Bible Chapter: Deuteronomy 21 & 22

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Purity and righteousness.  These themes weave themselves throughout the writings of Moses.  God gave example after example of the things that needed to be driven out of their nation.  God was concerned with the value of life and the shedding of innocent blood.  We see His great desire to protect life.  People guilty of wanton murder were to be judged and punished.
    God also revealed His perspective on rebellion.  Obedience is an integral part of God’s holiness.  We must be obedient.  We see the importance of this over and over again throughout the Bible.  Rebellion leads to problems in relationships and society.  In our culture we have witnessed rebellion that started in the 1950s and has infected society, making it more dangerous and chipping away at the foundations that made it strong.  God will judge rebellion.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God cares about routine, every day needs.  We are told to be quick to help out those in need.  If a person found a stray ox or sheep, they were to take care of it till the owner could be found.  If someone’s donkey fell in the ditch, they were to help out and recover the animal.  They were to be concerned with safety, and were instructed to build a safety wall around the edge of their flat-roofed homes.  God cares about the details that are important to our daily lives.
    God was and is also concerned about sexual morality.  God created marriage for this physical expression.  The enemy continually tempts people to break the commands about the proper expression of sexual relations.  It is in marriage, only, period.  End of discussion.  God gave commands to cover this.  In our world today we are seeing the extreme problems that result from the constant rejection of these commands.  This again shows the principle of great blessings that come from obedience, and the great pain that results from rebellion and disobedience.  God’s ways are always the best.

3.  How can I help someone?
    There are several truths in these chapters.  Because of what I am seeing happen as a result of disobedience to God’s moral truths, I am reminded of my desire to help people see the blessings of obedience.  I want to help people see (especially younger generations) the blessings of waiting for marriage to indulge in sexual relations.  God is not against us, He is FOR us, and gives us the best guidance in this area.  We could wipe out many diseases and social ills if people would only obey this one command.