Deut 20:10-21:9
I'd like to start out saying, that much of what was written to Israel then, was for Israel then. There are many things now that due to no temple, no priests, and no judges per God's instructions can no longer be done. Thus, the differing lifestyles from then to now.
Having said that, I'd like to add that the basic "line" is still there no matter the time and circumstance. Worshipping idol was and is not allowed. Period. Not for the Israelites, and not for any of the other nations. The other nations ignoring that rule was why Israel went to war with them. Israel would offer peace (probably by the God of Isrials reputation that every nation was aware of and explaining HIS instructions) and if the people surrendered to them, they were spared. The nation would become servants of Israel, learning the ways of the God of Israel. If they did not surrender then all the men were killed and the women and children were taken as servants. The whole point was to remove all possibilities of being lured into the pagan lifestyle by the neighboring nations.
So, what about us today? There are those claiming to be followers of Yeshua who dabble in pagan things and they think it's ok. Things that God said to stay away from. Now this does not mean that one reacts with fear whenever encountering evil things (as someone mentioned to me regarding a womans reaction to halloween costumes). Greater is the One who lives in the true believer than any demon or devil. We need to run from temptation, not children in haloween costumes. Makes me think of a song by Carman called Witches Invitation.
Anyway, get the things out of your life that you know are not supppsed to be there. If you don't know what they are then get before God and ask Him to show you. If you mean it He will.
I'd like to start out saying, that much of what was written to Israel then, was for Israel then. There are many things now that due to no temple, no priests, and no judges per God's instructions can no longer be done. Thus, the differing lifestyles from then to now.
Having said that, I'd like to add that the basic "line" is still there no matter the time and circumstance. Worshipping idol was and is not allowed. Period. Not for the Israelites, and not for any of the other nations. The other nations ignoring that rule was why Israel went to war with them. Israel would offer peace (probably by the God of Isrials reputation that every nation was aware of and explaining HIS instructions) and if the people surrendered to them, they were spared. The nation would become servants of Israel, learning the ways of the God of Israel. If they did not surrender then all the men were killed and the women and children were taken as servants. The whole point was to remove all possibilities of being lured into the pagan lifestyle by the neighboring nations.
So, what about us today? There are those claiming to be followers of Yeshua who dabble in pagan things and they think it's ok. Things that God said to stay away from. Now this does not mean that one reacts with fear whenever encountering evil things (as someone mentioned to me regarding a womans reaction to halloween costumes). Greater is the One who lives in the true believer than any demon or devil. We need to run from temptation, not children in haloween costumes. Makes me think of a song by Carman called Witches Invitation.
Anyway, get the things out of your life that you know are not supppsed to be there. If you don't know what they are then get before God and ask Him to show you. If you mean it He will.
