Acts 6 "A Life Full Of Grace"

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (vv.8-10)

Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people: God did great wonders and signs through the apostles; but also through others like Stephen, one of the servants chosen to help the widows. God used Stephen because he was full of faith and power.

Stephen debated with Jews from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he showed greater wisdom than his opponents (they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke). There is no indication that Stephen – in himself – was smarter, better educated, or a better debater than these Jews. We should attribute his upper hand in the debate to the Spirit by which he spoke.

In today’s chapter, Stephen was falsely accused before the Jewish court. The scene looks similar to the trial of Jesus recorded in Matthew 26, including false witnesses and a hostile crowd. When given the opportunity to defend himself, Stephen defended God's work of salvation throughout history. The accused became the accuser who charged his audience with rebellion against God, which was displayed most definitively through their rejection of Christ.

The crowd's violent response (that of stoning him to death) confirmed the allegation. Even in death, Stephen was full of God’s grace. Following the example of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were an intercession for his enemies (Acts 7:60).

As believers in Christ, the same Spirit indwells us, leading and empowering us to bear fruit of great faith and the ministry of the gospel.

The Truth: “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Acts 5 "Civil Disobedience"

“We (the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests) gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name! Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about Him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (v.28-29)

Civil disobedience was not uncommon in the Scriptures. The midwives in Egypt were commanded by the king to destroy all Jewish male children. They refused and God honored them (Ex.1:17). Against the King of Babylon’s command, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego did not bow their knees to the image of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:18). God blessed them and stood with them in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25). Daniel refused to stop praying three times a day, even though doing so was against the law. God honored him and saved him from the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10-22).

Here in chapter 5 we see another case of civil disobedience in the Bible. However regarding biblical civil disobedience, Jon Courson reminds us, “It must be carried out with scriptural authority and with humility.” In this chapter, the Angel of the Lord said to the apostles, “Go and speak in the temple” (v.20). In addition Jesus had told them (in Matthew), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Matthew 28:19). Thus the disciples were following the Word of God but going against the orders of the high priest.

Even though God has placed men in positions of authority in order to maintain peace (Romans 13), if those authorities act contrary to Him, we must submit to God rather than man and take our lumps willingly. This the apostles did as they were beaten, commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let go (v.40-42)

Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most courageous leaders in recent American history, faced threats and opposition, eventually giving his life in the fight for civil rights. Fear, however, would not dissuade him. Being a minster of God, he knew civil disobedience must be carried out with humility and based in scripture. He was arrested over 30 times and took each arrest with humility while trusting God for his protection and dream. 

Trusting God in the face of risk requires us to see His protection over us even in the midst of danger.

The Truth: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) 

Acts 4 "Imprisoned For Preaching"

“As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” (v.1-3)

Our text is a continuation of chapter 3 where we saw Peter (after healing 40-year-old man lame from birth) turn to the crowd and deliver a scolding message in Solomon’s Porch. His message that day accused all Israel of; delivering up Jesus to Pilate (v.13), denying Him (v.14), requesting a murderer be released (v.14), and consulting to the murder of Jesus whom God raised from the dead (v.15). Peter then went on to declare in chapter 3 that both he and John were witnesses to this and all Israel should repent of their sins (v.19).

Now here in chapter 4 we see the religious authorities (Sadducees) did not take kindly to this and threw them both in jail. The Sadducees were particularly offended in two ways. First by the teaching of the resurrection, which they denied and second by the fact that both Peter and John were, “lay people” instructing the masses who were clearly responding (v.4). After all, they (Sadducees) were the ones who acted on God’s behalf and spoke with His authority and could not imagine by what power or authority Peter and John were drawing from.

We should be encouraged by Peter and John's example. Being an effective witness does not require going to seminary! The most essential qualification for evangelism is available to every believer—reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Although a seminary degree is certainly appropriate for some ministries, God is more than happy to use “untrained” individuals with willing hearts.

The Truth: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

Acts 3 "Power In His Name"

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (v.6)

The crippled man who encountered Peter and John at the temple gate certainly didn’t do anything special to qualify for the miracle he received that day. He wasn’t even expecting much, just a coin or two. Instead, he was completely healed (v.16) and could walk for the first time in his life.

