� Reading 3 - Deut 15-18

15 - Chapter 15 gives us more of the regulation of day to day life in Israel. Note the strong emphasis on brotherhood in Israel, with the stronger helping the weaker. Verse 9 is key. God knows the intent of our hearts! There simply would be no need to be tight-fisted (note verse 11) for the Lord would bless them be- yond their imagination.

16 - Chapter 16 sets out the regulations of the major festivals and feasts (verses 1-17) and then follows it with material on Israel’s justice system that will extend into the next chapter.

17 - Chapter 17 continues the discussion of justice in Israel by detailing what to do with apostates (verses 1-7) and how to set up central tribunals (verses 8-13). Observe carefully the respect due these courts. The chapter then makes provision for a king (verses 14-20). Some have argued that Israel sinned by asking for a king in 1 Samuel 8 but these laws show how Israel was not wrong in requesting a king. The trouble in Samuel is the kind of king wanted. If the requirements given here are followed the real king would be Jehovah. The earthly king would simply be a man depending on God, not wealth or his large army.

18 - Chapter 18 gives important information about revelations from God (verses 9-22). A word from God would not come through fortune tellers or magic (verses 9-14), and all such practices are thoroughly forbidden. God will speak through prophets (verses 15-22). Jesus is the final expression of verse 18 (see Acts 3:22). The test of a prophet is given in verses 20-22, but we do well to remember the other test given in chapter 13:1-5. Even if the word of a prophet comes to pass (meeting the test of chapter 18) he is not to be believed if he teaches something contrary to the already revealed will of God.

Psalm 115

This worship psalm is part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118) that were used at Passover. It answer the nations who ask “Why don’t you have an image to worship? Where is your idol” (verse 2) by teaching that idols are useless (verses 4-7). Even worse, idols lead the idolaters to become like them (verse 8). While this verse is often cited to say that worshipers becomes like what they worship (which is true), in this context verse 8 is an insult. Idols are dumb and useless and the people who worship them are ... dumb and useless too! The true God protects His people (verses 9-11) and blesses them (verses 11-15). He is the powerful One (verses 15-16) who is truly worthy of praise and worship (verses 17-18).

9 - In many ways Luke’s Gospel answers the question of verse 9. Don’t miss the great discipleship say- ings of verses 23-26. “Taking up the cross” does not refer to the sufferings of life, having ornery in-laws or a sick child. Worldly people have all of this too! The cross here is the peculiar responsibilities of discipleship, especially those that lead to a death of self. Verse 40 makes us ask why the disciples couldn’t cast out the demon but Jesus tells us in verse 41. They lacked faith, apparently being intimidated by the demon. The final discipleship sayings of the chapter emphasize that we don’t follow Jesus to get riches or a grand home (verse 58), that important family matters like funerals are not more important than the Kingdom (verse 60), and that Jesus is requiring single minded devotion to Him that does not look back in regret (verse 62).