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 a reminder about the importance of festivals.
This should challenge our notion of God - he commands parties! The Hebrews celebrate three festivals a year: the feast of passover where they remember the night God rescued them from Egypt, the feast of first fruits where they celebrate God's provision through the harvest of crops, and the feast of tabernacle or pentecost where they remember God's presence with them during their years living in the wilderness.
These are times when the community celebrate together - and God is very much central to the party. He receives offerings as their recognition that he is the source of all good things they have - that's why no one can come empty handed. And they must not incorporate rituals of other cultures - like those involving baby goats and their mother's milk.
Write
Think about your faith story: what are your memories of Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, New Years, Birthdays...etc?
In your life presently, what kind of "parties" do you have on your calendar where God and community come together to remember, celebrate, and give thanks? How central is God in your celebrations? What "offerings" do you bring?
Who do you know badly needs a party?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about celebrations. Thank God for the way he gives you reasons to celebrate. Make a list.
Pray about the occasions, and the way you celebrate God in community. Ask God for he wisdom and support to be God-centered in your next celebration. Pray about an offering that you would like to bring to God.
Pray for your friend who badly needs a party. Ask God for the wisdom and support to celebrate your friend.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he blesses, and the way he helps you celebrate him in community.