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Purging the Evil

Deuteronomy 22:21  "You must purge the evil from among you."

I never really thought I would enjoy reading through the book of Deuteronomy. Truthfully, I can't say it will go down as one of my favorites, but I have found some wonderful verses as I have been reading through Moses' last book of law to the Israelites. For example, Deut. 11:25 promised divine protection to those who were obedient by literally promising that he would put fear and terror into the hearts of those they encountered. Kind of lends new meaning to the phrase "putting the fear of God" into someone.

As I read through, I have begun to notice a phrase repeated over and over. "You must purge the evil from among you." Over and over, God instructed the Israelites to rid themselves of murderers, idolators, adulterers, drunkards, and other violators of the law. Some were cast out and some were killed - ALL were to be separated from the rest of the nation.

No tolerance here. No political correctness. Just a command for obedience and holiness.

What has happened to us? We have failed to purge the evil and now the evil would purge us...

What to do?
  • Examine ourselves and begin the purging process individually. We must all strive for personal holiness - the kind the world will see and want to share.
  • Pray that God will give us the strength to regain a Godly value system and to rid our society of the evil we have begun to tolerate. 2 Chron. 7:14
  • Obedience to God's Word.
  • Stand firm in our belief against the political correctness of the world.
You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your rightous laws.
I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
The earth is filled with your love, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119:57-64

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