Strong Tower
A daily scripture exposition.
Monday, January 27, 2025
Leviticus 24:11 NLT
“During the fight, this son of an Israelite woman blasphemed the Name of the Lord with a curse. So the man was brought to Moses for judgment. His mother was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan.”
*Guard your heart*
It is often said that you can take a child out of a village, but you cannot take the village out of a child. In other words, a change in environment does not change one’s foundational values and customs. This was evident in the actions of a man in the referenced scripture, who, during a conflict with some men of Israel, expressed contempt for the God of Israel.
It is important to note that it was not a one-off. In Matthew 12:34, Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks,” and this implies the idea that what fills a person’s heart will inevitably manifest in their speech at the slightest provocation. The man lived in the camp with the people of Israel, but the view and customs of Egypt did not leave him. No true change comes by associating with a denomination or church. True change comes from allowing the Word of Christ to dwell richly within us and actively living out its teachings. This process can effectively purify our thoughts, replacing harmful attitudes with ones that reflect reverence and respect for God.
Consider, for instance, this man’s blasphemous utterance, which is a stark reminder that individuals do not typically disrespect what they deeply hold dear. His cursing of God reveals a troubling lack of reverence, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of miraculous events he had personally witnessed—such as the parting of the Red Sea, a monumental act of divine power, and the daily provision of manna, which sustained the Israelites throughout their arduous journey in the wilderness.
Furthermore, the response of those who heard his blasphemous remarks is equally significant. They did not shrug it off or dismiss it as trivial; instead, they recognized the gravity of the situation. Their decision to bring the man before Moses for judgment underscores the importance of accountability within the community of believers. This incident highlights how certain behaviours can linger within churches when members overlook them or display nonchalant attitudes toward mischaracterizations of fellow believers, who are all created in God’s image. Such inaction can foster an environment where disrespect and irreverence flourish rather than one that reflects the holiness and love that should characterize a community rooted in faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I study Your word, I earnestly ask that You take control of my heart and mind. Grant me the wisdom to deeply understand Your teachings and the strength to uphold Your name with reverence and respect in all I do. May I never lose sight of the sanctity of Your presence or allow myself to speak or act in ways that bring disrepute to Your glorious name. In Jesus’s name, I humbly pray. Amen.
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