Put them to death?
Deuteronomy 13:6-11(NLT)
6 “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. 7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. 8But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. 9 You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in. 10 Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and no one will act so wickedly again." Deuteronomy 13:6-11 (NLT)
Pastor’s Blog
A few years ago a columnist for a major news organization such as the New York Times spent a year living Torah, following all the rules in Exodus and Leviticus and then wrote a book about it. One of the things he got to do was stone someone. I don’t recall the offense, but he did it. He picked three pebbles and threw at his back when he wasn’t looking!
In today’s passage Moses shows us how serious God is about idolatry. Everyone is called to join together and rid the society of those who influence others to worship other gods. The offense here is not specifically the practice of idolatry as a individual, rather the attempt to lead others astray. Recall Jesus had words as strong as these for anyone who would lead children astray.
Not only am I prohibited from practicing idolatry myself, but I am especially prohibited from influencing others away from God.
Do your attitudes, language you use, comments about other people, habits, body language, interactions with others, work ethic, priorities, practice of your faith, internal belief system all lead others toward faith in God in Jesus Christ or away from faith in God in Jesus Christ?
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