In this chapter, Moses talks with the people about gifts to the Levites, holy living, and prophets. He begins the chapter reminding the people of Israel that the Levitical priests and the rest of the Levites will not be given an inheritance like the other tribes. As a result the priests and Levites will eat from the offerings given to the Lord by fire. He states, “These are the parts the priests may claim as their share from the oxen and sheep that the people bring as offerings: the shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach. You must also give to the priests the first share of the grain, the new wine, the olive oil, and the wool at shearing time. For the Lord your God chose the tribe of Levi out of all your tribes to minister in the Lord’s name forever.” (Deuteronomy 18:3-5) Moses also indicates that any Levite traveling from another town, may minister just like his fellow Levites, and eat his share of the sacrifices and offerings, even if he has his own source of income.
What an honor to be chosen by God!
Moses then discusses holy living. He says, “When you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling or sorcery, or allow them to interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is an object of horror and disgust to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)
This reminds me of our responsibilities as children of God. We are to set ourselves apart, be the light on top of the hill, the head and not the tail! As a result, when we enter into a place, are we going to conform to the attitudes and the lifestyles of the people in that environment -- or are we going to shine our light and lead by example? Like the Levites, God has chosen us! Don’t succumb to the pressures of this world; don’t imitate the life of someone else...be the person God has created you to be, YOURSELF!
Moses ends the chapter with information regarding prophets. He states, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites, and you must listen to that prophet. For this is what you yourselves requested of the Lord your God when you were assembled at Mount Sinai. You begged that you might never again have to listen to the voice of the Lord your God or see this blazing fire for fear you would die.” (Deuteronomy 18:15-16)
I wonder if the prophet the Lord and Moses is referring to is Jesus.
Moses informs the people that the Lord agreed to raise up another prophet like Moses, and he will do and say as the Lord commands him. Moses then repeats what the Lord said to him, “But any prophet who claims to give a message from another God or who falsely claims to speak for me must die.” (Deuteronomy 18:20) Mose then says, “You may wonder, “How will we know whether the prophecy is from the Lord or not?” If the prophet predicts something in the Lord’s name and it does not happen, the Lord did not give the message. That prophet has spoken on his own and need not be feared.” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to be the amazing individuals you have created us to be, and help us to hear the truth in others and to support that truth with your Word. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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