Topic: Demand of Loyalty [December 13, 2016]

Text: Exodus 22:18-31

Key Verse: "He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto thenLORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed" (Exodus 22:20).

Ella Wheeler Wilcox, a former American poet, after a cursory look at the world, wondered why it must be so that there are "so many gods, so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind, hence just the art of being kind is all that this world needs." It is indeed needless to seek other gods when there is only but a true God. The Almighty has always made it plain that whoever serves any other god besides Him will be cut off from among His people. Israel had been warned severally on the consequences of serving other gods (Exodus 20).

Our text today re-emphasize the need for Israel to serve only the living God who had been gracious enough to remember their affliction in Egypt. He reminded them of the law of human relationship which they must observe in order to enjoy God's continued presence. To be able to obey, Israel was told they needed to be holy because a man in the flesh cannot please God. Like Israel, believers are expected to be humane in their dealings with other people.

Regardless of the status of individuals, people of God are told to relate with everyone in the fear of the Lord. Just as Moses was God's mouth-piece to Israel, His servant-ministers today are His mouth-piece and we must be ready to hear from them and obey. Believers are warned against secret deals. Are you in any secret cult? Do you oppress your servants or deprive people of their legitimate rights? These are some of the sins Israel was warned to steer clear of. It will be in our own interest to shun them and be holy unto the Lord.

Thought for the day: Divided loyalty is forbidden; God demands our all.

Bible Reading in one Year: Micah 1-4

More Reading at: gospelhorn..com.ng/2016/12/dclm-daily-manna-december-13-2016-by.html