Day 41: October 22, 2025 – Deuteronomy 1-4 and Mark 1-2

We have two very different readings today, even though they both begin a new book of the Bible for us. Deuteronomy is a bit of revisionist history from the perspective of Moses. He goes over with the people a series of: “Remember when?” We hear basically all that has taken place from the perspective of Moses, even the reason why they were forced to wander and why Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land. Twice Moses says that it is your fault that not even I am allowed to enter. He even asks the Lord if there is any chance that he might be able to bend his decree by allowing Moses to enter just so that he can see the land. God says, I don’t want to hear this any more. I will allow you to climb the mountain and see the land that is before you, but you shall not enter, Joshua will do that. It is fascinating to hear the stories of the people of Israel from a very direct, singular perspective from someone who is either Moses, or someone who is definitely within the Moses camp.

I was surprised by the Gospel of Mark. It has been a while since I read that Gospel, and I had always considered it the cliff notes of the Gospels. Meaning, I had always considered it the shortened version of the Gospels that only touched upon the necessities. I’m not sure that is correct. But notice that it does not contain any of the birth narratives. We begin with John the baptist, and the first chapter includes the calling of all of the disciples. The first chapter also includes, or maybe the second, a reference to Capernaum as Jesus’ home, and the healing of the paralytic man takes place within Jesus’ home, so that is something new that I had not noticed before. I really like Mark and I am noticing things in this Gospel that I had not seen before. Enjoy!