Setting Priorities When Living in the Promises of God. (Deuteronomy 26: 1-19)

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Episode Notes: "Setting Priorities when Living in the Promises of God" (Deuteronomy 26:1-End)

Episode Notes:

In this episode, we explore Deuteronomy 26, where Moses wraps up a lengthy sermon by instructing the Israelites on their top priorities as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter provides principles on honouring God, caring for others, and living in obedience to His commands, which are still applicable to our lives today.

Key Points:

• First Priority: Offer the First Fruits (Deuteronomy 26:1-10)
  • The Israelites are instructed to bring the first fruits of their harvest to the place God chooses as a dwelling for His Name.
  • This act is a public acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and a declaration of His fulfilled promises.
  • It emphasizes the importance of gratitude and stewardship, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God.
• Rejoice in God's Blessings (Deuteronomy 26:11)
  • The Israelites are to rejoice in God's goodness and share their blessings with others, including the Levites and foreigners.
  • This joy is a deep sense of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's faithful provision.
• Practice of Tithing (Deuteronomy 26:12-15)
  • Tithing is not just about giving a portion of what we have but ensuring that the community, including the less fortunate, is cared for.
  • The passage emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion in our giving.
• Observing God's Commands (Deuteronomy 26:16-19)
  • Moses urges the Israelites to follow God's decrees with all their heart and soul, reinforcing their identity as God's treasured possession.
  • Obedience to God's commands is a response to His faithfulness and provision.

Practical Applications:

• Honour the Lord:
  • Regularly thank and praise God for His provision and blessings in both small and significant ways.
  • Cultivate a heart of gratitude and align yourself with God's will through daily acknowledgment of His goodness.
• Remember and Help Others:
  • Care for those in need by sharing your blessings with the less fortunate.
  • Support your community through acts of compassion and justice, reflecting God's love and care.
• Obey the Lord:
  • Live in obedience to God's commandments, applying His teachings in your daily life.
  • Regularly study the Bible and strive to live according to its principles, demonstrating your commitment to God.

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Deuteronomy 26. Unti

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• 12:03 (Cont.) Setting Priorities When Living in the Promises of God. (Deuteronomy 26: 1-19)

Transcript

Setting Priorities when Living in the Promises of God.  (Deuteronomy 26:1-End)

Transcript:

 When a politician runs for president, they often make grand promises about what they will do on their first day in office. These pledges usually reflect their highest priorities.

Similarly, we all make plans and set goals when embarking on new ventures. We might say, “When I get that job, I’m going to do this,” or “When we get married, we’ll do that.” This mindset of setting priorities is also evident in Deuteronomy 26.

In Deuteronomy 26, Moses is wrapping up a lengthy sermon that spanned 21 chapters from chapter 5 to chapter 26. 

As the Israelites stand on the east side of the Jordan River, preparing to enter the Promised Land, Moses instructs them on what they should do first upon settling in the land.

This chapter outlines their top priorities once they take possession of the land.

First Priority: Offer the First Fruits:

Let’s dive into the text, starting with verse 1-2:

When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the first fruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name.

(Deuteronomy 26: 1-2)

Moses begins by instructing the Israelites on their first act once they are settled in the land. They are to take the first fruits of their first harvest, put them in a basket, and bring them to the place God chooses to dwell. This place will eventually be Jerusalem, but initially, it moved as the Israelites moved around.

Continuing with verse 3:

And say to the priest in office at the time, “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.”.

(Deuteronomy 26: 3)

This act of bringing the first fruits and making a declaration serves as a public acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and fulfilment of His promises.

Verses 4-5 expand on this declaration:

The priest shall take the basket from your hands and set it down in front of the altar of the Lord your God. Then you shall declare before the Lord your God: ‘My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous.

(Deuteronomy 26: 4-5)

The declaration includes a recounting of their history, acknowledging that their forefather, Jacob, went down to Egypt and grew into a great nation. This proclamation highlights God’s blessing and faithfulness in turning a small family into a mighty nation.

Verses 6-10 continue the narrative:

But the Egyptians ill-treated us and made us suffer, subjecting us to harsh labour. Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So, the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the first fruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.’ Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him.

(Deuteronomy 26: 6-10)

This expanded declaration recounts their deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing God’s power and intervention. The Israelites are to acknowledge that their current blessing, entering this land flowing with milk and honey—is a direct result of God’s providence. 

This act of gratitude and recognition of God's blessings is significant for many reasons, one of which is encapsulated in the phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey." This expression, common in the Old Testament, paints a vivid picture of abundance and prosperity.

You might have heard this phrase many times, but have you ever really stopped to consider what it means? 

