The people of Joseph said to Joshua, "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the LORD has blessed us abundantly." – Joshua 17:14

Today's Scripture Reading (April 8, 2025): Joshua 17

As Donald Trump opened up his second term as President of the United States, and while he had campaigned on promises to end the wars in which the United States was fighting in Ukraine and Israel, he also began to pick fights with other nations. A couple of the most publicized fights were with the Kingdom of Denmark over the fate of Greenland, a territory of Denmark, and Panama over the fate and control of the Panama Canal, an artificial waterway constructed between 1881 and 1914 that provides a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. President Trump did not guarantee that he would not resort to military means to achieve both of these objectives.

The one fight President Trump has said he will not resort to military means to obtain concerns the taking of Canada, the northern neighbor of the United States. To take Canada, Donald Trump argues that he will use economic means to crush any Canadian resistance until Canada becomes the 51st State of the United States. 

However, if Canada does resist uniting with its southern neighbor, Donald Trump does have a second agenda. He has already called into question several Treaties that have defined the border between the two nations, although he has never stated precisely what about the boundary he finds offensive. I have wondered if President Trump would prefer to have the border limited to the 49th parallel, making Toronto and Southern Ontario, along with a portion of the Maritime provinces, and the southern portion of Vancouver Island, along with the British Columbia Capital of Victoria, a part of the United States. Others have suggested that President Trump may settle for the resource-rich Western Canadian Provinces if he can't have all of Canada. The border treaties of the last centuries might have been sufficient then, but now the United States needs more area and resources to secure its future. President Trump reiterated that he doesn't need Canada, but that isn't true. Canada has been an essential partner in several American projects in recent history.

For Canadians, it feels like the northern nation is becoming to the United States what Ukraine is to Russia. Canada and the United States share a lot of ancestry and have heavily intermarried over the years. However, that does not mean the two nations would easily blend into one. They also share very different values that neither wants to lose, differences that make both nations unique. 

In Israel, some of the same struggles came into view over the allotment of land. The land was divided by lots, which the people believed allowed God to speak into the division. And maybe it is impressive that most tribes seemed to accept the land as it was divided. But apparently, the tribes of Joseph were not content with their allotment. Maybe it was because Joseph was from their clan that they felt safe to complain; perhaps they even believed that Joseph should show some favoritism to his tribe. 

However, there were two competing factors about the land that we should understand. First, there was ample land for the tribes of Joseph, and the land given to them was among the most fertile places in Canaan. All of this was beneficial to the tribes of Joseph. It was also the same land mass on which the enemies of Israel were deeply entrenched and would be the most difficult to remove. On one hand, the land was precisely what the tribes needed. On the other hand, there was still much work to do on the land, and the tribes of Joseph knew that they would have to work hard to secure the land. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 18

So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance. – Joshua 16:4

Today's Scripture Reading (April 7, 2025): Joshua 16

I know that I need to be so careful about the things that I say. Part of my problem is that I often find myself saying things I know I should not say. And the things that have been said just cannot be unsaid. These words become a part of our reality, and because they are part of our reality, they begin to shape our future. What hurts is knowing that I shape my world with my words, even when I am wrong.

Joseph had died long before he stopped breathing, and his life came to an end. His brothers sold him into slavery, and then they went to their father and told him that Joseph was dead. His dad mourned the loss of his beloved son and, for years, lived believing that only eleven of his twelve sons had survived into their midlives. It was a reality that shaped him; the loss of Joseph changed Jacob at the core of his being. And he would never be the same again. Even when Joseph would later be revealed as being still alive, the change and the reality of a Dad's pain could not be taken back. The pain Dad had suffered was a reality, and nothing could reverse it.

But neither would Israel. Jacob blesses each of his sons when he dies, although I am not sure he realizes the full extent of his actions. All of his sons' names would be attached to a tribe of Israel, except for one. The missing name among the tribes would be Joseph's, the son Jacob had long believed was dead. Instead of having Joseph's name attached to a tribe, two of Joseph's sons' names, Manasseh and Ephraim, would be remembered. With that move, Joseph, the second youngest of Jacob's sons, would receive the coveted double-portion inheritance from his father, which would typically have been given to the oldest son. 

While Joseph's name may not be found among the tribes, his influence was front and center because Joshua, the man responsible for shaping the young nation, was one of his descendants. Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim, and through him, Joseph continued to be still very much alive long after his death.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 17

Then it ran up the Valley of Ben Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem). From there it climbed to the top of the hill west of the Hinnom Valley at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim. – Joshua 15:8

Today's Scripture Reading (April 6, 2025): Joshua 15

Jerusalem. The City of David has a rich history. Today, the city is in the possession of Israel. Still, it is also divided between three faiths that consider the city to be holy: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity all lay some claim on the city. Temple Mount, where the first and second Temples once existed, is in the control of Islam. While Islam has a significant religious and historical connection with the mountain, Judaism considers the Temple Mount to be holy but is prohibited from actual worship on the hill. Other sacred places in the Holy City would include the Mount of Olives, a ridge that runs down the city's eastern side of the city and the place where Jesus is believed to have ascended into heaven. Today, the Mount of Olives is the home of a vast Jewish graveyard containing over 150,000 graves.

Golgotha, the hill where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, is another hill just outside Jerusalem's walls. The traditional identification of Golgotha is located within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The conventional identification of this hill as Golgotha was made by the mother of Constantine, the Roman Empress Helena. Helena had visited Jerusalem in 325 C.E. and identified this place as the Golgotha of the Gospel Story.

While Jerusalem is important to three very different cultures in our contemporary world, it also sits on the border between Israel and an area known as"The West Bank." The West Bank currently exists under a provisional Palestinian government. The West Bank is an essential part of "The Two State Solution" to the ever-present conflict in the Middle East. The fact that three religions claim Jerusalem and the idea that the city exists on the border between Israel and the West Bank has kept Jerusalem from reprising its role as the Capital City of Israel. And so, Tel Aviv remains the capital while the City of David remains a place of pilgrimage.

From the dividing line described in this passage, we recognize that Jerusalem has always been a border city; in ancient times, it would have sat on the border between two tribes, while sitting in Judah, the Tribe of Benjamin lies just outside the city walls. The Judean city added to the reality that Judah also sat on the border of three enemy kingdoms: the Philistines bordered Judah along the west side of the nation, Moab to the east, and Edom to the south. All of this meant that Judah was in a place of great responsibility and great danger. This position of Judah was echoed by the placement of what would become the nation's capital: Jerusalem. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 16

Their inheritances were assigned by lot to the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. – Joshua 14:2

Today's Scripture Reading (April 5, 2025): Joshua 14

Lotteries have a long and rich history. They seem to have arisen as a way to support public projects financially. It is rumored that even the Great Wall of China was built and paid for via an ancient form of the lottery. The lottery, as we know it, appears to date back to the 1400s. A record from the city of Sluis in the Netherlands indicates that on May 9, 1455, a lottery was held, with the winner taking home the equivalent of almost $200,000 in contemporary currency: 1737 florins. The money raised through the lottery was used to build walls for the city and other town fortifications. By the 1600s, it was common for lotteries to be organized in the Netherlands to help people experiencing poverty and raise funds for a wide range of public projects. 

The lottery that was performed in Canaan to divide up the area was a little different. Rabbis believe that twenty pieces of property were used for this lottery. First, the land was divided into ten separate areas, and each region was assigned a number. This number was then placed onto the ten pottery pieces and put in a container. The second group of ten pottery pieces was taken, and the name of a tribe was placed on each pottery piece, which was then placed in a separate container. (Important note: the number of tribes was ten because the tribes of Reuben and Gad received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River.) At the time of the lottery, a number was withdrawn from the first container and a name from the second container. The two were combined, and the land was assigned to each tribe.

However, rather than being a game of chance, the people believed that, in this way, the decision of who got which parcel of land was given to God rather than to a priest or even the leaders themselves.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 15

But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the food offerings presented to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them. – Joshua 13:14

Today's Scripture Reading (April 4, 2025): Joshua 13

I spoke to him over the phone. To be blunt, I had heard very little that was good about the man. He had led a church for almost a quarter of a century and had built the physical church where the church continued to meet. He was the originator of an unparalleled music ministry during that era. Part of that directly resulted from the physical church he had built; the acoustics were terrific and intentional. 

When I spoke to him, the church was preparing to celebrate a significant anniversary, and I wanted to hear his stories about the over two decades that he had led the church. One church leader had laughed when I suggested that I was thinking about phoning this pastor. He had one sentence to sum up my intention. "Why would you spend time talking to someone so insignificant in the history of the church?" However, I couldn't get my head around the twenty-four years the pastor had spent leading the church and the word "insignificant."

I went ahead with my phone interview and heard the story of what happens when a church goes wrong. We talked about his last days at the church. The campaign that this church leader, who had called this pastor insignificant, had waged against him. He told me about being kicked out of the church-owned home where he had lived and raised his kids for over two decades. We talked about his last trip to the church on the day he left the city, sitting in the church's parking lot with his car packed with all his worldly possessions but with nowhere to go. And I couldn't imagine the pain that existed in that car on that day. 

