Reading Deuteronomy 13 just reminds me of terrorists today.. How if people aren’t following their gods then they kill them. It kind of gives us a new understanding of why they do it because that’s basically what God was telling Israel to do as well only we know that terrorist gods are not real and they do things in a twisted way. Just makes you think.
When we look around in the world, it’s easy to start comparing and thinking “why do those people succeed when they aren’t following God?” But this verse highlights that just because someone may be considered successful and powerful in the eyes of the world, unless they have accepted God’s grace, they will not enter heaven. Contrast that with the poorest person in the world with the worst luck. Although they may seem lowly to the world, their faith in Christ will get them a place with Him in heaven. Hope this helps!
Hi! My NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible had a really great explanation of 10:31, this is what it said to break the verse down:
Mark 10:31 (Study) Worldly esteem, which is measured by wealth, social standing, nobility, birth, and personal achievement, will count for nothing in the world to come. Only humility and servanthood lead to greatness in God’s kingdom.
God is just. If he wasn’t able to demand being first and only, he wouldn’t be much of a God. We may not understand the fulness of his power and glory with our human minds.
He loves and blesses those who follow him. He is also forgiving. Those people who turn to other gods and encourage others to follow are essentially killing the believers in spirit, as they are the cause of israelites turning away from God. i have no doubt in my mind that if they repented God would spare them.
I’m really struggling with the first passage. I have such a hard time relating to the wrathful characteristics of God in the Old Testament when he commands the Israelites to put anyone to death who turns to other gods. I realize that with redemption through Christ some of these commandments are no longer applicable but what was the purpose of such a command during that time?
My Bible’s side text says that it’s purpose is to underscore that God means what he says about worshiping other Gods- he is a jealous God and will allow devotion to no one except himself. “And why shouldn’t he? after all, these other gods are false and powerless. But this jealous God is the only one who holds the power of life and death and healing in his hands.”
So it seems like this extreme measure was to emphasize God’s requirement for devotion. Jesus’ sacrifice made this rule null for us, but God is still a jealous God today!
I struggled with it as well but it does give a powerful reminder of how God’s command to “be holy as He is holy” really means every word. God wants His people to worship only Him. It is sin to distort His holiness with our idols.
I’ve learned that where the OT is very literal, Jesus ushered in the NT not to negate OT but to fulfill it through teaching us life giving application of these same principles to the condition of our heart. With that, it helps to read the OT with the lens of “how does this apply to the things of my heart?” For me this passage in Deut. 13 brought conviction of when sin entices…whether brought on my someone I know and trust or every day battles with our sin nature. Christ holds us to a higher standard by saying don’t be passive to sin at your door, but take the first action by killing it before it gains a foothold. Hopes this helps!
I’ve learned that where the OT is very literal, Jesus ushered in the NT not to negate OT but to fulfill it through teaching us life giving application of these same principles to the condition of our heart. With that, it helps to read the OT with the lens of “how does this apply to the things of my heart?” For me this passage in Deut. 13 brought conviction of when sin entices…whether brought on my someone I know and trust or every day battles with our sin nature. Christ holds us to a higher standard by saying don’t be passive to sin at your door, but take the first action by killing it before it gains a foothold. Hopes this helps!
God wants us to fear him. To worship only him. My thoughts were how in the OT he destroys towns and entire family lines and even wants to destroy all the Israelites(aside Moses) He is a jealous God and a just God. Perhaps be killing those lines he is trying to prevent the teaching of false Gods to future generations. As much as Deuteronomy talks about teaching your children in Godly ways-they are others who will pass on the evil ways to their children.
This divorce passage is difficult. I am not divorced, but two friends have recently divorced and they were both Christians. One has remarried and it is so terribly awkward to see her sometimes now. I never know what to say – or not say. I feel like this has left me with more questions than answers.
Lauren, I understand your confusion! I cling to the grace and mercy of Jesus in passages like these. Sin is sin, no matter what. Jesus promises to forgive those who ask, no matter what. Everyone sins and falls short of God’s glory. Divorce is no different than anything else. Smile at your friend and encourage her in her new marriage. She will need it as she starts over.
