Day 42: Deuteronomy 13-16

Summaries:
Moses recounts that idolatry and worshiping false gods are grave sins, and this evil should be purged from their midst (13).  Moses recounts which animals are considered clean or unclean for eating, which includes not eating pig, and everyone is to tithe a portion of their produce, grain, oil, wine, and animals (14). Moses explains how debts are to be relaxed at the end of every 7-year period, as well as how slaves are allowed to dismiss themselves should they choose at that time.  All male firstlings of the herd and flock are to be consecrated to the Lord (15).  Moses reminds the Israelites to keep the Passover feast at the dwelling place chosen by god, as well as the feast of Weeks and the feast of Booths, and that judges are to appointed as just officials (16).

Reflections:
Purge the evil from our midst.  An interesting concept.  In the times of Deuteronomy this often meant stoning, removing, or killing the one who is responsible for the eveil/wrong that is done.  Today, there are different ways we are to do this.  We are to correct mistake, teach truth, remove ourselves from sinful situations, do not become over-exposed to sinful media or people.  Essentially, just as the people were not to be surrounded by the idols of other peoples, we are not to surround ourselves with the things that are not of God that will lead us astray from Him.  This doesn't mean we can't have any exposure to the world, but we must not be disctracted from God by these things.  So, whatever leads us to sin, must be purged, removed, from our lives, else we are lead to sin again.

Quotes:
Deuteronomy 14:1 - "You are children of the Lord, your God."