Deuteronomy 14:1-21

 

ChatGPT-generated image of people around the world with a cross in the middle with Deut. 14:2 quoted

Deuteronomy 14:1-21 distinguishes between clean and unclean animals, similar to Leviticus 11. God's people are to live in holiness, set apart and different from pagan nations both in diet and practice.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage:
  • Verses 1-2
    • How should knowing that I am also adopted, set apart, chosen, and treasured by God impact the way I live?
  • Verses 3-21
    • How do Peter's experiences in Acts 10-11 deepen my understanding of God's laws about clean and unclean? (Ex: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean" (Acts 10:15b) or "God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean" (Acts 10:28b))



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 3

Image
  This is a wonderful psalm of trust in God, even though the background circumstances as told in 2 Samuel 15-18 are devastatingly heartbreaking.  King David's own son Absalom, whom he loves, has amassed followers who have turned against him.  Absalom is seeking to kill his father, and is leading a rebellion with those who are even saying that David is beyond help from God.  So, in Psalm 3, David cries out to God about the "many" who rise up against him.  Yet, David has assurance in God's protection and answer to prayer.  His faith that God will sustain him, enables him to sleep peacefully and not be afraid.  He closes by praying for deliverance, knowing that God is able to save both physically and spiritually; and that God blesses His people. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 David responded to his heartbreaking and life-threatening circumstances by crying out to God.  Durin...
Read more

Psalm 150

Image
  Psalm 150 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!" This psalm uses the word "praise" thirteen times, which is a fitting way to end the Book of Psalms. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-6 What do these verses show us about WHERE, WHY, and HOW God should be praised, as well as WHO should praise Him? Now at the end of the Book of Psalms, what do I praise God for the most? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Let Everything that has Breath" by Matt Redman:  Link
Read more

Psalm 1

Image
     Psalm 1 can be considered an introduction to the Book of Psalms, reflecting a theme common to Wisdom literature:  righteous living leads to life and blessings, in contrast to wicked living which leads to destruction and curses.  Verse 2 is a key verse focusing on meditating day and night on God's Word. (NOTE: "the law of the LORD" is "Torah," which can specifically refer to the Pentateuch, but more generally to God's instructions and thus, to what He has revealed in His Word)   To "meditate" is to mutter, contemplate, and ponder, so that God's Word enters our hearts and minds; and is then lived out in our actions.   It is like chewing and digesting, in order to internalize, nourish, and then bear fruit. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider while meditating upon this psalm: Verse 1:  What does being "Blessed" indicate? What temptations and sins do I need to address in my life?   Of the sins that th...
Read more