I understand your confusion too. I have been divorced and remarried, as have several that I know. God’s design for marriage is a perfect one, one man and one woman joined together for life. But we don’t live in a perfect world. We live in a very fallen one. Sin in one or both sides sometimes make it very difficult for a marriage to continue. And divorce happens. In my situation, my first husband was abusive and my life was in danger. I had to leave and get a divorce from him. God’s grace and mercy got me out and then healed my wounds. Then I met my now husband and he treats me like a queen. :)
It is a very confusing subject. But here’s what I understand. Sin marred a perfect design. Sin corrupts a beautiful thing. But God’s grace and mercy covers it all. This passage does not allow us to sweep it under the rug, and instead causes us to acknowledge that yeah, this is sin, and we need forgiveness for this. And in God’s grace and mercy, He also provides new beginnings, a chance to start over and do it right this time. And that is so amazing.
So, with your friends, be there for them. Trust me, they feel the shame at having a failed marriage. They know. And they need you to love and support them. And the one that remarried, be happy for her chance to start over and have a new beginning. And above all, just keep praying for them.
That’s the great part about the New Testament. They are forgiven. I know people who are divorced and remarried and are incredible people. Why would it be awkward to see them? Their divorce is no one else’s decision or doing, therefore it’s not up to us to judge them or think badly.
I can’t help but connect again the Psalm from Sunday to this verse…Ps. 45 says to forget your people and your fathers house, for the King is enthrall end with your beauty. Here, King Jesus is telling us that if we leave everything for his sake, we will find new life as the bride of the King. (Mark 10:29-30) not as a disowning, but a willingness to do as He leads and seek first His kingdom…the rest will be added unto us.
Honestly I’ve seen how this can in the end bless your family though obedience hurts at first and may offend hearts. It’s the verse from SOS – “What is your beloved more than another?” Meaning why sacrifice everything for this man? So. Many. Reasons.
Reading Deuteronomy 13 just reminds me of terrorists today.. How if people aren’t following their gods then they kill them. It kind of gives us a new understanding of why they do it because that’s basically what God was telling Israel to do as well only we know that terrorist gods are not real and they do things in a twisted way. Just makes you think.
Old Testament vs New Testament.
Yes, Katye! I was thinking the same too!
I’m having a hard time understanding the meaning of Mark 10:31 – But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
When we look around in the world, it’s easy to start comparing and thinking “why do those people succeed when they aren’t following God?” But this verse highlights that just because someone may be considered successful and powerful in the eyes of the world, unless they have accepted God’s grace, they will not enter heaven. Contrast that with the poorest person in the world with the worst luck. Although they may seem lowly to the world, their faith in Christ will get them a place with Him in heaven. Hope this helps!
Very much so! Thank you! :)
You’re welcome!!
Posted on the wrong thread, I apologize!
Hi! My NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible had a really great explanation of 10:31, this is what it said to break the verse down:
Mark 10:31 (Study) Worldly esteem, which is measured by wealth, social standing, nobility, birth, and personal achievement, will count for nothing in the world to come. Only humility and servanthood lead to greatness in God’s kingdom.
Hope this helps! :)
God is just. If he wasn’t able to demand being first and only, he wouldn’t be much of a God. We may not understand the fulness of his power and glory with our human minds.
He loves and blesses those who follow him. He is also forgiving. Those people who turn to other gods and encourage others to follow are essentially killing the believers in spirit, as they are the cause of israelites turning away from God. i have no doubt in my mind that if they repented God would spare them.
I’m really struggling with the first passage. I have such a hard time relating to the wrathful characteristics of God in the Old Testament when he commands the Israelites to put anyone to death who turns to other gods. I realize that with redemption through Christ some of these commandments are no longer applicable but what was the purpose of such a command during that time?
My Bible’s side text says that it’s purpose is to underscore that God means what he says about worshiping other Gods- he is a jealous God and will allow devotion to no one except himself. “And why shouldn’t he? after all, these other gods are false and powerless. But this jealous God is the only one who holds the power of life and death and healing in his hands.”
So it seems like this extreme measure was to emphasize God’s requirement for devotion. Jesus’ sacrifice made this rule null for us, but God is still a jealous God today!
