Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
in retrospect: the end
Deuteronomy 34 Why did God not let Moses cross over the Jordon to set foot in the promised land before he died? Partly it was because of his sin, but there is more to it than that. Moses’ life serves … Continue reading
in retrospect: leaving a legacy
Deuteronomy 32:48-33:29 Moses blesses the tribes just before he climbs Mount Nebo. He has an appointment. All of us do (Hebrews 9:27). In the end, Moses showed fatherly love to the nation and blessed them. His fight was over. It … Continue reading
in retrospect: no empty word
Deuteronomy 31:30-32:47 Moses’ retirement speech was not a series of platitudes and celebration of the past. He shared a warning for the generations that followed. God is not like the gods of the nations that the Israelites are about to … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, enemies, ethnic Israel, judgment, plan of God
Tagged Deuteronomy 31, Deuteronomy 32
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in retrospect: the source of strength and courage
Deuteronomy 31:1-29 Moses knew that the people were going to rebel against the LORD. But he also knew that the LORD was going to take them into his promised land. He encouraged them to be strong and courageous, not in … Continue reading
in retrospect: a simple choice
Deuteronomy 30:11-20 As strange and complicated as the Mosaic law seems, it must not have been so to the Israelites. They must have naturally known what kinds of choices pleased the LORD and what kinds were idolatrous. So, following the … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, discipleship, eternal life, faith, Jesus Christ, relationship with God
Tagged Deuteronomy 30
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in retrospect: the secretly disobedient
Deuteronomy 29:1-30:10 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV) Moses called … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, integrity, obedience
Tagged Deuteronomy 29, Deuteronomy 30
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in retrospect: what if?
Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Moses was an old man, and the Israelites associated him with their past – which they wanted to forget. “Well, OK”, says Moses, “as long as you learn the lessons from the past, you can concentrate on the … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, discernment, faithfulness
Tagged Deuteronomy 28
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in retrospect: health and prosperity
Deuteronomy 28:1-14 We testify to the existence and goodness of God by our actions. Health and prosperity can be part of that testimony. If we are careful to do what God wants, he is free to open up his good … Continue reading
in retrospect: dos and don’ts
Deuteronomy 27 Our relationship with God is by grace, not on the basis of what we have done or not done. It also not on the basis of what we are doing, might do, or will do. We did not, … Continue reading
in retrospect: gifts of rejoicing
Deuteronomy 26 The firstfruits and tithes were not taxes of obligation. They were gifts that the Israelites had opportunity to give because God had promised to bless them with an abundance. The little ceremony that accompanied the gifts was a … Continue reading
