Tag: Deuteronomy 18

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Prophets Like Moses

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Deuteronomy 18 Listen: (3:08) Read: 2 Corinthians 11 Listen: (4:46)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Read: Deuteronomy 19 Listen: (3:04) Read: 2 Corinthians 12 Listen: (3:54)
Read: Deuteronomy 20 Listen: (2:55) Read: 2 Corinthians 13 Listen: (2:19)

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy18.18-19

18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.

Reflection: Prophets Like Moses

By John Tillman

Prophets speak about the future, but aren’t fortune tellers. Prophets perform signs, but aren’t sorcerers. What is a prophet like?

God says his prophets will be like Moses. God will put his word in their mouths and tell them his commands. God will hold accountable those who do not listen. Prophets speak to people on behalf of God.

We think of prophets as having spooky supernatural visions and experiences. They sometimes do. But most of the time, prophets’ “visions” are simple observations of human wickedness. When prophets speak, they usually address problems of the moment and promises for the future.

Problems of the moment can be problems people face or problems people cause. The people faced the probem of Pharaoh’s army. Moses said, “You will never see them again.” (Exodus 14.13) The people caused problems through rebellion, idolatry, and sin. Moses issued God’s judgments. (Exodus 32.30)

Promises for the future can be blessings or cursings, conditional or unconditional. Pharaoh heard conditional promises of plagues, suffering, and death if he did not let the people go. The people heard conditional promises of life, peace, and safety if they followed God’s commands. (Deuteronomy 28.9-11) God’s unconditional promise was to save a people for himself and bring them to a good land to prosper. (Genesis 12.1-3; Exodus 6.6-8)

Prophets speak of the future based on what God says about the present. Prophets see the now through God’s eyes and hear it through his ears. Prophecy is one of the gifts described in the early church community. (Romans 12.6; 1 Corinthians 12.8-10) We still need believers with this spiritual gift today. We must hear the cries of the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable before we speak about power. We must confess the reality of today’s sins before we speak of tomorrow’s judgment or salvation.

Are you a prophet? Do you see today’s problems? Do you know God’s promises for the future?

If you do not sense a prophetic call to speak, obey your calling to listen to today’s prophets. Prophetic messages are often uncomfortable or inconvenient. Resist the urge to grumble against them as the people grumbled against Moses. Beware “prophets” who always promise comfort and safety and say “peace” when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6.14; Ezekiel 13.10)


Remember this, too. Every believer carries at least one prophetic message—the gospel. Go. Tell of the problem of sin. Tell of the promise of freedom, forgiveness, and salvation through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Be a prophet like Moses who sets people free. (Luke 4.16-20)

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Come now and see the works of God, how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people. — Psalm 66.4

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summer
by Phyllis Tickle

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Tithe In Love, Not Guilt

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 18.1-2
1 The Levitical priests—indeed, the whole tribe of Levi—are to have no allotment or inheritance with Israel. They shall live on the food offerings presented to the Lord, for that is their inheritance. 2 They shall have no inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the Lord is their inheritance, as he promised them.

Reflection: Tithe In Love, Not Guilt
By Laura Hamilton Hui

“I’m a pastor’s kid, so we moved a lot.”

I hear this response all the time when I ask a pastor or missionary’s kid where they’re from. Ministry families can often feel nomadic, moving every few years to follow God’s call to the next ministry assignment—often leaving extended family far behind. 

When the Israelites portioned out the Promised Land among the twelve tribes, the priests and their families (the Levites) weren’t included. Instead, they were scattered across 48 cities, ministering to the people and taking care of the ark of the covenant.

In that time and culture, feeding a family required land. Because the Levites didn’t have land to farm and raise livestock, God provided for their needs through the sacrifices of Israel: portions of meat, grain, wine, oil, and wool (Deuteronomy 18.3-4). And as a trade-off, the Levites were free to serve God with full devotion.

Ministry today can look similar. 

Pastors and missionaries are dependent on the tithes and offerings of church members to provide for their needs so they can dedicate their time to ministry. Big churches may pay well, but most churches are small and many ministry families live on tight budgets. Many ministry families feel the financial strain and are also struggling relationally as they live far from their extended family.

Yes, God provided for the Levites, but notice how he provided—through the people of God. 

God provides for ministry families today the same way—through us. We often think of our tithes and offerings as gifts to God, which is true! But our gifts to God also directly provide for the needs of our ministers and their families. By tithing, we give our ministers the freedom to dedicate their time to serving God and the people of our church. 

Love your pastor’s family well. Chances are, they’re sacrificing finances, family, and comfort to serve the church. Tithe consistently. Invite ministry families over for dinner. Become their family.

If you’re a minister, remember that God sees the needs of you and your family. Ministry is a sacrifice, but the Levites considered the Lord their inheritance. We have a similar privilege, and God is faithful to provide as we are faithful to Him. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6.10).


Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. — Psalm 92.12

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 18 (Listen 3:08)
2 Corinthians 11 (Listen 4:46)

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