The priests and Levites were to receive no land inheritance. Yes, they would receive some land around the Levitical cities where they would live, but nothing more. The idea was that the Levites would receive the offerings which were brought into the Temple. And that system worked as long as the people followed the instructions of God. The problem was that, for long periods, the people refused to bring their tithes into the Temple. And it was the priests and Levites who paid the price. Like my new friend, they were left on the outside with not enough to live on and nowhere to go. It was and continues to be a sad narrative about the plight of these servants of God who sacrificed much to minister to the people. The story of my friend is one that remains in my memory as a cautionary tale about what happens when we lose sight of the task with which God has charged us and allow personal feelings to lead us instead of the will of God. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 14

The king of Jerusalem – one, the king of Hebron – one. – Joshua 12:10

Today's Scripture Reading (April 3, 2025): Joshua 12

Over the past few years, I have been trying to knock off some of my essential reads. Last summer (2024), I finally read Charles Dickins's "A Tale of Two Cities." The story is set before and during the French Revolution in London and Paris. It is a look at the conditions that set the stage for the French Revolution and an examination of one person who had spent eighteen years in the Bastille. This person is finally released into society and seeks to leave Paris for a life in London with his daughter. Of course, the situation of these two historical cities is contrasted in the novel.

The author of Joshua lists over thirty cities defeated by Israel when they entered Canaan. But not all of these cities were equal. Enter two of the most important cities in ancient Canaan: Jerusalem (also called Jebus) and Hebron. The two cities are listed together here, and while the contrast between the cities is likely unintentional, there is a comparison between the two places. Joshua defeated the kings of both important cities, but only one city fell: Hebron. Hebron was located about 40 km south of Jerusalem. 

During the time of Joshua, both cities were ruled over by Amorite Kings. Both cities also, for a time, served as the Capital city of Israel. Joshua defeated both of these Kings in a battle fought in defense of the Gibeonites, a war that Israel was forced to engage in only because they had entered into an ill-timed diplomatic treaty with the city. The Kings of Jerusalem and Hebron, as well as the kings of Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon, decided to move against Gibeon. The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua and requested help. "So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men" (Joshua 10:7). 

Adoni-Zedek was the King of Jerusalem, and Hoham was the King of Hebron. When the battle was over, all five kings hid in a cave. Israel sealed the cave entrance while they mopped up the rest of their armies and then returned and arrested the kings. At that time, Joshua executed all five kings. However, the defeat of these five kings took place outside of their cities. The Kings died, and their armies were defeated, but there was no effort to take control of the cities they represented. Concerning Jerusalem and Hebron, Hebron fell to Caleb a little later as he worked to clear the area for the tribe of Judah. But Jebus, Jerusalem, survived not just during the days of Joshua and Caleb but throughout the Judges era and King Saul's reign. It wasn't until the reign of David that the city finally came under the control of Israel. Joshua had defeated the King of Jerusalem hundreds of years earlier but hadn't taken the city. As a result, Jerusalem remained a thorn in the side of Israel until David took the throne and made the city his own.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 13

So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them. – Joshua 11:7

Today's Scripture Reading (April 2, 2025): Joshua 11

It was codenamed "Operation Overlord." In the West, we have all heard of it, yet we probably don't understand how much of a longshot the battle was. Until the last moment, military officials were not even sure that the operation would take place. But it did, although the cost was high. Among the allies alone, Operation Overlord resulted in almost 250,000 casualties, and over half of that number were military personnel from the United States. 

If you are still unsure what I am talking about, "Operation Overload" was the codename for the Normandy landings in June 1944. The problem was that the Western Allies had lost all footholds on the European continent. They needed to gain not just a foothold back onto the continent but also a way to resupply troops fighting in the European Theater. Adolf Hitler knew they would have to attempt something and had wanted to build his "Atlantic Wall" along the coast, but a lack of concrete and human resources meant that most of that wall never got built.

Still, the Normandy Landings were a longshot. The Allies had to dedicate all of their resources to the attempt. It just didn't make any sense not to. To accomplish anything, they had to win on the Atlantic Coast. And so, it was time to risk everything to try to gain that foothold.

The Kings of Canaan decided it was time to unite and fight against Israel. It was an all-or-nothing moment, and they had agreed to go with the all. They gathered their troops and then began to plan their attack on Israel. The coming battle would be another faith test for Joshua. God told Joshua that Israel would win, so Joshua decided not to delay the fight. He surprised his Canaanite opposition in two ways. First, Joshua attacked quickly. The Kings weren't expecting the rapidity of this attack. Second, Joshua committed all of his forces to the battle. If Joshua had lost, Canaan would have been lost to Israel. The rest of the nation would have been driven to the other side of the Jordan River and would have no foothold on the west side of the Jordan, making the defense of Canaan for these Palestinian Kings an easier task. Joshua trusted God and dedicated all his forces in this battle.

The phrase "His whole army" should be taken to mean not only that all of the forces of Israel were dedicated to the battle but that there was political unity in the nation. The coming battle was not just a statement of faith by Joshua but a statement that was echoed by the whole country.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 12

The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.” – Joshua 10:6

Today's Scripture Reading (April 1, 2025): Joshua 10

Joshua’s heart must have sank when he received this message. Experts agree that this was a test of the treaty. While Joshua was trying to get a foothold in this new territory, his armies were now being drawn into somebody else’s war. And he didn’t have the human resources for this distraction. However, the worst was that he had nobody to blame for his current predicament besides himself. God had told him not to make a treaty with these people. Just don’t do it. And Joshua – well, he had made the treaty. He had done it. It was his fault.

Here is the reality of most of the things happening in our lives. Most of the bad stuff we struggle through doesn’t happen out of the blue. It happens because we have done something. I look back at the stuff that has happened in my life, and the truth is that I get to stand up and say, “Yep, I did that.” I suffered through that moment because of something that I did. I don’t have the privilege of trying to tell myself that these things happened because of something that someone else did. The vast majority of the bad things that happened in my life have happened because of my actions. Me. No one else. And the truth is that in the darkness of the night, all of these things come rushing back. I don’t think that I am alone. How far back do you have to go before you come to a moment when, if you are being honest, you received exactly what you deserved? Most of the monsters that I fear are of my creation.

One famous Bible story takes place on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples have gotten into this ancient boat and have tried to make the crossing of the Sea of Galilee for no other reason than because crossing the Sea was much easier and faster than trying to walk around it. The problem was that storms often came up fast on big lakes. The bottom of many large inland lakes is littered with ships, not because the area is filled with stupid ship captains but because storms come up fast. Storms come up fast on the Sea of Galilee. If the benefit of crossing the Sea of Galilee is that it saves time and effort, the bad is that if a storm comes up while you are out there, you are in trouble. I mean, if a storm comes up while you are walking around the outside, you will find shelter, and everything will be okay. There is no hiding place when a storm comes up on open water.

The disciples are in a boat, and a storm comes up while they are on the open water, and there is no place to hide. They are in trouble. The apostles are working hard at the oars but they are going nowhere. And then, suddenly, out of the mist, they see a ghost walking across the water, coming right at them. And they are terrified. But then a voice comes out of the storm. We find the story in Matthew 14.   

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus (Matthew 14:27-29).

Can you picture it? The storm was raging, and you see this ghost. Your heart stops. But then you hear a voice. It is a voice you know, saying, “Don’t be afraid; it is just me. And because I am here, there is nothing to fear.” 

Maybe you are in the position of Peter. Perhaps you are even brave enough to answer, “If it is you (and you know it is him), tell me to come to you.” And the word comes back to you: Come. You climb out of the boat. The waves feel weird as they press against your feet. And the wind and mist of the storm whip around you. But you do it. You walk on water. You take that first step and then the second toward Jesus. It is a fantastic moment.

I know you have heard the story before and know it doesn’t end here. But when Peter felt the wind and concentrated on the waves, he became afraid and began to sink, crying out, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30)! Quick question. Whose fault was it that Peter started to sink? Maybe it was Jesus’s fault. He didn’t say enough to prepare him for the experience. I mean, all he said was, “Come.” What kind of prep is that? Maybe Jesus should have said, “Now, Peter, it will feel weird. But you are going to be okay.” 

Or maybe it is simply Peter’s fault. He got a couple of steps in, but then he took his eyes off Jesus and fixated on the wind and the waves. And he began to doubt, and fear began to take over. Peter violated the principle; “What God Originates, God will Orchestrate, If you don’t doubt.” Maybe this should have been the end of Peter. After all, it was Peter’s fault. Nothing has happened in this story, with the exception of the storm, that does not originate within Peter: nothing! Peter doubted, Peter failed, Peter sank beneath the waves, and the world never saw his face again. This adventure on the waves is the end of Peter.

Except, that is not the way that the story ends. “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt’ (Matthew 14:31)? I can almost see the smile on Jesus’s face as he says the words. Peter, you were doing so well. But immediately, Jesus shoots out his hand and catches his friend even though it is Peter’s fault.

The treaty with the Gibeonites is Joshua’s fault, but that doesn’t mean God has left Joshua and Israel. I can almost see God shake his head and smile as he reaches his hand out to Joshua. “It’s okay, Joshua, I got you.”

