Today's pluralistic world gives equal status to the scriptures of all religions. It says no religion can lay claim to absolute truth, that is, truth that all people everywhere need to accept. Indeed, other sacred books have high insights gained by sages through their abilities. But in Deuteronomy 4:32-33, Moses says that God's word to Israel is absolutely unique because no ″other people″ received a direct revelation from God in the miraculous way that the Israelites did.

Desiring to show the Israelites how worthwhile it is to obey God, Moses points to God's choice of and love for Israel, and His powerful redemptive actions in history (vv. 32-38). As they heard stories of God's actions in history, they would realise that the wisest and safest way to live was in obedience to God. Similarly, if Christians are given a good diet of the history of God's work among His people, when they are tempted to compromise, they would realise that disobedience to God is folly.

The absolute uniqueness of God is described twice with the words ″there is no other″ (vv. 35, 39). The Bible does recognise-and the first of the Ten Commandments implies- that some people follow other gods (see Day 13). These ″gods″ or spiritual forces have some power (see Ephesians 6:11-12), and people can be attracted to them. But obeying the one true God is the only way to true and lasting blessing (Deuteronomy 4:40).

Similarly, the life, work, and teaching of Jesus, recorded in the New Testament by eyewitnesses or their representatives, gives us a gospel of an absolutely unique Christ. As Christ is Lord and Creator of the universe, His word, faithfully recorded for us in the New Testament, is needed for the salvation of all people (see Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4).

After calling for exclusive devotion to God (Deuteronomy 4:39-40), the text seamlessly moves to mercy and justice. It describes the assigning of ″cities of refuge″ in the lands occupied by the 2 1/2 tribes east of the Jordan. These were for people who ″had unintentionally killed″ someone (vv. 41-43). They could ″flee″ to these cities for protection from people who were angry about the killing. Subsequently, a proper trial would ensure that justice was done (Numbers 35:12).

It is important that as God's people, our personal devotion should also lead seamlessly to mercy and justice. Those who have experienced God's salvation and protection need to be thinking about the protection of the weak and vulnerable. Let's apply the truth of Scripture to both our personal and social lives.