Feb 3, 2015: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.  

 

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. ¹⁶This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: ‘If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.’ ¹⁷Then the Lord replied to me: ‘They are right in what they have said. ¹⁸I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. ¹⁹Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. ²⁰But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.’ 

Key Verses:  vv. 18-22 
 
Reflection:
 In our text this morning we find a dialogue that we can all relate to.  I can relate to the desperation of the people in these verses who need to have someone who can guide them in knowing what God wants of them.  I believe that Christianity is not meant to be lived out by ones self- it is meant to be lived within a community.  It takes a village.  And, believe it or not, we need that village to help us live a life of faith.  There will, for us all, be times when we can't "do life" by ourselves and we need others.  Likewise, we will need "prophets" in our lives who inspire us and clarify for us our faith.  Likewise, we need people who raise the bar to our faith so that we are prodded to do more and be more faithful in our lives.  Unfortunately, like in the scripture this morning, there are still plenty of people around who claim to know God and have all the answers for you about God.  To this, I offer a suggestion- you have within you a spirit of discernment.  This is a gift from God which enables us to see truth and uncover frauds.  Claim and use this gift from God.  It will serve you well and keep you from following people who claim the name of God but who lead far from the will of God.  I pray for leaders in your life who are sensitized to the heart of God and inspire you to live more faithfully. 

Reflection Questions:  
 Morning: How will know the difference between those called by God for leadership and frauds? 
Noon reflection question:  Who has been the most influential person in your faith?- take a moment and say a prayer of thanks for them
Evening:  What "truths" have you learned from preachers, teachers, and spiritual leaders in your life?  How have those things changed your life of faith?

Prayer:  Surround me with prophets who lead and inspire, prod and push me toward a deeper relationship with you.  Help me to have a Spirit of discernment when it comes to leaders.  Show me your truths and guide me in dealing with people and teachings who teach contrary to those truths.  Help me to seek you each day.  Guide my words and my actions so that they might glorify you in all I do.  Amen.