March 31- Setting Up As A Nation

March 31, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20; Luke 9:7-27
Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 12:8-9

Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20

When the Second Continental Congress held their convention on May 10, 1775 in Philadelphia, it acted as a de facto national government for the thirteen colonies on this continent.  The group of individual representatives from each colony adopted the Declaration of Independence, raised an army to fight the British, directed strategy for a war, appointed diplomats, and made formal treaties with other nations.  This was fundamental in establishing America as a separate nation.  Today Moses uses God's Laws as a means of establishing Israel as its own nation.

When the Israelites were preparing to go into the Promised Land God took Moses up to Mount Sinai to give Him the laws under which this nation would function.  In the books of Leviticus and Numbers we reviewed the laws and the associated calendar of holidays.  Moses takes time in the book of Deuteronomy to reemphasize these national sign posts to a new generation.  Today Moses restates the holy calendar of festivals that are to be observed by the nation of Israel.  He confirms that they must appoint judges and officials in each town for civil government, and if any case is too hard to decide, they should take the case directly to the Levitcal priest and judge to decide.  Moses acknowledges that eventually Israel will not want to have God be their King, but will want to be like other earthly nations with a king of their own that they can see.  Moses sets down the rules for this future king:

• He must be a fellow Israelite.
• He must not build up a large stable of horses, especially horses bought from Egypt.
• He must not send his people back to Egypt.
• He must not take many wives for himself, because they will lead him away from the Lord.
• He must not build up great treasures of silver and gold.
• As king, he must copy the laws from God on a scroll by himself in the presence of the Levitical priests.
• He must always keep a copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives.
• This will prevent him from becoming proud and acting like he is better than other citizens. He should be a man of the law.

As we read further in the Bible, we will be introduced to the various kings that rule the nation of Israel.  One of their greatest earthly kings was King Solomon.  He was the son of David and Bathsheba.  He is also the author of some of the books of the Bible, including the Proverbs.  But as we will see, Solomon broke many of the rules set out here for a king of Israel by God.  By now you know me pretty well,  well enough to know that I cannot let this passage pass without showing the picture of Jesus Christ in the passage.  Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  When Jesus was on earth as King of the Jews, he followed all the laws for a king designated in this passage by Moses.  Although he did not carry the law with him physically each day, he studied the Scriptures since his childhood and carried the whole Law with him in his mind and heart.  Jesus, who was also a son of David, was Israel's perfect king.

What sign posts in your life point to your faith in God?  Do you live by a certain doctrine or creed?

Luke 9:7-9

Our story opens today with King Herod worried about who Jesus really is.  After miraculously feeding a crowd of 5000 people, Jesus takes his disciples aside and challenges them about who they think he is.  Peter speaks up and proclaims the gospel message that Jesus is the Messiah sent by God.  Messiah means "Anointed One."  Please know that three types of leaders in the ancient world were anointed into their positions... prophets, priests, and kings.  Jesus is positionally all three of these. Jesus is a prophet, a priest, and a king.

Once Jesus hears Peter's testimony, he warns the disciples not to tell anyone.  He teaches them that he must suffer, be rejected, killed and then raised from the dead.  A primary part of being one of Jesus' followers is that we must set aside our own selfish ambitions and be willing to suffer like Christ.  With humility, we must not be ashamed to be associated with the message and person of Christ. This means that the disciples must obey his command not to tell anyone at this time that he is the long awaited Messiah. They must accept his suffering before his glorification.

Are you willing to suffer in this life?  Do you face hardship with humility? Are you willing to do this as a means of identifying with Jesus?  He is asking you to take up a cross.  Do you recognize Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords?  Is he ruling in your heart?

Psalm 72:1-20

This is a psalm written by Solomon designed to worship the king.  How appropriate for today's study.  Solomon is speaking of our perfect king- Jesus Christ.  Read the words and you will see a perfect description of Jesus.

Proverbs 12:8-9

One thing this proverb says is "a warped mind is despised."  This is certainly true.

What did you notice today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011