The use of this phrase "flowing with milk and honey" not only uses figurative language but also has a basis in agricultural science. In agricultural terms, "milk flow" and "honey flow" refer to the peak seasons of spring and summer when pastures are most productive. Livestock graze on lush foliage, producing an abundance of milk, while bees feed on the blossoms, resulting in a plentiful honey harvest. 

Therefore, a land "flowing with milk and honey" symbolizes a place of rich, fertile pastures and an abundant life. God envisioned this kind of abundant life for his people, a life full of joy, victory, and contentment—for His people in the Promised Land.

This vivid description helps us understand the Israelites' the significance of their offerings. They were not merely bringing a token of their harvest; they were acknowledging God's abundant provision and the fulfilment of His promises.

Offering the first fruits also teaches an important lesson about stewardship. When the Israelites brought their first fruits, they were acknowledging that the entire harvest belonged to God. This principle extends beyond simply giving a portion of what we have to God. True stewardship means recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and using all our resources wisely for His glory.

Stewardship doesn't just mean that we have a part and use the rest as we please. True stewardship means that we give God what belongs to Him as an acknowledgment that all we have is His.

It's not enough to give God 10% and then waste the remaining 90%. Instead, we should honour God by using all that we have wisely and for His purposes.

Deuteronomy 26:11 emphasizes that the act of giving should be joyful and that sense of joy should be witnessed by others:

Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.

(Deuteronomy 26: 11)

The Israelites were to rejoice in God's goodness and share their blessings with others, including the Levites and strangers. This joy was more than just prosperity; it was a deep sense of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's faithful provision.

To summarize, the first 11 verse of section of Deuteronomy 26.

It teaches us to:

·         Acknowledge God as the giver of all good things.

·         Offer the first and best of what we have to God as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment that everything belongs to Him.

·         Rejoice in God's blessings and share them with others.

The second part of Deuteronomy 26 begins in verse 12 and addresses the practice of tithing:

When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the Lord your God: ‘I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands, nor have I forgotten any of them. I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while I was in mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor have I offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the Lord my God; I have done everything you commanded me. Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling-place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey.’

(Deuteronomy 26: 12-15)

Tithing is a topic that often arises in discussions about giving. Interestingly, tithing is not prominently featured in the New Testament epistles. The New Testament does emphasize giving "as God has prospered you." Some interpret this to mean starting with a tithe (10%) and then giving more as they are able. However, it's important to note that the biblical concept of tithing in the Old Testament was more than just 10%. In fact, it included multiple tithes totalling about 23.3% annually, when you include the additional tithe every third year.

Here in Deuteronomy 26:12, the purpose of the tithe is clear: It is to support not only the Levites, who had no land of their own but also the strangers, fatherless, and widows. This provision ensured that everyone in the community is cared for, reflecting God's heart for justice and compassion.

In Deuteronomy 26, we see a clear directive for the Israelites to care for the less fortunate among them. This includes the fatherless, widows, and the poor. The whole chapter emphasizes that their offerings were not solely for their relationship with God, but also for supporting those in need within their community.

However, offering and commitment to the Lord were only part of their responsibility. The other crucial part was to "love their fellow dependent Israelites." These highlights giving to those who are in need and rely on the community's support. 

So, in the first part of the passage, the Israelites are instructed to give to the Lord and make a proclamation. This act is deeply connected with acknowledging God's blessings. The offering was a tangible expression of gratitude for God's provision, and the giver was to ask the Lord to continue blessing the children of Israel.

This recurring theme of acknowledging and responding to God's faithfulness is central to their worship and community life.

As we move on through this chapter it becomes clear that the Israelites were to honour God first, but also to remember those in need. This dual focus is a vital lesson for us today. Urging us to think beyond ourselves and serve those around us.

This message of considering others is particularly poignant in our modern culture, which often emphasizes self-interest. The recent trend of taking selfies, for me in many ways symbolizes a broader societal focus on the individual. In contrast to God's directive to remember are main focus should be on others, especially the vulnerable.

The next part of Deuteronomy 26, beginning in verse 16, shifts focus slightly:

The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws – that you will listen to him. And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honour high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.

(Deuteronomy 26: 16-19)

These verses seem somewhat distinct from the previous instructions, serving as a concluding exhortation. If we consider the book of Deuteronomy as a series of sermons, this section likely concludes the huge second sermon, which spanned chapters 5 to 26.

So this passage in verses 16-19 can be seen as the closing statements of this second sermon in which Moses reminds the Israelites of their commitment to God and the importance of obedience. He reinforces their identity as God's special people, chosen to be holy and set apart.

These verses are a sort of bridging point that links together the extensive teachings from chapters 5 through 26. This section emphasizes the importance of observing God's statutes and judgments with wholehearted dedication.

It also serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites and the responsibilities that come with it.

