Having outlined the 10 core values of Jewish society - values about respect of God, respect of self, and respect of neighbours' life and possession, Moses now enters a discussion of what these values look like in society when they are lived out.
Today's passage continues with an example on virgins and three acts punishable by death.
In that culture, young unmarried girls belong with their fathers. So when someone has sex with someone else's finacee, the offended party is the girl's father. And in such an offense, the restitution is the dowry, and marriage. But notice the father is not obligated to make his daughter marry the offender. If he deem the man not a good husband for his daughter, he is allowed to just take the money.
This is followed by three acts punishable by death. First, sorcery - the attempt to contain or manipulate God through magic. Second, bestiality. And third, paying tribute to another god.
How would these look today? In what ways do our culture manipulate God? How do we misuse sex? And what are the names of idols whom we honour more than God?
Write
Think about your faith story: in what ways are you prone to manipulate God, misuse sex, and honour gods other than God.
In your life presently, how much of your relationship with God is about getting him to do something for you? In what ways you express your sexuality? What things you honour more than God?
Who do you know is trying to get out from under their mistreatment of God, of sex, and of idolatry?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about your experience with manipulating him, sex, and idolatry. Thank God for Jesus, who in his grace and mercy paid the penalty of death on your behalf so you are forgiven and free from the guilt and condemnation of these offences.
Pray about your current struggle with manipulating God, sex and idolatry. Ask God for he wisdom and support to find help towards healing and freedom from these struggles.
Pray for your friends who struggle with manipulating God, sex and idolatry. Pray for the wisdom and opportunity to come along side them to support them to freedom.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he frees you from magic, unhealthy sex, and idolatry, so that you can truly experience him as a friend.