And he still has us, even when it is our fault.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 11

Now when all the kings west of the Jordan heard about these things—the kings in the hill country, in the western foothills, and along the entire coast of the Mediterranean Sea as far as Lebanon (the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites)—they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel. – Joshua 9:1-2

Today's Scripture Reading (March 31, 2025): Joshua 9

There is some evidence that at least part of the hope of Russia in attacking Ukraine was to divide the West. Vladimir Putin is a student of history and is well aware that European conflicts have produced divisions before. Often, those divisions have lasted until it was almost too late to recover. Such was the truth in World War II. Then, Nazi Germany had been the aggressor and had been allowed to run over central Europe for a while before a response was finally given. And even then, the response was muted. By the time the European powers responded to the threat of Adolf Hitler, it was too late for mainland Europe. Hitler already controlled most of it. The only nations that remained were those who had declared their neutrality, although not even all of those were left alone. Had things gone a little differently, the rest of the countries could be picked off at Hitler's leisure. Who knows what might have happened if Japan had not bombed the United States and brought them into the conflict?

If division was part of Russia's plan, it hasn't worked, at least not yet. The role of the United States is a little more murky, but even that is a bit of a historical reality. The United States has a history of wanting to go it alone; there is absolutely nothing new about Donald Trump's Make America Great Again strategy. It has been used several times over the years and usually results in a much weaker United States. Someday, we may learn that we are stronger together than we can ever be if we go it alone. And that the world needs heroes who will stand up against those who want to lead us into these solitary moments. It might be easier to go it alone, but it is seldom better.

In Canaan, there was a history of city-states who liked their independence, often choosing to fight with each other. But Israel presented a threat to all of them. After the defeat of Jericho and Ai, the kings of these cities got together and decided that it was time for them to stop their independent actions and band together for the defense of the land. Israel's original defeat at Ai bolstered their belief. The Canaanite kings realized that there was a way to defeat these intruders. Sin often has that lasting effect; it exposes our weaknesses.

Did the strategy work? Actually, in some ways, the answer is yes. Israel, for whatever reason, did not take all of Canaan for hundreds of years after they crossed the River Jordan and entered the area. The Philistine cities along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea (think of an area along the coast a little larger than the Gaza Strip) were thorns in the side of Israel for generations. The city of Jebus (Jerusalem) did not fall into Israelite hands until the reign of David. In some ways, the current problems in the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights are a continuation of the struggles that Israel had in antiquity. A combination of the unity of the people opposing Israel and the sin of the people of God has made Canaan or Palestine a contested land ever since. And it is proof of the lessons that we seem unable to learn. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 10

Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. – Joshua 8:1

Today's Scripture Reading (March 30, 2025): Joshua 8

Some battles are remembered only because of an unexpected result. The battle of Agincourt, which was part of the larger Hundred Years War, fought between 1337-1453 C.E., was fought on October 25, 1415. The battle should have been a French victory; the French went into the fight with superior numbers and an expectation of victory. However, the English, under Henry V's leadership, ended up winning the battle. Henry was able to win the battle against the larger numbers because the French underestimated the lethality of his longbowman, the distance at which these archers could strike, and the muddy terrain that disallowed any swift movement on the part of the French. I am not sure that even Henry expected to win, not if we believe the story that William Shakespeare handed down is in the least bit accurate. Still, Henry had a plan for victory, which seemed to be more than the French possessed; the latter seemed just to be depending on their superior numbers. Among the leaders, only Edward, the Duke of York, was killed on the English side, while the French lost all five of their military commanders, two who were killed and three who surrendered to the English forces. The Battle of Agincourt is remembered for the unexpected English win and the fact that superior numbers never outweigh the existence of a military strategy for battle.

As Israel went up against Ai for the first time, they depended on superior numbers and a healthy reputation for their victory. There is no doubt that sin inside the Israelite Camp was the main reason for their defeat, but they also seemed to go into the battle without a plan. Neither mistake could be repeated when Israel went up against Ai a second time. The second attack of the city would depend on an even more significant numerical advantage ["Take the whole army with you" (Joshua 8:1) vs. "Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there" (Joshua 7:3)]. And the second attack of Ai would entail a plan [Set an ambush behind the city (Joshua 8:2)]. Most importantly, this time God would be with them. 

This time, in faith, the people could expect a different result. Just as they had taken Jericho on faith, so would Ai fall before the God of Israel. It could never be about the numbers, military strength, or strategy. The most critical factor in the taking of Canaan was the presence of God.

That hasn't changed. We might be disappointed if we go into battle depending on the "stable genius" in our midst. The presence of sin and our willingness to do wrong things because someone has told us that is the way to win will always decide the battle in the favor of our enemies. But, in our weakness, God continues to be our strength.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 8

The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?” – Joshua 7:9

Today's Scripture Reading (March 29, 2025): Joshua 7

Sun Tzu is credited with writing his Chinese military Treatise, “The Art of War,” sometime during the 5th century B.C.E. The work is composed on thirteen chapters with each chapter relating to a different skill set that Sun Tzu (Master Sun) believed was necessary in any winning strategy employed during a conflict. But what might be the most surprising element of “The Art of War” is that this treatise on how to win a war in antiquity is still a document that many contemporary generals read and use.

Some of the modern uses of Sun Tzu’s military tactics include the idea of “Shock and Awe” or “Rapid Dominance.” Shock and Awe was used during the Gulf War. Sun Tzu’s phrases his ancient advice on this tactic saying it is the "selective, instant beheading of military or societal targets to achieve shock and awe." 

Another piece of advice from the legendary Chinese General is that the goal of any conflict should always be “to subdue the enemy without fighting” (Sun Tzu). Another way that Sun Tzu says this is that “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle” (Sun Tzu). The master tactician is speaking about the thing that a lot of armies still try to achieve. We call it peace through strength. It is the hope that the enemy will believe that our power is so overpowering that they will just lay down their weapons and surrender. In the modern era, it was what Russia hoped would be the result when they began their full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. 2022. The hope was that Ukraine would be overwhelmed by the Russian military and simply surrender. But that didn’t happen.

Israel entered Canaan and defeated the fortress of Jericho. It was a surprise victory, maybe especially from those living in Canaan. Yes, Jericho had feared Israel, but they also took precautions against Israel because of that fear. Mybe the most appropriate description is that that Jericho had a healthy respect for Israel and took certain precautions; their defeat was not due to taking Israel lightly. So, it was expected that the rest of Canaan might simply run from them. However, then sin altered the equation as it so often does and the next battle against the town of Ai, which should have been a rout, turned into an embarrassing Israelite defeat. Joshua was concerned, and angry with God. Everything that had been won at Jericho had been compromised at Ai. Now, instead of surrendering in fear at the approach to the Israelite conquerors, the inhabitants of Canaan would know that the invading army was fallible and could be defeated. It was precisely the reverse of the image that Joshua wanted to project. And Joshua knew that he had to get to the reason of the defeat before the armies of Canaan surrounded Israel and expelled them from the west side of the Jordan River.  

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 8

Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men." – Joshua 6:2

Today's Scripture Reading (March 28, 2025): Joshua 6

Lewis Burwell Puller (1898-1971), better known among his troops as "Chesty," was an optimistic officer. He started his military career fighting guerilla forces in Haiti and Nicaragua during the Banana Wars, a conflict that supported American private interests in Central America. Later, Chesty served with distinction in both World War II and Korea. When he retired, Lewis Puller had achieved the rank of lieutenant general. Lewis Puller is the most decorated Marine in American military history and was awarded five Navy Crosses and one Distinguished Service Cross. 

It was quite a career, but Chesty is probably better remembered for what he said. For example, in a letter the marine wrote to his wife while serving in Korea, he told her, "The mail service has been excellent out here, and in my opinion, this is all that Air Force has accomplished during the war." Ouch. 

At one point during a firefight, Chesty Puller remarked to his troops, "We're surrounded. That simplifies the problem." During a different battle, Puller made a similar remark. "All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us … they can't get away this time." And they didn't.

As Israel approaches Jericho, God reminds them that the battle has already been won. The city is locked down. The army protecting the town is inside the walls, ready to defend the citizens of Jericho. Jericho had a reputation for being one of the best-defended cities in all of Canaan. And this wasn't a sneak attack; Israel was not going to catch the city with their guard down. The people of Jericho had prepared for this moment and were ready to respond to anything the Israelites threw at them. Jericho knew that Israel was in the area, and they were alert to the threat that these formerly enslaved people presented to their city. They also knew that spies had already visited the city. And so, they had locked the city down, making one of the best-defended cities even more challenging to attack. In "Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History," Francis Schaeffer makes this comment. "Jericho was not a big city; it was only about seven acres in its entirety. It was really more of a fortress—a very strong fortress prepared to resist siege" (Francis A. Schaeffer).

