Numbers 21
In this section, the Israelities take over one city. They were able to, only because God gave them the victory. They begin to complain and are killed by snakes. Moses pleads to God on their behalf, and many are saved as they look up to a snake on a pole. They then take over many other lands and inhabit them.
The snake resembled the cross to me. The snake on a pole. Jesus talks about this very scene in John 3:14-15. Jesus must be lifted up, so that many may believe and have temporary life. The bronze snake only provided temporary life and healing from their afflictions but Jesus brings much greater freedom and healing.
Numbers 22
Balaam is instructed by Moab officials to curse the Israelites, but God still holds that they are blessed and will not be cursed--even after all they did. Why? because it is not about what they do or what we do...No. It is about what God does! It is about who God is...
Balaam disobeyed God, and went. It infuriated God. Balaam's donkey turned away. God used the donkey to grab Balaam's attention for his disobedience.
An important verse for this chapter is verse 38 where it says: “Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. “But I can’t say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.” We should only speak God's words. We should be careful to please only the Lord. We need to focus only on Him.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Numbers 18-20
In this section, it was very interesting.. The Israelites just had the earth open up and consume them, fire came down and struck others, and plague hit them, which you'd think would solve any complaining on their part. God gives Aaron, his sons, and his tribe of Levi responsibilities on protecting the tabernacle. Then, they are given specific instructions on become pure from their uncleanness and sins using water. Chapter 20 is what really caught my attention: the Israelites are seen complaining again for their need of water, God gives Moses and Aaron instructions, and Moses and Aaron did not follow His instructions.. As a result,
Clark's commentary points out how Moses and Aaron disobeyed God's command.
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
Clark's commentary points out how Moses and Aaron disobeyed God's command.
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
Because ye believed me not - What was the offense for which Moses was excluded from the promised land? It appears to have consisted in some or all of the following particulars:
1. God had commanded him (Numbers 20:8) to take the rod in his hand, and go and Speak To The Rock, and it should give forth water. It seems Moses did not think speaking would be sufficient, therefore he smote the rock without any command so to do.
2. He did this twice, which certainly in this case indicated a great perturbation of spirit, and want of attention to the presence of God.
3. He permitted his spirit to be carried away by a sense of the people's disobedience, and thus, being provoked, he was led to speak unadvisedly with his lips: Hear now, ye Rebels, Numbers 20:10.
4. He did not acknowledge God in the miracle which was about to be wrought, but took the honor to himself and Aaron: "Must We fetch you water out of this rock?"
Thus it plainly appears that they did not properly believe in God, and did not honor him in the sight of the people; for in their presence they seem to express a doubt whether the thing could be possibly done. As Aaron appears to have been consenting in the above particulars, therefore he is also excluded from the promised land.
The sins of Moses and Aaron had real consequences. They were (A) not helping the people trust God, (B) behaved like it was their power, (C) Not entering the land promised, and (D) Aaron died as a result of their sin. They also couldn't pass through the land of Edom, so they had to turn around. Moses and Aaron were supposed to be the people's leaders! This passage is very powerful to me, because we have to be listening carefully to the voice of God and being OBEDIENT to what God has for us to do.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Number 16-17
Number 16
The people came against Moses and Aaron to avenge for they saw themselves just as holy as Moses. God told the congregation to separate from the tent of this group. The groups would be destroyed for their sins. The ground swallowed them up alive, and those holding the incense were killed with the fire of God. Despite all the conflict that came against Moses, he advocated for the people and they were purified to stop of the plague that God had set out to destroy the people of Israel.
Two thing stick out to me:
Choose your company very carefully. The Israelites started out as a few who were bad in character, and they multiplied.
Also, we need to advocate on people's benefits before God. We need to pray for them, and give them over to God.
Number 17
The budding of the staffs. Each tribe is given a staff. Aaron's is the only one whose sprouted something. It sprouted Almonds. It is going to be a sign to put an end to the complaining of the Israelites. It left questions to the Israelites: "Are we going to die? We are too lost. Are we all going to die?"
