WRITE DOWN ALL THE WORDS OF THE LAW

Deuteronomy 27:1-26 / Keywords 27:3

Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.

 

The Altar on Mount Ebal

27:1 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all these commands that I give you today. 2 When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. 3 Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 And when you have crossed the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command you today, and coat them with plaster. 5 Build there an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. Do not use any iron tool on them. 6 Build the altar of the Lord your God with fieldstones and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. 7 Sacrifice fellowship offerings there, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up.”

Curses From Mount Ebal

9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, “Be silent, Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today.”

11 On the same day Moses commanded the people:

12 When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin. 13 And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali.

14 The Levites shall recite to all the people of Israel in a loud voice:

15 “Cursed is anyone who makes an idol—a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled hands—and sets it up in secret.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

16 “Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

17 “Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbor’s boundary stone.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

18 “Cursed is anyone who leads the blind astray on the road.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

19 “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

20 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he dishonors his father’s bed.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

21 “Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with any animal.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

22 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

23 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his mother-in-law.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

24 “Cursed is anyone who kills their neighbor secretly.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

25 “Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

26 “Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.”

Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

1. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the people will soon enter Canaan. The people are excited, and the anticipation is palpable. With so many things for the people to do, Moses first and foremost emphasizes keeping God’s law. In fact, as soon as the people cross the Jordan, they must set up large stones, coat them with plaster, and write on them all the words of God’s law. The words are to be written very clearly and plainly. Everyone will see them and be reminded of them. Temporary altars of undressed stone will be set up and fellowship offerings made. Taking the land flowing with milk and honey begins with God’s word and worshiping God. You, too, should begin every good work, big or small, with God’s word. Knowing and obeying God’s word must be the priority of your life.

2. Moses and the priests remind the people that they belong to God. They exhort the people to obey the LORD by following his commands. After crossing the Jordan, the Israelite tribes are divided into two groups. One group stands on Mount Gerizim, the other on Mount Ebal. The Levites pronounce curses on those who disobeyed certain laws and the people say “Amen.” The last curse is against anyone who does not uphold the law by carrying it out. It’s not enough to know God’s word; we must carry out what it says.

Prayer Father, thank you for your word. Open my heart to know your word and do what it says.

One Word Study the Bible and put it into practice

YOU ARE HIS PEOPLE

Deuteronomy 26:1-19 / Keywords 26:18

And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.

Firstfruits and Tithes

26:1 When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, 2 take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name 3 and say to the priest in office at the time, “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” 4 The priest shall take the basket from your hands and set it down in front of the altar of the Lord your God. 5 Then you shall declare before the Lord your God: “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous. 6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, subjecting us to harsh labor. 7 Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. 8 So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; 10 and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. 11 Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.

12 When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. 13 Then say to the Lord your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them. 14 I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while I was in mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor have I offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the Lord my God; I have done everything you commanded me. 15 Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Follow the Lord’s Commands

16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him. 18 And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. 19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.

1. Upon taking over and settling in the Promised Land, the Israelites are to make an offering of their firstfruits. They confess to the priest what God has done. Then the Israelites declare to the LORD what he has done for them, including bringing them out of slavery by his mighty hand and into a land flowing with milk and honey. The basket is then placed before God, and the people bow down before him. Offering their firstfruits was a practical act of thanksgiving for what God had done and faith that he would continue to provide.

2. The tithe given in the third year is for those who had less or had difficult life circumstances. The offering is made in obedience to God. It, too, is given in faith, believing God will continue to bless his people when they obey him. Do you generously offer to God with gratitude and faith? Will you give to others and trust God to meet all your needs?

3. Generous giving and heartfelt obedience to God are marks of God’s people. By receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we become children of God and his treasured possession. Our response to this great grace is to love and obey God (Jn 14:15). May we listen to God, obey his commands, and grow to be a people holy to the LORD our God.

Prayer Father, thank you for declaring that we are your people. Help us to obey you and generously offer out of love and thanksgiving.

One Word Obey and give with a thankful heart

 

GOD’S PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE AND HONEST

Deuteronomy 25:1-19 / Keywords 25:15

You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

 

25:1 When people have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty. 2 If the guilty person deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make them lie down and have them flogged in his presence with the number of lashes the crime deserves, 3 but the judge must not impose more than forty lashes. If the guilty party is flogged more than that, your fellow Israelite will be degraded in your eyes.

