March 3
Read Deuteronomy 5 - 7
In Today's Reading:
Review of the Covenant made on Horeb (Mount Sinai); Israel chosen to be a holy people; command to destroy idol worship
Moses reminded the Israelites: The LORD our God is one LORD (Deuteronomy 6:4). The Hebrew word translated our God is Elohenu, meaning "our Gods." This, then, is what Moses said: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our Gods is one LORD (6:4). The word one (echad) expresses "one" in the collective sense and signifies a compound unity. Thus, one LORD is a glorious revelation of the One True God as being one, yet three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let Us make man in Our image (Genesis 1:26); as one of Us (3:22); let Us go (11:7); and who will go for Us? (Isaiah 6:8).
The same Hebrew word echad is used in Genesis 2:24 where man and woman become one flesh and, even with numerous children, they are still called "one" family, as soldiers become one troop (II Samuel 2:25).
The Hebrew word for "one" in the sense of absolute oneness is the word yacheed, meaning an "absolute one." Moses had the word yacheed available to him; but, obviously, Moses was led by God to accurately refer to Himself by the word echad, meaning a compound unity. Those who reject Jesus as fully God, as well as fully Man, are rejecting the true revelation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are One. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son (I John 5:7-9).
It is of utmost importance that we understand that worshipers of any other gods are deceived. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (I Timothy 2:5).
In the beginning was the Word (Logos, i.e. sayings of God), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. . . . And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:1-3,14).
Word Studies:
5:17 kill = murder; 6:22 sore = ominous, horrifying; 7:2 smite them = defeat them; 7:13 fruit of thy womb = children; kine = cattle; 7:25 graven images = carved idols.
Christ Revealed:
Through the land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:3). This pictures Christ who provides for our needs. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer · BPM Staff: Diana Hash · Country: Netherlands (16 million) in northwestern Europe · Major language: Dutch · Religious freedom · 39% Roman Catholic; 29% Protestant; 2% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Proverbs 3:6).
Optional Reading: Luke 18
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:11