The people came against Moses and Aaron to avenge for they saw themselves just as holy as Moses. God told the congregation to separate from the tent of this group. The groups would be destroyed for their sins. The ground swallowed them up alive, and those holding the incense were killed with the fire of God. Despite all the conflict that came against Moses, he advocated for the people and they were purified to stop of the plague that God had set out to destroy the people of Israel.
Two thing stick out to me:
Choose your company very carefully. The Israelites started out as a few who were bad in character, and they multiplied.
Also, we need to advocate on people's benefits before God. We need to pray for them, and give them over to God.
Number 17
The budding of the staffs. Each tribe is given a staff. Aaron's is the only one whose sprouted something. It sprouted Almonds. It is going to be a sign to put an end to the complaining of the Israelites. It left questions to the Israelites: "Are we going to die? We are too lost. Are we all going to die?"
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90
Numbers 14:
The Israelites complain, want to take new leaders, disobey God's will by going back to Egypt, and want to stone Aaron and Moses. It is out of God's great love that He forgave them! These Israelites will not see the land promised to Abraham, but Caleb and Joshua will go to the land promised! The Israelites will walk around for forty years. Their children will suffer because of their parents' sins. The generation of grumbling Israelites will die in the wilderness, then the rest of the Israelites will inherit the land and get to enjoy the land. The Israelites tried to overtake the Amalekites, and were defeated by them.
The Israelites went from grumbling to complain, disobeying God's will by seeking to return to Egypt to stoning their God-given leaders. Complaining is nothing I want to take part of, for I know the lack of fruit it contains. It takes away faith. It takes root and makes our hearts sick. The sickness of our hearts shows up in our actions, just as it did in their actions!
Numbers 15:
After they enter the land, they are to give God offerings. God has specific offerings that are to be brought to Him. They are to have the same rules for the Israelites and aliens. God does not have favoritism, for the rules are the same. Sin offerings are also given with specific regulations as to how to do it. God wants the first of our stuff! For me, God wants me to give my tithe out of the money I am receiving from my paycheck. God wants the first of my time! God wants my best, not what is left!
Psalm 90:
In this Psalm, it reminded me of the Israelite's journey. God's wrath was experienced for the Israelites. Moses prayer was that they would be taught to number their days that they would be taught wisdom. I want God to satisfy me alone in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. I want to be satisfied by God alone. I do not want to give sin the power over me. I do not want sin to hide in my heart. I do not want to spend my days complaining. I want to praise God in my journey. I want to praise Him in my affliction. I do not want to sit and question what God is doing, for He is GOD!
The Israelites complain, want to take new leaders, disobey God's will by going back to Egypt, and want to stone Aaron and Moses. It is out of God's great love that He forgave them! These Israelites will not see the land promised to Abraham, but Caleb and Joshua will go to the land promised! The Israelites will walk around for forty years. Their children will suffer because of their parents' sins. The generation of grumbling Israelites will die in the wilderness, then the rest of the Israelites will inherit the land and get to enjoy the land. The Israelites tried to overtake the Amalekites, and were defeated by them.
The Israelites went from grumbling to complain, disobeying God's will by seeking to return to Egypt to stoning their God-given leaders. Complaining is nothing I want to take part of, for I know the lack of fruit it contains. It takes away faith. It takes root and makes our hearts sick. The sickness of our hearts shows up in our actions, just as it did in their actions!
Numbers 15:
After they enter the land, they are to give God offerings. God has specific offerings that are to be brought to Him. They are to have the same rules for the Israelites and aliens. God does not have favoritism, for the rules are the same. Sin offerings are also given with specific regulations as to how to do it. God wants the first of our stuff! For me, God wants me to give my tithe out of the money I am receiving from my paycheck. God wants the first of my time! God wants my best, not what is left!
Psalm 90:
In this Psalm, it reminded me of the Israelite's journey. God's wrath was experienced for the Israelites. Moses prayer was that they would be taught to number their days that they would be taught wisdom. I want God to satisfy me alone in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. I want to be satisfied by God alone. I do not want to give sin the power over me. I do not want sin to hide in my heart. I do not want to spend my days complaining. I want to praise God in my journey. I want to praise Him in my affliction. I do not want to sit and question what God is doing, for He is GOD!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Numbers 11-13
Numbers 11-13
In chapter 11, the Israelites felt their hardships and complained, and the anger of God raged against them. Moses pleaded with God, and he put his Spirit on seventy of Israel's leaders, so Moses was not carrying the Israelites all by himself. He shared the load with some of the nation's leaders. God gave the people their wish for meat, but he sent a severe plague on the people.