In summary, this chapter I believe is meant to teach us:

·         Honor God: Acknowledge His provision and express gratitude through offerings.

·         Care for Others: Remember and support the vulnerable within our community.

·         Observe God's Commands: Live in obedience to God's statutes and judgments, reflecting our commitment to Him.

These principles are timeless and still applicable to our lives today. As we strive to honour God and care for others, we fulfil our calling as His people, set apart to bring glory to His name.

Moses in closing his lengthy sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and proclamation of God's statutes and judgments. 

Verse 16 clearly commands the Israelites to observe these laws with all their heart and soul, underscoring the necessity of complete and heartfelt compliance.

Moses continues by urging the Israelites to declare their commitment to God, promising to walk in His ways obeying His voice. This declaration aligns perfectly with God's demonstrated faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and providing for their needs.

However, the relationship is reciprocal: God is their God, and in response, they commit to walking in His ways.

Verse 18 reinforces their identity as God's special people, chosen to be set apart (holy) among the nations. This status is not due to any inherent merit on their part but is a result of God's sovereign choice. 

Their appropriate response to such an honour is obedience to the Lord's commands.

Practical Applications

Let's break this down further into three simple observations and applications:

1. Honor the Lord

The first thing the Israelites are to do upon entering the land is to honour the Lord by giving the first fruits of their produce and proclaiming His faithfulness. This act is more than a ritual; it is a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's provision and a declaration of His fulfilled promises.

In our lives, this translates to regularly thanking and praising God. Whether it's for small daily blessings or significant life events, acknowledging God's hand in everything cultivates a heart of gratitude and aligns us with His will.

This can just go from thanking God for finding your car keys on a busy morning, to delivering someone you love from a serious illness. This continual gratitude helps us maintain a prayerful and thankful attitude, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks."

2. Remember and Help Others

The passage also teaches us to care for those in need. The Israelites were instructed to share their blessings with the Levites, strangers, fatherless, and widows. 

Examples of doing this might include contributing to a church's hardship fund or supporting a local charity that supports the needy. These acts of giving reflects God's love and care for all His people, emphasizing our responsibility to support and uplift each other.

3. Obey the Lord

Moses underscores the importance of obedience to God's commandments. The Israelites' special status as God's chosen people comes with the responsibility to live according to His laws.

An example of this might be simply regularly studying the Bible and striving to live according to its teachings. Obedience involves not just knowing God's commandments but actively applying them in our daily lives. This commitment reflects our relationship with God and our dedication to His will.

Considering the extensive list of commandments in Deuteronomy chapters 5 to 26, it's clear that obedience involves a comprehensive and continuous effort. The overarching principle is not about the number of rules but that our lives should be marked by a consistent and wholehearted effort to follow God's ways.

The sheer number of commandments in the Pentateuch, specifically the 613 identified by rabbinic tradition, can be overwhelming. 

Some divide these 613 commandments into 365 negative commands (one for each day of the year) and 248 positive commands (one for each bone and main organ in the human body, according to an unusual ancient understanding). 

However, Moses summarized them in the Ten Commandments, and Jesus distilled them further into two fundamental principles:

1.     Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

2.     Love your neighbour as yourself.

Paul echoes this in Romans 13, where he emphasizes that love fulfils the law. If you love others, you naturally fulfil all the commandments because love precludes harmful actions like murder, theft, and false witness.

Honouring, Obeying, and Remembering God's Blessings

Returning to Deuteronomy 26, Moses emphasizes three key actions for the Israelites:

In the New Testament context, while we may not have a physical land flowing with milk and honey, we have spiritual blessings in Christ. 

Romans chapter 6 highlights our union with Christ and the transformation it brings. Paul emphasizes that being united with Christ means we are alive to God, and this new life should lead to righteous living.

To sum up, Deuteronomy 26 teaches us to:

Honor the Lord: Begin each day and each new endeavor with thanksgiving and acknowledgment of God's provision.

Obey the Lord: Live out God's commandments in practical ways, especially by loving others.

Remember God's Blessings: Reflect on the many ways God has blessed us, using this as a motivation for obedience.

Practical Implications

Daily Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of thanking God for both small and significant blessings. This aligns our hearts with God's goodness and keeps us mindful of His constant provision.

Love in Action: Make love the guiding principle of our interactions with others. This fulfils God's law and reflects His character.

Spiritual Union with Christ: Embrace our identity in Christ, recognizing that we are alive to God and empowered to live righteously. This union with Christ is the foundation of our spiritual life.

The principles Moses laid out here in Deuteronomy 26 are timeless. 

As you and I navigate our spiritual journey through life, these actions keep us grounded in our relationship with God and aligned with His will. By loving God and others, we fulfil the essence of His law and reflect His love to the world.