Deuteronomy 26:12-19
THE subject the twelfth verse takes up seems quite detached from what we have been considering, but it is not. If verse 11 shows the obedient people of God, happy in His presence, rejoicing in every good thing He has given their; verse 12 bids them show that unselfishness! which we can see in its fulness only in the Lord Jesus, who, “though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9.
Deuteronomy 14:28,29 has already told us of the tithe of the third year, when the people of Israel stayed at home, and gave to those who had not, out of their bounty. The Levite who was in the service of God; the “stranger” who was not an Israelite but had come among them; the fatherless and the widow were not forgotten by God, and He graciously reminds His people in this chapter that their happiness is not complete without care for the friendless, the neglected and the needy. What do you do with what God has given you, Christian reader?
Verse 13: notice the latter part of this verse, and of the next one. The whole Word of God should be observed; there are true Christians who are not willing to obey where it cuts into their pleasures, and in other ways takes from them what is clung to, but is contrary to the mind of God. Personal holiness should characterize the believer, as is brought out in verse 14. “Mourning” in this verse is elsewhere many times translated “iniquity” or “vanity”, and this seems to be the true meaning.
Then follows the prayer of verse 15, for, “No matter how God may bless us, to whatever extent He is pleased to make us a means of blessing to others, there is this further consideration that we are not taken out of the place of dependence.” Heart and soul (verse 16) are to be engaged for God.
What nearness to God the closing verses tell of! Reader, are you saved? If saved, are you seeking to please Him who has bought you with His blood?
ML 02/22/1925