God says, "I have delivered Jericho into your hands." We have them just where we want them. It is a situation that was designed for Chesty Puller. It was going to take a high degree of faith for Israel to win this battle. But God was with them.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 7

And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. – Joshua 5:8

Today's Scripture Reading (March 27, 2025): Joshua 5

If you are preparing for battle, there are certain things that you need to do. The "Boot Camp and Military Fitness Institute" lists five things to do if you are getting ready for combat duty. The first thing you need to do is undergo "Situational Awareness Training." The advice includes things that you can do in everyday life. You can play games that require you to memorize a series of items and pay attention to what is in your peripheral vision as you go about your ordinary day. I actually remember the moment that I discovered I had peripheral vision. I have no idea how old I was, I would have been very young, but I was looking at the couch in my living room and discovered that I could see the couch as well as the TV and other items placed around the sofa. I spent the rest of the day looking at things in my world and identifying all of the different things I could see out of the corners of my eyes. It was a fantastic moment for a preschool kid, and I was already getting ready for battle.

The article goes on to argue that we need to be fit, understand what we need to know to survive in the wilderness (maybe all those reality shows do have a purpose), and practice mindfulness, recognizing that battlefields are high-stress areas.

The website also recommends that you put your matters in order. The battlefield is the last place you want to be when you realize you never did get your "Last Will and Testament" completed. One of my favorite M*A*S*H episodes tells the story of Hawkeye being sent to the front to work at an aid station. There, with bombs exploding all around him, he begins to write his will. When he gets back, he immediately sets out to finish the task. It is late at night, and Corporal Klinger finds Hawkeye in the office. He welcomes Hawkeye home and then asks what he is doing. Hawkeye responds that he is finishing some paperwork. Klinger replies that the one thing he has learned as the company clerk is that there is no paperwork that can't be put off until tomorrow. Hawkeye mutters his reply: "Yeah, I used to believe that." Being at the front of the Korean War had changed something inside of the M*A*S*H surgeon. It was time to get some paperwork done before he had to confront that battlefield one more time.  

Something conspicuously missing from the "Boot Camp" list was "circumcise the army." Yet, that was what Joshua proceeded to do. It was an amazing feat that we often miss. I sometimes wonder why this wasn't done on the other side of the Jordan River. Here, they were getting ready for battle and camping close to their enemies. They had to suspect that spies were all around them searching for any weakness in the army, yet Joshua gave them a huge opening here. Every male of military age, for a few days, was incapacitated. I love Francis Schaeffer's (1912-1984) comment on this passage.

This circumcising was a strange thing for Joshua, a keen military commander, to do. He was incapacitating his whole fighting force, an absolutely unmilitary act. It is silly to march your men right into the teeth of the enemy and then disable your own people. Joshua did it, nevertheless, because God told him to." (Francis A. Schaeffer) 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 6

Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe. – Joshua 4:2

Today's Scripture Reading (March 26, 2025): Joshua 4

During the early days of World War II, Britain was taking a beating. Her cities were being bombed night after night, and there didn't seem to be a solution. What were they supposed to do? Was it time to raise the white flag and surrender? Who was going to lead them?  

At that moment, Winston Churchill stepped up with his famous address to the nation: "We shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; We shall never surrender."

Underneath the words was one thought: remember who you are. Churchill believed that the United Kingdom stood for something. They wondered if their principles were worth it or if they should bow before Hitler. Winston Churchill's response was clear: this seeming defeat will not define us. We are defined by something else, and so we will fight. We shall never surrender.

It is a question that Canadians are dealing with in our contemporary world. As the United States threatens to redraw the nation's borders and wants to make the northern nation the 51st State, Canadians must face a question of identity. Who are we? Could we be Americans, or would something valuable be lost? After all, a lot of Canadians are displaced Americans. My ancestors moved north from the New York area, albeit before either Canada or the United States were independent nations. If you are wondering, Canadians are answering that question with a resounding response that while they are comfortable being friends with the United States, they have no desire to become part of their southern neighbor. 

It was a tricky question that Israel had to answer. Who are we? Are we desert nomads? We have lived that way for the last forty years. Is that the definition of who we are? Are we runaway slaves? We have spent generations living as Egyptian slaves. Is that who we are?

God commands Israel to choose twelve men from among you, a leader from each tribe, and send them back into the river to discover who they are. These men walked back on the dry ground that had not long ago formed the base of the Jordan River. They walked back, retracing the way they had traveled, looking back at the side of the Jordan that contained all of the lands that Israel had journeyed, extending back from the recent history of the nation to the land of Egypt. But as they walked to the center of the river, with walls of water still being held back by the priests who had first entered the river, the ones who had initially gotten their feet wet, it was becoming clear who they were. They existed as a people under God. It wasn't an imposition because God did absolutely incredible things. Israel was not a nation defined by the piece of land that they occupied but rather by the relationship they had with God.

It is a question we are still forced to answer. The world wants to define you in many ways. But who are you? Sometimes, we are defined by our children, our parents, or our spouse. Sometimes, we are defined by our position or by a unique ability. Often, we are defined by our sins, but all these answers are inadequate.

Who are we? We need to wrestle with that question. It is too easy to define ourselves in the way our society might define us. If it were possible, I wish we could imagine standing in the middle of the Jordan River, where we could pick up a rock with the priests standing beside us, holding back the raging waves. If we were standing in the Jordan, it would be hard to come to any conclusion other than that we are the children of God. We were created unique and worthy of the relationship. We are the ones Jesus died for. All of us valuable and loved? Any other answer we might come up with is inadequate. It was what Israel had to remember, and it is still the response we need to understand at the core of our beings.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 5

Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. – Joshua 3:1

Today's Scripture Reading (March 25, 2025): Joshua 3

The historian Flavius Josephus (c.37-100 C.E.) tells the story of a town "full of palm trees." The town is about nine kilometers (six miles) from the River Jordan. More importantly, this place, which is "full of palm trees," is suggested to be where Moses delivered his final addresses to the nation of Israel. Others disagree, opting for another place, Livias, about twelve kilometers from the Jordan. But wherever it was where Moses delivered his final sermons to the nation, on this morning, they set out from that place and marched over to the River Jordan.

The time had finally arrived. It was a moment that Israel had been dreaming of for over 400 years. They were finally returning to the place God had promised to Abraham five centuries earlier. However, it was also a place of faith. As Israel looked at the Jordan, which was swollen with spring rains, the crossing must have seemed impossible.

It must have seemed once more that maybe this dream was nothing more than that, a dream. Perhaps Israel would never inhabit the land. A generation earlier, Israel had said no to the Promised Land because of the giants that lived there, and the task of taking the land seemed too difficult. Now, the river itself seemed to be standing against them. God was not going to make this easy. Getting into the land would take a significant amount of faith. 

Maybe you could swim the river if you were a strong swimmer and courageous enough to attempt the feat. 1 Chronicles tells the story of the Gadites who had done just that. 

These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. It was they who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight everyone living in the valleys, to the east and to the west (1 Chronicles 12:14-15).

But the people standing on the banks of the Jordan on this day were not the legendary army commanders that would later arise from their midst. The people standing at the Jordan's edge likely didn't even know how to swim. Not only that, but standing on the shore of the Jordan River was not just an army, and they weren't all adults; here, there were children of all ages, and likely even babies who had been born in the last few days and weeks. And somehow, all these people had to cross the swollen river safely. 

It was a moment of faith that was just as critical a test for Israel as the one they had failed forty years earlier. Once again, they would be asked to place their trust in the hands of their God, understanding that he could lead them where they needed to go, even when things seemed impossible. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 4

When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. – Joshua 2:11

Today's Scripture Reading (March 24, 2025): Joshua 2

The story of the Exodus sometimes leads us to believe that Israel’s escape from Egypt was a singular event. But I am convinced that this is not true. The Exodus tells the story of the core segment of the Hebrew population being moved from Egypt to Canaan. But I believe there had always been a trickle of people out of Egypt: a family here, a single person there, who disappeared from Egypt and made their way to Canaan. They probably weren’t noticed immediately, and by the time they were missed, it wasn’t worth the effort for Egypt to chase after them. The unlucky ones were likely caught and killed, a fate shared by many escaping slaves in history. But those who succeeded in escaping Egypt found themselves looking for new places to live in cities like Jericho, building new homes among people they did not know. These people became the source for the stories that Rahab had heard, that the King of Jericho had heard, and the people had heard. The exploits of the God of Israel were told around fires late at night and around mealtimes between friends. 

As a result of these stories, an interest was built up around these obscure people. Travelers would stop by with new stories of this people of God. The people of Jericho probably knew that Israel was approaching. Armchair experts strategized where Israel might cross the Jordan and what cities might be in the way of this approaching nation. They knew that Israel was on their way to Canaan, and they had heard the rumor that God had given this group of formerly enslaved people the land on which they lived. And the closer they got, the more fearful they became. Their hearts melted, and they were paralyzed by fear, and their courage melted away.

Bad fear always has this tendency to paralyze. We stop doing the things we know we should do. We put off that visit to the doctor or refuse to share our resume with potential employers because it is not quite ready. We delay applying to the college we want to attend. Bad fear tends to paralyze us until it is too late. Fear of failure often results in a lack of action. It is something Rahab knew that she had to avoid. 

One of my favorite historical people is Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, better known to most of us as the Queen Mother because two Queen Elizabeths alive at once would be confusing. From the day of her coronation alongside her husband, she was known as Queen Elizabeth. After King George VI died in 1952 and Queen Elizabeth II took the throne, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon became known as simply the Queen Mother. 