4 Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

5 If brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, his widow must not marry outside the family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her. 6 The first son she bears shall carry on the name of the dead brother so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel.

7 However, if a man does not want to marry his brother’s wife, she shall go to the elders at the town gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to carry on his brother’s name in Israel. He will not fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to me.” 8 Then the elders of his town shall summon him and talk to him. If he persists in saying, “I do not want to marry her,” 9 his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, take off one of his sandals, spit in his face and say, “This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s family line.” 10 That man’s line shall be known in Israel as The Family of the Unsandaled.

11 If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, 12 you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity.

13 Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light. 14 Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large, one small. 15 You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 16 For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.

17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. 19 When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!

1. God’s laws require a court system. The courts uphold justice and should reveal God’s just and merciful character in the world. The guilty may be flogged but not degraded. Punishment must never humiliate others.

2. God’s people must not neglect others. The apostle Paul quotes verse 4 twice (1 Cor 9:9; 1 Tim 5:18) to encourage Christians to provide financial support to full-time ministers. In ancient times, widows without sons could easily become destitute and abandoned. A brother of the dead husband should marry the widow and have a son for his dead brother. Anyone who does not fulfill this duty is confronted by the widow and disgraced in the community. Though we no longer keep the specifics of this law, we are still responsible for the care of widows in our earthly and church families. Is there someone in need whom you can bless?

3. God also commands his people to use accurate and honest weights. We may be tempted to be dishonest and try to justify this sin. However, God detests dishonesty. Dealing honestly comes with a promise – living long in the land the LORD gives them. Conversely, the Amalekites, who showed no fear of God, would be blotted out in the future.

Prayer Father, help me to live up to your standards and reflect your great character in my daily life.

One Word God’s people are people of integrity

REMEMBER THAT YOU WERE SLAVES

Deuteronomy 24:1-22 / Keywords 24:18

Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

 

24:1 If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, 2 and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, 3 and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, 4 then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Do not bring sin upon the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.

5 If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.

6 Do not take a pair of millstones—not even the upper one—as security for a debt, because that would be taking a person’s livelihood as security.

7 If someone is caught kidnapping a fellow Israelite and treating or selling them as a slave, the kidnapper must die. You must purge the evil from among you.

8 In cases of defiling skin diseases,[a] be very careful to do exactly as the Levitical priests instruct you. You must follow carefully what I have commanded them. 9 Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam along the way after you came out of Egypt.

10 When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into their house to get what is offered to you as a pledge. 11 Stay outside and let the neighbor to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. 12 If the neighbor is poor, do not go to sleep with their pledge in your possession. 13 Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may sleep in it. Then they will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the Lord your God.

14 Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. 15 Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

16 Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.

17 Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. 18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 21 When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.

Footnotes

a. Deuteronomy 24:8 The Hebrew word for defiling skin diseases, traditionally translated “leprosy,” was used for various diseases affecting the skin.

1. God wants his people to honor marriage. Divorce is allowed in the Law only as a concession (Mt 19:8), and God gives rules about re-marriage. Violating these rules is detestable to God. Moreover, a newly married man is encouraged to make his wife happy. Will you pray for a God-centered view of marriage in our society?

2. God’s people must consider people’s livelihoods and treat the poor with respect. Millstones, needed daily to make bread, could not be taken as security for debt. No one is allowed to go into someone’s home to get a pledge for a loan; the pledge is to be brought out to them. A cloak given in pledge for a loan is to be returned by sunset. Poor and needy workers are to be paid daily. Foreigners and the fatherless must be treated fairly. The cloak of a poor widow is not to be taken in pledge.

3. God also tells his people to leave behind overlooked sheafs in their fields and to beat the olive trees only once. Vineyards should only be picked once. Something must be left for poor and vulnerable people. God reminds his people that they were once slaves, and therefore, must show mercy and respect for the less fortunate. We, too, were once slaves of sin. Jesus has set us free. Remember who you were and be compassionate.

Prayer Father, thank you for setting me free from slavery to sin. Help me to be merciful to the needy.

One Word You, too, were once slaves

THE LORD GOD MOVES ABOUT YOUR CAMP

Deuteronomy 23:1-25 / Keywords 23:14

For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.

 

Exclusion From the Assembly

23:1 [a]No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the Lord.

2 No one born of a forbidden marriage[b] nor any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord, not even in the tenth generation.

