Detestable Things
Today’s scripture refers to “detestable things”. These are the things in our lives that we allow to pull us away from God. Moses is working toward driving out a sinful nation that worships idols, a nation that does not love God . They are full of sin which by definition is anything that separates us from God, and from everything that is pure and lovely and good. That is in stark contrast to what is detestable, anything that potentially opens the flood gate of pain and suffering, trials and tribulations, sickness and sorrow.
Scripture:
“Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.” – Deuteronomy 7:26
Observation/Application:
The takeaway here is that while we are to love others and have compassion for them, we are not to love the sin in their lives. We are to detest sin, Satan, and anything that separates us from the love of God. And for those walking with Satan, who are consumed by sin and the things of this world, we should beware and keep them out of our homes and inner circles. Deuteronomy 7:15-16 says, “The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you… Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you.”
Why should we beware of things that are not holy? It is because sin is a trap. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy our lives. He wants to trick us, to trap us. What the devil presents as nice and shiny on the outside, is dirty and rotten on the inside. Why expose ourselves to the risk of falling into the snare? What’s important to remember is that sin never wins. God always does. History gives us a clue. Look at the number of times where cities have fallen and kingdoms have been overturned due to their corruption. No example is better than when the earth’s hard drive was completely reformatted wiping clean all of the sin of the earth minus Noah.
What are we to do? How are we to live and act in a world that is full of sin, snares, and traps. First of all, let us not focus on the bad and let the enemy not steal everything that is good like our peace and our joy. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” – (Philippians 4:8) Second we should do our best to walk in love. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – (Romans 12:18). Remember that Jesus prayed for the sick, and lost, and those who persecuted and killed Him. Our hearts are not to be changed because of the sin of the world. Jesus prayed to God the Father to forgive them, for they know not what they do. It is important that we do not let others be a snare to us by hardening our hearts and separating us from the love of the Father.
As we go forth today, let us do our best to walk in love. And let us keep detestable things out of our homes, even if it means we have to put up “Keep Out” signs and lock our windows and doors from time to time.
#Detestable-Things-Are-A-Trap
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Help us to keep detestable things out of our homes Lord. Keep us from the snares and traps of the enemy. Help us to detest it, for we know that it is meant for our harm. And we know that what the enemy intends for harm, you can turn around for good. Help us to seek you and honor you Lord in all that we do. We give you all the honor and glory and praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Today’s full reading: Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15
Image courtesy of: koudy-vw
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