SCRIPTURE: DEUTERONOMY 26
BIBLE VERSES:
“6 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 26:16)
“You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.” (Deuteronomy 26:17-19)
FIRSTFRUITS AND TITHES (vs. 1-15)
After the Israelites had settled in the promised land, they had to take 1/10 of the first fruits of their produce and put it in a basket to present it to the priest at the place the Lord chose for His dwelling place. Then they and the Levites and the aliens among them shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord had given them.
The Israelites had to set aside 1/10 of their produce in the third year to give it to the Levites, the alien, the fatherless and the widow.
FOLLOW THE LORD’S COMMANDS (vs. 16-19)
When the people of Israel declared to follow the Lord’s commands and observe them with all their hearts and soul., God also declared that they are His people, His treasured possession. He will set them in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and they will be a people holy to the Lord.
THOUGHTS:
The recitation of history helped the people of Israel to remember what God had done for them. How about you? Do you remember what God had done for you in the past? Can you share your personal journey to encourage and inspire others?
Moses emphasized that because the Israelites were now God’s people, they had to obey God’s command. As believers of Christ, we are also God’s people and His treasured possession. Therefore, we are obligated to obey God’s command and walk in His ways.