3 No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord, not even in the tenth generation. 4 For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim[c] to pronounce a curse on you. 5 However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. 6 Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them as long as you live.

7 Do not despise an Edomite, for the Edomites are related to you. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you resided as foreigners in their country. 8 The third generation of children born to them may enter the assembly of the Lord.

Uncleanness in the Camp

9 When you are encamped against your enemies, keep away from everything impure. 10 If one of your men is unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he is to go outside the camp and stay there. 11 But as evening approaches he is to wash himself, and at sunset he may return to the camp.

12 Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. 13 As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement. 14 For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.

Miscellaneous Laws

15 If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master. 16 Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.

17 No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute. 18 You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute[d] into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.

19 Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. 20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.

21 If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. 22 But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. 23 Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.

24 If you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat all the grapes you want, but do not put any in your basket. 25 If you enter your neighbor’s grainfield, you may pick kernels with your hands, but you must not put a sickle to their standing grain.

Footnotes

a. Deuteronomy 23:1 In Hebrew texts 23:1-25 is numbered 23:2-26.

b. Deuteronomy 23:2 Or one of illegitimate birth

c. Deuteronomy 23:4 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia

d. Deuteronomy 23:18 Hebrew of a dog

1. The LORD God lived with the Israelites in their camp to protect them. However, God is holy, so he desired that the camp be holy. God’s laws directed the people how to be holy.

2. To be a holy people, the Israelites needed to exclude and include certain people. Eunuchs were excluded because in ancient, pagan cultures, becoming a eunuch was a sign of devotion to a ruler or an idol. Ammonites and Moabites were also excluded because they did not help the Israelites and instead hired Balaam to curse the Israelites. But future Edomites and Egyptians were included because they were related to the Israelites or had lived among them in the past.

3. God also gave commands regarding camp hygiene and moral integrity. Slaves who had taken refuge with an Israelite were to be treated mercifully. Becoming a shrine prostitute was forbidden and so was charging interest to a fellow Israelite. Vows to God were to be kept. Hungry people were allowed to eat in vineyards and grainfields but forbidden from collecting grapes or grain. God was among them, and how they lived had to reflect that reality. Likewise, God dwells in Christians through the Holy Spirit. May our lives reflect God’s presence.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for being in our midst though we are sinners. Thank you for the Holy Spirit. Help us to be holy.

One Word Be holy for God is holy

DOING GOOD TO OTHERS AND MORAL PURITY

Deuteronomy 22:1-30 / Keywords 22:7b

but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.

 

22:1 If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner. 2 If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back. 3 Do the same if you find their donkey or cloak or anything else they have lost. Do not ignore it.

4 If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet.

5 A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.

6 If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. 7 You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.

8 When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof.

9 Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled.[a]

10 Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.

11 Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.

12 Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear.

Marriage Violations

13 If a man takes a wife and, after sleeping with her, dislikes her 14 and slanders her and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman, but when I approached her, I did not find proof of her virginity,” 15 then the young woman’s father and mother shall bring to the town elders at the gate proof that she was a virgin. 16 Her father will say to the elders, “I gave my daughter in marriage to this man, but he dislikes her. 17 Now he has slandered her and said, ‘I did not find your daughter to be a virgin.’ But here is the proof of my daughter’s virginity.” Then her parents shall display the cloth before the elders of the town, 18 and the elders shall take the man and punish him. 19 They shall fine him a hundred shekels[b] of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given an Israelite virgin a bad name. She shall continue to be his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.

20 If, however, the charge is true and no proof of the young woman’s virginity can be found, 21 she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father’s house. You must purge the evil from among you.

22 If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.

23 If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her, 24 you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death—the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil from among you.

25 But if out in the country a man happens to meet a young woman pledged to be married and rapes her, only the man who has done this shall die. 26 Do nothing to the woman; she has committed no sin deserving death. This case is like that of someone who attacks and murders a neighbor, 27 for the man found the young woman out in the country, and though the betrothed woman screamed, there was no one to rescue her.

28 If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, 29 he shall pay her father fifty shekels[c] of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.

30 A man is not to marry his father’s wife; he must not dishonor his father’s bed.[d]

Footnotes

a. Deuteronomy 22:9 Or be forfeited to the sanctuary

b. Deuteronomy 22:19 That is, about 2 1/2 pounds or about 1.2 kilograms

c. Deuteronomy 22:29 That is, about 1 1/4 pounds or about 575 grams

d. Deuteronomy 22:30 In Hebrew texts this verse (22:30) is numbered 23:1.

