Daily Bible Devotionals

“All of you are standing today before the Lord your God – your leaders, tribes, elders, officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your wives, and the foreigners in your camps who cut your wood and draw your water – so that you may enter into the covenant of the Lord your God, which He is making with you today, so that you may enter into His oath and so that He may establish you today as His people and He may be your God as He promised you and as He swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I am making this covenant and this oath not only with you, but also with those who are standing here with us today in the presence of the Lord our God and with those who are not here today.” Deuteronomy 29:10-15 (HCSB)

Deuteronomy 27-30 are chapters pertaining to God’s covenant: Blessings for abiding by His commands, Curses for transgressing them, and provisions for Repentance and Returning to the Lord.

Almost hidden in all the verbiage is exactly WHO the covenant was pertaining to. Obviously, God is making His covenant with all Israel, but who were the “foreigners”? “Israel” is commonly (culturally) defined as those whose biological lineage is traced through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But alongside the Israelite is the Foreigner who seeks after the Lord. Whether slaves or members of the “mixed multitude” who left Egypt with the Israelites, the Bible records God’s desire for the foreigner to know and worship Him by including them in His covenant.

Know for sure that God’s covenant with Israel concerning the LAND is very clear. The land is divided among the tribes of Israel, and those of Israel who are scattered (even today) have the right of return. This is not only the position of the modern Israeli government, per se, but it is what’s written in Scripture.

There is an open attitude among Orthodox Jews (through organizations like Chabad) to teach the Torah to Gentiles (non-Jews). But they teach that Gentiles are under the “Noahide covenant.” That is, the general promise God gave to mankind after the great flood. They teach that Gentiles have no “Torah claim” to the covenants beyond the post-flood of Noah’s day.

Deuteronomy 29 is very clear that God spoke not only to those who are “Israel” by blood but also to those who are God’s people by Grace, through Faith (per the covenant of Abraham), when they faithfully follow the Lord. While the two are separate with respect to DNA and the Land, they are alike in terms of God’s blessing to those who, by faith, believe in Messiah Jesus and are counted righteous by His grace.

Revisiting the subject of the LAND of Israel, what benefit do Jewish people have if they return to the land yet refuse to return to the Lord through Messiah Jesus? Ultimately, they are far worse off than the Gentiles, who have no claim to the land yet trust in Messiah and receive atonement and eternal salvation. Remember, followers of Messiah (Jew and Gentile) await a New Jerusalem, so their hope is not in the old one.

“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you from one direction but flee from you in seven directions.” Deuteronomy 28:7 (HCSB)

There are some who believe that following Jesus will ensure them a life free of conflict. To them, if you are having conflict in your spiritual life, there must be something wrong with your obedience to God. They will tell you that if you want to restore your personal peace, you should get back on track with Jesus. That’s not necessarily so.

Sure, there are times when we have to deal with the consequences of our willful sin. But not every hardship is a result of faithlessness. As a matter of fact, some hardship is directly from the Lord and should be considered a blessing. The peace that God provides His children does not always come in the form of the absence of conflict. Oftentimes, His “shalom” comes in the form of peace in the midst of conflict.

Prior to entering the land of Canaan, Moses emboldened the people and exhorted them to have courage when the enemy attacked. Remember: the Enemy is always prowling, preparing to attack, and he pounces whether we are ready or not.

Who is our enemy? Is it not the Devil, the World, and the Flesh?

If you are seeking the absence of conflict, you will be very disappointed. Conflict will come whether you are a Christian or not. When most people say they want “Peace,” what they really mean is that they want “Victory.” But you cannot have Victory without a battle/conflict! Each experienced victory builds towards a “stockpile of peace,” or HOPE that the Lord will resolve future conflict. Victory builds upon victory. (James 1)

Growing in faith doesn’t necessarily mean that we will eliminate conflict. It could mean that God is growing us so we can be faithful through even greater future conflict. It is all for His glory because each victory is His.

You will never live victorious until you trust the Lord and face conflict head-on. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God’s Word does not ensure the absence of conflict, but it does ensure victory through it.

“Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, ‘Be silent, Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the Lord your God. Obey the Lord your God and follow His commands and statutes I am giving you today.’” Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (HCSB)

One Christmas morning, while my family gave each other presents, I told my children, "After all the wrapping paper has been torn off, and you see what you've gotten, let daddy and mommy help you open the manufacturer's packaging. There are small parts that may get lost or broken, so we have to open boxes with care."

Well, it happens every year. An over-confident “zealous for fun” child rips through a box, and something gets broken or damaged before it ever gets played with. It's sad because the trauma and grief (which always seems to follow disobedience) could have been avoided by employing a little self-control and following the rule.

