Text: Deuteronomy 21:1-23
Often a child is rebellious because the parents do not exercise proper discipline. But sometimes a child’s nature is stubborn and rebellious beyond anything a parent can correct. In those cases, the entire community is called to act. In our passage for today, the age of the son is not stated, but he most likely is in his early adulthood and living in his parent’s home. The consequence is execution by the men of the community. If the son is allowed to continue in his rebellion, it will influence others (v. 21).
We all, men and women, by nature, are rebellious towards God, and we all deserve to be executed. That is what God promised Adam, if Adam rebelled (Gen.2:17). Rebellion is rejection of God and serving self as authority. Jesus Christ came into our existence and lived as a perfect Son. After He fulfilled all righteousness, He took our death penalty. If you trust that Jesus did that for you, then you will be received by God as His child, and you will have God the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, conforming you into the image of Christ!
Meditate on verse 21. What is God teaching you in this verse?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray for many parents to be available to discipline their children. I pray for stubborn children to repent. Amen.