Today I read Deuteronomy 18, explaining the portion for the priests, warning not to do pagan practices, and predicting the Messiah. Today I considered that the coming of Christ Jesus is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible and this passage says to accept his teachings.
Priest’s Portion
The Levites are the tribe chosen by God as priests to minister to God, because the Lord is their inheritance (Deuteronomy 18:1-8). The Levites are to be given specified parts of the sacrifice and parts of the first fruits from the other Israelite tribes. When the Levites go to other locations to minister, they are still to receive their portion.
Forbidden Pagan Practices
The Israelites are not to do the forbidden things the prior people dwelling in the land did because that is why God drove them out (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). The Israelites are not to let anyone talk to familiar spirits, be a witch or wizard, etc.
Promise of a Prophet
God promises to give the people a prophet from the lineage of the Israelites because they feared hearing directly from God (Deuteronomy 18:15-22). God will put His words in the mouth of the prophet and anyone not listening to him will be in trouble. Everyone will know the prophet is God’s prophet because what he speaks will come to pass.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God tells us the prophet comes from the Israelites bloodline and everyone must accept his teachings or else. The majority of people believe Jesus existed because it is documented across continents, cultures, and religions. There are still those that do not believe in Jesus’ teachings, but God says we are expected to believe.
Do you believe that Jesus Christ was the prophet sent by God to teach us?