1. Jesus said that doing to others what we would have them do to us sums up the Law and the Prophets (Mt 7:12). God details how in Deuteronomy. If a fellow Israelite’s animal is lost or fallen, a person must help the owner by caring for and helping the animal. An Israelite who builds a house must also put up a parapet to avoid accidental bloodshed. Eggs or young birds can be taken, but the mother must be freed lest the population of birds be reduced and other Israelites suffer. Doing good to others comes with a promise – God blesses them, and they enjoy a long life (7b).

2. God then teaches the people to seek purity with various laws about planting different seeds, yoking different animals, and how to dress. Later, Jesus would rebuke the Pharisees for keeping the laws about their tassels but missing the point (Mt 23:5). God desires his people to be pure in lifestyle and heart. This is seen most clearly in the laws regarding marriage. A man who slanders his new bride is punished. A promiscuous woman is also punished. Adultery and rape could be both punishable by death. Marriage, which reflects God’s relationship with his people and provides the foundations of families and nations, must be honored and free of sexual immorality (Heb 13:5).

Prayer Lord, help us to do good to others and give us a pure heart. Please restore your view of marriage and sexual purity in our land.

One Word Do good with a pure heart

ATONEMENT AND RESPECT

Deuteronomy 21:1-23 / Keywords 21:8

Accept this atonement for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, O LORD, and do not hold your people guilty of the blood of an innocent man." And the bloodshed will be atoned for.

 

Atonement for an Unsolved Murder

21 If someone is found slain, lying in a field in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who the killer was, 2 your elders and judges shall go out and measure the distance from the body to the neighboring towns. 3 Then the elders of the town nearest the body shall take a heifer that has never been worked and has never worn a yoke 4 and lead it down to a valley that has not been plowed or planted and where there is a flowing stream. There in the valley they are to break the heifer’s neck. 5 The Levitical priests shall step forward, for the Lord your God has chosen them to minister and to pronounce blessings in the name of the Lord and to decide all cases of dispute and assault. 6 Then all the elders of the town nearest the body shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley, 7 and they shall declare: “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it done. 8 Accept this atonement for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, Lord, and do not hold your people guilty of the blood of an innocent person.” Then the bloodshed will be atoned for, 9 and you will have purged from yourselves the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

Marrying a Captive Woman

10 When you go to war against your enemies and the Lord your God delivers them into your hands and you take captives, 11 if you notice among the captives a beautiful woman and are attracted to her, you may take her as your wife. 12 Bring her into your home and have her shave her head, trim her nails 13 and put aside the clothes she was wearing when captured. After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother for a full month, then you may go to her and be her husband and she shall be your wife. 14 If you are not pleased with her, let her go wherever she wishes. You must not sell her or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.

The Right of the Firstborn

15 If a man has two wives, and he loves one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love, 16 when he wills his property to his sons, he must not give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the wife he loves in preference to his actual firstborn, the son of the wife he does not love. 17 He must acknowledge the son of his unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father’s strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.

A Rebellious Son

18 If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 20 They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” 21 Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.

Various Laws

22 If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death and their body is exposed on a pole, 23 you must not leave the body hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.

1. God lists various laws: The Israelites must be responsible, make atonement for evil, and respect others. Furthermore, they are not to abuse their authority. Obedience to these laws honors God and brings trust and order in society.

2. Murder breaks God’s law. If the killer is not found, the community is still responsible and must make atonement. Ignoring murder can destroy a nation, so God prescribes ritual atonement from the community. God’s people must not ignore bloodshed but pray for peace and justice.

3. God then provides more laws to protect women captured in war and firstborn sons. Throughout history, unthinkable horrors have been inflicted upon women in times of war. Captured women can be taken in marriage but must also be allowed to mourn. They must not be dishonored. Also, firstborn sons, regardless of the mother’s standing, must be given their birth rights.

4. Finally, rebellious children who dishonor their parents must be punished. Capital punishment is allowed, but the body must not be left out overnight. Our God is deeply concerned about the spiritual and moral condition of a nation. How can you share God’s heart for your people and your nation?

Prayer Father, help us not to ignore or be desensitized to the evil in the world.