Israel is about to open the “mother of all gifts.” They're on the verge of experiencing the fulfillment of God's promise. They are going to enter the land that generations of Israelites longed to possess. All the dialogue from Moses led up to one thing: It's actually going to happen!

In a short time, Israel would transcend in a way very few people groups ever have. That is why Moses tells them, “Today, you have become the people of God.” It's not that they haven't been God's people; His presence with and love for Israel had been undeniable. But at this moment, Israel was becoming a Nation with land and borders.

It's one thing to become a legitimate nation, like other nations. It's another thing to be a nation, separate and holy unto God.

It is from this fever-pitched nationalistic emotional and spiritual fervor that Moses gives a Biblical version of my holiday speech to my children before opening presents: Be quiet and listen! This “gift from God” needs to be unpacked methodically and carefully. Your enjoyment and blessing are dependent upon your following the instructions. In fact, I want you to write your own copy of the instructions!

Let's respond to today's passage by renewing our vigilance to know God's Word, His instruction manual for life. By seeking His instruction and adhering to it, we can fully enjoy His gift of deliverance through Messiah, Jesus.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” John 14:15 (HCSB)

“When you come before the priest who is serving at that time, you must say to him, ‘Today I acknowledge to the LORD your God that I have entered the land the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.’” Deuteronomy 26:3 (HCSB)

There is so much gravity in this dialogue between the Israelite and the priest. Having entered the land, the Lord had promised to his forefathers; the time has come (3 years after entering-in) when the first tithe is brought. For three years, no matter what circumstances may have arisen to tempt the worshipper to steal from the Lord’s portion, he remained faithful to the Lord.

The worshipper’s testimony to the priest communicates many wonderful truths.

1) The Lord chose Israel from among the nations and promised Canaan to them.

2) The Lord was faithful to fulfill His promise.

3) The fulfilled promise was not particularly due to the merit of the recipient.

4) The Lord’s faithfulness accomplished its desired effect: Worship.

5) Because the Lord’s blessing was personal, the worshipper was inclined to recognize His corporate institutions. The office of priestly ministry is honored by the willful giving of tithes.

6) The Lord has given the worshipper a part to play in helping ensure the Levite, widow, orphan, and foreigner enjoy the corporate blessing of having entered the land, as well.

Let this be a challenge to us all. For us, worship is not solely a personal thing. Yes, Jesus is our personal Savior. But as He has saved us, personally, let’s remember that we are part of a greater community. He has plans for us personally and corporately.

If you are blessed with finances or some pertinent skill, remember that blessing is not solely for you. The Lord has chosen to pour His blessing upon you, that you would direct that blessing to others. This is so the community as a whole can be blessed in the same manner the Lord had blessed you, personally.

Hopefully, those individuals in need will respond as you have by recognizing the (above) truths about God and His great grace shown toward mankind. The Lord’s grace to others often comes from your obedient, worshipful giving.

“If the guilty party deserves to be flogged, the judge will make him lie down and be flogged in his presence with the number of lashes appropriate for his crime. He may be flogged 40 lashes, but no more. Otherwise, if he is flogged with more lashes than these, your brother will be degraded in your sight.” Deuteronomy 25:2-3 (HCSB)

In the Christian faith, there are three words that are important to understand when it comes to the relationship between Man’s behavior and God’s standard: Justice, Grace, and Mercy.

Justice is blind execution of the law. It respects no person and is purely an advocate of the law’s standard. When an alleged infraction arises, Justice is executed solely on facts, weighed against the letter of the law. The Bible says of God:

“...He will not leave the guilty unpunished...” Exodus 34:7 (HCSB)

Mercy is when the guilty party does not get what they deserve due to the benevolence of 1) an accuser or 2) a judge. While guilt remains (guilt is an immutable state of being for the lawbreaker), the consequences for guilt are lessened or removed through Mercy. The Bible speaks of God’s great mercy,

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” Ephesians 2:4-5a (NKJV)

Grace is getting something you don’t deserve. If I were to walk up to a complete stranger and give them a Ferrari, that would be gracious (to say the least)! They did nothing to acquire such a gift, and the gifting was not contrary to their spiritual condition, per se.

“You are saved by grace! Together with Christ Jesus, He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:5b-7 (HCSB)

Today’s passage in Deuteronomy 25 primarily deals with Justice and Mercy. It shows how a judge can be BOTH Just and Merciful in the same instance. The Judge can carry out the full letter of the law while respecting the dignity of the person being punished.

Let this be a challenge. When seeking justice, remember to be merciful. Through it all, the guilty party remains your “brother or sister.” Perhaps, the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself is an enemy-turned-grateful friend.

