DEVOTIONAL
IN THIS WORLD BUT NOT OF THIS WORLD (PART 1)
DEUTERONOMY 18:9-11
God gives the people instruction on what to avoid as they enter into the land He promised them.
He wants His people to be set apart and not influenced by the culture of those living in the land. This warning reveals to us the heart that God has for those He loves. It also shows us that God is personally involved and understands that there are things in this life that will lead us away from Him. He tells them that even though they will desire to learn the ways of those around them, they must resist.
The people that currently lived in the land had completely rebelled against God by following sinful desires and worshiping false gods, therefore He was bringing punishment on them.
God lists out the detestable practices that the people are doing and it begins with a monstrosity, child sacrifice.
Child sacrifice was wrong back then and it is wrong now.
Life is precious in the sight of the Lord and it should be precious in our eyes as well.
The sacrifice of children whether they are born or unborn, whether it be done for false gods or for the convenience of our own lives, is utterly wicked and evil.
Although mankind is capable of terrible things, as Christians, we should rest in the fact that God can bring beauty out of ashes. (Romans 8:28)
He is not caught off guard and He is always present even in our most difficult times. Although we might not yet see it, our God is on the move, and He can turn a horrific situation into an opportunity for His light to shine.
When we know who our God is, then we know that nothing is impossible for Him. We are called to place our trust in Him and put Him above all else.
MAIN TAKE-AWAY:
God can use the most difficult circumstance to bring about His glory
PRAYER:
Father God, I pray for you to protect the children, born and unborn, as they are all made in your image. May you soften the hearts of those who have been hardened through difficulties and traumatic experiences. Lord please bring forgiveness and compassion to those that have experienced the loss of a child. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.