Sunday, March 18, 2007

Deuteronomy 21 - 23 (17th Mar) - Ivy

Deuteronomy 21

How detailed God is in giving instructions and law to His people!!

Atonement for an Unsolved Murder
In this we see that God gives specific instructions in how to deal with an unsolved murder case. A heifer is to be sacrificed to the Lord as atonement of sins of the people. Definition of Heifer - A young cow, especially one that has not yet given birth to a calf.

Marrying a Captive Woman
God indeed has mercy with woman. He gives the captive woman free will to chose wherever she wants if her husband is displeased with her.

The Right of the Firstborn
I find this really amazing. It is like there is a special favour upon the 1st born in a man’s family. The man is not to disown the son even if it comes from the wife that he does not love. God protects the first born from favouritism!

A Rebellious Son
Wow….can you imagine being stoned due to rebellion?

Various Laws
Verse 22 say: If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree. Capital offense! Corruption? Theft? Stealing? Very serious case!


Deuteronomy 22

I want to bring your attention to this 2 verses:
4 If you see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him get it to its feet.

5 A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.

God’s instructions even from old testament days, we are to help our brothers and sisters, which also means our neighbours! Notice this, God detest people who cross dress! Probably cross dressing for a wrong purpose.
Ladies, is your dressing manly or unfeminine? Man, are you dressing in a manly manner? I hope no one wears skirts at home!

Marriage Violations
Reading this reminds me of some old Chinese movies. If a man and woman commits adultery, they are to be put to death. Let us honour the Lord with our sexuality! God is gracious but don’t take it for granted. If you have not kept your body pure for the Lord, repent and approach your leaders! Allowing the sin contaminates the entire body of Christ!! Be pure!

I am so swarmed by the various laws that God has given to the people of Israel. However, I just felt that, hey, God really love His people. Like a loving parent who loves and wants to protect.
Sometimes our leaders may get a bit ‘naggy’, but hey, isn’t that love? We love that’s why we remind and rebuke. Our reminders are out of love and protection not trying to run or control your live. Just like how the Lord gave specific instructions to His people. His only purpose is that His people are kept pure and blameless before God. Thank God for your leader today. He or she really love you.


Love you with the love of Jesus.