Deuteronomy 1 – Deuteronomy 2

We turn our attention to the fifth book of the Bible. Deuteronomy is the final book of the Pentateuch. I know this isn’t a word I’ve used in my blog yet, but Pentateuch, simply translated means five books/scrolls. As we’ve observed this far in our journey, these five books tell the story of creation, and as we read through the rest Deuteronomy, it will lead us through the death of Moses. Looking at the Pentateuch as a whole, this is the foundation of the people of God and the establishment of the nation of Israel.

As we venture into the Deuteronomy, keep in mind that these chapters contain Moses’ last words to the people he’s spent the close to 50 years with. These are his final blessing full of words of warning, wisdom, and remembrance. For now we start with words of remembrance, as their story is retold.

One laughable moment that I had as I was reading along, when Moses spoke of his own fate:

 ^“Because of you
the Lord became angry with me
also and said, “You shall not enter it, (the Promised Land) either.”
Deut. 1:37 NIV

I laughed, as Moses blames the people. I thought, “Really Moses? You were the one who struck the rock when God said to speak to it. Sure you were frustrated with the people, but you were in control. Don’t pass the blame on this one.” Goes back to that childhood teaching, any time you point a finger at someone else, you’ve got three fingers pointing back at you.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Deuteronomy 3 – 4

Numbers 35 – Numbers 36

Our reading through Numbers is complete! Sadly with a rather anticlimactic ending.

These are the commandments and the ordinances that the Lord commanded through Moses to the Israelites in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.
Numbers 36:13

Now we begin our journey through the Book of Deuteronomy. Fair warning, we are going to hear a lot of repeat, from the books we’ve just read. Remember, this is Moses’ fair well speech to the people. He’s going to reflect, challenge, and encourage the people as the are about to enter the Promised Land. Before we turn the page, I’d like to refer you back to our friends over at thebibleproject.com and their videos on Numbers (as a summery to everything we’ve been reading) and on Deuteronomy (as a precursor of what we are about to read). Hope you enjoy!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Deuteronomy 1 – 2

Numbers 33 – Numbers 34

Growing up my sister and I often found ourselves raiding Dad’s workbench in search of a roll of masking tape. Of course this was back in the days before blue painters tape was around, so the good old light brown roll of masking tape was our sought after treasure. Now, I’ll have to admit, you should use the word “treasure” pretty loosely, because it wasn’t a treasure at all. It was a line of defense! When one of us wasn’t getting along with the other, the roll of masking tape came out and it was stretched from one end of our play room to the other. “This is my side!” “That’s your side!” Often we’d pen each other in, so they couldn’t cross over to the door, without some consequence. In the end, there was more than once that my braces ended up stuck in the carpet, or that my sister ended up with stitches. We were tough on each other, yet we still did (and do) love each other dearly. Still, the masking tape would come out to draw a border between us.

As God speaks to the Israelites and they prepare to cross the River Jordan, I was reminded of Dad’s roll of masking tape. The borders are drawn for the Israelites as they are about to enter the Promised Land. North, South, East, West. From the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. From the wadi of Egypt to Hazar-enan. This shall be your land. This is the land promised. This is the land dreamed of. This is the land you have waited to inherit. With God’s guidance, the masking tape is stretched out, and a place to call their own will soon be upon them.

Blessings,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 35 – 36

Numbers 31 – Numbers 32

Is it me or does this book seem to be dragging on at this point? I guess in my mind, we had the second census in chapter 26, and I was ready to move on to the Promised Land. Were you? Then I have to keep reminding myself that we have all of Deuteronomy to read through before we get to the Jordan. I know it’s hard, but stick with me. One chapter at a time.

Here’s something I had forgotten in my last reading through the Bible. Not all of the Israelite choose to live across the Jordan. The tribes of Reuben and Gad decide to stay. Interestingly enough, their request is granted, as long as they pledge themselves to serve in battle alongside their fellow Israelites who are planning on crossing into the Promised Land. Once successful, they could return home. I guess, all in all, not a bad deal, but in my mind, all I can think is . . . where you are at, isn’t the land once promised to Abraham, Isaac, and their ancestors of old.

While we still have a long way to go, before Joshua leads the people across the Jordan. This is eventually where everyone is going to end up:

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 33 – 34

Numbers 28 – Numbers 30

As the Israelites prepare to cross over the Jordan River, Moses (with God’s guidance) reminds the people of the festivals and celebrations that they are to hold. One that I took note of was the amount of detail in describing the eight day Festival of Tabernacles. Also known as the Festival of Booths, or the Sukkot. It is a celebration of the harvest, and it is quite a celebration at that. Numbers chapter 29 gives us plenty of details:

On the first day, sacrifice . . . thirteen bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the second day, sacrifice . . . twelve bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the third day, sacrifice . . . eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the fourth day, sacrifice . . . ten bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the fifth day, sacrifice . . . nine bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the sixth day, sacrifice . . . eight bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the seventh day, sacrifice . . . seven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the eighth day, hold a closing assembly and sacrifice . . . one bull, one ram, seven lambs, and one male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

That’s a lot of sacrifice! Of course, we have much to be thankful for as the Lord of Harvest has blessed us with more that we could ever desire or deserve. Yet, I will have to be honest, as I was reading through the list of sacrifices required, day after day, I couldn’t help but have “On the First day of Christmas . . . ” creep into my head. At least it gave me something to smile about as I finished my reading.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading, Numbers 31 – 32

Numbers – 23 – Numbers 25
Numbers 26 – Numbers 27

Balaam speaks! I love this part! He was hired to speak a curse on to the Israelites, and what happens instead? He speaks a blessing upon them.

Not once . . . but three different times.

