Deuteronomy 13 is part of Moses’ final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In that portion, God addresses two evils, the false prophet and Idolatry. It is apparent when you read it that God does not take either lightly as the punishment for both is death.
In that portion Moses warns the people that the LORD their God will test them to “know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul,” and then goes with this command. “You must follow the Lord your God and fear Him. You must keep His commands and listen to His voice; you must worship Him and remain faithful to Him.” [Deut 13:3a-4 HCSB]
The dictionary defines “must” as an obligation, command, duty, or requirement. Moses is clear about “musts” for people who love the LORD God with all their hearts and souls.
We “must” follow. We “must” fear.” We “must” obey. We “must” listen. We “must” worship. We “must” remain faithful to Him. There are enough “musts” in that one verse to keep us on the right track for our entire lifetime!
The world around us will always be filled with false prophets and with idolatry. People who do not know the LORD will seek out others who will validate their choices and give them something other than a Holy God to worship. They will try to promote their own agendas instead of God’s righteous rule. They will seek to pull down any who follow the LORD God Almighty. It started in the Garden when the Serpent advanced his agenda and it is still going on today.
It is up to each individual follower of Christ Jesus to incorporate the “musts” of Deuteronomy 13:4 into their motivations, words, and actions. We will stand the testing if we follow, fear, obey, listen, worship, and remain faithful to the LORD our God. Amen.
