In Deuteronomy 31, knowing that His time was coming to an end, Moses commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). He encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous, reminding him that God will be with him wherever he goes (Deuteronomy 31:6).
On the other hand, Acts 21:22-40 shows Paul, who, on getting to Jerusalem, faced serious opposition and persecution from the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. They perceived him to be a rebel desecrating the Jewish laws and teaching the Jews to abandon the law. They also falsely accused him of going against the rules of the temple by bringing in a gentile. The elders advised Paul to sponsor four men, taking a Nazirite vow, demonstrating his respect for Jewish customs.
A key point to note in today’s reading was the wisdom displayed by Paul in relating to the Jews and Gentiles. He understood the importance of the laws to the Jews, and because he didn’t want to be disrespectful to their culture, being a jew himself, he performed some ceremonial rites. On the other hand, in dealing with the Gentiles, he advised them not to partake in such laws. Instead, they should avoid idolatry and sexual sins.
This shows that the ceremonial laws are not a prerequisite for salvation because Jesus fulfilled the law through His sacrifice. As Christians, we do not need to adopt the laws and culture of the Jews.
Today’s reading
Deuteronomy 31-32
Then Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel.
And he said to them: “I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in. Also the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over this Jordan.’
The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said.
Acts 21:22-40
What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.
Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.
Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.