This is the Bible Book Club. And we're in Deuteronomy. Welcome to the club.

Last episode in chapters 12 and 13, Moses went back to the future. He did a little review

of the fundamentals of the faith, starting with the First and Second Commandment. And then the

Israelites had been rather isolated in their camp of two million. So they're going to spread out,

Moses is giving them the glimpse of the future, they're going to spread out on them

promised land, and they're going to be exposed to all kinds of Canaanite practices that could

really lead them astray. So Moses is kind of coaching them on what to expect when they

enter their new home and how to

remain faithful to one God and to worship at one place. Exactly. And we covered the first two

commandments last week. This week, we're still in the Just Do It sermon, but it's Just Do It obey

the third commandment, which is Exodus 20 Exodus 20 verse 7 you shall not misuse the

name of the Lord your God chapter 14 the big message here is Israel you are a treasured possession

of the one true God therefore be set apart and do not dishonor this one true God.

Chapter 14, you are the children of the Lord your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the

front of your heads for the dead. For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all

the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.

Moses goes from warning about rejecting Canaanite gods in the last chapter to rejecting Canaanite ways in this chapter.

The Israelites are to be different, set apart in what they do, in the food they eat,

and in the way they treat each other. The world is to identify the Israelites with God as his

children. The implication of their actions will reflect on God and God's name.

The practices that follow are not holy themselves, but were intended by God to behaviorally set Israel apart from Canaan and other pagan nations around them.

So first of all, be set apart in how you mourn.

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