Since the beggar was a familiar sight around the temple, and since he was jumping around so excitedly, the healing created quite a scene. When Peter realized that the people were marveling at both he and John for what had been done, he immediately set them straight, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk” (v.13)?

Peter wasn’t looking for glory or to set up some healing ministry. He had only one message to deliver. Jesus of Nazareth, whom Israel had rejected and condemned, is God’s “Holy and Righteous One” (v.14) and in His name alone is the forgiveness of sins and the power to heal (v.16).

As Peter showed us here, the glory, honor and praise for any miracle bestowed belongs to the LORD, not to the instrument used. 

The Truth: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) 

Acts 2 “True Fellowship”

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (v.42)

Genuine Christian fellowship involves much more than visiting over a cup of coffee in the church courtyard. While this is all well and good, true fellowship is loving one another, caring for one another, praying for one another, bearing one another's burdens, encouraging, instructing, and even rebuking one another in love so as to restore such a one back into fellowship.

In his book, Why Christians Sin, J. Kirk Johnston tells about a young Russian woman who, before the collapse of the Iron Curtain, was allowed to visit her relatives in Canada. She was a devout Christian, and her friends assumed that she would defect and seek asylum in Canada or the US because of the religious oppression in the USSR. But they were wrong. She wanted to go back to her homeland.

This Russian woman said that people in the West were too busy acquiring material things and not concerned enough about personal relationships (outside of what they could do for them). In her homeland, Christian fellowship was essential to their faith because it provided the support and encouragement they so desperately needed. 

We too should have this same attitude of true fellowship toward one another. Ministering to those around us with support and encouragement through; a word, a meal, a prayer, a room, or some other direct form of involvement. Just as Jesus came to serve and not be served, we too should look for those opportunities to show His love.  

The Truth “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." (1 Peter 4:10)

Acts 1 "The Promised Holy Spirit"

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (v.7-8a)

Here we have Jesus answering His disciples question concerning when He would restore the kingdom of Israel which was currently under Roman control. He does not give them a specific answer - no day or time, but stretches them to see that all events are under the loving control of God the Father. Meaning, there are some things we just will not know in this life. Therefore, we are to look to Him Who made all things and trust in His authority.

In the second part of our text, Jesus responds to their concerns (their prayer, actually), by promising them the power of the Holy Spirit. Having this inward comforter, they could “rest” in not needing to know everything and “know” that the power of His Spirit would be with them always. 

The same is true for us. To know the future is not precisely what we need. We need peace, rest, and the assurance that God is always with us. We can only find it in Him who holds the future in His hands. While answers to concerns are valuable and He often gives us such answers down the road, simply trusting in God and the comfort of His Spirit is infinitely better.

The Truth: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Deuteronomy 34 “The Desth Of Moses”

 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. (v.4-5)

Why couldn’t Moses enter the Promised Land? Because of his sin of disobedience at Meribah dishonored the Lord (Psalm 106:32-33). As a result, when Israel was about to enter the land promised to their forefathers, Moses wasn’t allowed to go with them. Instead, at God’s direction, he climbed Mt. Nebo and from there God graciously showed him the promised land, before He called him home. 

Moses died at the age of 120 in good health. His last moments were spent privately with God, surveying the Promised Land and no doubt meditating on the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord. He died in peace, knowing that his labor had not been in vain. God Himself buried His friend and servant, and to this day the location of the grave remains unknown (v.6).

Moses' story encourages those of us who feel that our lives have been a mixed bag of regrets and successes. Psalm 90, written by Moses himself, provides us with a realistic perspective on our own lives and our human frailties. The psalm concludes with an earnest prayer: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; and establish the work of our hands.” 

Like Moses, we must work diligently at whatever God has called us to do, but ultimately, we rely on God for the results—and our own legacy.

The Truth: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Deuteronomy 33 "He Loves His People"

“Indeed, He loves His people; all His holy ones are in His hands. They follow in His steps and accept His teaching.” (v.3) 

In chapter 33 Moses gives the children of Israel words of hope, encouragement, prosperity and direction, before he goes to be with the LORD. While his blessing was definitely spoken to the 12 tribes of Israel, I believe the same promises of love and protection can be applied to us today.