But George and Elizabeth shared the throne during the entire Second World War. At the beginning of the war, Elizabeth was misunderstood. She would often be criticized for showing up at bomb sites dressed in her best finery. But she argued that the people who came to see her always wore their best clothes, even if their best was not very good. And she refused not to pay them the same compliment. 

At the beginning of the war, the East end of London took the brunt of the German bombings, And Elizabeth was there to help out. It wasn’t long before Buckingham Palace became a target. Buckingham Palace was bombed by the Germans several times at the height of the Battle of Britain, and it was bombed while the Royal Family was in residence. Elizabeth’s famous quote after the first bombing of the Palace was, "I'm glad we've been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face." There was pressure on Elizabeth to move temporarily to Canada with her two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, but Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon refused. She finally conceded to move her family away from Buckingham Palace. The Palace had several unusable rooms and windows that had to be boarded up, so the family took up residence in Windsor Castle, about 30 km away. During the day, George and Elizabeth continued to work at Buckingham Palace, but at night, they would go and stay with their children at Windsor Castle. Dignitaries are said to have complained because George and Elizabeth lived, by choice, under the same rations as the people.

I think too often we hear the words of Jesus as he says fear not, and somehow believe that he is saying that there is nothing to fear. But I am not sure that that is it. As the waves crashed around the boat on the Sea of Galilee, there was lots to fear. Denying fear exists is never wise. But knowing that bad fear is the enemy of courage, we can stand amid that melting fear when our courage has failed and declare that we serve a God who is more significant than even that fear. Rahab seemed to understand that principle and trusted in the God of these escaping slaves.

It is interesting to me that Rahab, this Gentile prostitute, actually quotes Deuteronomy in vs. 11. Rahab’s words are, “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below (Joshua 2:11). Compare Rahab’s words of with those of Moses in Deuteronomy 4.

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time (Deuteronomy 4:39-40).

Rahab had decided to do precisely that. To “acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” Even though she probably was facing the most significant fear she had ever known in her life, Rahab trusted in this God, who, until now, she had known only in the stories of escaped enslaved people coming out of Egypt.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Joshua 3

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. – Joshua 1:7

Today's Scripture Reading (March 23, 2025): Joshua 1

I am a bit of a Queen fan. How do you not at least respect a guy with a four-octave vocal range? I sometimes struggle with an octave and a half. But Freddie Mercury, Queen's lead singer, was incredible. Unfortunately, Mercury died of an AIDS-related illness on November 24, 1991. However, what has always amazed me about Freddie Mercury was that he was an introvert. The flamboyant image that he portrayed on the stage was nothing more than a stage persona. Freddie Mercury offstage was very different from the rock star his fans watched perform in concert.

You will find me if you google my name, but you will have to search a little. The top Google search response for my name is a Freddie Mercury impersonator. Gary Mullen is the lead singer for a Queen tribute band called "The Works." But the reality is that my long-lost cousin, who possesses the same name, except that I think he spells Garry with only one R, had to learn to be Freddie Mercury. But that shouldn't surprise us; Freddie Mercury had to learn how to be Freddie. 

I grew up loving a singer whose name is Vincent Furnier. Admittedly, probably only hardcore fans know him by that name, but it is the name with whom this singer self-identifies. Vincent grew up the son of a pastor, which in some ways is weird because Christians often refuse to listen to Vincent Furnier's music. You know Vincent, but by a different name: most of us know him as Alice Cooper. But Alice Cooper is not who he is, not really. Alice is a character that Vincent Furnier plays on stage. In fact, Alice Cooper was originally the band that Vincent Furnier sang for. Today, Vincent Furnier pays his old band members a fee to use the name. But it is not who he is. A few years ago, Furnier said that he had hoped to play the part of Alice Cooper for six years past the retirement of Mick Jagger, who is six years older than he is; Furnier refuses to be beaten out in longevity by someone like Jagger. But when the day comes, when Vincent Furnier puts down the makeup never to become Alice Cooper again, he hopes someone else will pick up the character.

I have often admitted that I am an introvert and extremely shy. Those who know me best agree. Some question how an introvert does some of the things I do, but that has never been a problem for me. My problem has always been what I am supposed to do when I walk off of the platform. Meetings have always been a problem for me. Unscripted gatherings are also a problem. I am more comfortable sitting behind a computer and writing down my thoughts. However, I have learned to play the part of a pastor because I believe that God has called me to this task. It is the same journey that Freddie Mercury and the other Gary Mullen have to make on their way to becoming the stage persona of Freddie Mercury, and it is the same process that Vincent Furnier has to go through in putting on the character of Alice Cooper. It is a process because, deep down, we aren't that.

Repeatedly, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Why? Because in this moment, strong and courageous are the last things that he is. At this moment, he realizes that he will have to put on a costume and face the fear that could very well keep him in the background. Deep down, everything inside Joshua is screaming at him, saying it was supposed to be Moses doing this, not him.

The idea that everything in life is supposed to be easy and done naturally is wrong. Life is hard because we aren't something, but we know we have to be. The reason for this is relatively simple. We are in process; stretching to be more and more like who God desires us to be.

There are always some things that we have to just step up and do. It is not because of a lack of faith that we are sometimes scared. It is a lack of faith when we can't move past that fear and be strong and courageous because God asks us to and promises to be with us. I am convinced that at this moment, Joshua was both a man of faith and scared out of his boots. But the man of faith would not allow fear to stop him. And so, he put on courage, just like Vincent Furnier puts on Alice Cooper, or Gary Mullen (with one r) puts on Freddie Mercury. Joshua would focus on the things of God and not on what the world would throw at him to stop him. He would become God's person, regardless of who he felt he was. As he met the future, he would be strong and courageous, even when that was the last thing Joshua felt he was. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 2

Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses. – Deuteronomy 34:9

Today's Scripture Reading (March 22, 2025): Deuteronomy 34

If there is one thing Moses did right, it was this: He trained a successor who would take over after him. It is the one thing that Joshua didn't do. Joshua failed to prepare the nation for a time after Joshua had stepped down from his position of leadership, and because of that, Israel struggled.

Many years ago, I saw a cartoon picturing an older woman in a church going to the pastor's office to tell him how to do his job. The pastor did nothing the way Pastor Smith had completed the task. And so, she wanted to set the new pastor straight. Finally, the pastor had had enough, and he walked over to the corner of his office and grabbed a shovel. The final frame contained these words: "I agree that Pastor Smith was a great pastor. Here is a shovel; why don't you go and dig him up."

The truth is that God's focus extends beyond us. As a result, our focus also needs to extend beyond our current circumstances. We must plan for what comes next, even though we know we may not be part of that future. 

My first ministry position was as a bi-vocational (which meant I had a "real job" along with the job of being a pastor). And I remember my farewell from that position. After the obligatory singing of Michael W. Smith's Friends, the Christian Goodbye song, someone got up to say some words of encouragement, except that they weren't all that encouraging. A parent of one of the teens rose and declared, "Now we get to see if what you built here is of God or just the result of the strength of personality." While the words were scary, I understood the intent. God's plan stretched beyond me to something totally new. But it is not a question that we ask very often. We seem to believe that our purpose here ends when we leave. However, that is not a God way of speaking. 

Here is the truth. Moses's true power was not revealed in the first forty years of his life. Then, Moses held the power that we often dream of, but that wasn't the power Moses required for the task God was about to place before the prophet. The power of Moses was also not the miracles he performed in the last third of his life and his true power had nothing to do with the shepherding of sheep in the middle third, although all of that shaped Moses into the man he was. Moses's true power was in the legacy that he left for Israel to follow.

His legacy would have been different if Moses had died at forty or eighty. The Moses that we remember, the legacy of Moses that has led Israel for millennia, was forged in those last years of his life. The legacy of Moses was forged in those moments when Moses, the ruler, and Moses, the shepherd, let go of all that was inside of him and allowed God the privilege to be the power within him. Not that Moses didn't make mistakes. The very reason that Moses was not going to enter the Promised Land was because of one of Moses's moments where he made a mistake and refused to let God rule. But in the end, what we remember about Moses was that he allowed the power of God to shine through him.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 1

He was king over Jeshurun when the leaders of the people assembled, along with the tribes of Israel. – Deuteronomy 33:5

Today's Scripture Reading (March 21, 2025): Deuteronomy 33

The history of the kings of many nations is often an interesting read. I recently took a journey back through the Kings of England, which is admittedly a favorite subject of mine. I followed the Kings of England as they extended back through time and morphed out of the Kings of Wessex, who ruled over the Southernmost portion of England. I continued through these Kings until I came to Cerdic of Wessex, the first to claim the title of King of Wessex. His father is listed as a man named Elesa, who some have identified as Elasius, the "Chief of the Region," although he never claimed the title of King. But, as seems to be confirmed with so many of these early kings, if we go back further up the family tree, it isn't long before we come to the gods. For Cerdic, the god he claims further up his family tree is Woden, another name for the Norse god Odin. So, Odin is the originator of the Cerdic family line and the ultimate king over Wessex.

We are entering into the blessings that Moses speaks over the tribes of Israel. As is true in several other passages, it begins with an introduction that was likely written by someone else, although it appears to be from Moses in the text. The problem with Moses writing this first portion is that he is named in the third person, which is unusual, and the passage appears to be something that is said about Moses rather than by Moses. 

