April 3 – Joshua Glover, Wisconsin, and Deuteronomy 23:6

April 3
Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19
Luke 10:13-37
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 12:12-14

Deuteronomy 23:1 – While other cultures used eunuchs in their civil or religious structure – God expresses that is not his plan. Circumcision not castration is his mark of holiness. Although Paul suggests that those who belabor circumcision under the New Covenant may go all the way to castration (Galatians 5:12).

Deuteronomy 23:6 – Interestingly, Ammonites and Moabites were prohibited from having their peace sought. Ezra 9:12 prohibits seeking the peace of the inhabitants of the land given to Israel, while Jeremiah 29:7 authorizes the people to seek the peace of Babylon.

Deuteronomy 23:15 – This contradicts the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. In 1854, Joshua Glover, an escaped slave, was captured in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Supreme Court held the Fugitive Slave Act unconstitutional, which was overturned in Ableman v. Booth.

Deuteronomy 24:1 – Again another “What if” / “secondary will” passage. Jesus reiterated that this was not God’s primary will (Matthew 19:8).

Deuteronomy 24:22 – Moses reminds the children of Israel that they were bondmen, slaves. Thus they are held to account.

Deuteronomy 25:9 – Who in the Bible gave their shoe as sign that they would not redeem someone? Naomi’s near kinsman (Ruth 4:8).

Luke 10:14 – It seems that there is different punishments for sin depending on 1) the offense, 2) the knowledge.

Luke 10:25 – The ageless question – How can I have eternal life? The Rich Young Ruler will ask this question in 8 chapters. The Lawyer asked the question today. Both were disappointed in the response they received.

Luke 10:33-35 – What’s the moral of this story? That we should be kind to people that are prejudiced against us? While that is admirable, we can see ourselves as the man that fell among thieves, stripped of raiment, wounded, departed, left half dead (v.30). Sin has taken away our clothing, our health, and our possessions. The religious leader won’t help us (v.31). The religious follower can’t help (v.32). But the Man that we despised (Isaiah 53:3) had compassion on us (v.33), took us, helpless as we were, tended to us, gave a down payment of his resources to provide for us [the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13-14], and has unlimited resources to provide for our needs! This is love that brings salvation!

Psalm 75:7 – Today is an election day in my hometown, and this is a great verse for successful and unsuccessful political candidates. Government is ordained by God (Romans 13), and is communicated from God.

Proverbs 12:13 – God will deliver the just, and will ensnare the wicked with their own deeds!