Focus On The Text

I really enjoy using my computer Bible software. It is called BibleWorks. Early on, it would always start with a reminder to “Focus on the text.” God tells us to do the same thing. “So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to […]

I really enjoy using my computer Bible software. It is called BibleWorks. Early on, it would always start with a reminder to “Focus on the text.”

God tells us to do the same thing.

“So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. (Deuteronomy 5:32 NAU)

Focus on what God has said. Do not move away from it; neither to the right nor to the left.

I’m not sure if “right” and “left” had the same sense of meaning in Moses’ day as it does today, but the Bible’s warnings include the sense of our current meaning.

On the right side would be the those who makes laws not specifically made by God but which the individuals are sure God would make if the Bible were written today. To those of his day Jesus said, “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.”
(Matthew 15:9)

On the left side would be the those who would not condemn any teaching or doctrine different from what God has said. To these Jesus will say, “I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness” (Luke 7:23).

Focus on the text. Don’t move away from God’s word; neither to the left nor to the right.

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