Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
in retrospect: remembering the past
Deuteronomy 23:15-25:19 Interspersed in these various laws is a word that ties them together: remember (24:9, 18, 22). Moses wanted the Israelites to know that they had been learning God’s way through the things they had experienced. LORD, help us … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship
Tagged Deuteronomy 23, Deuteronomy 24, Deuteronomy 25
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in retrospect: God is looking
Deuteronomy 23:1-14 The reason no indecent thing was allowed within the camp was that God was looking. The camp must remain holy “so that (God) may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you. Even though the … Continue reading
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
2 Comments
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
2 Comments
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
