Worship God

Scriptures from Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy
 
Deuteronomy 18:17-18 Then the Lord said to me, “What they have said is right. 18 I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him.”
 
THE Daily Bible refers to 40 passages and 21 laws from Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy regarding worship. Many of these relate to true worship and proper offerings, including tithing. This is also about the future worship for God’s people worldwide – all of us.
   Moses reminded those who were very young at Mt. Sinai, and he taught those who were not yet born then that their parents had urged Moses to be God’s voice to them. God’s holy presence was too fearful for Israel to see and hear!  
   Moses affirmed his prophet’s role, and said a prophet like himself would come. Moses’ prophecy is why the ruling Jews some 1500 years later asked John the Baptist, “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” (John 1:21b)
   That question could have been asked of many prophets who spoke heaven’s words to the world. Yet a prophet like Moses would have a similar intimacy and power with God as Moses. Remember, Moses led Israel out of tyranny. He is called “Lawgiver” because Israel saw him as a powerful, authoritative leader who judged Israel’s sins. He also prayed for their welfare and led his people into physical safety. We often forget, too, that Moses was a military leader. His armies conquered. Imagine! There would be another like him.
   But for 15 centuries there was no prophet quite like Moses. David had an intimate relationship, spoke God’s Word to Israel and administered God’s justice. Elijah’s and Elisha’s list of God-powered acts parallels Moses’ works. Still, came so close he could say, “I am the Prophet Moses prophesied.”   
   Then God sent John the Baptist to announce the Christ was near. When Herod executed John, the Jews’ question shifted to Jesus. Jesus’ teachings and miracles were often compared and contrasted with Moses’ miracles in the desert. In turn, Jesus affirmed he was God’s mouth: “The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” (John 14:10b) Through his suffering, resurrection and ascension, Jesus is the perfect and holy Prophet, who leads God’s church into heaven.
   Know Jesus spoke the Father’s words in the Spirit’s power. God’s laws tell us the Holy Trinity is the One God to worship. Be sure he is first and only in your heart.
          
Rejoice and Know: Jesus is in the Law. He is the Living Word to speak from heaven.