A second reason to argue that this was written by someone else is the assertion made in this verse: "He was king over Jeshurun." First, we must deal with the word Jeshurun. Jeshurun simply indicates "the righteous." However, the next question is the identity of the person this passage indicates was king over the righteous. There are two possibilities, one of which is God, and the other is the aforementioned Moses.

As I read the passage, it seems that it is Moses who the author is calling king. The passage flows better if we assume that Moses is who the author is calling king. But it flows even better If we compare verse 5 with verse 26. While verse 5 states, "He (maybe Moses) was king over Jeshurun" with an emphasis on the "was," verse 26 makes the following statement; "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun" with a focus on the "is." Moses was king, but God continues to reign over Jeshurun."

But if Moses is indicated to be the first king of Israel, a title he never claimed, it is significant that none of the Kings of Israel claimed to be descendants of Moses. This appears to be an honorary title given to Moses after his death, while God continued to be the King over all of Israel. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 34

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. – Deuteronomy 32:2

Today's Scripture Reading (March 20, 2025): Deuteronomy 32

Spring is coming. I often remark that I live in a part of the world that has four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and construction. Of the four seasons, I like the season of construction the best. As an urban dweller, I also freely admit that what I like and hope for in that season is an abundance of warm and sunny days. I want days that will allow me to ride my e-bike to work or even go sightseeing around the city. I want to spend time on my deck reading a book and other activities I can't do in the other dominant seasons. (I know construction companies desire the same thing so that they can get their various projects finished, which always seems to get finished faster in the sunshine than they do in the rain.) But there is another truth that I also know, even from my perch in the city. Here it is; all sunshine and no rain results in a desert. As much as the rain might curtail my summer activities, we need the rain, especially the gentle showers and morning dew of the summer months. Showers are essential to the health of everything on which my life depends.

Moses uses the same illustration to describe what he hopes his teachings, coming straight from the hand of God, will do for the people. In the years to come, as the nation begins life in a new land, he wants these teachings to descend on the people, like the dew that is present every morning and the showers that come throughout the growing season. Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) makes this observation;

It is good preaching, and good hearing too, when the gospel comes like a gentle shower which saturates and soaks into the soil, and refreshes and makes it fruitful; may God the Holy Spirit make it to be so whenever we gather together for worship (Charles Spurgeon)!

Every teacher hopes that what we teach not only comes from God but that it also falls on those who hear us and on our own hearts like a gentle shower, nurturing the growth that we need for life and carrying us into a healthy future filled with growth. It is a thought that is repeated by the Prophet Isaiah. 

As the rain and the snow

    come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

    without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

    It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 33

The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. – Deuteronomy 31:3

Today's Scripture Reading (March 19, 2025): Deuteronomy 31

Most of us know that George Washington was the United States' first President. A fact that surprised me was that while the Colonies declared their independence on July 2, 1776 (Yes, that date is correct; the colonies declared their independence on July 2, but the Declaration of Independence was ratified two days later on July 4, 1776), and while the revolutionary war was fought from 1775-1783, George Washington, the first President of the nation did not begin his first term until 1789. The first President of the United States didn't start to serve his first term until thirteen years after the birth of the nation and six years after the end of the Revolutionary War. Washington is often near the top of the list of Best Presidents. I know President Trump believes that his name should be near the top of this list, but instead, most political scholars rank him closer to the bottom; a CBS poll from 2022 ranks him 43rd out of 47, which is three spots below William Henry Harrison who was President for only 32 days (Harrison died in office).

Recently, the idea that Washington owned slaves has caused some to sour on Washington's time as President. However, he deserves some credit not just because he was first but because he led the nation without the budget or power given to a modern-day President. The country was still trying to figure out what it was that they wanted the President to do. 

For me, one of the more significant questions concerns who led the nation in the thirteen years before Washington took over as President. The answer is that the country was led by the Congress of the Federation, a group made up of delegates from the thirteen colonies. This group of leaders chose the President of the Continental Congress from among its members. Cyrus Griffin from Virginia was the last President of the Continental Congress; Griffin yielded power to Washington as the First President of the United States.

Moses led Israel out of Egypt. One of the questions we might ask is, who did he replace? Was there someone who led the people before Moses? Some believe there may have been a group of Tribal leaders, like the Continental Congress, who led the nation during their time in Egypt. However, most of the people Moses spoke to had known only Moses as their leader. Now, Israel was beginning the first change in leadership they had known during their lifetime. The nation's new leader was going to be Joshua, a man whom Moses had trained for this very task. However, Moses needed to assure the people that Israel had always been designed as a theocracy. God was the true leader during the time of Moses, and he would continue to lead the nation when Joshua took the helm. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 32

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. – Deuteronomy 30:19

Today's Scripture Reading (March 18, 2025): Deuteronomy 30

Sixth Century B.C.E. philosopher Heraclitus wrote, "The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think and what you do is who you become." Little is known about this Pre-Socratic Philosopher. All that has survived to this day are fragments of a single work. Yet, we believe that he was critical of human society and deeply distrusted people. Going back to the content of the above quote, it seems that he thought that the significant people of power of his day had made negative choices that had formed their character. 

As I look at the current political situation, I see that there seems to be heightened importance placed on what is expedient. It is not that expediency hasn't always been part of the political landscape. However, in the past, some would always stand up and say, "This isn't right." Someone always seemed to make the hard decisions and what we might even label the moral choices. Those people don't seem to be present anymore. The party line and the expedient choice seem to reign. When we evaluate our politicians' character, part of that character's foundation is how often they make the hard decisions and have chosen what is right over what is expedient.

In Near East writings, we often find the witnesses are the gods who ruled over the nations involved. But Moses does not call on God and his angels, or even demons, to witness the covenant he is putting forth. Instead, he calls on creation to witness the promise. He tells Israel that they can choose life and live or what is expedient and struggle. But Moses stresses that the choice is theirs to make.  

I love Adam Clarke's (1762-1832) comment on this passage. "Man is accountable for his actions, because they are his; were he necessitated by fate, or sovereign constraint, they could not be his" (Adam Clarke, italics his). The idea is that we are culpable for our actions because we really do make the choice. If fate were even partially responsible, which seems to be in vogue in our current climate, then we could not be held accountable for what we do and, by extension, our character development. But that is not true. We are free to choose what we will do, whether we make the hard choices or expedient ones. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 31

Moses summoned all the Israelites and said to them: Your eyes have seen all that the LORD did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials and to all his land. – Deuteronomy 29:2

Today's Scripture Reading (March 17, 2025): Deuteronomy 29

A. W. Tozer commented, "God never uses anyone greatly until He tests them deeply." If you are being tested, then God might have a significant plan for your life. Trials are often a sign that God wants to use us. Of course, we have to accept the invitation. Maybe the most remarkable biblical example of this principle is seen in the life of Job. Job has greatly encouraged many of us who have gone through significant trials. He was tested deeply but is also an example of what we can do even amid trials.

There are passages in the Bible that I struggle with, and this statement in Deuteronomy is one of them. However, admittedly, it is only a problem if you believe that every statement in the Bible has to be literally true and the entire truth. Moses appears to argue that Israel should follow the directive of God because they have been witnesses to all that God has done. And he points back to all that God did when the Israelites were still captives in Egypt. The problem is that it isn't entirely true, and I am sure it will anger some readers. Some did remember all of these things. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb saw and remembered everything God had done. Beyond them, the older members of the society, probably those older than about forty-five, would have remembered the things that God had done in Egypt, the plagues that he brought on the land, the miracle at the Red Sea, and the meeting that took place between Moses and God on the Mount Sinai. Those who were at least forty-five at the time would have been young children during these early events of the Exodus. As Moses spoke to Israel, his audience would have mostly been young; few members of this audience would have been much over fifty. This group did not remember Egypt very well, and most would have no memory of Egypt at all, only recalling the wilderness through which the nation had been traveling.

However, that doesn't mean that they had no memory of the miracles of God. All of their lives had been filled with miracles and the movement of God among the people. They had seen the manna every morning and knew the providence of God every night. They had also heard the stories the elders told of the miracles that had taken place in Egypt in the time before their young lives had begun. 

The journey was almost over, but a time of significant testing was on the horizon. The people had depended on God in the past and needed to rely on him in the coming days. They would need all the faith that they could muster from what the people had experienced, as well as the stories that had been told if they hoped to survive the coming days.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. – Deuteronomy 28:6

Today's Scripture Reading (March 16, 2025): Deuteronomy 28

The Covid-19 pandemic gave fruitful ground for many conspiracy theories. In defense of these theories, a lot of the early beliefs about the pandemic were confusing. Some have argued that the officials during that time lied to us, but that seems unlikely. The reality was that they were acting on incomplete knowledge. Their advice changed over time because they began to understand the virus better, just as they should have. There is no doubt that many mistakes were made, and the only way forward is not to blame each other for those wrong turns but to forgive those on the other side.

