March 18th

Again God tells them to eat their tithe (here it is the firstborn from their flocks) in His Presence - in the place God will show. Over and over this idea is presented. God also repeats the phrase "You must purge the evil from Israel." The instructions for a king are interesting. First of all, God says the people will want a king like the other nations. God will allow it but it must be a king that the Lord chooses. The king is not to be a foreigner and he is not to acquire great wealth - especially wealth (horses) from Egypt. They are not to go back to Egypt. The king is also to write out the law and keep a copy for himself and read it daily. God also mentions that he will raise up a prophet, like Moses, from among Israel. He will do this because they were afraid to hear God's voice at Sinai. But this prophet will have God's word within him and they must listen to him. This points to Jesus. We must listen to him.

Lord, show me the place I should serve. Cleanse me from evil. Do not let me aquire wealth from Egypt. Instill a deeper hunger in me for your word and help me to hear the words of Jesus.