The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Deuteronomy 12:20-25, “When the LORD your God extends your border as He has promised you, and you say, ‘I will eat meat,’ because you desire to eat meat, then you may eat meat, whatever you desire.
21 “If the place which the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, then you may slaughter of your herd and flock which the LORD has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates whatever you desire.
22 “Just as a gazelle or a deer is eaten, so you will eat it; the unclean and the clean alike may eat of it.
23 “Only be sure not to eat the blood, for the blood is the life, and you shall not eat the life with the flesh.
24 “You shall not eat it; you shall pour it out on the ground like water.
25 “You shall not eat it, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you, for you will be doing what is right in the sight of the LORD.’”

These brief, six verses of Moses contain both the permissions and
the prohibitions the LORD was requiring of His people. The verses contain requirements of the moral, civil and ceremonial laws that applied to Israel.

While many of the ancient laws that applied to Israel, do not apply to the Christian faith today, a careful examination of some of the prohibitions reveal the practical value of such for us today. Think, “…be sure not to eat the blood…” (v. 23).

We know that impurities within all bodies (animal & human) carry
diseases harmful to man. Sometimes moral and civil laws clash.
Civil law, for instance, concerns matters of life with respect of personal conduct–how we live or propose to live.

Moral law largely concerns matters more focused on what we believe, from where that belief derives, and how we affiliate with the LORD and with others through daily living.

The “clash” often comes when we feel we have the “right” to do or
say something that conflicts with civil law. For example, we all have the “right” under the law to purchase and own a firearm. The rationale for ownership (the right), however, must be based upon the perception of (moral) need.

Moses was well acquainted with the attitudes and actions of his
people. After all, he ultimately accumulated 40 years as their leader. While it is true that we now live under “grace,” it is also true
that we continue to live under some “law.” The right and wrong of how we live is rooted within the Scriptures. Prohibition and permission still remain viable. If we trust and live for Jesus Christ we will not need to worry about any heavenly arrests.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom