ death fulfilled or completed the purpose for which He came: to pay the penalty for human sin, and therefore to free us from sin and death! When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning, the affirmation of that completed work was accomplished. As Jesus’ followers, we can be sure our sin is forgiven and our hope for our future life with Him is sure, because Jesus completed His work on the cross for us.