YOU SHALL BE PERFECT WITH THE LORD YOUR GOD

APOSTLE TALK – Future News Now!
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with Prince Handley

“You shall be perfect with the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 18:13 HNV)

The word “perfect” here used is the Hebrew word “tamiym” and means “entire” (as in whole) and can be used literally, morally, or figuratively. It also has the sense of “integrity, truth, sound, and without blemish, complete, WHOLE and upright.”

When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be thou perfect.” The same Hebrew word tamiym is used here.

We know that Abraham was not altogether perfect as in the two times he presented his wife as his sister; and even though his stint with Hagar may have been according to the custom of the times, it leaves one to wonder about his faith in God’s promise for an heir to be born. However, Abraham had the example – the IDEAL – set before him by God. He knew what he was supposed to live like.

There are several passages in the Bible where this same Hebrew word for “perfect” is used.

“For the upright will dwell in the land. The perfect will remain in it.” (Proverbs 2:21)

Psalm 101:6 says “Mine eyes shall be upon he faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me.” Notice that this was a Psalm of David, where King David makes a vow and profession of godliness.

We know clearly from scripture that David loved God. However, we also know clearly from scripture that he committed adultery and murder.

God has set the IDEAL before us. We are to be perfect; we are to exhibit integrity and truth, and to be WHOLE and without blemish. However, because of the human condition (sin) we miss the mark. That is why we need Jesus!

Thank God, Jesus is the IDEAL. He fulfilled the Law, but He also makes us WHOLE who have not been able to keep the Law. Our job is to TRY – and to grow in maturity along the way – even though we cannot attain to perfection. Even though we miss the mark, we have a Savior who loves us and is waiting to help us when we ask. If it were not for Jesus we would all be in the pit!

Jesus, the Messiah of Israel, shed His BLOOD on the cross to pay for all of our sins. If we ask for and receive His forgiveness, we will be cleansed and be made WHOLE.

King David repented for his sins just as we are to do. He also knew the JOY of forgiveness and how to praise God, just as we are to do.

In Heaven, at the Judgment Throne of God, if we have given our lives to Christ before leaving Planet Earth, and have pressed toward the IDEAL, even though failing, the LORD will be there to speak for us, and to represent us; He will be our legal Counselor.

Other Good News: our Attorney will also be our Judge!

Since He has been so good to us, and keeps on doing so, no matter how much and how often we mess up, let us be thankful and try to live holy. We need to ask God to set us apart – to sanctify us – that we might be pleasing to Him and a witness to those around us.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Hebrews 12:1)

The Living Bible paraphrases it this way: “And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy – the kind He can accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?”

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