Deuteronomy 11-13
Chapter 12 is the beginning of a new set of comprehensive laws that take up the bulk of the book of Deuteronomy. Today we read about the specific ways in which God desired His people to worship. He called them to worship in His good and perfect way, not in the ways of the surrounding nations. The Israelites were instructed to destroy any false altars and worship only where God had chosen. This was about doing what was right in God’s eyes, rather than every man acting on his own whims or false morals.
You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way. But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name and make his habitation there. There you shall go. – Deut 12:4-5
You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes, for you have not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance that the Lord your God is giving you. – Deut 12:8
Chapter 13 issues a strong warning against abandoning their commitment to the one true God for a false god. It is warned that there will be false prophets and dreamers who can perform signs or wonders, but that they must not fall for such tricks and deception. It is even warned that if your family member whispers to you suggesting that you serve other gods, you must not listen to them. In fact they were instructed to kill them. Fortunately for us, such violence is no longer expected in these cases, however, discernment and steadfast loyalty to our Creator are expected of us. In today’s age, we are instructed to be aware of false prophets, and even false messiahs, as Jesus warns in Matthew,
Then if anyone says to you, “Look, here is the Christ!” or “There he is!” do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. – Matt 24:24
Today, we may not have physical altars to tear down or false priests to execute, but our hearts can easily become divided. We are tempted to blend worldly influences with our worship, allowing distractions, personal desires, or cultural norms to shape our devotion rather than the truth of God’s word. In a world full of voices claiming to speak truth, it is imperative that we remain anchored in scripture. Even generally positive things, such as success, relationships, or even religious experiences, can become idols if they pull our hearts away from God. True devotion means prioritizing Him above all else, not in the ways we see fit, but in the ways He has commanded us.
-Isabella Osborn
Reflection Questions:
- Are there any influences in your life—cultural, personal, or societal—that may be shaping your faith or outlook in ways that are not aligned with God’s Word?
- How can you actively practice discernment in recognizing false teachings or influences that lead you away from total devotion to God?
- In what ways can you ensure that your worship and daily life reflect God’s truth, rather than personal preferences or societal norms?
Seek Grow Love 