Three different times Balak takes Balaam to a new location where the people of Israel can be seen in the distance. Each time he’s asked to curse the enemy. Filled with the Spirit, he cannot do such a thing. What an honor to speak the blessings of God!

If only we would be able to do the same! Oh wait, we can! We can always speak blessings. Think of how things might change if we simply took on the pledge to lift up God’s name in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Imagine, living according to the Second Commandment, not to take God’s name in vain. Imagine, a world where we no longer hear “Oh my G – O – D” used when we stub our toe, get excited, get ticked off, and on the list could go. Every time we speak it, every time we abuse it, every time we cry out in profane ways, we curse the name of God. Yet, we are called to something much greater. We are called to lift up God’s name in the most holy and precious of ways. For it is a name that is above all names. Balaam knew that. You and I know it. Now lets live like it!

Then we are onto the closing census. Much like the beginning of numbers, a census it taken at the end of their exile in the wilderness. Those forty years went fast didn’t they? As every head is counted, we realized that the Promised Land isn’t too far away. Don’t get too excited, we still have all of Deuteronomy yet to read as Moses gives his final speech to the people. But, the land flowing with milk and honey is coming soon! Hopefully, by the time we get there, we’ll have something good to say about our maker and redeemer!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 28 – 30

Numbers 21 – Numbers 22

What a great reading! There are some wonderful visuals to take away from these two chapters.

First, in Chapter 21, we encounter the grumbling once again. In return, poisonous snakes were sent to the Nation of Israel. The people plead to healing, and Moses is given instructions to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. That image shouldn’t be unfamiliar to us, as the medical Caduceus is fashioned in a similar manner.

As we seek medical healing, through our doctors and nurses, little did we probably know that we were recalling the day’s of the Wilderness, and the healing that was provided through Moses and his bronze serpent. At the same time, I also recall Jesus words, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” (John 3:14) For in Jesus we realize that his death and resurrection provide the ultimate gift of healing that we all of long for!

Then we shift into Chapter 22 and low and behold we fine a talking donkey. Sorry Dreamworks, you weren’t the first to create this. God beat you to it. As Balaam shares conversation with his donkey, his first response is, “you’ve made a fool of me.” Where’s the shock and awe, “Holy Crap, its a talking donkey!” That’s probably how I would have responded.

The true awe inspiring moment is realizing that God is at work within Balaam. Did you catch that? Here is Balaam, an unknown individual, who is able to speak blessings and curses upon people. He is not an Israelite, yet he is known by God and he knows God. We might be lead to believe that God is solely working in and through the Israelites. This is a key reminder that God works through all people, and we are known by God, and that God can use each and every one of us! This is especially true for Balaam, as he was initially hired by Balak to curse the Israelites, yet, with the donkey’s kind reminder, Balaam can now only speak blessing after blessing on God’s people. We’ll see that a bit more as we keep reading.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 23 – 25

Numbers 18 – Numbers 20

Yeah! We made it to day 50! Still hanging in there with me?? Great cause for celebration . . . for us . . . but not so much for Moses and Aaron.

These two chapters seem to be a tough break for both of our faithful leaders. I don’t know if you knew it, going into this Year of Scripture, (I did, but I expected a little more drama to the story) but Moses and Aaron, they never see the Promise Land. How sad!

I do feel for Moses. He seems to get shorted on this on. Although God does say, “Speak to the Rock.” What does Moses do? He strikes it with his staff. Maybe it was an oversight? Maybe it was a misunderstanding? Maybe it was knowing the staff thing worked once before? Either way, I get the fact that Moses didn’t follow God’s instructions, but banishment from seeing the Promised Land seems a bit harsh. After all, they wouldn’t have gotten this far if it wasn’t for Moses’ faithful leadership. Add to that, they would be in Jericho by now if the people would have had faith enough. So on Moses’ behalf, in my opinion, you were so faithful . . . you still should have been reward.

Then there is Aaron. My wife asked, “Did he die because he was in trouble? Or was he just old?” I’m going to have to go with the “old” part for the simple answer. Although, based on his antics at the foot of Mount Sinai, he should have been punished long ago. (See Day 28) Aaron’s death seems just and deserved ending before we enter the Promised Land.

Yet, we aren’t there, in fact we aren’t any where close. We still forty years of wander to go before we cross the River Jordan. So, for now lets keep reading on!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 21 -22

Numbers 16 – Numbers 17

The people complain. The people revolt. There is bloodshed and lives lost. All over the power of God given and revealed through Moses and Aaron.

The questions might be raised. Who gives you this authority? How is it shown to us?

The answer. God does, and God’s power is revealed through many mysterious ways, including Aaron’s staff. It’s not the first time Moses’ or Aaron’s staff has been used. In fact, Exodus was full of references to either of them. The graph above gives us a quick reminder. But of course, one image can’t even begin to depict the splendor that Moses must have seen as he walked into the Tabernacle to find a dead piece of wood, sprouting to bud, and bearing fruit. Indeed, God is good!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 18 – 20

Numbers 14 – Numbers 15

As I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD – none of the people who have seen my glory and the signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have tested me these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their ancestors.
(Numbers 14:21-23a)

With that, everything changes. the rescue mission from Egypt, now takes a swift turn to forty years of wandering in the desert. All because they lacked faith enough to believe that God would lead, guide, and safely direct them into the land of milk and honey. It was all there, in plain sight for all to see. But, the faith and trust of the Israelites, it just wasn’t strong enough.

Perhaps with wrath . . . perhaps with lament . . . God speaks . . .
“None of you shall see the land that I swore to give to your ancestors.”

Now a new journey begins. Forty years of wandering. Forty years of being tested. Forty years of waiting for a place to call home.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 16 – 17