As believers in Christ, we are His beloved (Romans 9:25,11:28), loved as His children (Romans 8:15), heirs to the kingdom (Romans 8:17) and protected by His hand (Psalm 37:24, 136:12). We then, as His people by the grace of the gospel, follow in His footsteps and are guided by His teachings.

The Truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Deuteronomy 32 "The Song Of Moses"

“So Moses came with Joshua the son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel, and He said to them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe; all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess.” (vv.44-47) 

For forty years Moses had led the people. During that time he had constantly communed with God, and in the course of that communion had received many charges. The writing of this song was one of the last things he was told to do (Deut. 31:21). Moses was to write a song that would stir the hearts of the people (from generation to generation), that when they went through tough times, they would turn back to God. (Deut. 31:21)

Music is a very powerful form of communication. It can help us recall words and ideas we might otherwise forget. It can burn a message into our hearts and minds. God knew that the Israelites would forget Him when they entered the Promised Land (v.20), even forsake Him and turn to idols (v.16-18). Because of this, He asked Moses to compose a song to remind the Israelites of their past closeness with Him, their eventual rebellion and provide a way back into His grace.

Today, music has a strong influence in our society. So much so that it can be seen in the ears of millions of people every day wearing earphones while; driving, walking, working out, in classrooms, restaurants, bus stops, malls, offices, the work place, you get the picture. The point is, the message of the music stays with us. It reminds us of people, places and events, like a timeline of our lives.

This was the purpose of the song of Moses for the children of Israel, to remind them of their rebellious ways and to bring them back to God. This applies to us as well. No matter how far we may have strayed, God is calling us back to Himself. All we have to do is listen to His song (call), repent and follow Jesus.  

The Truth: “So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:13)

Deuteronomy 31 "God's Guarantee"

Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (v.7-8)

Here Joshua is being commissioned as Moses' successor by the command of God. Joshua had proven his capacity for leadership by; successfully leading the military effort against the Amalekites, showing courage when the twelve spies returned from their exploratory mission to the Promised Land and demonstrating a faith/belief that God's power would defeat the giants in the land. He had also seen God act miraculously to bring them out of Egypt, and believed that God had the power to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Even with Joshua's impressive resume Deuteronomy 31 reiterates that God (not Moses nor Joshua), was ultimately the leader of the Israelites. He was the one going before them, the one who ensured their victory. Bringing the people into the Promised Land was God’s work. He was going to do it. But God almost always does His work through men and women who make themselves available to Him. Sometimes people wrongly say, “It is all the LORD, it’s all the LORD.” True, God does His work, but He does it through people. Moses had the confidence to lead the Israelites based on the assurance that God was with him and would never leave him, and now this guarantee is being given to Joshua (v.8)

Men of encouragement like Moses are a blessing. Moses knew that Joshua might be wavering, so he encouraged him, and pushed him forward to be more than he perhaps thought he could be. God uses encouraging people to help us fulfill the destiny He has for us. Joshua was now going to be the man; but the work was still the LORD’s: He is the one who goes before us all. 

In a world where we can’t always depend on guarantees, God’s promises will last through all time and eternity. Because He is eternal, He can give us an eternal guarantee.

The Truth: “For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.” (1 Samuel 12:22) 

Deuteronomy 30 "Choose Life"

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days..” (v.19-20)

Most have heard of the infamous John Wilkes Booth who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. But have you heard about Edwin Booth, John's eldest brother? Edwin, a well-known actor, was waiting at a Jersey City train station when he saw someone slip and fall off the platform. Edwin quickly grabbed the man's collar and pulled him to safety-rescuing him from serious injury or death. Who was the man he saved? Abraham Lincoln's son Robert, a soldier in the Civil War. How ironic that the man who saved Lincoln's son had a brother who would soon kill the president. One saved a life; one took a life. One chose life; the other chose death.

