In Today's Email:
Deuteronomy 6 Notes
In this chapter we see the importance of obedience to God’s Law.
vs. 1-3 – Moses exhorts Israel to obey the commandments of God when they enter the Promised Land.
vs. 4-5 – The Jews call this the “Shema”, which is the Hebrew word for “hear”. It is considered their greatest commandment. Here is the Greatest Commandment according to Christ in Matthew 22:37-38.
vs. 6-9 – The orthodox Jews today take this passage literally with the mezuzah and tefillin.
vs. 10-19 – A warning to not lose sight of God when they enter the land that He blessed them with. In vs. 16 is a reference to Massah, which we read about in Numbers 20:1-13.
vs. 20-25 – Another command to pass down their heritage and history to the new generations.
Deuteronomy 7 Notes
In this chapter we see command to drive out the idolators from the land and to stay faithful to God.
vs. 1-4 – God commanded Israel to drive out or eradicate the seven nations of Canaanites in the land. There were not to make any sort of covenant or marriage with them. They were not faithful in this, and it will cause them to turn against God and face His purging judgment.
vs. 5-11 – God commands them to completely erase any vestige of idolatry from the land. They were to serve the Lord only and not give place to false gods.
vs. 12-26 – If Israel would stay faithful to God, He would give them the many blessings listed here. They would be fruitful and multiply as no people before. They would be free from disease and defeat. This ideal was never truly met.
Deuteronomy 8 Notes
In this chapter we see the promises of blessings and curses if Israel would serve God.
vs. 1-6 – Moses appeals to the nation to remember the lessons learned in the wilderness. They are especially called upon to remember the multitude of blessings God gave.
vs. 7-10 – The bounty of the land given by the blessing of God is described.
vs. 11-20 – A warning to not forget God when they enter the Land and enjoy His blessings.
Closing Thoughts
The closing verses of Chapter 8 highlight a tendency within man that is not highlighted enough. It is not in the darkest of valleys that we tend to forget about God. No, it is on the highest of the mountain peaks. We sadly grow complacent in the blessings of God and forget Him. We see this throughout the history of Israel, and sadly I must add in the history of America.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today is “God, Give Us Christian Homes” which was written in 1949 by one my favorite songwriters, B.B. McKinney. It challenges us today to teach and model Christianity to the new generations, echoing the exhortations in 6:6-7
God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the Master's will is sought,
Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!
God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the father is true and strong,
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!
God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the mother, in caring quest,
Strives to show others Your way is best,
Homes where the Lord is an honored guest;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!
God, give us Christian homes!
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so,
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow;
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes!