Saturday March 10, 2012

Read Deuteronomy 7:26

 

As Israel entered the Promised Land she was commanded to destroy all the idols and images of false gods and the people that worshipped them. Now that may seem harsh but imagine if a father came home to find a syringe and small packet of white powder in his daughter’s school bag. Would he not destroy it? Would he not remove the influence completely? Love and (positive) jealousy necessitate the removal of things that harm those we love. When God commands the people to remove all idols and images and forms, He is doing so out of love and positive jealousy. He is doing so for our welfare and for our benefit.

 

The final command not to bring any detestable thing into one’s house is along the same vein. God absolutely hates idols and false gods. He will destroy these icons as well as those who bow down to them. It is for our benefit that God says, ‘Don’t go there!’.

 

As Christians we need to realise that this is still a valuable command to uphold. Think about your own house and what you have inside your house. Do you have hidden away any detestable things? These could include pornography, movies with illicit sex (& other) scenes, phones with inappropriate songs or pictures  or videos on them, drugs, stolen goods, things that we worship and bow down to and so on. God doesn’t want them in our homes, not because He’s a kill-joy God, but because it’s for our good. God wants to lavish us with His love and goodness. These detestable things that we cling to and hide away to use when no one’s looking anger God, sadden God and bring judgement/discipline upon ourselves.

 

Prayer:

¥ Praise the Lord for those who prepare men’s ministry events and women’s ministry events regularly. Thank God for their faithful and consistent service. Pray that they would be overwhelmed by God’s love.

¥ Praise God for those who help out with Sonday Church rosters. Praise God that these selfless acts of service benefit all of us. Pray that God would reward each one for their sacrificial service.

¥ Praise the Lord for each individual and family unit that supports the church financially. Praise God for their faithfulness in this area.