Do You Feel Like It?

  • June 16, 2023
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  • Park Forum

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 21.15-17
15 If a man has two wives, and he loves one but not the other, and both bear him sons but the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love, 16 when he wills his property to his sons, he must not give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the wife he loves in preference to his actual firstborn, the son of the wife he does not love. 17 He must acknowledge the son of his unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father’s strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.

Reflection: Do You Feel Like It?
By Allen Hamlin Jr

In the age of “you do you,” we often feel more freedom to shape our identity, and we indulge ourselves to choose our own actions and responses. As a result, many have determined that there’s no obligation to do anything that falls outside of what they want, what they’re in the mood for, or what they think reflects the self that they want to present to the world.

Even in a life of faith, it’s easy to lean on our present emotions and our sense of self-determination to undergird the nature of our prayer and worship. Should I go to church? Should I give thanks? Should I praise?

I just don’t feel like it, so I won’t.

In the midst of establishing the law of the nation, the Lord sets forth a heavy chapter featuring five intense scenarios. Deuteronomy 21 addresses unsolved murder, prisoners of war, the death of defiant children, and capital punishment.

Within this litany of legislation is one contrasting presentation (v.15-17). Rather than an occasion of death, the focus is on love. What or whom we love often drives our actions and responses.

But the Lord says this should not be the case. Regardless of which son has the father’s favor (v.15), there is a reality that drives the right response. The firstborn is the firstborn, and shouldn’t be treated otherwise according to the father’s feelings (v.16-17).

Propriety is not based on our affections. My right actions are grounded in what is real, not in what I feel.

When we look at Jesus, we know that he too is the Firstborn–of all creation. He is the Heir. Whether I feel like worshiping or obeying him, the reality of his worth doesn’t change. And the proper response for us is to give him his due.

Even when I don’t feel like it, I will.

As Deut 21 shows us, despite questions, fickle desires, favorites, frustrations, or vindictiveness, we are called to remain rightly responsive to the realities of who God is, and who we are. God is the one who makes atonement (v.8), who sets us in right relationship with himself. Those truths remain the guardrails of our responses, whatever our hearts may feel in the moment.

Our calling is to do what is right in the sight of the Lord (v.9), rather than determining for ourselves what we want our engagement with God, and the world, to be.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who trust in him! — Psalm 34.8

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 21 (Listen 3:33)
Romans 1 (Listen 5:02)

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Faith Beyond Fear

  • June 15, 2023
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  • Park Forum

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 20.1-4, 8
1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

8 Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”

Reflection: Faith Beyond Fear
By Marisa Jenkins

The Israelites battled fear. In fact, this fear was so prevalent that, prior to going into battle, the officers were instructed to ask if anyone was afraid. Those in fear were to be sent home lest their fellow soldiers become fearful too, because fear is contagious.

But why should they feel afraid? God had proven his faithfulness to his people. He delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians as he told them to be still, their Lord would fight for them. (Exodus 14.13-14) Yet they began to look down at their circumstances instead of up, trusting in their Creator to fight for them. Instead of fearing what was in the battle, the Israelite soldiers needed to trust in God who sees beyond the battle.  

It’s easy to point the finger at the fearful Israelites, but aren’t we the same way? When our circumstances crumble, we struggle to see God. In difficult situations, it’s easy to lose heart and give in to fear. Like Peter, how many times have we taken our eyes off of Christ and begun to look at the troubling circumstances surrounding us, only to begin to sink? (Matthew 14.30)

The Lord was going with the Israelites to fight against their enemies. God was calling his people to trust him and not be fainthearted or afraid. Faith looks beyond fear. This is trust, to look farther than our eyes can see.

Maybe we are not facing a physical battle against a foreign enemy but, as believers, we face many different battles each day. A loved one fighting cancer. The constant onslaught of chronic pain. A child wandering from the Lord. Fear wants to creep in. Fear wants us to take our eyes off of Jesus and place them on our own circumstances. 

Just as the Israelites needed to trust God, just as Peter needed to focus his eyes on Jesus, we too must learn to trust. Without this trust, we will sink in fear.

But we don’t have to sink. We have a Heavenly Father who goes with us to fight against our enemies.(Deuteronomy 20.4) Faith chooses to trust God, knowing that he sees what we cannot. We also trust that, no matter what storms or enemies we face, God will be with us every step of the way.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
I will call upon God and the Lord will deliver me.
In the evening, in the morning, and at the noonday, I will complain and lament, and he will hear my voice.
He will bring me safely back…God, who is enthroned of old, will hear me. — Psalm 55.17-19

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 20 (Listen 2:55)
2 Corinthians 13 (Listen 2:19)

Love By Seeking the Truth

  • June 14, 2023
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  • Park Forum

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 19.15
15 One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Reflection: Love By Seeking the Truth
By Susan P. Elliott

​​When Jesus was asked in the Gospels to rank the greatest commandment in the Old Testament, he responded that loving God and others was at the top of the list. All other commandments or laws explain how to do that. The book of Deuteronomy details how to love God and neighbor well.

Why were all these detailed instructions needed? After God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, they needed their own set of community rules to learn to govern themselves the way God intended in the promised land Moses was taking them to. 

Today’s scripture shows the wisdom of how to discern truth in a dispute. Two or three witnesses must agree when someone is accused of wrongdoing, ultimately revealing the truth of the situation and the witness’s heart for evil or good. This instruction expands on the ninth commandment not to bear false witness by giving accountability to the witnesses. God understands the nature of the human heart and wants to protect people from false accusations. When looking for truth, God’s wisdom reveals that you need more than just one side of the story.

