Meditation
FATHOMING HOW GOD CHOOSES
Text: Deuteronomy 18
28 May 2017
THE DOCTRINE “CHOSEN”
This is an amazing doctrine to research and study. But the more we read the more we must stand in awe of why and how God exercises His prerogative to choose!
SIMEON AND LEVI
Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. He and his brother Simeon were two very cruel and cunning people. In Genesis 34 we have a record of the cruelty of Simeon and Levi. Here’s the story in brief.
- Their sister Dinah was raped
a) By a prince called Shechem
b) He was a Hivite
- Shechem offered to marry Dinah
a) Simeon and Levi offered a plan
b) The Hivites must circumcise themselves first
- This offer was accepted
a) But when the Hivites were in great pain after the circumcision
b) Simeon and Levi attacked them and killed many Hivites
c) They were vengeful in their wrath!
THE CURSING OF SIMEON AND LEVI
For their wickedness, Jacob’s last prayer was in rebuke of their wickedness. Jacob refused to be identified with them in any way. He uttered a curse against their wicked anger (Genesis 49:5-7).
GOD CHOOSING LEVI TO SERVE HIM
Yet, God in His sovereign grace and mercy chose Levi to serve Him.
For the LORD God has chosen him out of all your tribes
To stand to minister in the name of the LORD,
Him and his sons forever. Deuteronomy 18:5
- A Divine decree
a) God made this decree known to Israel
b) It would take nothing short of such a decree to make this effective
- The Levites
a) They were chosen to serve the Lord
b) They were chosen to stand before the Lord
c) They were to minister in His name
THE GRACE AND MERCY OF GOD
The doctrine “Chosen” wonderfully helps us to see the greatness of God!
- His glorious mercy
- His wonderful grace
- His great power to change and to sustain these servants of God