Deuteronomy 13:14-15:18
Any matter that concerns the glory of God is to concern us too, not for gossip, of course, but for action according to God. And so here, when the facts were established, judgment was to be carried out upon all those who consented in the evil.
Any abuse of the body in mourning was forbidden of God. Believers are never to neglect their bodies for they are now the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 2:23).
We have remarked before, in our talks on Leviticus 11, about the clean and unclean foods mentioned here. They are figures for us, and have necessary and helpful lessons in a spiritual way as to our walk through this world.
Thoughtfulness to Others
It is beautiful, in the end of the chapter, to find the Lord making provision for those who had a long journey to travel to the place where He put His Name; also to see His care for those who served Him, and for the poor and needy of His people. How thoughtful divine love is, and what a lesson for us to be thoughtful of others. There is so much self-seeking on every hand that it is needful at times to remind our hearts to think of others, and to cultivate the spirit of kindness and consideration for them at all times. Let us not forget the simple acrostic for JOY,
Jesus First
Others Next
Yourself Last
Slaves Set Free
At the end of every seven years the children of Israel were to set their slaves free. They were also to release any of their brethren from debts, and the Lord told them that if they did these things He would bless them abundantly. He would give them plenty, so that they could lend, but would not have to borrow.
Moreover they were always to consider the need of a poor brother, and not refuse to help him. Even if it were near the year of release and they might never be repaid, they were to help their brother, if he were in need.
When they set their Hebrew servant free at the end of his six years of service, they were not to send him away empty-handed. They were to give to him generously of what they had at the time of his release. Moreover, they were not to let him go grudgingly. Sometimes if a man has served his employer well, the employer does not want to let him go to another job, or even promote him to another department, but here the Israelite was charged to consider the good of his help. How many labor troubles would be saved if these principles were carried out! Sadly, selfishness rules the world and all suffer for it.
If the servant (or slave) chose to remain with his master, instead of going out free, then his ear was to be bored through with an awl and he was to serve him forever. This is a wonderful type of the Lord Jesus, who perfectly served His Father as man here, and could have gone back to heaven alone, but He would not. He loved His Father, whose perfect will He always did, and He loved His own here too, so He went to the cross to put away our sins. Now He is serving us in glory as our Great High Priest and Advocate (Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 2:1).
Further Meditations
1. What principles were to be followed in setting a Hebrew servant or slave free?
2. How does selfishness stop true joy in our Christian lives? Describe how Absalom acted selfishly and the effect it had on his life.
3. You might enjoy thinking more on the subject of joy by reading the pamphlet Joy by D. F. Rule.