Monthly Archives: June 2012
in retrospect: purging the evil
Deuteronomy 22:13-30 Sexual sins, and sins of deception and violence associated with them could not be tolerated in a society that sought to display the glory of the LORD. Moses’ instruction was for the community to purge itself of the … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discernment, genuineness, kingdom of God, sanctification
Tagged Deuteronomy 22
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in retrospect: removing the shame
Deuteronomy 21-22:12 The culture to which these commands was originally given was an oriental, shame-based culture. The people in these cultures are primarily motivated by shame, experienced by the whole group, and not primarily by individual guilt. This explains the … Continue reading
Posted in church, consideration of others, glory, shame, worldview
Tagged Deuteronomy 21, Deuteronomy 22
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in retrospect: wise warfare
Deuteronomy 20 Moses would not participate in the wars he spoke of, but his words would guide those who did. Warriors had to be free of other concerns and pursuits, and must be aware of the bigger picture. That had … Continue reading
in retrospect: taking advantage of grace
Deuteronomy 19 Life in the new society was to be permeated with grace, but there would be those who would seek to test God by taking advantage of that grace. Murderers fleeing into the levitical cities of refuge, landowners moving … Continue reading
in retrospect: those who minister
Deuteronomy 18 The Levite who served the people in the LORD’s name was to be provided for because of his ministry. The prophet was to be listened to – and false prophets were not. The Israelites were not to follow … Continue reading
in retrospect: lex rex
Deuteronomy 16:18-17:20 In this bold new society that the LORD is setting up through Moses, things will not be done the old way. The old way was that you got what you wanted by bribery and the powerful were the … Continue reading
Posted in consideration of others, dependence upon God, discipleship
Tagged Deuteronomy 16, Deuteronomy 17
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in retrospect: remembering
Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17 The feasts were designed to be a constant reminder of what the LORD had done and is doing for his people. God wanted his children to remember and rejoice because he was and is among them. LORD, build … Continue reading
in retrospect: seeking freedom
Deuteronomy 15:1-18 The same LORD who commanded rest at the end of the week commanded release of servants at the end of a seven year cycle. He wanted his people to be known for their kindness to one another, and … Continue reading
in retrospect: a Father’s right
Deuteronomy 14 Before we recoil at the audacity of Moses in putting dietary restrictions upon Israel, let us remember that Moses states at the beginning of this chapter: the Israelites are sons of the LORD their God. A father has … Continue reading
in retrospect: denouncing pragmatism
Deuteronomy 13 For many people and cultures around the world today, the test of the validity of an idea seems to be “does it work?” Even if a person does not agree with someone else’s religion or social allegiance, … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, discernment, discipleship, kingdom of God
Tagged Deuteronomy 13
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Devotions 