A HOLY ASSEMBLY AND CAMP
Keywords 23:14
For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.
1. Keeping the assembly and camp clean (1-14)
Moses gave Israel
exclusive standards for who could gather to participate in worship. This helps
us understand God’s holiness and the depth of God’s grace in Jesus, which
enables unclean sinners like us to come into God’s presence. Even when Israel’s
army went to battle, they had to keep their camp clean, recognizing God’s
presence. We can keep the spirit of these commands by examining our hearts and
repenting of sin when we worship.
2. Laws of
compassion (15-25)
God gave Israel
laws that taught them to practice compassion and love for their neighbours.
They were to protect helpless slaves and not charge interest. The hungry could
eat from their neighbour’s vineyard or grain field but not to the point of
exploitation. The warning against hasty vows was emphasized by Jesus himself.
Prayer Father, thank you for
your grace toward sinners that welcomes us into your holy presence. Please make
my heart clean on the inside; especially, help me practice deeds of mercy for
my neighbor.
One Word God dwells in our camp
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