Seek God Alone | 纽约生命河灵粮堂

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Leviticus 20:1 – 20:8

1. The LORD said to Moses,

2. “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any Israelite or any alien living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the community are to stone him.

3. I myself will set my face against that man and I will cut him off from his people; for by giving his children to Molech, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned my holy name.

4. If the members of the community close their eyes when that man gives one of his children to Molech and they fail to put him to death,

5. I myself will set my face against that man and his family and will cut off from their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molech.

6. ” ‘I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.

7. ” ‘Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.

8. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.

Reflection

A Most Vile Sin (20:1–5)
The LORD absolutely forbids anyone residing in Israel from sacrificing their children to the Canaanite god Molek. Anyone who performs this abominable act is to be stoned by the community and face God’s rejection and wrath for defiling His sanctuary and profaning His holy name. This sin is so despicable in God’s sight that even those who turn a blind eye to it and fail to put the perpetrator to death must be cut off from the community of Israel along with his family. While this ancient form of idolatry might not seem very relevant to us today, it is not uncommon for Christians to sacrifice that which is precious to God in the service of modern idols such as success and power. Let us always seek to honor God by honoring the blessings that He has entrusted to us.Divination Condemned (20:6–8)
Closely associated with the evil act of child sacrifice is the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists and following their advice. In ancient civilizations, these diviners were often sought out to predict the future, as it was believed they could access the spirit world and interpret messages from the gods. Rather than seeking the help of these powerless diviners, God commands His people to follow His laws and consecrate themselves as holy. He alone is the LORD their God, and it is His Word that they must trust and obey. Let us always look to God when we need direction and entrust our lives to Him.

Application

– Why are violent acts against children particularly evil in God’s eyes? How can you be involved in helping to protect vulnerable children?

– What are some ways in which people today seek to predict the future? How can we warn others against engaging in these practices and lead them to seek the wisdom of God?

A Letter to God

Lord, Your Word and Your will are enough for me. Help me to trust You in everything I do and seek to obey Your righteous commands. In Jesus’ name, amen.