In our context, we see the wisdom of this principle at play in our court system and in our homes, schools, and churches as we mediate disputes.  A wise person will listen to each side of the story before making a judgment. Listening to victims, whistleblowers, and the testimonies of the suffering, especially where multiple witnesses agree, shows God’s wisdom in this loving action.

Most people don’t turn to Deuteronomy for wisdom, but shouldn’t we? God gives clear instructions to his people so that justice can be served in his name. Love for God and others requires diligently pursuing the truth. Living as a citizen in the Kingdom of God requires wisdom. God shows us how to love him and others well in seeking truth.

You might remember the law about bearing false witness was broken in Jesus’ crucifixion trial. None of the witnesses could agree. (Mark 14.6) Truth can be found when we take the time to see what everyone has to say. Do we still rely on this practice today? If not, why? God knows it is both loving and wise to speak and listen to the truth. Obeying God in this way uncovers the truth and reveals the heart of those giving testimony.


Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. — Psalm 31.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 19 (Listen 3:04)
2 Corinthians 12 (Listen 3:54)

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Tithe In Love, Not Guilt

  • June 13, 2023
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  • Park Forum

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 18.1-2
1 The Levitical priests—indeed, the whole tribe of Levi—are to have no allotment or inheritance with Israel. They shall live on the food offerings presented to the Lord, for that is their inheritance. 2 They shall have no inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the Lord is their inheritance, as he promised them.

Reflection: Tithe In Love, Not Guilt
By Laura Hamilton Hui

“I’m a pastor’s kid, so we moved a lot.”

I hear this response all the time when I ask a pastor or missionary’s kid where they’re from. Ministry families can often feel nomadic, moving every few years to follow God’s call to the next ministry assignment—often leaving extended family far behind. 

When the Israelites portioned out the Promised Land among the twelve tribes, the priests and their families (the Levites) weren’t included. Instead, they were scattered across 48 cities, ministering to the people and taking care of the ark of the covenant.

In that time and culture, feeding a family required land. Because the Levites didn’t have land to farm and raise livestock, God provided for their needs through the sacrifices of Israel: portions of meat, grain, wine, oil, and wool (Deuteronomy 18.3-4). And as a trade-off, the Levites were free to serve God with full devotion.

Ministry today can look similar. 

Pastors and missionaries are dependent on the tithes and offerings of church members to provide for their needs so they can dedicate their time to ministry. Big churches may pay well, but most churches are small and many ministry families live on tight budgets. Many ministry families feel the financial strain and are also struggling relationally as they live far from their extended family.

Yes, God provided for the Levites, but notice how he provided—through the people of God. 

God provides for ministry families today the same way—through us. We often think of our tithes and offerings as gifts to God, which is true! But our gifts to God also directly provide for the needs of our ministers and their families. By tithing, we give our ministers the freedom to dedicate their time to serving God and the people of our church. 

Love your pastor’s family well. Chances are, they’re sacrificing finances, family, and comfort to serve the church. Tithe consistently. Invite ministry families over for dinner. Become their family.

If you’re a minister, remember that God sees the needs of you and your family. Ministry is a sacrifice, but the Levites considered the Lord their inheritance. We have a similar privilege, and God is faithful to provide as we are faithful to Him. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6.10).


Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. — Psalm 92.12

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 18 (Listen 3:08)
2 Corinthians 11 (Listen 4:46)

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A Sacrifice of Perfection

  • June 12, 2023
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  • Park Forum

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 17.1
1 Do not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or a sheep that has any defect or flaw in it, for that would be detestable to him.

Reflection: A Sacrifice of Perfection
By Evie Dykhouse

When watching a baking show, it is easy to notice how every contestant wants their pie to be perfectly baked or their chocolate to be perfectly set before they present their creations to the judges. But any person could tell you that things often don’t go as planned. Perfection is impossible for human beings to achieve. Then here comes Deuteronomy.

It’s tempting to dismiss Deuteronomy as a negative set of laws with unrealistic expectations designed solely for ruining the Israelites’ fun. Instead, we should see Deuteronomy as guidelines crafted out of God’s love. Deuteronomy does raise an important question though.

Why does God require a perfect sacrifice from imperfect people?

Sacrifices were a key part of the Israelites’ culture. To atone for their sins, sacrifices were required. Modern readers have the blessing of being able to see the Bible’s full picture. Reading the New Testament, we see the Old Testament come to fruition. Jesus becomes the flawless sacrifice. (1 Peter 1.19)

It was a tremendous act of love for God to sacrifice his one and only Son for sinful people who constantly rejected him. In sacrificing animals without defect, the people in Deuteronomy are pointing to a need for Jesus the perfect Savior.

Christians today know that God is worthy of even more than the best we can offer. We may struggle, wondering what to give God out of love and gratitude, however, God’s sacrifice for his beloved people was blameless Jesus. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can sacrifice our best, even though we fall short of perfection.

Thinking back to the story of Cain and Abel, it’s clear that, from the beginning, God has revealed himself to be deserving of perfection. Like Abel, we should sacrifice the best of what we have to give. Through Cain, we learn that, if we do what is right, God will look upon our human sacrifices with favor and grace. (Genesis 4.3-7) 

We are not a perfect people, but we worship a perfect God. Through the redemption of Jesus Christ, we, as his children, can make sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to Him. This means the best of our time, the best of our talents, the best of our attention, and more.


Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him. — Psalm 96.9

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Deuteronomy 17 (Listen 3:24)
2 Corinthians 10 (Listen 2:45)

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