Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
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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in retrospect: my way or God’s way
Deuteronomy 12 The prescribed way of worshipping was to replace the way that seems right unto man. Each of us has sinned by going his own way. God’s way will lead to blessing. Ignoring it and going our own way … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, relationship with God, repentance, will of God
Tagged Deuteronomy 12
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in retrospect: relationship
Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32 Moses encouraged the Israelites to obey God and keep the commandments, but that was not the primary challenge. The first and most important thing was for them to love and fear God – to have a relationship with … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, faith, fear, love, relationship with God
Tagged Deuteronomy 10, Deuteronomy 11
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in retrospect: hinges of mercy
Deuteronomy 9:6-10:11 Moses’ prayers served as hinges that let the LORD turn from his judgment upon Israel to his mercy toward them. Many times the anger of the LORD was ready to consume the people, and it was the persistent … Continue reading
in retrospect: remember the whole way
Deuteronomy 8:1-9:5 Moses challenged the Israelites to remember their time in the wilderness. He wanted them to remember how dependent of God they were, because the occasion would come that God would bless them with prosperity and peace, and they … Continue reading
in retrospect: a greater GOD
Deuteronomy 7 A lesser god would have been OK with entering Canaan and becoming part of the pantheon of the peoples. The LORD was not. He demanded that the Israelites wipe out all the nations of the land. He would … Continue reading
Posted in integrity, kingdom of God, relationship with God, worldview
Tagged Deuteronomy 7
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in retrospect: love and fear
Deuteronomy 6 Moses reflects on those ten commandments, and narrows them down to one: love the LORD with all your heart, soul and might (4). Out of that love will come a fear and respect that will prevent idolatry and … Continue reading
in retrospect: a covenant people
Deuteronomy 5 Moses reflected back on the giving of the ten commandments because he wanted to remind the Israelites that they were a people who have committed themselves to a covenant. The commands all had to do with the covenant. … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discipleship, faithfulness, kingdom of God, new covenant, obedience
Tagged Deuteronomy 5
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in retrospect: a great God and a great people
Deuteronomy 4 Moses encouraged the Israelites to live up to the standards of their God’s reputation. They were to be a people known for their righteousness and wisdom. They were to reflect upon the character of the LORD. He sets … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discipleship, grace, kingdom of God, obedience
Tagged Deuteronomy 4
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