Here, I can see the danger of complaining. Complaining hardened their hearts, and made them ungrateful. I know I too have been ungrateful and complained about my hardships, but God's hand has heavily been upon my life. God has saved me in ways I cannot even know, so why do I sit and complain?!?
In chapter 12, Moses is confronted by Miram and Aaron. They brought on a foolish argument that Moses sees himself as the only one who spoke on God's behalf. Miram suffers for her sin by being confined outside the camp for seven days. Moses pleaded to God on her behalf. God's anger burned for what they were saying about his servant, Moses.
Complaining and opposing another seem to come from the same area. The Israelites are affecting Moses' inner circle, and it angers God. The hearts of those are deeply afflicted. Their hearts are hardened. They are distant from God if they are questioning Moses' intentions.
In chapter 13, Men from each tribe is sent to explore the land of Canaan. Caleb wanted to go overtake the land, while others falsified their testimony to attempt to get what they wanted quicker.
The hearts of the Israelites are seen, and this time their inpatience is seen greatly.
Complaining, opposing others, and impatiences is something we all struggle with. I know, I struggle with these things greatly. They are the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit that we get as we grow closer in our walk with the Lord. It is a matter of the heart. It does not say much about the hearts of the Israelites. Despite God's constant walking with them, their hearts are in ruins and not trusting in Him.
In chapter 11, the Israelites felt their hardships and complained, and the anger of God raged against them. Moses pleaded with God, and he put his Spirit on seventy of Israel's leaders, so Moses was not carrying the Israelites all by himself. He shared the load with some of the nation's leaders. God gave the people their wish for meat, but he sent a severe plague on the people.
Here, I can see the danger of complaining. Complaining hardened their hearts, and made them ungrateful. I know I too have been ungrateful and complained about my hardships, but God's hand has heavily been upon my life. God has saved me in ways I cannot even know, so why do I sit and complain?!?
In chapter 12, Moses is confronted by Miram and Aaron. They brought on a foolish argument that Moses sees himself as the only one who spoke on God's behalf. Miram suffers for her sin by being confined outside the camp for seven days. Moses pleaded to God on her behalf. God's anger burned for what they were saying about his servant, Moses.
Complaining and opposing another seem to come from the same area. The Israelites are affecting Moses' inner circle, and it angers God. The hearts of those are deeply afflicted. Their hearts are hardened. They are distant from God if they are questioning Moses' intentions.
In chapter 13, Men from each tribe is sent to explore the land of Canaan. Caleb wanted to go overtake the land, while others falsified their testimony to attempt to get what they wanted quicker.
The hearts of the Israelites are seen, and this time their inpatience is seen greatly.
Complaining, opposing others, and impatiences is something we all struggle with. I know, I struggle with these things greatly. They are the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit that we get as we grow closer in our walk with the Lord. It is a matter of the heart. It does not say much about the hearts of the Israelites. Despite God's constant walking with them, their hearts are in ruins and not trusting in Him.
Numbers 3-10
Numbers 3-4
The theme is that God gives us our load to carry, and He gives us the tasks that we are to complete..God gives each of us specific tasks that we are to complete. We are to be just as diligent, as those who were working near the tabernacle. We are serving the most high God, and God will give us our tasks. God is the One we are working for, not man!
Levites are to work under Aaron and his sons to serve and care for the tabernacle! They were to be counted by their clans and families. Each clan had their own individual responsibility, in caring for the tabernacle. None other than Aaron's family and the Levites were allowed near the tabernacle. The Levites were seen as God's. The first born of the Israelites were redeemed with 5 shekels each.
The Kohathite clans are given the job of carrying the most holy things in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons are to carefully wrap the holy things using blue delicate cloth. The people of Kohathite are to carry the things, but not directly touch them or look at them for if they do--they will die.