Under the terms of the Old Covenant, Israel had a choice: life or death, good or evil. It was up to them. God was going to glorify Himself through Israel one way or another. How it would happen was really their choice. And if obedient, they would see blessing. If disobedient, then Israel would surely perish - It was up to Israel and based on their conduct.

It is essential for us to understand that we, in Jesus Christ, do not relate to God on the terms of the Old Covenant, but on the terms of a better covenant: The New Covenant. Under the New Covenant, my relationship with God is not based on what I do for God, but on what Jesus has done on my behalf. There is, of course, more to the New Covenant than this, but this is one crucial distinction between the two covenants. If this Old Covenant is inferior to the New Covenant, and if there was a high price to pay for rejecting the Old Covenant, should we not know there is an even greater penalty for rejecting an even greater covenant? (Hebrews 10:28-29)

Therefore, like Israel, we too have a choice between life and death. We can receive Jesus as our Savior and live with Him forever, or we can reject Jesus and be in darkness forever without Him. The best choice is clear. Receive God's gift of His Son Jesus. Choose life!

The Truth: "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) 

1 Samuel 3 "Samuel Speaks Truth"

“Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him.” (v.18a)

(From the archives)

In our reading today we see how Samuel, was obedient and responsive to God’s call. The cultural context here was the time of the judges, when the people did evil and sinned against the Lord (Judges 21:25). In fact, our reading today says, “In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions” (v.1).

Therefore, when Samuel first heard God calling him, he thought it was the priest Eli, so he went to him. Eli eventually realized (after this happened three times) that the Lord was calling Samuel and instructed him how to respond. Therefore, when the Lord called him again, he responded, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (vv. 9-10).

The word that Samuel received from God wasn't cheery. Understandably, Samuel was reluctant to repeat the message to Eli, but, he honestly recounted the word of the Lord even though it contained the prophecy of the destruction of Eli's family, as judgment for their sin.

We too must be willing to obey and respond to whatever God calls us to say. Even if the truth the LORD gives us, is painful to proclaim. Therefore, speak the truth in love but do not hold back truth.

The Truth: “He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17) 

Deuteronomy 29 “The Future Belongs To God”

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” (v.29)

The Book of Deuteronomy is a covenant-treaty with stipulations, blessings and curses for the Israelites as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It describes the way God's people were to live in their new land. They had the promises of God's help, but the future still was unknown to them.

We are so much like Israel. The future is as unknown to us as it was to them. We however have God's Word and it tells us how we are to live. Our responsibility then, is to follow His instructions. This requires us to trust and obey. Demanding to know is not an option because "the secret things belong to the LORD our God."

Life is always lived on the brink of the future and our knowledge is severely limited, but we do have the revelation of God in His Word. So give obedient attention to it as we, like Israel, live on the brink.

When the future is dark and we can't see what's next,


Of the Lord we make childish demands;


We cannot know all, our minds are too small,


We must leave all our "whys" in His hands. —Carbaugh

As the saying goes, we may not know what the future holds but we know who holds the future.

The Truth: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Deuteronomy 28 "If You Diligently Obey, Then..."

"Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.  And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God." (vv.1-2)

This was the purpose of God for His people but, the fulfillment was conditional upon their obedience. They were to act above all the nations of the earth; "If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all His commandments." Having made this general declaration, Moses proceeded to describe the blessings that would follow obedience (v.3-14) and then the evils that would overtake them, if the law of God should be disregarded. (v.15-66) 

The word “if” looms large. In this chapter, Moses exhorted the nation with choice. The covenant God made with Israel contained three major features: The law, the sacrifice, and the choice. The idea behind the choice is that God was determined to reveal Himself to the world through Israel. He would do this either by making them so blessed that the world would know only God could have blessed them so; or by making them so cursed that only God could have cursed them and cause them to still survive. The choice was up to Israel. 

Therefore, if Israel would obey the LORD, He would set them high above all nations of the earth, and the blessings would be so powerful that they would come upon you and overtake you. They wouldn’t be able to escape the blessings.

Interestingly enough our nation was established by God-fearing people who sought freedom from religious persecution, who's forefathers sought divine guidance in writing the constitution and had as its moral compass the Bible. However it has now become overrun with corruption on every level. Today God’s Word is so far from our guiding light as a nation, that I fear the US is headed for an eventual national fall, the likes of the Amalekites.

