March 18, 2017. Deuteronomy 21-23.

 

Have you ever been camping? It’s always a part of the camping experience to find the perfect spot to set up camp. Whether it’s a solo adventure, or one shared with family or friends, the process and plan are just as important as the actual spot.

The Lord has given the Israelites this new land to possess, and as we look at these chapters, it’s a talk about certain laws. Look closely at these verses, and you’ll see laws shared by Moses that are mostly examples of relationships with others in society. Sin, disobedience and evil would affect the entire community! Therefore the whole town would need to be purged of any and all of these examples. These shared rules would be within the guidelines of God’s Laws.

Atonement for a Murder

Marriage and the Firstborn

Guidelines for Rebellious Children

Miscellaneous Rules for the Israelites

Violations of Marriage Rules

Laws of Sexual Morality

Excluded from the Assembly of the LORD

Cleanliness of the Camp

Do you think that the result of a rebellious society could be an extension of rebellious families? Do you believe our family life is where our first relationships begin, and have an influence on how we relate to others in society and the world around us? Haven’t we all heard “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”? (Luke 6:31 NASB) And then again we see (Matthew 7:12 NASB) states “In everything, therefore treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law. God’s precepts and province extends itself to the smallest affairs, that even in them we would live in the fear of the Lord, as we are under His watch and care. Our behavior should be that which preserves our own and others’ purity in heart and actions.

We should always value the privileges as God’s people, not only for us, but for our children. Be reminded that an unsound heart, and bad example will deprive us of the full blessings God has for us as His children!

How “clean” is your camp? Do you have things you need to tidy up or tend to? Would a fellow camper be welcomed into your camp? Have you prepared your camp to not be inhabited by anything harmful to you or your fellow campers?

Who do you want the most to join you on your life’s camping trip?

Since the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you. (Deuteronomy 23:14)