Deuteronomy 21-24

Moses seems to be tying up all the possible "loose ends" for the Israelites before they enter the Promise Land in Deuteronomy 21-24.  He covers all the odds and ends of living honest lives for God, including unsolved murders, marriage and divorce, rebellious sons, the neighbors' livestock, interest on loans, and more on sharing God's blessings.  Moses isn't afraid to cover personal business like "nocturnal emission" and "relieving" of one's self.  While it's not at all what I expect to read about in the Bible, it's community, Godly business for the Israelites.  Moses wants to make sure the Israelites are clear on how to keep things clean and holy for God.

Moses keeps stressing the importance of remembering where we come from as God's people.  

For the Israelites, that means remembering that they were slaves in Egypt whom God redeemed from there.  Where the Israelites have been, their past, is obviously important to what God needs them to do next in their journey with Him.  Moses puts it this way...

19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.20 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 21 When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.

Deuteronomy 24:19-22

Like the Israelites, God needs us to remember that we are all slaves to sin without Christ in our lives.  God wants us to hold tightly to the saving grace we have in Christ.  

Think about your story with God at this point in your life.  From where has God redeemed you through Christ, your Savior?  Where is He calling you to go with Him next?

We are made new in Christ.  We are free from our sins for sure.  Yet, we are called to remember where we've been and use what God has given us to share His saving grace with others.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for redeeming me with Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.  Help me to remember where I've been and how Your grace frees me.  

Guide me in sharing Your grace with others.  Use my life story with You to be Your hands in filling others with Your mercy, love, and hope.  Show me how to give to others from all that You have already given me.

I am praying especially for ________________ today who needs the freedom and love only You can give.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Amen

In Christ's love,

  *This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.