Many times, I hear words of gratitude when “The Word” is spoken. Countless perceptions of who Yahweh is or what is the nature of Yeshua can leave many who are weak in The Word confused. They hear comments from skeptics and even fellow believers that cause doubt. To provide clarity in this area, I believe we must review our “first love” and recognize the works of the Great I AM.
In this week’s study of Re’eh (see or behold), we read:
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Elohim is testing you to find out if you love Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 13:1-3
The key part of this phrase stands out. “Let us go after other gods (whom who have not known) and let us serve them.” is in direct opposition against the Creator. For Yahweh stated, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Naturally, Israel is ordered to separate themselves from anyone and even put to death those who seek to draw them away from their Deliverer.
Why is the Command So Drastic?
For us to understand the jealousy of YHWH and his concern for his bride, we may want to review the meaning of marriage. Let’s pretend for a moment that a friend comes into a loving and purposeful home to convince the wife to leave her husband. This “friend” doesn’t tell the wife that the man is a scoundrel known for rape, abuse, thievery, and extortion. Instead, the friend just encourages her to listen to him. Being naïve, the wife does so and becomes convinced that he is a nice man. She becomes impressed with his great feats. His words flatter and seem full of truth and kindness. Eventually, she leaves her husband only to find out that the scoundrel is not who he said he was. Without any warning, she is traded into slavery.
You may think that you and your family are not at risk of falling away from YHWH. Though in your belief structure do you take into account the many ways you might follow other gods—another husband? I am sure you know of a few if you just take a moment to consider. They can include but are not limited to a religion, a practice, fear, knowledge, what you own, and even habits of what you see, hear, and emulate.
Another obvious question now arises. How can we be a dedicated bride and not be deceived? The Torah is pretty direct in this area. “You shall follow Elohim and fear Him, and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve him, and cling to Him.” (Duet 13:4) Whereas the one who follows a false god brings rebellion against the name of Yahweh, seeking to seduce and divide those who follow Yah. In short, a deceiver must be weighed by whom they claim to follow.
There is one more key aspect to this command found in Deuteronomy. That concept centers around the word “known.” King David wrote, “O Lord, you have searched me and have known me!” and in Ephesians 1:4 we read, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world. . .” These statements are not to be taken lightly. If we choose to follow a god that we do not know—a stranger to our spirit and soul, then where will we end up? Life can only be found in the Creator. Death is found in the imposter.
The apostle John writes words for those of us who believe Yeshua is the Messiah the Son of Elohim–the Mighty hand of Yah providing salvation to all who believe. He states, “Test the spirits to see whether they are from Yahweh; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of Yah, every spirit that confesses that Yeshua Messiah has come in the flesh is from YHWH and every spirit that does not confess Yeshua is not from Yahweh; and that this is the spirit of the antichrist. . .”
How to Stay the Course
- I base my theology on the words of Yahweh and the testimony of Yeshua–the only sources of life, healing, and salvation.
- In trusting others, I look for the fruits of righteousness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control—all of which belong to Yeshua the Messiah (Galatians 5:22-24).
- I only listen to those who do not cause division or seek knowledge for personal gain over others.
- I have learned the blood of the Lamb must be claimed daily to win battles we face.
Stay the course, fight the battle, pray against darkness, and praise Yahweh with every breath.
Be blessed,
Rollyn