It has been months since we had the “Tuesday’s Notes.” I’m hoping to start them back up regularly. Thanks for your patience. –Terry
In our text for the weekly Bible classes here at the East Shelby church, one phrase was repeated numerous times: “…the place that the Lord your God will choose…” The frequency of its use could not be overlooked. As the children of Israel prepare to enter the land, it is obvious that God was in control. He was actively guiding them in this specific area. There would be direct oversight from Him in regards to these specific situations.
It’s interesting to note what this phrase modifies. It is used six times in Deuteronomy 12. In vv. 5–6 it is used in reference to God choosing the place where the Israelites would bring their tithes, vow offerings, freewill offerings, and the firstborn of their herds and flocks. In vv.10–11 and vv. 13–14 Moses uses the phrase similarly and adds the concept of their burnt offerings and sacrifices to the list of things they would bring to this unnamed place. In vv. 17–18 it refers to the place where they would eat of their tithes. In v. 21 it is used in the process of making an exception to the rule of where they could eat their tithe due to great distances. In v. 26 Moses speaks of this place in reference to where they would bring the holy things they owed to the Lord. It also occurs in Deuteronomy 14:23 in reference to the eating of tithe offerings. It is also found in Deuteronomy 15:20 in reference to eating the firstlings of the flocks and herds. And finally, it is used in reference to the observance of feast days in Deuteronomy 16:2, 6, 7, 11, 15, 16. In these five chapters, Moses uses the statement fourteen times. All of them have a common thread tying them together. (Coincidentally the phrase is used several other times in future readings—five more times).
All fourteen instances that this phrase is used deal with the offering of worship to God. Eventually, this phrase will be fulfilled with the construction of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. Prior to that construction, God determined and decided where the gifts and offerings of worship were given. During the period of the Exodus, this was done with God literally selected the location of the tabernacle through the cloud and pillar of fire. God choose where they would come and offer their worship. The point of the phrase “…the place that the Lord your God will choose…” is that any location that was not selected by God and approved by God was not permitted to be used as a place of worship.
What does that mean for the Christian today? Is the application that God must somehow supernaturally select the location of every meeting house before a local body can use it? No. That’s not the application at all. To promote such would be silly (although it is certain some have likely tried to make that application).
The application for Christians today is to recognize the sovereign authority of God. Many seek to change the practice and nature of the assembly of Christians and the worship offered based on their needs today. The argument becomes that only people today can decide what is truly uplifting and spiritual for them. And even if the Bible seems to show a particular pattern, it can be abandoned for what “feels” more spiritual. As spiritual Israel today, we need to recognize the Almighty God as the one who is control. It didn’t matter if Old Testament Israel felt it was more spiritual to offer their burnt offerings in the high places. God had a designated location for that. Solomon offered his sacrifices in the high places (1 Kings 3:3). It was the only thing he had done that was not acceptable to God.
God’s authority matters. The New Testament has given us a pattern through commands, examples, and inferences that show what He expects of us as worship. We cannot discard that as unnecessary simply because we feel there is a better way or it helps us feel more “connected” and more “spiritual.” He has already chosen how we should worship Him. Let us honor that so that we can honor Him as our Lord and King.
Deep Waters 