A Holy Offering of Obedience
Scripture Passage: Deuteronomy 12:20-28 (NASB)
20 “When the Lord your God extends your border as He has promised you, and you say, ‘I will eat meat,’ because you desire to eat meat, then you may eat meat, whatever you desire. 21 If the place which the Lord your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, then you may slaughter of your herd and flock which the Lord has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates whatever you desire. 22 Just as a gazelle or a deer is eaten, so you will eat it; the unclean and the clean alike may eat of it. 23 Only be sure not to eat the blood, for the blood is the life, and you shall not eat the life with the flesh. 24 You shall not eat it; you shall pour it out on the ground like water. 25 You shall not eat it, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you, for you will be doing what is right in the sight of the Lord. 26 Only your holy things which you may have and your votive offerings, you shall take and go to the place which the Lord chooses. 27 And you shall offer your burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, on the altar of the Lord your God; and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of the Lord your God, and you shall eat the flesh. 28 “Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.
SUMMARY
Moses speaks to the Israelites about the rules and regulations on slaughtering their herd and flock for food. When they enter into the Promised Land, they are now allowed to eat whatever meat they desire. They are also given the permission to hunt wild animals, slaughter their flocks and eat the meat at their own house if the place of worship is too far. Sacrifice offered or devoted to God, they must not eat at home. However, it is strictly forbidden to eat the blood which symbolizes life. Moses gives a firm command, “Only be sure not to eat the blood” and repeats it three times from verses 23 through 25. They are commanded to bring their offerings including tithes, burnt offerings, and vow offerings to the place of worship that God chooses. They are given a specific instruction about the blood of the sacrifices to be poured out on the altar. Moses reminds them again to “be careful to listen to ALL the words” and commands so that it will be well for them and their children.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
In this passage, clear and detailed instructions are given to the Israelites who are about to finally enter into the Promised Land. It shows the heart of God that wants to bless His people and bring them to enjoy the land that flows with milk and honey, and says, “you may eat meat, whatever you desire.” (v. 20) He also makes it very clear they are not to eat the blood or follow a detestable act that some Canaanites practiced in their idol worship. God wanted His people to be set apart and follow all His commands - not to enslave them, but to keep them from being enticed by the false gods which will lead to separation from covenant relationship with God. God grants us so much freedom in Christ, but we must remember the blood that was poured out on the altar that brought us into the covenant relationship with God Almighty.
I often take it for granted that I have a full access to the Bible and many great sermons online at my fingertips, especially during this time of quarantine. Being able to worship at the comfort and safety of my home can be a huge privilege and blessing, but at the same time, I can be in the danger of becoming too casual in my attitude of worship. I have to examine my heart and really ask what my posture is when I engage in online Sunday worship and daily QT time. Although the Israelites were given the permission to eat the meat at their home if the place of worship was too far, God still required them to bring the “holy things and vow offerings” and offer properly on the altar. I have to repent that I have not been giving full-hearted devotion during Sunday worship. I allow much distraction or often fail to log on time to fully engage in time of praise and intently listen to the message, which would be the case if I were at the physical building of a church.
As I read the words, “Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever,” (v. 28) I’m reminded that I have to obey His ways so that my children can see the example and follow. There are so many voices and ideas floating out there these days, and our children are spending far more time logged in with the world rather than things of God. It’s been a challenge at times during the shelter-in period for our family of six to communicate and treat one another with love, patience and serve one another with joyful hearts. We definitely need God’s grace and help to align our personal faith walk and our family unity in the path of righteousness. We need the renewing power of blood of Jesus, and for our family to truly experience revival and the life giving living water that flows from His commands.
APPLICATION
I started doing QT with my college age son about a month ago. It’s been irregular and sometimes we both feel tired so we skip it. Sometimes I get really discouraged by the lack of change or motivation in him. Our youngest daughter wants to learn more about the Bible but I’ve been so busy that I find it difficult to sit down with her to answer all her questions. Through today’s passage, God spoke to me about my heart’s posture and I need to offer true worship that honors God. I want to rededicate my vow unto God and set apart time to do QT as a “holy offering” placed at the altar. Through fasting and prayer, I will offer prayers for our four children who are in desperate need of God’s touch and the conviction of His Holy Spirit.
PRAYER
Thank you Father for making a way for me to approach the throne of grace by the blood of Jesus Christ. I confess to you that my heart is easily filled with so many distractions, noise pollution from this world. Please forgive me for falling into idol worship without even knowing, and failing to love and worship you wholeheartedly. Please purify my heart’s desire, so that I won’t be compromising, giving into my fleshly desires, or just choosing what’s easy and convenient. I don’t have the power or strength to change my children, my situation, or even my own wayward heart. I ask you Holy Spirit to come and open the eyes of my heart to see the wonderful things in your law. May my prayer be that of Psalmist, “Your Words are my delight… I have chosen the way of faithfulness. I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, LORD. Do not let me be put to shame.” (Psalm 119:24)
I lay down things that I’ve held so tightly in my hands at your altar and choose your ways for me. We, as a family, want to bring to your altar our prayers and hopes for our children, our plans, our worries, even all the broken things that have been forgotten. You alone have the full authority and power over our lives. Have your way with us, and beckon us to come to the place of worship you have chosen to place Your Name, for in Your presence is true blessing forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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