We too were once a blessed nation above all nations, but now we are spiraling downward on so many levels; political, economic, social and even compromising within the church. How do we stop it? The answer lies in todays’ scripture, “If you fully obey the Lord your God . . . He will set you high above all the nations on earth.” If not, we are headed for destruction.

The Truth: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..” (Psalm 33:12)

Deuteronomy 27 "Be Silent And Listen"

"Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be silent and listen, O Israel! This day you have become a people for the Lord your God. ‘You shall therefore obey the Lord your God, and do His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.”’ (v.9-10)

Hearing God’s Law was important for Israel but it wasn’t all that was needed--obedience had to follow. Here in chapter 27 Moses delivers his third sermon. In this new sermon he wanted to impress upon the Israelites the seriousness of their commitment--the benefits, responsibilities, and consequences of their covenant relationship with God. This was to be reinforced with memorial stones inscribed with the Law and a special altar on Mt. Ebal. There, the people would make fellowship offerings, and hold worship feasts to rejoice in their special relationship with God (vv.1-8).

Much of the book of Deuteronomy is written after the same pattern as ancient agreements between kings and their subjects. Here, the idea is clear: God is the king, and the people of Israel are His subjects. He has told them what He expects of them, and what they may expect from Him. Now that the agreement was settled, and it could be said to Israel, “you have become the people of the LORD your God.” The contract was signed, and Israel willingly submitted itself to the Lord God, recognizing Him as their king. Then Moses, and all the leadership of Israel simply declared a fact that was obvious to everyone saying, "And if the LORD is our king, then it is fitting that we obey the voice of the LORD our God, and observe His commandments and His statutes" (v.10). 

We, like the children of Israel, need to “be silent and listen” too. We need to spend time in God’s Word and allow Him to write His laws on our hearts and minds. And by so doing, we reinforce our walk and our relationship with Him in which obedience will then become a natural byproduct.

The Truth: “But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’” (Jeremiah 7:23) 

Deuteronomy 26 "Rejoice In Giving Back To God"

"So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you.' (v.11)

This chapter is about worshiping the Lord through giving back to Him. In it, we see the children of Israel rejoicing in what God had given them by bringing the first fruits of their increase to the chief priest. (v.1-2) After God’s people brought their firstfruit offerings to the chief priest, they were to make public declarations of God’s faithfulness. First they would say to the priest, "I declare today to the LORD your God that I have come to the country which the LORD swore to our fathers to give us" (v.3). Here they were recognizing God's fulfillment of His promise. The Promised Land lay just across the Jordan River, and though there were formidable obstacles (such as a Jordan River swollen by Spring floods and the mighty armies of Canaanites), God still assured them that they will come into the land. And so they did.

Then after the priest had received the offering and placed it before the altar, God's people would then reply, “My father was a Syrian, about to perish, and he went down to Egypt and dwelt there, few in number; and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. But the Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and laid hard bondage on us. Then we cried out to the LORD God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and looked on our affliction and our labor and our oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey’; and now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land which you, O LORD, have given me” (vv.5-10). 

This wonderful confession of thanks remembered the history of Israel from the time of Jacob and his family in the land of Canaan, to the family’s going down into Egypt, and to the eventual deliverance and Exodus into the Promised Land. Israel spent some 400 years in Egypt. Yet in the course of God’s eternal plan, it was nothing more than a sojourn. We can often focus so much on our own time of trial or misery that we think that it defines our whole life; God saw Israel’s experience in Egypt as a sojourn, where they grew in number and became a great and mighty nation. 

Now the initial giving of firstfruits when Israel came into the Promised Land was an appropriate way to say “thank you” to the LORD. This giving, and all giving done with the right heart, is a proper way to worship before the LORD your God.

Just like the Israelites, very Christian has been brought out of there own Egypt and set free from the slavery of sin. Similarly, we need to show our gratitude in both word and deed – testifying of His deliverance and provision in our lives. When we receive from the LORD, and give back to Him, it makes us rejoice. It is the proper response of a creature to his Creator, who has supplied him with all good things. Having been so blessed, should we not return the blessing through giving back and joyfully declaring what God has done for us? Absolutely!