There were a few things that helped fuel the conspiracy theories. One is simply the infrequency of pandemics. Pandemics come around about every hundred years. Regardless of what some people might think, we knew this one was coming. This foreknowledge highlighted another problem that helped the conspiracy theorists; we had had a few missteps in recent years. Viruses we thought were the expected pandemic proved not to be. However, those false steps proved to be fatal mistakes for some who came to believe that Covid-19 was just another false step. 

However, Covid-19 proved to be the real thing. And all of these conditions caused rumors and false beliefs to multiply. Some still believe in these false teachings. I am thankful for even the conflicting advice released during the pandemic. I think I am alive because of the abundance of caution health officials gave about the pandemic. 

One of the more damaging conspiracy theories concerned the mRNA vaccine. The vaccine still produces intense feelings of disdain from many people. Many wonder how we developed the vaccine in such a short time. The truth is that we had the general structure of the vaccine long before the pandemic struck. It was new technology simply waiting for a virus against which we could test it. The vaccine performed just as the experts hoped it would, likely a result of more than just a little luck.

The mRNA vaccine was new. And some misunderstood what it did. Some came to believe that the mRNA vaccine changed our DNA. These people argued that because of the change in DNA, people who received the vaccine were no longer human. And because we are no longer human, the blood of Christ no longer saves us. Some still maintain that if you have taken an mRNA vaccine, then you are a sinner, and the sacrifice of Jesus no longer covers your life. 

For those who believe this, I have some good news if you will receive it from me. First, the mRNA vaccine did nothing to your DNA. However, even if it did, Jesus still died for you. I love the closing words of the story of Jonah. It is the voice of God that closes out the story. Listen to what he says. 

But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals" (Jonah 4:10-11)?

Not only does God care about the people living in Nineveh, but his concern extends to the animals living in the city or those with less than human DNA. But maybe even more critical is this promise in Deuteronomy. "You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out" (Deuteronomy 28:6). Don't take this promise lightly because the phrase "when you come in and blessed when you go out" covers every action that we could take as humans. We need to take the Apostle Paul's words to heart because not even a vaccine can separate us from God's plan of redemption for us.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 29

Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: "Keep all these commands that I give you today. – Deuteronomy 27:1

Today's Scripture Reading (March 15, 2025): Deuteronomy 27

I recently had an interaction with someone I hadn't had contact with in almost two decades. As my friend phrased it, we had lost track of where the other had ended up. Then, suddenly, circumstances threw us together again. Part of our interaction was just catching up on what the other was doing. Both of us had left the charity with which we had been associated when we first met. My friend had left his position due to a conflict with the board of the charity he had worked for and decided to take a position in the private sector; I had left to start another charity. And so, we connected from our new positions.

One question that caught me off guard, but maybe shouldn't have, was whether I still worked with a board. As a charity, that relationship is mandated, but maybe his bad experience with a board member provided the foundation for the question; he couldn't imagine working with a board again. Mostly, I have enjoyed generally good interactions with the boards with whom I have journeyed. However, a relationship with a board requires a lot of hard work. It can be rewarding, but it is also very demanding.

My friend had experienced the demanding, but not the rewarding, experience that results from working with a board. So, he had left the world of boards for the world of CEOs and CFOs who could be negotiated and compromised with, but it was a world that minimized the whims and changes that often come with elected boards and their chairpeople.

Sometimes, I wonder how the early society of Israel functioned. There is little doubt that its leader was Moses, sometimes assisted by his brother Aaron. But early on, it appears that the board may have reared its head. It was one of those times when the leader and the board were not on the same page. The project was the entrance into the Promised Land. Men spied out the land and then returned, and the project was put to a vote of the board—the motion to enter Canaan was what Moses, essentially the board chair, was recommending. However, the motion was defeated by this elder's board by a vote of 10-2. As a result of this vote, Israel spent almost the next forty years wandering in the wilderness. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us that boards don't always get it right.

With this verse, Moses begins his third and final sermon delivered to the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. And this is the only place in his Deuteronomic sermons where Moses emphasizes that he and the elders or the board are in agreement. There wouldn't be a replay of what happened decades earlier when Israel attempted to enter Canaan. Then Moses and the leaders had not agreed, but there would be no dissenting votes on this day. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28

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 … - Deuteronomy 26:1

Today's Scripture Reading (March 14, 2025): Deuteronomy 26

I have been giving a lot of thought to how we phrase things. I have a friend who is struggling with life. He has convinced himself that he can't achieve what he wants in life. And I get it. I remember when I felt the same way. And I remember the moment when I decided that I was going to do something. At the time, I made a few decisions for my own life. 

The first thing I decided was regardless of whether I thought I was going to succeed, I was going to persist. Honestly, this blog grew out of a decision that I would persist in doing something. If I was going to fail, it couldn't be because I didn't try. It is something that I have to remind myself of every day. Don't give up or hide in a video game or under the covers. Do it! Work at it! Decide that even if you fail, you will not stop trying.

Another thing I decided was that I needed to name the challenges I was facing. We can only overcome the obstacles we are willing to name and confront. If we ignore the challenges, the reality is that they will always be with us. But if we confront the challenges, we at least have a chance to devise a solution to get us past the challenge permanently. For me, part of the challenge was my education. I desperately wanted to get my Master's Degree in Theology. I remember a conversation with an American University I wanted to attend to get my Master's Degree. The rep from the University (Northwest Nazarene University – NNU) in Idaho was blunt: I would never be able to get my Master's Degree. I wasn't smart enough. It was a challenge, and I named it until I earned my Master's degree a few years later. I found the solution only because I recognized the challenge, and yes, a big part of me would love to find that adviser at NNU and wave my degree in front of him. This blog post is likely the closest I will ever get to doing that. 

We also need to break the task up into manageable steps. We never make any journey worth chasing in a single leap; I am not Superman, leaping buildings in a single jump. But I can make steps toward the goal regularly. I may not reach my goal quickly, but I will get there.

I really believe that last point, I will get there, and so will you. Believe it, picture it, and know you can do it, even when people on the outside doubt it. People doubting me has been a major driver in my life. I admit it. 

I love what Moses tells Israel here. Deuteronomy is made up of the last addresses of Moses to the People of Israel. Entrance into the Promised Land is now just around the corner. Moses knows he will not be making the journey, although part of me thinks that Moses will watch from his perch on a mountain as he sees the people enter the Promised Land. There are still many challenges in front of this nation of the formerly enslaved. Giants are in the land, and even the river they must cross is at flood stage. Israel doesn't know all of the challenges that lay ahead. Yet, Moses makes this statement. "When you have entered the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance." There is no question here. You will enter the land. There have been a lot of small steps and even some missteps. Yet, there is certainty in Moses's mind: this will happen. And when you cross into the land God is giving you, this is what I want you to remember. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 27

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. – Deuteronomy 25:1

Today's Scripture Reading (March 13, 2025): Deuteronomy 25

I grew up in an age of comic books. I read a lot of them. Yes, there was the Archie Comics that I occasionally enjoyed, but I read a lot of Marvel and DC comics. I loved Spiderman, but also Nova and the Fantastic Four. I read Batman and Superman Comics. And often not just once but over and over again. One thing I liked about Comics is that good was good, and on the other side of the coin, bad was bad. Even when J. Jonah Jamieson was screaming about that "no good Spiderman" being in "cahoots with the villains" that threatened the city, you knew beyond a doubt that he was wrong. Spiderman was good; he fought against evil. And there was no doubt about who was good and who represented societal evil. 

As I grew older, I think this same need for things to be good and bad drove me to the writings of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. They seemed to have a solid grasp of what was good and evil. It is what appears to be missing in today's environment. We no longer have an idea of good and evil. Instead, we seem to have people trying to sell us something they want us to believe is good or bad. We are sold on the idea that "Libs" are evil and must be opposed, jailed, and maybe even executed. The same goes for the "radical right." But this isn't the truth. The "Libs" on the left and the "conservatives" on the right just come from a different worldview. Both may be led into illegal behavior, but neither is intrinsically moral or evil. 

Several years ago, I wrote about the following observation;

It appears that the United States of America has restored the Monarchy that it ran from a little more than two hundred years ago. In a land that had maintained for decades that Lady Justice was blind, we are now waking up to a new truth. The Lady has undergone radical eye surgery and regained her sight … the King is above all of this petty justice argument … because the verdict doesn't matter in the end. Lady Justice has regained her eyesight, and the King has decided that all he has to do is to pardon himself if it happens that he is found guilty. Of course, the King is pretty sure that won't happen now that Lady Justice has regained her eyesight. After all, he is white, male, and rich. If Lady Justice sees him, she will not dare to stand against him (Garry Mullen, June 23, 2018).

I have to admit that, as I wrote those words, I hoped I was wrong. But I probably feel it more today than I did almost seven years ago. The darkness is closing in. This passage tells us what Judges are supposed to be. They are to acquit the innocent and condemn the evil. They need to be blind, but I am afraid they aren't. Lady Justice still has her sight, and judges often condemn those they don't like rather than those who commit crimes. And that needs to change, or the end of our society is close at hand.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26

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. – Deuteronomy 24:6

Today's Scripture Reading (March 12, 2025): Deuteronomy 24

It can be found in the opening scene of the animated Christmas movie, “The Star.” The viewer is introduced to two of the main characters: Dave, a dove with an attitude voiced by comedian Keegan Michael-Key, and his best friend, Boaz, a donkey with a dream voiced by actor Steven Yeun. As the story opens, only Dave is free; Boaz is a captive and tied to a millstone in a barn. The idea of a millstone is that it grinds the wheat, allowing the flour to be separated from the husk, and then the flour can be collected at the edges of the stone. Millstones come in pairs. The bottom millstone is fixed and stationary. The upper millstone is made to rotate on top of the bottom, stationary stone. 