One Word Lord, have mercy on our land

THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU

Deuteronomy 20:1-20 / Keywords 20:4

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

Going to War

20:1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them,because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

5 The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it.6 Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. 7 Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.” 8 Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.” 9 When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. 11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.13 When the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. 14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the Lord your God gives you from your enemies. 15 This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby.

16 However, in the cities of the nations the Lordyour God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes.17 Completely destroy[a] them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has commanded you. 18 Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sinagainst the Lord your God.

19 When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees people, that you should besiege them?[b] 20 However, you may cut down trees that you know are not fruit trees and use them to build siege works until the city at war with you falls.

Footnotes

a. Deuteronomy 20:17 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them.
b. Deuteronomy 20:19 Or down to use in the siege, for the fruit trees are for the benefit of people.

 

1. In the New Testament, Christian life is sometimes described with the same language used to describe war and battle (2 Co 10:3-4; Eph 6:10-18; 2 Ti 4:7). While this chapter is about physical war, the same principles can apply directly to our spiritual warfare. 

2. War is inevitable for the Israelites. They will face enemies who are militarily stronger than them. The LORD their God reminds them not to be afraid. He is with them and he will fight their enemies to give them victory. Courage to face their enemies does not come from the size of their army but from the greatness and power of God. God promises victory. The battle is not theirs but God’s (2 Ch 20:15). 

3. God also gives direction on who should not go to war. This reduces the size of the army and deepens the nation’s dependence on God in the time of war. God gives exemptions for those who have not enjoyed his blessings to go and enjoy them for a time. Those who are afraid are also sent home. When God sends the Israelites outside of Canaan for war, an offer of peace is allowed. But for battles in Canaan, the Israelites are not to offer any mercy. The LORD warns the Israelites that the Canaanites will lead them into idolatry. Therefore, the Israelites must not compromise with them. 

Prayer Lord, you are stronger than my enemies and my fear. Grant me courage and faith to face enemies and experience your victory today. 

One Word God is with you and fights for you

MERCY AND JUSTICE

Deuteronomy 19:1-21 / Keywords 19:10

Do this so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land, which the LORD your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed.

 

Cities of Refuge

19:1 When the Lord your God has destroyed the nations whose land he is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their towns and houses, 2 then set aside for yourselves three cities in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess. 3 Determine the distances involved and divide into three parts the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that a person who kills someone may flee for refuge to one of these cities.

4 This is the rule concerning anyone who kills a person and flees there for safety—anyone who kills a neighbor unintentionally, without malice aforethought. 5 For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his ax to fell a tree, the head may fly off and hit his neighbor and kill him. That man may flee to one of these cities and save his life. 6 Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue him in a rage, overtake him if the distance is too great, and kill him even though he is not deserving of death, since he did it to his neighbor without malice aforethought. 7 This is why I command you to set aside for yourselves three cities.

8 If the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as he promised on oath to your ancestors, and gives you the whole land he promised them, 9 because you carefully follow all these laws I command you today—to love the Lord your God and to walk always in obedience to him—then you are to set aside three more cities. 10 Do this so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land, which the Lord your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed.

11 But if out of hate someone lies in wait, assaults and kills a neighbor, and then flees to one of these cities, 12 the killer shall be sent for by the town elders, be brought back from the city, and be handed over to the avenger of blood to die. 13 Show no pity. You must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, so that it may go well with you.

14 Do not move your neighbor’s boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess.

Witnesses

15 One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

16 If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, 17 the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lord before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. 18 The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, 19 then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you. 20 The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. 21 Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

1. Moses reminded the Israelites: Once the LORD God gives them the land, they are to set aside three cities of refuge – the beginning of such cities. That’s because the LORD God will enlarge their territory if they carefully obey and love God. When he does, they need to set aside three additional cities of refuge. Anyone who unintentionally kills another may flee to one of these cities and be shielded from vengeance carried out in rage. These special cities will provide mercy, protection, and justice to those who God said do not deserve to die. However, those who kill another in hate are not shown mercy in the Promised Land. The cities of refuge will not hide them from justice.

2. God also says that a person cannot be convicted of a crime based on the testimony of one witness. Two or more are needed to validate a matter. This principle protects the accused. Judges must thoroughly investigate and find the truth. Witnesses who prove to be liars must be punished in the way they had wished the falsely-accused to be punished. God desires that his people maintain justice as they become a nation in the Promised Land. As they demonstrate justice in God’s way, they reflect God’s just character to the world.