The Gershonite clans are given the instruction of carrying the curtains and other equipment used in the tent of meeting. The Merarites clans are given the instruction of carrying frames and bases from the Tabernacle.
Each clan used all the men from the ages of thirty to fifty to serve in the Lord's tabernacle! They were each given specific instructions on what their task was.
Numbers 5-6
God seeks purity. God is holy. We too need to be holy. There needed to be purity in the camp, so those who were unclean were sent outside the camp to reside. The people needed to confess their sins and have atonement made for their sins. Temporarily, animals were able to atone for the people's sin. We have the ultimate sacrifce for our sins, Jesus Christ. One sin sacrifice to last eternity!
There is a test that must be done for an unfaithful wife. The husband is to bring his wife and a grain offering before the priest. The priest will have the wife stand before the Lord, and if she has been unfaithful---she will have brought a curse on herself when she drinks bitter water if she has indeed sinned by being unfaithful to her husband. Her abdomen will swell, and she will miscarry. If she has been faithful to her husband, she will be able to bear children.
In chapter 6, there is the dedication to the Lord by the Nazirite. The long hair cut by the priest is the sign of their dedication to the Lord. They are to bring certain offerings to the Lord, and it is a process. It is the process of setting themselves apart where they are not allowing themselves to be defiled by things. They are consecrating themselves to the Lord.
Choosing to dedicate ourselves to the Lord is a serious time of setting ourselves apart for God and His work. It is choosing to be set apart for His purpose and to serve and follow only Him.
Numbers 7
Moses consecrated the tabernacle, and each tribe came to bring offerings before the Lord. Grain, burnt, sin, and fellowship offerings were offered. Each day, each tribe took turns to bring their offerings before the Lord. It was their dedication. The Lord spoke to Moses in this place.
This shows me the importance of realizing the chance we have to give offerings before the Lord. God no longer requires us to give sin offerings, for only Christ can give a lasting sacrifice for our sin. What I can give God is my heart! God wants my motives and confessions of my sins. God wants me, and my time! I can give the chance to fellowship with others and pray for those around me facing trials!
Numbers 8-10
The Levites are given wholly to the Lord! The Levites are to be set apart, and ceremonially clean. The Israelites are to put their hands on them, and present them before the Lord. What I found interesting is the men from 25-50 are to do the work of the tabernacle, but once they are 50 years old--they must retire.. We need to be wholly given to the Lord. We need to wholly surrender ourselves to the Lord. The old way was to have a set age to serve in the tabernacle. But with Christ, there is no age group. Anyone and everyone is invited to participated in the Kingdom of God. Jesus even calls the children to come and we are to come little little children if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God.
The Israelites questioned what to do if they were unclean during the Passover. The Lord told Moses that they are still to participate in the Passover. However if someone is clean and does not participate, then they are cut off from the Israelite community. The Israelites obeyed the Lord's command. If the cloud encompassed the tabernacle, they stayed encamped. If the cloud lifted, they set out. They followed the Lord's command, which is so important to remember to do. We have to stay on track. It is so easy to get distracted by the world, but we have to continue to follow the Lord. We must continue to be diligent in dedicating ourselves to Him!
God instructs Moses to gather the community using trumpets. The Israelites leave Sinai at the Lord's command! Each tribe followed through with their responsibilities concerning the tabernacle, for it was required to be set up by the time of everyone's arrival. The ark of the covenant would find them a place of rest. The cloud of the Lord would follow them by day. This passage shows me the purpose in the preceding chapters. God gave them responsiblities for reasons. God had Moses count them for reasons. God was leading his people, and going to give them the land he promised if they obeyed his commands and followed his leading.
The theme is that God gives us our load to carry, and He gives us the tasks that we are to complete..God gives each of us specific tasks that we are to complete. We are to be just as diligent, as those who were working near the tabernacle. We are serving the most high God, and God will give us our tasks. God is the One we are working for, not man!
