Because they met you not with bread and water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee. Deuteronomy 23:4 KJV
Six times in this chapter God limited those who were permitted to enter the congregation of the Lord. In each case it was due to the absence of holiness on their part. Sin separated them from God, who was holy and walked among His people (23:14). God alone has the right to choose who may or may not approach Him, and on what basis. Even now, although the Gospels teach whosoever may come, it is still on God’s terms, by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Sins of omission and commission are dealt with in verse 4, helping us to understand the seriousness of both. When asked to help Israel, the Moabites refused (omission), and then hired Balaam to curse them instead (commission). The seriousness of these sins was in their rebellion against the Lord. Their refusal to help God’s people and then actions to hurt them was the same as doing so against the Lord (Matthew 25:45).
Lord, although the way has been opened for us to enter freely into your presence, sins of omission and commission can still hinder people’s ability to approach you. Use me in helping others to understand this.