Prayer Father, help me to share your heart for those who have unintentionally caused suffering. Help our leaders and judges to seek truth and to be just as you are.

One Word Mercy and justice under God

DO NOT TEST GOD

Luke 4:1-13 / Keywords 4:12

Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

 

4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted[a] by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’[b]”

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’[c]”

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you

    to guard you carefully;

11 they will lift you up in their hands,

    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[d]”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[e]”

13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Footnotes

a. Luke 4:2 The Greek for tempted can also mean tested.

b. Luke 4:4 Deut. 8:3

c. Luke 4:8 Deut. 6:13

d. Luke 4:11 Psalm 91:11,12

e. Luke 4:12 Deut. 6:16

1. After being baptized, Jesus faced the devil. The Spirit led him into the wilderness. Jesus was tempted or tested for 40 days. Three temptations are told to us. The first test was a hungry Jesus to turn stone to bread to prove his power. Jesus replied, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone’” (Dt 8:3). Jesus didn’t deny his physical need; he knew he needed God even more.

2. The second test was for authority and splendor if Jesus worshiped the devil. Jesus didn’t argue whether the devil had such authority or not. Jesus said, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’” (Dt 6:13).

3. The third test was to test God’s protective, saving power from harm if Jesus jumped off the temple. The devil even misused Psalm 91:11-12 to try to trick Jesus. Jesus replied, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Dt 6:16). Jesus defeated the devil by his perfect submission to God’s word and perfect love for God. Adam failed, but Jesus succeeded, to the end.

Prayer Lord Jesus, in my sins I have failed. You triumphed as our Champion and Victor. I trust in you for my salvation and victory.

One Word The victory over the devil is in Jesus

 

JESUS IS GOD’S BELOVED SON

Luke 3:21-38 / Keywords 3:22

and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

 

The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus

2:21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,

the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, the son of Melki,

the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,

the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,

the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath,

the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,

the son of Josek, the son of Joda,

27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,

the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,

the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki,

the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,

the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,

29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,

the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,

the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon,

the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,

the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,

31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna,

the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,

the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse,

the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,

the son of Salmon,[d] the son of Nahshon,

33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,[e]

the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,

the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob,

the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,

the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,

35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu,

the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,

the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan,

the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,

the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,

37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,

the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,

the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh,

the son of Seth, the son of Adam,

the son of God.

Footnotes

d. Luke 3:32 Some early manuscripts Sala

e. Luke 3:33 Some manuscripts Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni; other manuscripts vary widely.

1. Jesus was also baptized by John the Baptist. But his baptism was quite

different. Jesus was divinely identified in 2 ways. First, the Holy Spirit descended

on him like a dove. Second, God spoke from heaven: “You are my Son, whom

I love; with you I am well pleased.” God rarely speaks from heaven, even in the

Bible. So, this was an important declaration, announcement, and identification.

 

2. Jesus is not a normal, fallen man. Jesus is a prophet, but even more than a

prophet. Jesus is God’s beloved Son, well-pleasing to God, and anointed by the

Holy Spirit.

 

3. Jesus was about 30 years old when he began his ministry (thanks to Luke for

telling us this). Luke traced Jesus’ descent through David and Abraham all the

way back to Adam, the first man whom God created. Jesus was fully human. He

came as the Savior of not only the Jews but of the whole human race.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, you came as a man, yet you are God’s beloved Son, fully

anointed by the Holy Spirit. I trust you for my salvation, direction and

purpose. May my life bring you honor and praise.

One Word Trust and obey Jesus, God’s beloved Son

PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD

Luke 3:1-20 / Keywords 3:4

As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

 

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

    make straight paths for him.

5 Every valley shall be filled in,

    every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked roads shall become straight,

    the rough ways smooth.

6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’”[a]

7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”

13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[b] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.

19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

Footnotes

a. Luke 3:6 Isaiah 40:3-5

b. Luke 3:16 Or in

c. Luke 3:16 Or in

1. Luke identifies historically the Roman rulers: Tiberius Caesar, Herod, Pontius Pilate, and others as well as the Jewish high priests. But the main actor in God’s story was none of these. It was John the Baptist who preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Why? It was to prepare the way for the Messiah. Isaiah 40:3-5 foretold John’s ministry.

