Deuteronomy 19-22; Psalm 6; Luke 10
Justice, righteousness, and truth are among the key qualities of God. Therefore, the Law of Moses is filled with numerous warnings about the importance of justice in life. The system of cities of refuge was established so that "...innocent blood may not be shed..." (Deuteronomy 19:10). Any accusation in court required at least two or three witnesses. False witnesses were to be seriously punished (Deuteronomy 19:15-19). Other laws presented in chapters 20-21 are also related to this.
One of the important commandments of God to Israel was the complete eradication of all pagan customs and superstitious practices used by the Canaanites who lived in the Promised Land before the Lord gave it to His people. Some of these customs are highlighted separately:
- the prohibition against wearing women's clothing by men and men's clothing by women (Deuteronomy 22:5)
- the prohibition against sowing a vineyard with two kinds of seed (Deuteronomy 22:9)
- the prohibition against plowing with an ox and a donkey together (Deuteronomy 22:10)
- the prohibition against wearing clothing made of different fabrics (Deuteronomy 22:11)
Pagans used all of this for magical or superstitious purposes. The Lord prohibits this to prevent the penetration of these customs into the people of Israel.
Psalm 6 reflects the prayer of repentance of a person who has realized the seriousness of their sin and the power of God's punishment for sin. The basis for such a prayer is reliance on God's mercy (Psalm 6:3, 5, 9-11).
Luke 10
Sending out the seventy disciples for ministry, Jesus makes them His representatives and gives them His authority, but simultaneously emphasizes that salvation from their souls is a much greater blessing than power over evil spirits (Luke 10:17-20). Our ministry should be driven by the joy of the salvation we have received from Christ. Its value is immeasurable! Jesus emphasizes this in the following verses (Luke 10:21-24).
One of the important commandments of God to Israel was the complete eradication of all pagan customs and superstitious practices used by the Canaanites who lived in the Promised Land before the Lord gave it to His people. Some of these customs are highlighted separately:
- the prohibition against wearing women's clothing by men and men's clothing by women (Deuteronomy 22:5)
- the prohibition against sowing a vineyard with two kinds of seed (Deuteronomy 22:9)
- the prohibition against plowing with an ox and a donkey together (Deuteronomy 22:10)
- the prohibition against wearing clothing made of different fabrics (Deuteronomy 22:11)
Pagans used all of this for magical or superstitious purposes. The Lord prohibits this to prevent the penetration of these customs into the people of Israel.
Psalm 6 reflects the prayer of repentance of a person who has realized the seriousness of their sin and the power of God's punishment for sin. The basis for such a prayer is reliance on God's mercy (Psalm 6:3, 5, 9-11).
Luke 10
Sending out the seventy disciples for ministry, Jesus makes them His representatives and gives them His authority, but simultaneously emphasizes that salvation from their souls is a much greater blessing than power over evil spirits (Luke 10:17-20). Our ministry should be driven by the joy of the salvation we have received from Christ. Its value is immeasurable! Jesus emphasizes this in the following verses (Luke 10:21-24).
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