The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

War, What is it Good For?

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 20. 

 

In the modern world, there are certain segments of society that seem to think that war is always evil, however, there are some enemies, whether one likes it or not, that prove to be an existential threat.  In such a circumstance war would be justified, but some might always be in denial about that consideration.  

War in a Fallen world is sometimes necessary.  With God's people in Deuteronomy 20, it was about defeating not only existential threats, but spiritual enemies too.  

The hymn: Not All the Blood of Beasts (public domain).

The engraving (by Dore) a depiction of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).

City of Refuge

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 19.  

In today's world people might try to justify bad laws or policies with biblical justifications, but historical and cultural context always matter!  There were cities to which a person that had committed a serious error-but not a crime could flee for safety and refuge from a family member who might seek vengeance.  This is part of our topic for today . . . . 

The hymn: Glory Be to Jesus (public domain) 

The engraving (by Dore) a depiction of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).

 

The One Through Whom the World was Made took on Human Flesh

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 18.  

The word "incarnation" describes what Jesus did.  The God of Heaven and Earth lowered himself to take on human flesh.  Moses says that this would happen long before it came to pass.  In Scripture, we see the grand sweep of God's plan of salvation for humanity.  

The hymn:  All Depends on Our Possessing (public domain)

The engraving (by Dore) a depiction of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).

 

Do Not Worship the Sun or Moon

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 17.  

Strange title right? Yet, in our day and age, people practically worship the earth, there is a reverence accorded to the earth that is not accorded to the God who created everything.  The God of the Universe, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has created everything, and has created amazing systems that help the earth to restore itself, yet the earth, sun and moon are created things.  They are not to be worshiped . . . .  Deuteronomy prohibited sun and moon worship (and anything else in the Creation) because people were actually doing that.  This and other subjects today . . . . 

Hymn: O Love How Deep.  (public domain)

The engraving (by Dore) a depiction of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).

 

An Occasion to Celebrate

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 16.

We are headed into a weekend when many will be celebrating a thing they call Valentine's Day, often without understanding what they are doing and why they are doing it.  In Deuteronomy 16, Israel is commended to celebrate a number of important feasts, significant not only for their history, but foreshadowing the things even of Messianic times to come.  

Hymn: Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise.  (public domain)

The engraving (by Dore) a depiction of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).

 

 

God's Generosity

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 15.  

God provided generously in the Promised Land and wanted to ensure that those who were down on their "luck" were provided for.  This chapter gives us insight to that society.  Yet, God's greatest promises are fulfilled in Christ who gives abundant life.  

The hymn: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us.  (public domain)

The engraving (by Dore) a depiction of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).

 

 

Living in God's Country

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 14.  

 

There was once a time when all of humanity that lived, lived under God in a harmonious society-that was life in the Garden of Eden.  In the Fallen world, things run differently.  

In the Promised Land, things would be a little more like Eden, a little less like the Fallen world, but it was never easy.  

The hymn: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (public domain).

The engraving (by Dore) a depiction of Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).

Discerning False Prophets

Text for discussion: Deuteronomy 13.  

The world is filled with idea, philosophies, doctrines, teachings.  How do we separate the good from the bad, the true from the untrue?  How do we determine what comes from God?  

The hymn: My Faith Looks Up to Thee (public domain)

The engraving: by Dore - a depiction of Moses with the Ten Commandments (public domain).  

Identity Protection

Deuteronomy 12.  

We are in God's image, though imperfectly.  Deuteronomy 12 is about a new way of life in God's Promised Land, and how they would keep it.  

The hymn: Fight the Good Fight (public domain).

The engraving: by Gustave Dore features Moses and the Ten Commandments.  (public domain).  

God's Mark Upon Us

Text for discussion:  Deuteronomy 11.  

In this one, we talk about how God's word and His ways were to become a daily part of Israel's life, bound to their wrists and foreheads, written upon their gates and doors.  

Here we talk about how God is at work, writing His name on us, and giving us His Holy Spirit.  

 

The hymn: The People that In Darkness Sat (public domain)

The engraving: by Dore (Moses and the Ten Commandments) (Public domain).