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March 1 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 60

We've been reading the Bible for 60 days!  That's an accomplishment because it's too easy to give up.  "Especially when we're reading material that seems...outdated.  Why do we need to know the laws of Moses if we already know about Jesus?"  That's a real question.  So is this, "These laws don't apply to us, so what's the purpose of reading them?"

Today's Bible Project video illustrates how the law of Moses is a significant piece of God's story throughout scripture.  You can't truly understand Jesus' ministry without understanding the law of God.  Take a look.



DAILY READINGS

Deuteronomy 21-23 & Psalm 60

DAILY NOTES

Deuteronomy 21:1-9
  • This section describes what you are to do when you come across someone who has been killed in the "open country" and it is not known who has killed them.  The elders of the towns must determine whose town is closest and present an offering to amend the innocent blood shed.
Deuteronomy 21:10-14
  • A man may receive a female captive of war as his wife.  He is also able to disregard her if he is not satisfied.  No word on what she's able to do if she's not satisfied.
Deuteronomy 21:15-21
  • This section deals with children.  First, it highlights the position of the first-born child.  Even if a man has two wives and bears a child first with the women he dislikes, that child is still to have the honor, along with its privileges and rewards, of being the first born.
  • The passage follows with what to do with a rebellious child.  It is expected that the parents have disciplined the child.  There's no indication of what age of a child this would apply to.  
    • Both parents have to agree to present him (daughters?) to the elders.  Afterwards, the wayward child is executed.  
Deuteronomy 22:1-4
  • The people are not to withhold their help of a neighbor or fellow Israelite whose animals or other belongings have been lost.  The command is not to ignore the animals that have strayed.  
Deuteronomy 23:1-8
  • There are certain men who shall be excluded from the assembly of the Lord--men of Israel.
Psalm 60
  • The psalmist's people have been suffered a defeat.  The inscription indicates that 12,000 men were killed in battle.  You can imagine the pain and humiliation of the entire people.  Their defeat is seen as a sign of rejection from God.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

The command of Deuteronomy 22:3 (You may not without your help) struck my heart because I had been thinking of something I read recently.  Since that verse deals with helping someone who has lost an animal or some other property, this doesn't match the topic perfectly.  It's about helping others in another way.  WARNING: It's pretty convicting.

Before you read, consider the part of the Lord's Prayer that says, "Give us this daily our daily bread."

I was watching a television program in which a Christian from Sudan was being interviewed. He asked, "How can our rich Christian brothers and sisters in America ignore the fact that we in Sudan are starving to death?"  I thought to myself, "I'm glad I don't have to answer that question!" And then the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and said, "You do." 
What would you say to that man?  I think I would have to apologize.  I wouldn't want to admit how many times my prayer has really been "Give me this day my daily luxuries."  I wouldn't want to confess to how seldom I have even thought about his plight. I wouldn't want to have to tell him that American Christians give only about 3 percent of their income to their churches and charities. I certainly wouldn't want to mention how much food we throw away after a church dinner. 
That man in Sudan and I both pray, "Give us this day our daily bread."  For him, it is a cry of desperation. For me, it needs to become a vow of generosity.  When I say those words, I'm not asking for bread for myself. I'm twenty pounds overweight. I could use a little less daily bread. When I pray "Give us this day our daily bread," I am pledging to do all in my power to see that my brother in Sudan has daily bread. 
"Give us this day our daily bread" is a prayer of equality. It is a recognition of God's interest in more than just my needs. God cares for the needs of all...He wants everyone to have enough.

Lord, help us to not without our help!

Stay blessed...john
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