The Truth: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Deuteronomy 25 "Remember"

"Remember what Amalek did to you by the way, when you were come forth out of Egypt; How he met you by the way, and smote the hindmost of you, even all that were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he feared not God. Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies round about, in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it, that you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget it.” (v.17-19)

The entire Book of Deuteronomy is a reminder to the children of Israel of what God had; done for them, taught them, and what He expected of them. This passage is no exception as it begins with the word “Remember” and ends with the words “You shall not forget.”

The Israelites were to remember how the Amalekites attacked them from behind, killing those who were weak, weary and feeble. They were also instructed to; “Blot out the remembrance of Amalek” meaning, to utterly destroy him and his people. Finally, they were to “Never forget;” neither the cold-blooded and dastardly attack by Amalek, nor the order to destroy him.

Furthermore, Israel was instructed to make this war against the Amalekites, when they were at rest in the land. Some 400 years later God directed Saul to make war against the Amalekites, yet his failure to completely destroy them was the primary act of disobedience which cost Saul the throne (1 Samuel 15:2-9; 28:18).

Because of God’s strong command to battle against Amalek until they were completely conquered, many see the Amalekites as a picture of our flesh – which constantly battles against the spirit and must be struggled against until completely conquered (Galatians 5:17). This should remind us that we too have an enemy who attacks us constantly. Who waits patiently until we are worn down, weak, weary of fighting the good fight, to attack our soul. The Apostle Peter reminds us to “Be Sober” (on guard), because “our adversary goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).  

Therefore, in order to be prepared, we must put on the whole armor of God every day to strengthen us for the fight and....... Never forget we are constantly at war!

The Truth: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Deuteronomy 24 "Respect The Poor"

"When you lend your brother anything, you shall not go into his house to get his pledge. You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge out to you. And if the man is poor, you shall not keep his pledge overnight. You shall in any case return the pledge to him again when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his own garment and bless you; and it shall be righteousness to you before the LORD your God." (vv.10-13)

Once again here in chapter 24 we find various laws dealing with the everyday life of an Israelite. In the case of our text we see a common practice used to secure a loan during this time period. The lender would secure a pledge (something of value) from the borrower as collateral. However, to spare a poor man’s shame, to guard against something he could not spare, and protect against the creditor’s greed, the borrower chose the object to be pledged.

Furthermore, in the case of a poor man who had pledged his cloak, it was to be restored to him before nightfall (v.12-13) – as the poor in Eastern countries have commonly no other covering for wrapping themselves in when they would go to sleep. This teaches us to consult the comfort and subsistence of others above our own advantage. By letting the poor debtor sleep in his own raiment, and praise God for the kindness shown to him, is accounted unto righteousness to the creditor before the LORD. (v.13)

A pledge also had to be received in a way that kept the poor man’s dignity. We notice here that God does not condemn the principle of taking a pledge, only commanding that it be received humanely. The idea of receiving collateral for a loan is valid because it encourages personal responsibility in the one receiving the loan. Therefore, the borrower chose the object to be pledged.

When Israel kept remembering how much God had done for them, it would make them more compassionate and fair in dealing with others. We also must always deal with others remembering how much God has blessed and forgiven us.

The Truth: “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.” (Psalm 19:7)

Deuteronomy 23 “The Charging of Interest”

“Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.” (v.19-20)

There are many miscellaneous laws mentioned here in chapter 23. This law, concerning loans made to a fellow Israelite, I find very practical and sound for us today.

The Bible teaches us that, “The love of money is the root of evil.” Exacting usury from a brother who is in need, is adding insult to injury. Profiting from a loan to a family member or a brother/sister in Christ can bring problems home to roost. But if love and concern for someone in need is our reason for lending anything, then there is no need to profit from it, nor even to expect compensation for it when given in love.   

However, we are told here that charging interest to a foreigner (someone outside of the family so to speak) was allowed. God simply did not want His people collecting usury from each other, for it was not just or right. (Ezekiel 18:5-8)

The Truth: "If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.” (Exodus 22:25)