Read Deuteronomy 17
Highlights:
Laws concerning disobedience to the priest; warning the kings; the portions of the Levites; prophecy concerning Christ; cities of refuge; murderers denied any refuge; Laws concerning war.
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken (Deut. 18:15).
Moses was the great lawgiver who had the privilege of giving the Laws of God to His people. But Moses was more than a lawgiver — he was a prophet, foretelling of the coming Messiah-Savior.
There are many parallels in the life of Moses and life of Christ. Both of them were in great danger in infancy. Both were miraculously protected from death when Satan — through civil rulers (Pharaoh and Herod) — sought to kill them.
Both Moses and Christ were called by God, and both were rejected by their brethren. Jesus came unto His own, and His own received Him not (John 1:11). And Moses supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not (Acts 7:25). They both showed "signs and wonders" to confirm the anointing of God upon their mission. Both were great deliverers and great teachers. As a servant of God, Moses brought the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and led them for forty years toward the promised land. But while Moses was only a servant, Christ is the Savior — the Son of God.
For 40 years, Moses interceded in prayer for Israel and delivered them from the judgment of God (Deut. 9:25-26). But Jesus is the Mediator of a better Covenant that is established upon better promises, for He ever liveth to make intercession for them (saints) (Heb. 7:25).
Although Moses was a prophet who received and proclaimed the Word of God, he was powerless to change the hearts of his followers. But One greater than Moses came — Christ, who is the Word and indwells and transforms the life of every believer.
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant . . . But Christ as a Son over His own House; whose House are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end (3:5-6).
Moses' leadership ended at the border of the promised land, but Jesus leads His people into His Kingdom, where we shall reign with Him forever. He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him (Heb. 7:25).
Thought for Today:
The Lord arranges daily incidents to present opportunities for us to express His love to our fellowman (I Pet. 2:24).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Old Testament animal (without blemish) sacrifices which were made (Deut. 17:1). Christ was perfectly pure from all sin. Christ . . . without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19). As the Prophet (Deut. 18:18-19).
Word Studies:
17:2 transgressing His Covenant, sinful conduct, disregard; 17:4 wrought, done; 17:12 presumptuously, arrogantly, haughtily; hearken unto, listen to and obey; 17:15 stranger, foreigner; 18:3 due, right; 18:6 sojourned, has been residing; 18:8 patrimony, father's estate; 18:10 maketh . . . to pass through the fire, burns his child alive as an offering to an idol; divination, enchantment, witchcraft; 18:11 familiar spirits . . . wizard, necromancer, various activities of fortune-telling, consulting the dead, etc.; 18:13 perfect, wholehearted in your love and service to God, blameless; 19:4 ignorantly, unintentionally; 19:5 helve, handle; lighteth, strikes; 19:18 make diligent inquisition, investigate thoroughly; 20:11 tributaries, forced laborers.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA) and Rep. Jason Altmire (PA) • Country: Tanzania (31.3 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Swahili and English • Churches are expected to help implement Marxist policy • 45% Christian; 19% Muslim; .4% Baha'i; .1% Hindu; 35.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that prayer is one of the ways God uses to strengthen you in the power of His might (Eph. 6:18).
Optional Reading: Luke 22
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:13
