(Exodus 22:19)
(Leviticus 18:1-20, 23-30; 19:20-23, 29; 20:10-24)
(Numbers 5:11-31)
(Deuteronomy 5:18; 21:10-14; 22:5, 13-24, 30; 23:17-18; 24:1-5)
Moses Viewing the Promised Land
Artist Unknown
On the very threshold of entering the Promised Land, the people of God were given sets of codified regulations, straight from the heart of the Lord. For several days, we have examined many of these in our daily Bible readings.
Today, we continue this process with a set of laws addressing public and private morality, sexual sins and issues of divorce.
Keeping the Community
Under the power of the Lord, the Israelites would soon overcome many pagan nations to establish the homeland, which God would grant to them. Jehovah-Jireh, the Great Provider, knew His people would require specific instructions to form a united nation and foster a holy community, set apart for His purpose.
Speaking through Moses, the senior patriarch, the Lord issued clear rulings about marriage, divorce, adultery, fornication, prostitution, incest, homosexuality, bestiality and more. There was not question where God stood on these issues of morality. And the health of His people – physically, socially and spiritually, would depend upon their obedience.
How are we doing today?
Clearly, the Lord cares about our sexual behavior. Morality matters to God. In modern society, where the lines of resistance have been all but obliterated, where do we stand? Do we take a stand at all? Have we allowed political and social pressures silence our personal ethics?
Can we, as a society, ask for the Lord’s blessing, if we are unwilling to obey His instructions?
Will you pray with me?
Lord,
We crave Your blessing
Upon our land.
We hunger for Your hand
Upon our hearts.
Draw us closer to You.
Break our hearts
Over the things that break Yours.
Call us out
From pagan practices.
Prick our consciences,
So that we will recognize sin
In our own lives.
Set us apart
By transforming our hearts
And our minds,
So that we will truly seek
To honor You
By the choices we make.
How we thank You
For Your great grace
And mercy,
As You erase our sin
And make us new
Every day
For Your glory.
Amen.
You are so right, Linda. It's hard to take a stand on some of these issues. Particularly, I think, when we have been commanded to love. There is a fine line between loving nonjudgementally and accepting sinful behavior.
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