Bible Pathways 03/03/2003
Read Deuteronomy 5 -- 7
In Today 's Reading:
Review of the covenant made on Horeb (Mount Sinai); chosen to be a holy people; command to destroy idol worship
Moses reminded the Israelites that the LORD our God . . . is One (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
The Hebrew word translated our God is Elohenu, meaning "our Gods." This, then, is what Moses said: Hear, Israel, the LORD (the self-existent One) our God . . . is One (6:4). The word One (echad) expresses "one" in the collective sense. It signifies a compound unity. The 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); like 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 became one flesh and, even with numerous children, they are still called "one" family, and soldiers became a single unit (II Samuel 2:25).
The Hebrew word for "one" in the sense of absolute oneness is the word yacheed, meaning an "absolute one." It is never used in reference to the Godhead. Moses had the word yacheed available to him; but obviously God led Moses to accurately refer to Himself by the word echad, meaning a compound unity. This fact reveals that 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. It is of utmost importance that we understand that worshipers of any other ?gods? are deceived.
In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. . . . The Word became flesh and took up residence among us (John 1:1-3,14).
For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus (I Timothy 2:5).
Christ Revealed:
Through the land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:3). This pictures our trusting in Christ who provides our needs. Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you (Matthew 6:33).
Prayer Needs:
Country: Sierra Leone (5 million) in western Africa · Major language: English · Increasing restrictions on Christian work in some areas · 50% belief in river spirits, medicine men, and witchcraft; 39% Muslim; 7% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Begin every day with prayer (Psalms 88:13).
Optional Reading: Luke 18
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:13
