The Bible Project @ Kelsey

DAY 63 We're winding down our reading in Deuteronomy.  The people have the law of God before them; they have a new leader commissioned over them.  God ensures them that they can bold and do not have to fear the people, and that, even though the Lord is sure they will turn away, there will be a way back to God's grace. DAILY READINGS Deuteronomy 30-31 & Psalm 63 DAILY NOTES Deuteronomy 30:1-5 A foreshadow of what to expect from the people. Although God has outlined the curses that the people will face if they turn away, God promises to receive them again and return them, assuming/knowing they will be exiled. Deuteronomy 30:6 Again, we see that what matters most to God is that the people love God will all their heart. Deuteronomy 31:1-3 Moses prepares the people to cross over without his leadership.  They can be sure of God's presence and victory. Deuteronomy 31:7 Joshua is recognized as the next leader of the Israelites.  Mose...

DAY 62 One of the things I hear people say when we read, for example, Deuteronomy is, "It's repeating itself."  "Didn't we already read/hear that before?"  The answer, of course, is, "You probably did."   So, let me ask a couple of questions: 1) If it's repeated, doesn't that make it important?  2) If you're already read it before, shouldn't you remember some of it more accurately? Happy reading! DAILY READINGS Deuteronomy 28-29 & Psalm 62 DAILY NOTES Deuteronomy 28:1-14 If the people follow the commands of God, they are told they can expect blessings in return.   These blessings will "overtake" the people. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 If the people do not follow the commands of God, they can expect to be cursed in return.  Notice the imbalance of the amount of blessings verses the amount of curses. The difference between the blessings and the curses is that these curses will pursue and overtake t...

DAY 61 I didn't include any daily notes today.  While they may seem strange, most of the laws we're reading about today are pretty straightforward.   Today's Bible Project video gives a final look at what the book of Deuteronomy is about.   DAILY READINGS Deuteronomy 24-27 & Psalm 61 OTHER OBSERVATIONS Within many of the commands of God given to the Israelites is the notion to remember.  Remember you were slaves to Egypt.  Remember what happened to Miriam.  Remember. The point is to remember what God has done and that the Israelites are now God's own people.  You can almost hear someone ask, "Why do we have to do [fill in the blank]?"  Because we are God's!  Remember it was the Lord who delivered us.  So, this is his way to be holy. Even the psalmist (in Psalm 61) picks up on this.  In speaking of God's protection, he says that God has given him the "heritage of those who fear your name."  ...

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 inno...

DAY 54 Moses' speech continues.  Today, we're reminding of the whole law of God, the ten commandments and the people's need to keep these commandments ever before them. Moses will tell the people, "Hear, O Israel..."  Watch t oday's video for a great explanation of what it means to shema (listen). DAILY READINGS Deuteronomy 4-6 & Psalm 54 DAILY NOTES Deuteronomy 4:1 These were never rules.  Moses has communicated them as life. Deuteronomy 4:6-8 Following God's commands will make them wise among the other people.  What we understand is that these laws God gives differ from those of people around the Israelites.  Indeed, they are to be set apart. "Observe them diligently" means to study them and do them. These ordinances are "just" compared to the other nations. Deuteronomy 4:9 Watch yourselves or be on guard. Deuteronomy 4:19 How can the people make an idol of anything under or above the eart...

DAY 24 I don't know how excited you'll get about today's reading.  But you should!  Moses will recite the law to the people.  And, the exciting part, God and the people will make a covenant.  Remember when God made a covenant with specific people before?  Now, the covenant is with all the people.  What a blessing that is to know God covenants with us all. Today's video takes a look at that idea of covenant. DAILY READINGS Exodus 22-24 & Psalm 24 DAILY NOTES Exodus 22:1-15 Laws concerning restitution of property. Exodus 22:16-27 Laws concerning social dealings Exodus 22:28-31 Laws for religious observances Exodus 23:1-9 Laws regarding personal behavior Notice how a person is supposed to commit to justice. Within these verses about justice, there is mention of how one deals with 2 types of people: enemies and resident aliens.   Exodus 23:12-13 Moses spoke of the sabbath before as a "holy rest."...