“Be careful in a case of infectious skin disease, following carefully everything the Levitical priests instruct you to do. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the Journey after you left Egypt.” Deuteronomy 24:8-9 (HCSB)

On a causal fly-over, today’s passage could be interpreted in a number of ways. But because the Lord included a reference to Miriam, we have a better understanding as to what He was trying to communicate. Let’s revisit the story of Miriam’s leprosy.

“When the two of them (Aaron and Miriam) came forward, the Lord said, ‘Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so, with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My household. I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant, Moses?’ The Lord’s anger burned against them, and He left. As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, as white as snow.” Numbers 12:5b-10a (HCSB)

Here’s the scenario: Miriam and Aaron were Moses’ elder siblings. Aaron was first born, so it was his “birthright” to lead their family spiritually. Miriam was the older sister who had watched over the floating basket containing baby Moses.

Given their elder status and their histories of caring for Moses, it seems logical that they would be compelled to “lead” him. Familiarity breeds contempt. In fact, it was their family rank and relation to Moses which presumed their right to criticize his decisions.

Problem: Moses was God’s servant, doing what the Lord directed him to do. Questioning Moses meant questioning God.

Our present-day application is simple. When you sin against God by questioning His institution of leadership and or His faithful leaders, watch out! The Lord may allow you to contract some form of “leprosy” (physical or metaphorical). And God will use that rebuke (that desperate circumstance He allows in your life as a result of your rebellion) in order to drive you to submit to the comfort, care, and direction of the very ministers you criticized.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Deuteronomy 23. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; make sure you return it to your brother.” Deuteronomy 22:1 (HCSB)

In the first three verses of Deuteronomy 22, we find a repetition of the law in Exodus 32: 4-5 regarding our duty to restore the straying ox or donkey and the lifting up of a fallen beast of burden. The law here is widened to include other lost articles that require restoration to their owners.

Exodus speaks of the things belonging to “your ENEMY.” Here, the wider term “your BROTHER” is used. Whether your neighbor is your brother or enemy, his property must be protected and restored. Failure to do so is accounted as theft. Leviticus 6:1-5

This situation reminds me of the passage in the New Testament, where an expert of the law asked Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Here’s their exchange:

“What is written in the law?” Jesus asked him. “How do you read it?”

He answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“You’ve answered correctly,” Jesus told him. “Do this, and you will live.”

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?

**Jesus took up the question and told him the story of the “good Samaritan.”

Then Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think proved to be a good neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.

Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:25a-37 (HCSB)

Some folks see those around them as brothers. Others see them as enemies.

If you love the Lord with all that is within you, you’ll treat your enemies as Jesus did, like brothers. Chances are, they’ll respond by being good neighbors.

Ask yourself: “How good am I at being a good neighbor?

“If anyone is found guilty of an offense deserving the death penalty and is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, you are not to leave his corpse on a tree overnight but are to bury him that day, for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.” Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (HCSB)

Deuteronomy, chapter 21, covers five somewhat obscure Messianic themes: Forgiveness of innocent bloodshed, Fair treatment of captured women, the right of the firstborn between two wives (one loved and one hated), the purging (stoning) of an unrepentant rebellious son, and the display of executed people. Let’s review how Jesus relates to each of those five themes.

Jesus’ first statement from the Roman cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He was declaring to God that Israel’s hands were not directly involved in His murder. In fact, it was technically the Romans who crucified Jesus. Jesus was absolving Israel, corporately, of their collective responsibility in His death.

When you consider the “cross” as the great victory of spiritual warfare, all those from among the nations who have been redeemed are spoils of war. The Church is called the “bride of Messiah,” and the fair treatment of Gentile believers is acknowledged here.

Often in Scripture, both Israel and the Church are referred to as a “young virgin” or a “bride.” God neither condones nor practices divorce. With the consideration of the “Church as bride” mentality, provision must be made for God’s favor towards each “bride’s” offspring, with respect to blessing and rights of first birth. Hence, God’s covenant is extended to every new believer, whether Jewish or Gentile.

Jesus was considered to be a rebellious son by the Sanhedrin. In contrast, the religious leaders compelled the crowd to urge Pilate to release Barabas, who was an actual rebel. Instead of purging Israel of evil, they preferred to retain evil and dispense with righteousness.

While the “cross” remains the worldwide symbol of Christianity, the “tree” is actually more thematically appropriate as the Hebrew Biblical image of cursed suffering. The cross was, after all, made of wood. There is a curse against anyone hung on a tree and against the land if that person was to remain on the tree overnight. Consider this Scripture:

“There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. It was preparation day and the Sabbath was about to begin.” Luke 23:50-54 (HCSB)