July 5, 2022
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7
“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
The lesson for God’s people under Joshua’s very capable leadership was consistent. Even his name was a constant reminder, for it means: Yahweh is Salvation. This is the foundation for the reminder we are often given: victory comes through faith in the LORD and obedience to His word – not through military prowess or greater numbers. Isaiah was given the reminder as well. Fallen humanity has a propensity for veering off of the path that God desires for us. Going “left” means cropping or deleting specific details that we have been given. Going “right” is the tendency to add to what He has said, creating a burdensome task. Both flaws have a way of making complicated the simple truths that Jesus has for us. The sincere follower of Christ will often find himself on the “bad side” of both of the other groups.
The Sadducees were to the left of center. They had been educated at fashionable Alexandrian universities which had incorporated the devil’s lie about death (“You shall not surely die”), hence no need for resurrection. Many mainstream Protestants have also incorporated this false doctrine (The soul cannot die, therefore goes directly somewhere (?) immediately upon death).
The Pharisees were to the right of center. Added, burdensome rules and regulations robbed the joy of walking with the Lord from those who were taught under this set of beliefs. They ushered in the legalistic approach in place of a relationship with Him.
Sadly, the only thing the leaders of these two groups could agree upon was to kill Jesus. Beloved, we must remain centered upon God’s word. Prophecy tells us that those of us who desire to live by what He has said will be in trouble with the dragon and the world. Let us be thankful for the “heads up” and be His instruments for good.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2