Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 13: God requires loyalty above all

Begin in prayer

Before we read warnings about those who lead others away from God, let us ask for faithful hearts. Pray that our family would value the LORD above impressive signs and cherished relationships.

I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in Yahweh.

Psalm 31:6

Father in heaven, You alone are worthy of our worship. Give us discernment as we hear Your word, and keep us from following anyone who leads us away from You. Show our family the seriousness of idolatry and the mercy found in Christ. Please open our eyes as we read Your Word, make us more like Christ, and bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

A prophet may announce a sign that happens and still lead people away from the LORD. Israel must reject such a prophet and put him to death for speaking rebellion against their Redeemer. Even a beloved relative or close friend must not be protected when enticing someone to serve other gods. Those who entice others must be stoned, with the person approached taking the first action. A report that a whole city has turned aside requires careful investigation. If proven, the city, its people, its livestock, and its plunder must be destroyed.

As you read Deuteronomy 13, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God tests His people’s love and judges those who lead them into idolatry.

The danger of idolatry can arise within Israel itself. An impressive sign gives no authority to contradict the God who rescued His people. Such a test reveals whether they love the LORD with their whole heart. Affection for family and friends must never conceal an invitation to abandon Him. The death penalties show how seriously God judges this rebellion within His covenant nation. Before destroying an accused city, Israel must establish the truth through careful inquiry. They must keep none of its plunder, receiving no profit from the evil they judge.

How does Deuteronomy 13 show us that God tests His people’s love and judges those who lead them into idolatry?

God's word is truer than any sign.

A fulfilled sign cannot make the worship of other gods right. The LORD uses this test to expose His people’s love. They must follow His voice and reject the false prophet.

God deserves love above every relationship.

A close relative or beloved friend might invite someone into idolatry. Israel must refuse the invitation and expose the wrongdoing. The commanded judgment must proceed even when the guilty person is dear to them.

God requires truth before judgment.

An accusation against a city must be investigated with care. When the rebellion is established, its destruction must be complete. No Israelite may keep the devoted plunder or rebuild the city.

Memorise

Yahweh your God is testing you, to know whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 13:3

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what pulls me away from God, and why do I need Jesus to hold me?

The LORD commands Israel to “cling to him.” Neither signs nor close relationships could make rebellion against their Redeemer safe. The death penalties reveal how serious it is to lead others away from the living God.

Jesus remained faithful when tempted and gave His life for His people. He bore the judgment their idolatry deserved at the cross and rose triumphant over death. His sacrifice is finished and needs nothing added to secure their forgiveness.

Turn from false worship and come to Him. Everyone who trusts Jesus is forgiven and called to follow His voice. He is the faithful Savior, and He will never lead His people astray.

Parent's note

Tell your children that these death penalties governed Israel as a covenant nation, and explain their severity without graphic detail. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Confess the divided loyalty raised by the heart question, and thank God for the faithful Savior. Every child can pray, so welcome each one’s request for help.

A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment do you think he will be judged worthy of who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 10:28-29

Father in heaven, thank You that You test Your people’s love and judge those who lead them away. Give us love for Your truth above approval, signs, and close relationships. Bring each of us to the faithful Savior, whose finished sacrifice provides forgiveness, and teach His people to hold fast to Him. In Jesus' name, Amen.