Thoughts on the readings for April 21st (Deuteronomy 4, Proverbs 31, John 15, 16)

Deuteronomy 4 commences with Moses commanding obedience from Israel. Verses 1-14 speak of the people being told that the Word of the LORD was to observed without adding to it, nor subtracting from it. This was because Yahweh their God demanded exclusive worship; He would tolerate no rivals. The demands for obedience were reasonable since He had rescued His people and shown them mighty miracles in the process. He had given them an incomparable Law, at which the surrounding nations could only marvel. Israel needs to diligently observe all the LORD’s laws and ensure that these laws were ingrained into their children’s minds. The Ten Commandments were delivered to them accompanied by an impressive display of the might and majesty of their Sovereign. So these commandments were morally imperative for Israel to keep when they came into the Promised Land. Verses 15-31 says that idolatry in any form was forbidden. They were not to fashion, or carve, the likeness of any living creature lest it become an idol. The consequences of idol worship would bring punishment upon the nation. If they forsook the idols then Yahweh would show them His love and mercy, which are essential qualities of His character – read verse 31 aloud slowly and contemplate what it teaches you. Verses 32-40 teach that there is no other God than our Almighty Father. And so worship of Him is demanded to the exclusion of all others – idols, covetousness and self (Colossians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:2). Verses 41-43 describe the assigning of 3 additional cities of refuge east of the River Jordan.Proverbs 31 concludes the book with section 7 – the words of king Lemuel, which his mother taught him. Once again Lemuel, although exceptionally wise, is not Solomon David’s son – whose wisdom was taught to him firstly by his natural father David; and later, and more importantly by his Heavenly Father. Another sad contrast between Lemuel and Solomon is Lemuel’s writing about a virtuous woman, who may have been his soulmate; whereas even though Solomon had a thousand wives (including his concubines) he seemingly failed to find a true companion – Ecclesiastes 7 verses 28. Verses 1-9 are balanced contrastingly with verses 10-31 the virtues of the wise, diligent and faithful wife. Lemuel’s counsel is an “oracle” ie wise counsel that harmonises with God’s Word. It is recorded here in holy writ as it is endorsed as inspired advice. The name Lemuel means “Godward, or God is Bright”. The author’s intention is to focus his reader’s minds on their Sovereign, “who dwells in unapproachable light” as we are told in 1 Timothy 6 verses 14-16. Verses 3-7 counsel us against immorality and drunkenness. Verses 8-9 are Lemuel’s third admonition to his readers. Only open your mouth to confer a benefit to others – see Ephesians 4 verses 29; James 3 verses 1-10.