PROVISION, PRACTICES, PROPHETS. Deuteronomy 18 Not everything we read in one place in the Bible appears to connect with the topics discussed in the same chapter. There is nothing disjointed about how God's word is written, but the underlying issues are often deeper than what a casual reading reveals. The work of service in God's kingdom by those whom He has called to serve Him and His people full-time is not paid by man-made salaries. That would diminish God's work by placing it on the same level as our work for people. Service for God in a full-time capacity is rewarded by God through the offerings of His followers.
The Lord was the inheritance of the Levites. He was their reason for living and serving on behalf of the people, and He was their reward. Priests and Levites were supported through a portion of the offerings and sacrifices that the people brought to God at His designated place. If there were only a few offerings, their share was small. When many offerings were made, their portion increased. The duty of the Levites was to teach God's truth through both words and actions. The more they gave in service to God, the larger their share. If they gave little of themselves in caring for God's house, serving His people, and promoting His interests on behalf of the nation, they would receive less. "God is no man's debtor."
That principle is similar to how full-time servants, who are called to dedicate their entire time, can meet their needs today. It is true that all of God's people are servants, but not all serve in the same way. We are told, "Whatever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." No Christian's labor lacks the intended reward if the goal is to honor the Lord. However, there are those who are called to dedicate all their time directly to the work of God's kingdom. Their compensation is unsolicited but is proportional to their labor and legitimate needs. God knows what we need and how best to provide it.
When an evangelist goes forth to evangelize, there are costs associated with his work that differ from those of a teacher whose calling is with God's people in local assemblies. These needs are not set by a specific amount based on hours worked but are known by God Himself. He understands the needs even before they arise. The faithful servant advances in his calling under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, trusting God to meet whatever needs may come. If there are not enough funds to cover the obligations, the worker must reevaluate and determine where adjustments are needed. We are not to "muzzle the ox" that treads out the corn. Those involved in serving God teach as much through their example of giving as through their words. Giving time, talent, and resources are all part of this work.
Connected to the example of faith in this chapter regarding meeting needs, the example of doubt is relevant. Doubt and deception often go hand in hand and are exploited by the master deceiver, Satan. His deception not only aims to control the attitudes and actions of skeptics and those who struggle with decision-making but also seeks to influence the next generation of children. Child sacrifices were offered by people living in the land God promised Israel. Imitating those people posed a danger to God's people. Because knowledgeable individuals often give subtle explanations of events, ordinary people can be manipulated into accepting their predictions. Deceivers may use horoscopes, tarot cards, and other forms of occultism to convince doubters that these practices are valid ways to gain insight into the unknown.
Childhood games can attract children and draw them deeper into darkness. Mysterious and unexplainable events are exploited by people under Satan's influence to turn others away from faith in God and His word. People often say, "I don't know how or why this phenomenon occurs, but it does, and it actually works, so that is good enough for me." Any such thing is not of God. All the forbidden activities mentioned in this passage of scripture are occultic and are controlled and promoted by the powers of darkness.
Such dangers are always around us, can be found on the internet, and are even included in children's computer games. Television programs and movies that explore the occult are very popular among many young people. Satan doesn't change tactics that have proven effective in the past to carry out his evil plans. He remains the master of deception. He continues to exploit those who are discontented. He still aims to distort the truth and ultimately condemn the souls of those who follow his manipulative ways.
There is only one way to handle those dark things. If you have dealt with them, burn them, throw them away, and completely remove them. "Touch not the unclean thing." Refuse to listen to or take part in anything mysterious and unexplainable. The truths in the scriptures can be understood by those who read them. The word of God hidden in the heart will keep God's people from sinning against Him. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
God's holy Word is all we need as the source of our guidance regarding right and wrong. The abominable practices of the occult will not attract those who know and follow biblical teaching. All areas of life, including doubts, are addressed in the scriptures. God expects us to "search the scriptures" in order to walk in the light and avoid fellowship with those who walk in darkness.
The light of truth has a powerful positive impact on those who believe in God. Living a righteous life aligns with those who "walk in the light as He is in the light." Stephen, in the book of Acts chapters 6 and 7, exemplifies someone full of faith and the Holy Spirit. As he spoke publicly, he mentioned the Prophet discussed in this chapter, whom Moses said would come. Stephen identified that Prophet as the Lord Jesus Christ. His words are always true. His doctrine is always correct. The prophecies He makes will all come true—everyone, without exception. The predictions given in the scriptures have been fully fulfilled in their time and scope. Nearly 2000 years ago, prophecies about our current age were also given. We can trust future prophecies because we are confident in the truth of those already fulfilled.
A true prophet is a servant of the Lord sent by the Lord. His message may be words of warning or words of comfort. The prophecies of true prophets come true even as they are predicted. From the one God made concerning "the seed of the woman" when He made the serpent crawl in the dust to the ones concerning the nation of Israel in their past, present, and future, they are true because they have happened and are happening.
False prophets make false predictions, set dates for upcoming events, and say unusual things that never happen as they claimed. Sometimes, they try to manipulate people by claiming that parts of their predictions have been fulfilled and the rest will happen later. False prophets are revealed by their wrong predictions and do not deserve our attention. There is no reason to worry about what they say. Someone like that is not sent by God. Practices that seem mysterious and unexplainable because they are attractive are actually from Satan.
The test to determine whether a prophet was true or false was whether his predictions came true. Any prophecy that contradicts the written word of God is false, and the one who gave it is a false prophet. The people of God who serve Him will be cared for by those who accept the responsibility given to them by God.
The coming Prophet is the Messiah of the Jews and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He reveals God like no one else, not even Moses. There is one God, one Truth, and the Supreme Prophet. Every part of Him and His message is confirmed by all that He said and taught, has come true, or is a prophecy about the future that will happen.