Deuteronomy 13 - 15 (part 1)

Do Not Be Led Astray
Chapter 13 is essentially a three part iteration of the same warning: "Do not let others lead you into worship of other Gods."  The progression of the types of individuals is interesting.  First prophets/dreamers/miracle workers are mentioned (vs 1).  The prophecies, dreams, miracles, signs, and wonders are not the issue.  If one of these prophets say, "Come let us worship other gods" (vs 2), they must be totally rejected.  They must be immediately killed.

Next "someone" is mentioned. The someone could be a brother, son, daughter, wife, or close friend (vs 6).  If the someone says, "Let us go worship other gods" (vs 6), they must be put to death (vs 9) and the Bible commands, "Strike the first blow!"  This seems (and is) extremely harsh, showing no mercy.

Third, when the people have crossed over to the Promised Land and "are living in the towns the Lord" gives them (vs 12), "scoundrels" (another translation is "children of Belial") may say, "Let us go worship other gods" then not only is the scoundrel to be put to death, and all the inhabitants put to death, but the entire town and all of its contents are to be destroyed by fire and never rebuilt (vss 15 -17). Once again the ferocity of the judgement is harsh beyond imagination.

The harshness and unmerciful tone of this chapter is alarming.  It shows the absolute seriousness the Lord placed on worship to Him alone.  He cannot abide and will not stand for any other worship by His chosen people.  In fact in verse 14 the Bible states, "The Lord your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands that I am giving you today, doing what pleases him."  So to receive mercy the people must show no mercy to those who would lead them astray.

The entire gamut of spiritual believers are covered: Holy men (spiritual leaders), those closest to you (peers), and those who are professed believers in other gods (sinners).  This shows to me that one's position is not the deciding factor in who receives judgement or mercy. It is strictly based on whether or not they turn people away from true worship in the one true God.

The lessons for Christians in this are many.  Obviously, it would be incorrect for a Christian to stone someone who attempted to cause them to stray from the faith.  We do not live under the law with judgment rather we love under grace with mercy.  However, in a spiritual sense we are to destroy any spirit or influence or attitude in our life that leads us away from serving the Lord.  We must utterly destroy it and the conditions that give it spiritual life.

To entertain evil spirits is to invite the judgement of God and to accept spiritual death. The Holy Spirit cannot dwell where sin resides. Therefore we must guard our lives with prayer and circumspection. Witnessing to sinners about the saving power of Jesus Christ, and living a life where Jesus is on display is what is needed. However, fellowshipping with sinners in sinful pursuits, compromising the values and grace of God for the sake of natural friendship, and entertaining the idea that there is "salvation merit" in other belief systems contrary to Christianity is not acceptable in God's eyes and has to be shunned and eliminated.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.