2. John’s message was first of all, “produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” We must repent of our sins to welcome Jesus as Messiah. We can’t depend on our own heritage or righteousness. We must repent of our greed, materialism, dishonesty, extortion, and false accusations. We must turn from sin and selfseeking and turn to God. 3. John’s greater message was: “I’m nobody; get ready for the Messiah. He’s the Judge. He baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John received no reward for his preaching; he was put in prison. His reward, and ours, is from God.

Prayer Lord, may my life bear the good fruit of repentance and faith in Jesus. Cleanse all my sins and baptize me with the Holy Spirit and fire.

One Word Repent; be baptized with the Holy Spirit

“DIDN’T YOU KNOW I HAD TO BE…?”

Luke 2:41-52 / Keywords 2:49

"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

 

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

2:41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Footnotes

f. Luke 2:49 Or be about my Father’s business

1. Thanks to Luke, we have one story of Jesus as a 12-year-old boy. Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover, which was a 3-day journey on foot. They brought 12-year-old Jesus along. But one day into their journey back home, they realized Jesus was not with them! They lost the Son of God! They anxiously searched the playgrounds and the fruit markets. Finally, they found him at the temple. He was listening to the teachers and asking them questions, and people were amazed at his understanding. Even 12-year-old boys can have a great desire to know God.

2. Mary rebuked Jesus for making them worry so much. Boy Jesus replied, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” The Greek literally translates to “my Father’s things.” So, some translate this as “about my Father’s business.” It could refer to the place—the temple—or to the activity—the teaching of God’s word. Indeed, Jesus came to fulfill, par excellence, the meaning of the temple and the teaching of God’s word. Boy Jesus went home, was obedient, and grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man.

Prayer Lord, may I have such a heart to seek you and the truth. May I also encourage this in young people. May we grow in wisdom and in your favour.

One Word Grow like Jesus in wisdom and God’s favour

JESUS IS SALVATION, LIGHT, AND GLORY

Luke 2:21-40 / Keywords 2:30, 32

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation…32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.

 

2:21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

    you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

    and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Footnotes

b. Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12

c. Luke 2:24 Lev. 12:8

d. Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss

e. Luke 2:37 Or then had been a widow for eighty-four years.

1. Jesus grew up as the son of observant Jewish parents Joseph and Mary. They circumcised Jesus on the eighth day and named him Jesus—which means, “the LORD saves”—as the angel had instructed. They consecrated Jesus to God as their firstborn son. They also took him to Jerusalem to offer the sacrifice of the poor for their sins (Lev 12:8). Jesus grew up in a God-fearing home with parents who obeyed God’s commands. Parents: How are you guiding and influencing your children?

2. In Jerusalem, the book of Luke introduces two Spirit-led people: Simeon and Anna, who prophesied about Jesus. Simeon knew Mary’s baby was the Messiah who would bring salvation, light, and glory to the world. Jesus would reveal thoughts and cause many in Israel to fall (to be judged) or to rise (to be saved) with him. Also, Mary would suffer great pain. The elderly prophetess Anna said Jesus would bring redemption to Jerusalem.

3. After learning of Jesus’ identity and mission from God, Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth. There, Jesus grew up strong and wise and in God’s grace.

Prayer Lord God, thank you for sending salvation, light, and glory into this broken world through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless us not to fall because of our sins but to be raised with Jesus by your grace.

One Word Jesus is salvation, light, and glory to us

GLORY TO GOD

Luke 2:8-20 / Keywords 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 

2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

1. There were shepherds living out in the field. In that culture, they were insignificant people. Yet God’s glorious news reached them first. The angels appeared to them and told them about the good news that will cause great joy to all people. Angels said, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

2. The Messiah has come into the world. It had been foretold again and again throughout human history. Now God has fulfilled his promise by sending his one and only son Jesus, the Messiah, into the world. Jesus is the good news that will cause great joy to all people. Because of Jesus, all mankind is saved from the power of sin and death. Those who believe in Jesus will be saved. Once sin entered through Adam, all mankind lived under the power of sin and death. We all roamed about in utter darkness. But coming of Jesus is a great news to all mankind. He became our true and only Savior. We have his life and light. We have eternal life in Jesus!

3. Thus, Jesus became the glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Prayer Thank you, Jesus, for coming into the world to save us from our sin and become peace on earth.

One Word Glory to God! Peace on Earth!