March 19, 2021

The Upside-Down Kingdom

Deuteronomy 30, Deuteronomy 31, and Deuteronomy 32

Moses concludes his third speech to Israel by urging Israel to accept the covenant that the Lord has made with them. He reminds them that this is a choice between life and death, to be blessed by God or cursed by God. He calls all heaven and earth to be a witness between the Lord and Israel, a common feature in ancient treaties. 

After his speech, Moses meets with the Lord and Joshua in the tent of meeting to commission Joshua as his successor. Moses then gives the written Book of the Law to the Levites to be a second witness between the Lord and Israel. 

Finally, Moses gives a song to Israel to “remember the days of old” and serve as a third and final witness to the covenant between the Lord and Israel. 

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19
Luke 1:1-25

The Gospel according to Luke was written by one of Paul’s companions, giving it acceptance as genuine because of its connection with the apostle. Throughout the book, Luke’s main theme is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. 

He also highlights the work of the Holy Spirit, from the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus to Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and everything between. The Holy Spirit is present in the life and ministry of Jesus and His followers. 

Luke shapes his message to show the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God, where the first become last and the last become first. Many stories that are unique to Luke show how God loves the outcast. 

With the birth of John the Baptist, Luke shows the Holy Spirit at work again for the first time since Israel’s last prophet, Malachi, more than 400 years ago. John will go in the power of the prophet Elijah, turning the hearts of fathers to their children (Luke 1:17, Malachi 4:6).

Make It Personal
  • God has given us a new covenant through Jesus, that we may have a promised eternal inheritance through Him (Hebrews 9:15). Thank him for the life and blessings He has given us through this new covenant. As the Holy Spirit for the strength and guidance to keep this covenant written on our hearts. 
  • Luke shows the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God. How does the love and grace of God surprise you in ways you did not expect? 

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