In the movie, Boaz’s captivity includes being tied to a millstone and forced to walk in a circle as the upper millstone grinds the wheat on the lower stone, making flour for Boaz’s owner. But Bo dreams of a day when he and Dave can quite literally escape the grind and join the Royal Caravan. Spoiler alert: Bo and Dave do escape the grind but become part of a very different Royal journey with a rather unamused Joseph, who thinks Boaz is relatively useless, and a caring and very pregnant Mary. Boaz still dreams of the Royal Caravan, but as he realizes who the baby is, Bo becomes aware that he has carried the Son of God on his back. Bo also realizes there is no place the clumsy donkey would rather be than with Mary and her baby. 

Millstones are not something we are acquainted with in our contemporary society but have been common throughout history. Sometimes, donkeys like Boaz, oxen, or some other beasts of burden were used to rotate the upper stone in the process. At other times, the task was given to servants or enslaved people. In each circumstance, the task was necessary to provide the flour needed to create the food the people needed to eat. 

Moses instructs Israel that if someone comes to you for a loan, you can take something as a pledge or collateral that ensures the person intends to repay the loan. But the Bible says that the things that could be taken as collateral must be unessential possessions, things not needed for day-to-day life. The list of things essential to life that could not be taken as collateral included the millstones, or even just the upper millstone which would likely be easier to remove than the bottom or fixed millstone. The problem was that even if just the upper millstone were missing, the person would not be able to make the flour needed to provide food for the family. God’s intention is that we should never take advantage of people going through rough times. When you loan someone money, the biblical instruction is to never take advantage of them. You should also not make them feel guilty because they owe you money. If God has given you the ability to help, then help and give God the praise for allowing you to be of service. Because, in the end, it all belongs to him anyway.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 25

Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them. – Deuteronomy 23:16

Today's Scripture Reading (March 11, 2025): Deuteronomy 23

North American slavery was essentially enslaving a race. Slaves were black, and often, they were enslaved by their own people. Wealthy or powerful black warlords would go on slaving raids in Western Africa, capturing and bringing these slaves to the coast, where they would be sold to the white slavers who had brought their ships to the African coast. As a result, slavery in some places in Western Africa almost caused the eradication of people. It was too dangerous if you were not among the ruling tribes to exist in that area of the continent, and sometimes, it was risky even if you were part of the ruling tribe. As a result, vulnerable tribes and people were driven east against their will.

Part of what we often forget is that because slavery involved a race of people, to be free and black was also very dangerous. Stories abound of formerly enslaved people who were attacked in "The New World" and sold back into slavery. It was one reason why formerly enslaved people often chose to remain with the family that had once enslaved them. It was safer to stay among the people you once served than to strike out alone.

Slavery, as described in the Bible, was often slightly different from that experienced in North America. However, understanding that the practice of slavery was different, the slavery that Israel suffered through in Egypt was probably closer to the experience of slavery in the Caribbean and the Southern United States than anywhere else in the world of that day. In Egypt, it was racial (Jews were the ones who were enslaved), it was slavery for life, and children seemed to be born into slavery.

There is another implication when we look at this passage from a distance. Theologians often remind us that the expectation here would seem to only apply to foreign enslaved people. That makes sense. But as Moses speaks, there weren't any enslaved people in Israel. Israel was a nation of escaped slaves who did not want to go back to that existence, not a nation that enslaved others. Every enslaved person Israel would encounter at this time would have belonged to someone else, maybe even a non-Jewish slave from Egypt. Moses insists that they were to treat these enslaved people as they wished others had treated them when they were enslaved, allowing them to live in their cities, not returning them to their masters or oppressing them. 

This passage also appears to foreshadow a time when slavery would not be an acceptable practice, a time when every human being was born and lived free. 

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 24

Personal Note: Happy Birthday to my Dad.

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. – Deuteronomy 22:7

Today's Scripture Reading (March 10, 2025): Deuteronomy 22

In 1765, Great Britain's government enacted the first of the Quartering Acts. These Acts required the citizens of the thirteen colonies to help feed and lodge British soldiers in public buildings if there was no more room left at the local barracks. After the events of the Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773), where British Tea was thrown into the Boston Harbor to protest the British Parliament's tea tax and demanded "No taxation without representation," the Quartering Act was expanded to include housing soldiers in private homes. It is important to note that no British troops were ever quartered in inhabited homes. But the ability was there. As a result, James Madison introduced the third amendment to the American Constitution. 

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

It is an amendment that we don't hear about very often. It definitely doesn't have the status of the first (religious freedom and free speech) or second (Right to possess and bear arms) amendments to the Constitution. Some have gone even further and called the third amendment the most useless of all the 27 ratified amendments to the American Constitution. It has never been used as a prime determinant in any court trial. It is not that the sentiment stated in the amendment is not appropriate. Who knows, with the current unrest that exists between the United States and its two neighbors, Mexico and Canada, more troops may be needed to protect the borders of the United States even in peacetime. However, quartering an army in private homes against the owners' wishes still seems unrealistic. The third amendment really appears to be useless.   

Of the 613 Jewish laws, rabbis have considered this command to be the least essential law God gave to his people. Essentially, it demands kindness of the followers of God toward a bird. Some have extrapolated the law given here to apply to all animal life. Maybe this law doesn't measure up to "Love the Lord your God with everything that you are and your neighbor as yourself," but kindness is never wasted, even if it is directed toward a bird in trouble. Yet, the rabbis note that even this, which is the least of the commandments, is accompanied by a blessing; "so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life."

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 23

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. – Deuteronomy 21:17

Today's Scripture Reading (March 9, 2025): Deuteronomy 21

If the Bible says it once, then we must follow that instruction. It is the answer that I often receive from people who disagree with some of my theology. The idea seems to be that we, as Christians, follow the entire Law of God. My problem is that I am not convinced that that is true. Not only are we very selective in the laws that we follow, but there are laws that prominent people in the Bible ignore, seemingly without penalty from God. Maybe that is why Jesus stresses the Law of love in his teaching. I don't understand the reason for some of these laws, but there is definitely movement within the Bible and its collection of laws. 

One of my favorite examples of this concept of movement is the plight of eunuchs in the Bible. Deuteronomy gives us firm instructions about the treatment of eunuchs. "No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 23:1). The Law is straightforward. If you are a eunuch, you are to be excluded from the community of God, or at the very least, you may not enter the Temple, the center of religious life in Judaism. However, centuries later, Isaiah would temper these instructions. 

            For this is what the LORD says:

                "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,

                    who choose what pleases me

                    and hold fast to my covenant—

                to them I will give within my Temple and its walls

                    a memorial and a name

                    better than sons and daughters;

                I will give them an everlasting name

                    that will endure forever (Isaiah 56:4-5).

Okay, eunuchs still can't enter the assembly of God, but there is a memorial for them that is better than children. According to Isaiah, these eunuchs are worthy of honor. It appears to be a significant change from Deuteronomy 23. 

But the Bible isn't finished. The Christian Testament adds to the story of another eunuch. In Acts 8, Philip interacts with an Ethiopian eunuch. And the eunuch has a question. "As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized'" (Acts 8:36). My answer would go back to Deuteronomy 23, but Philip baptizes the eunuch with the approval of God. What is stated clearly in Deuteronomy 23 seems to be forgotten in Acts 8.

Moses gives these instructions when it comes to providing inheritances to children. The instruction is that the oldest child would receive a "double portion." This meant that if you had four kids, you divided your inheritance into five portions, two of which would be given to the oldest and one to each of the other children. The reason was that the oldest would also receive the farm as well as the liabilities and servants that went with it. The oldest received the extra inheritance but also the added responsibilities. But we no longer follow this advice because our world today is very different. My will specifies that my assets will be divided evenly among my children. 

This instruction intends to teach us to treat our children without prejudice. It is good advice. But not only do we sometimes ignore this Law to our own peril, but so did people in the Bible. Two examples come immediately to mind. The first is Joseph, Jacob's favorite son. Joseph received the double portion, not the oldest of Jacob's sons, who would have been Reuben; Joseph was son number 11, the second youngest, and yet he is the one to receive the "double portion." However, in Jacob's defense, while giving the double portion to the eldest child was the custom during Jacob's era, the Law had not yet been given to Moses. But Jacob is not the only one. Another example is King David, who gives the "double portion" to Solomon, the son of Bathsheba, and not Kileab, Adonijah, or another of Solomon's older brothers. 

So, what is the explanation? I am not sure I know, although I believe Jesus gave us a roadmap through these laws. Jesus taught us that we won't have to worry about these various laws if we love him and our neighbor. This is where our effort should be placed. If we are willing to love God and our neighbors, that will be enough.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 22