I struggled with it as well but it does give a powerful reminder of how God’s command to “be holy as He is holy” really means every word. God wants His people to worship only Him. It is sin to distort His holiness with our idols.
I’ve learned that where the OT is very literal, Jesus ushered in the NT not to negate OT but to fulfill it through teaching us life giving application of these same principles to the condition of our heart. With that, it helps to read the OT with the lens of “how does this apply to the things of my heart?” For me this passage in Deut. 13 brought conviction of when sin entices…whether brought on my someone I know and trust or every day battles with our sin nature. Christ holds us to a higher standard by saying don’t be passive to sin at your door, but take the first action by killing it before it gains a foothold. Hopes this helps!
I’ve learned that where the OT is very literal, Jesus ushered in the NT not to negate OT but to fulfill it through teaching us life giving application of these same principles to the condition of our heart. With that, it helps to read the OT with the lens of “how does this apply to the things of my heart?” For me this passage in Deut. 13 brought conviction of when sin entices…whether brought on my someone I know and trust or every day battles with our sin nature. Christ holds us to a higher standard by saying don’t be passive to sin at your door, but take the first action by killing it before it gains a foothold. Hopes this helps!
God wants us to fear him. To worship only him. My thoughts were how in the OT he destroys towns and entire family lines and even wants to destroy all the Israelites(aside Moses) He is a jealous God and a just God. Perhaps be killing those lines he is trying to prevent the teaching of false Gods to future generations. As much as Deuteronomy talks about teaching your children in Godly ways-they are others who will pass on the evil ways to their children.
I don’t think God loves divorce but I am confident he loves people and above all he wants us to do that too. .. Embrace your friends!
Guys, please go back and read verses 7-12 and look at it with an open mind. Forget what you’ve been told and just read it. <3
So many hard black and white statements in this passage of Mark. Lord let our hearts be open to be receive your truth
This divorce passage is difficult. I am not divorced, but two friends have recently divorced and they were both Christians. One has remarried and it is so terribly awkward to see her sometimes now. I never know what to say – or not say. I feel like this has left me with more questions than answers.
Lauren, I understand your confusion! I cling to the grace and mercy of Jesus in passages like these. Sin is sin, no matter what. Jesus promises to forgive those who ask, no matter what. Everyone sins and falls short of God’s glory. Divorce is no different than anything else. Smile at your friend and encourage her in her new marriage. She will need it as she starts over.
I understand your confusion too. I have been divorced and remarried, as have several that I know. God’s design for marriage is a perfect one, one man and one woman joined together for life. But we don’t live in a perfect world. We live in a very fallen one. Sin in one or both sides sometimes make it very difficult for a marriage to continue. And divorce happens. In my situation, my first husband was abusive and my life was in danger. I had to leave and get a divorce from him. God’s grace and mercy got me out and then healed my wounds. Then I met my now husband and he treats me like a queen. :)
It is a very confusing subject. But here’s what I understand. Sin marred a perfect design. Sin corrupts a beautiful thing. But God’s grace and mercy covers it all. This passage does not allow us to sweep it under the rug, and instead causes us to acknowledge that yeah, this is sin, and we need forgiveness for this. And in God’s grace and mercy, He also provides new beginnings, a chance to start over and do it right this time. And that is so amazing.
So, with your friends, be there for them. Trust me, they feel the shame at having a failed marriage. They know. And they need you to love and support them. And the one that remarried, be happy for her chance to start over and have a new beginning. And above all, just keep praying for them.
That’s the great part about the New Testament. They are forgiven. I know people who are divorced and remarried and are incredible people. Why would it be awkward to see them? Their divorce is no one else’s decision or doing, therefore it’s not up to us to judge them or think badly.
I can’t help but connect again the Psalm from Sunday to this verse…Ps. 45 says to forget your people and your fathers house, for the King is enthrall end with your beauty. Here, King Jesus is telling us that if we leave everything for his sake, we will find new life as the bride of the King. (Mark 10:29-30) not as a disowning, but a willingness to do as He leads and seek first His kingdom…the rest will be added unto us.
Honestly I’ve seen how this can in the end bless your family though obedience hurts at first and may offend hearts. It’s the verse from SOS – “What is your beloved more than another?” Meaning why sacrifice everything for this man? So. Many. Reasons.