Deuteronomy – Page 7

Deuteronomy 17:1-13 – Judicial Process

This is an example of a continuance between chapters of the same thought or theme. Our last reading was on justice, and this one will be the same. What is important to notice here is that Moses is talking more about the process and who does what. Keep in mind, the words Moses is speaking here are meant to help the people assimilate into a new reality. While they have been wandering around the desert for the last 40 years, they have not had to have such processes in place because Moses and his helpers have kept the peace and brought wisdom to the people.

Interesting to see the brief reference to sacrificing. It must have been expected that people would try to give God their second best or defective animals. Didn’t we hear previously that defective first-born animals should not be given to the Lord. Moses felt the need to repeat this again in this context as we’re talking about justice. Now, at least, we know why. They are detestable to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 16:18-22 – Justice for All

Read Deuteronomy 16:18-22

What is justice? Having worked for lawyers most of my life, I was surrounded by justice, or at least seeking it for our clients. The opposite is “injustice” or an abuse of power. I have seen plenty of examples of injustice during my years in the legal field. There are also many examples in our world. When we see unfairness in wages, for example, you might say there is an abuse of power at work; and it’s an injustice.

To have justice then, we need to balance the power. God intends good for us. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” It isn’t in God’s plan for us to suffer, be in want, feel unloved, be abused, be poor, be alone, etc. When someone swoops in and steals our joy or abuses their power to hurt us, that is injustice. To God, that is sinful.

Deuteronomy 16:9-17 – More Festivals

Read Deuteronomy 16:9-17

In our last reading, we spoke of the Passover, also known as the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The two festivals in today’s reading are also still celebrated today, although there are different names associated with them, too. I’m impressed that these traditions have stood the test of time and people are still serious about honoring God during the festival times. Jewish people take their religion very seriously and are careful to keep the ancient traditions alive.

As Christians, we will soon be celebrating the season of Pentecost in our churches. While this is another name for the Festival of Weeks, in Jewish circles it is now called Shauvot. You may recall, for us, this is when the Holy Spirit filled the disciples after Jesus had ascended. There were a lot of people filling the town of Jerusalem. They were all gathering and bringing their offerings, their “first fruits,” to God for the Festival of Weeks. Fun fact, of the thousands of people who came to the Lord that day were also the “first fruits” of the believers yet to come.

Deuteronomy 16:1-8 – The Passover

Read Deuteronomy 16:1-8

I like reading about the Passover tradition that Moses speaks of because it is one of those traditions we still see celebrated today by the Jewish community. I realize other festivals are also celebrated and commemorated, but it seems like the Passover, like Hanukkah, is more visible to non-Jews.

In particular, I experienced a seder meal before as presented by a Jewish Christian group years ago. I have also shared that tradition a time or two with children as part of our children’s ministry programming. These are traditions that Jesus would have celebrated with his family and friends. Somehow, just imagining that brings the festival to life for me, too. As a Christ follower, it makes our relationship more intimate, at least to me, to understand his upbringing and tradition.

Deuteronomy 15:19-23 – Another Way to Honor God

Read Deuteronomy 15:19-23

Can you imagine the tracking system needed to keep track of every animal’s childbearing schedule? Maybe I’m the only one who is a little awed by this. I totally understand how the people were to honor God with their first fruits, and that easily translates into our world today with our salaries as well as the bounty from our land. But to me, a cow is a cow is a cow. Obviously, this Iowa girl didn’t spend much time on a farm. I’m guessing that just like we can tell our pets apart, farmers could tell their flocks apart.

That being said, it must still be quite a feat to remember if Bessie has had a litter before so that her first born can be set aside for the Lord. Did the farmers feel like this was a hardship? What if they made a mistake and missed one, or set aside a second born son? Maybe we sometimes feel like we are facing difficulty in keeping ourselves on track, living a faithful life, resisting temptation so we can live God-honoring lives. I’m pretty sure I’m missing the point Moses is trying to make here. We need to let go of details like this when they distract us.