Today’s Reading Deuteronomy 17-20
Focal Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:18 “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.”
Moses continues his patient approach with the Israelites. He is informing this new generation of all of the commands, laws, and practices they need to follow to have a good and prosperous nation. Moses discusses how to look after the priests. He also explains how idolators should be handled inside of the camp.
Then Moses explains how people are to go to the cities of refuge when they commit crimes or accidental deaths. To wrap up this chapter Moses wants the people to understand how they must conduct themselves when they are involved in war. God instructs his people because he knows their heart.
In this focal scripture today we look at the prophet that was to be raised up for the Israelites. They knew Moses was going to die and they asked for a prophet to speak to them. God tells the people they have spoken well with their request. This prophet will be chosen by God and will teach the people.
So what does this mean for us today. We know that their are no prophets alive now who will tell the future. The telling of future events has ceased because we have the Bible to teach us the deep truths of scripture and what is to come. This does not mean that God has not chosen people to speak on his behalf. These men are called preachers.
The important takeaway if for preachers today to do exactly what the prophets of old did when they spoke. They said what God said. They explained what God wanted the people to do from his spoken word. Preachers today are not entertainers. They have a solemn charge to preach the word. They must be a person who has high character and a deep spiritual life.
Preaching is not a time to tell stories, have a comedy show, or divert from the text. Preaching is a sacred act that is a heavy burden. The preacher must explain the text, show what the text meant to the original audience and than bridge the gap to the listeners current setting.
Speaking on God’s behalf is serious business and must be taken that way.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Deuteronomy 21-23
