Which Way?

O. T. #402  "Which Way?"
November 6, 2014
Deuteronomy 17-Part 2
... since the LORD has said to you, "You shall never again return that way." 
Deuteronomy 17:16c NAS

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever come to crossroads in your life and you wonder which way is the right way? We try to choose the right way, but sometimes it ends up being the wrong way. I can't go back and change things, even if I wanted to. We sometimes have to make decisions and go forward with them. Surely I can learn from the past mistakes and wrong decisions. When it's time to go forward, don't look back. Learn to live with it. Have a grateful heart, even if things used to be better. Hey, I'm talking to myself here. So my attitude should be one of looking at what God is doing in my life presently and hopeful for the future. Walk by faith, not by sight.

That first generation of Israelites kept wanting to return to Egypt after they just got out of there. God had freed them from slavery and they became slaves to their own fleshly desires. They were complaining and grumbling about the food (manna) and water supply (or lack of). I didn't read about them complaining about the heat of the desert, having to walk and carry their belongings, wear the same clothes day after day, for forty years.
Some of this second generation of Israelites grew up hearing all those complaints. I recon God knew their tendencies would be the same, living by the flesh not the spirit, walking by sight not faith, lacking trust in God and turning to empty idols.

Been there, done that. Let the past be in the past.
Look at the key verse. the word way in Hebrew means a mode of action; manner; a course of life; a road.

Never again Israel was to return to Egypt's course of life, way of life-worshiping idols, false gods. The Lord wanted to be their one and only God, the love of their life, their provider, protector. Their way was to be His way for them to live. He gave them instructions time and time again. Also, God kept warning His children of the consequences of sin.

Who is our way of life? Jesus told Thomas, in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Am we living our way or God's way? He is the Light of the World to show us The Way. Are we trusting in our ways or the world's ways? Through the difficult times we need to continue to stand firm, following Jesus, not return to our old way, the way of flesh, our natural way.

LET IT GROW

In the verses 14-20, Moses gives Israel the laws and rules for their kings. Israel was allowed to have a king, if they wanted one. That is why God gave them certain rules for him to follow.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary gives the do's and don'ts for Israel's future king:

1. He must be a Jew.
2. He shall write for himself a copy of the Law.
3. He shall read his copy of the Law all the days of his life.
4. He shall fear the Lord.
5. He shall observe all the words of the Law.
6. Neither he nor the people shall multiply horses.
7. He shall not return to Egypt.
8. He shall not multiply wives for himself.
9. He shall not greatly increase silver and gold for himself.
10. He shall not lift his heart up above his people.
11. He shall not turn aside from God's commandments.  

The king of Israel was to avoid personal status and physical and material indulgences. In other words, he was to stay humble before God and the people.

If we are a leader, what is our attitude? Are they to serve us or are we to serve them? Do we honor God with our service?

LET IT GO

Turn from our past, the worldliness, fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

Honor God in all I do.

Walk by faith, not by sight; live in the spirit, not the flesh.