Levites are to work under Aaron and his sons to serve and care for the tabernacle! They were to be counted by their clans and families. Each clan had their own individual responsibility, in caring for the tabernacle. None other than Aaron's family and the Levites were allowed near the tabernacle. The Levites were seen as God's. The first born of the Israelites were redeemed with 5 shekels each.
The Kohathite clans are given the job of carrying the most holy things in the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons are to carefully wrap the holy things using blue delicate cloth. The people of Kohathite are to carry the things, but not directly touch them or look at them for if they do--they will die.
The Gershonite clans are given the instruction of carrying the curtains and other equipment used in the tent of meeting. The Merarites clans are given the instruction of carrying frames and bases from the Tabernacle.
Each clan used all the men from the ages of thirty to fifty to serve in the Lord's tabernacle! They were each given specific instructions on what their task was.
Numbers 5-6
God seeks purity. God is holy. We too need to be holy. There needed to be purity in the camp, so those who were unclean were sent outside the camp to reside. The people needed to confess their sins and have atonement made for their sins. Temporarily, animals were able to atone for the people's sin. We have the ultimate sacrifce for our sins, Jesus Christ. One sin sacrifice to last eternity!
There is a test that must be done for an unfaithful wife. The husband is to bring his wife and a grain offering before the priest. The priest will have the wife stand before the Lord, and if she has been unfaithful---she will have brought a curse on herself when she drinks bitter water if she has indeed sinned by being unfaithful to her husband. Her abdomen will swell, and she will miscarry. If she has been faithful to her husband, she will be able to bear children.
In chapter 6, there is the dedication to the Lord by the Nazirite. The long hair cut by the priest is the sign of their dedication to the Lord. They are to bring certain offerings to the Lord, and it is a process. It is the process of setting themselves apart where they are not allowing themselves to be defiled by things. They are consecrating themselves to the Lord.
Choosing to dedicate ourselves to the Lord is a serious time of setting ourselves apart for God and His work. It is choosing to be set apart for His purpose and to serve and follow only Him.
Numbers 7
Moses consecrated the tabernacle, and each tribe came to bring offerings before the Lord. Grain, burnt, sin, and fellowship offerings were offered. Each day, each tribe took turns to bring their offerings before the Lord. It was their dedication. The Lord spoke to Moses in this place.
This shows me the importance of realizing the chance we have to give offerings before the Lord. God no longer requires us to give sin offerings, for only Christ can give a lasting sacrifice for our sin. What I can give God is my heart! God wants my motives and confessions of my sins. God wants me, and my time! I can give the chance to fellowship with others and pray for those around me facing trials!
Numbers 8-10
The Levites are given wholly to the Lord! The Levites are to be set apart, and ceremonially clean. The Israelites are to put their hands on them, and present them before the Lord. What I found interesting is the men from 25-50 are to do the work of the tabernacle, but once they are 50 years old--they must retire.. We need to be wholly given to the Lord. We need to wholly surrender ourselves to the Lord. The old way was to have a set age to serve in the tabernacle. But with Christ, there is no age group. Anyone and everyone is invited to participated in the Kingdom of God. Jesus even calls the children to come and we are to come little little children if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God.
The Israelites questioned what to do if they were unclean during the Passover. The Lord told Moses that they are still to participate in the Passover. However if someone is clean and does not participate, then they are cut off from the Israelite community. The Israelites obeyed the Lord's command. If the cloud encompassed the tabernacle, they stayed encamped. If the cloud lifted, they set out. They followed the Lord's command, which is so important to remember to do. We have to stay on track. It is so easy to get distracted by the world, but we have to continue to follow the Lord. We must continue to be diligent in dedicating ourselves to Him!
God instructs Moses to gather the community using trumpets. The Israelites leave Sinai at the Lord's command! Each tribe followed through with their responsibilities concerning the tabernacle, for it was required to be set up by the time of everyone's arrival. The ark of the covenant would find them a place of rest. The cloud of the Lord would follow them by day. This passage shows me the purpose in the preceding chapters. God gave them responsiblities for reasons. God had Moses count them for reasons. God was leading his people, and going to give them the land he promised if they obeyed his commands and followed his leading.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Numbers 1-2
Numbers 1-2
The Lord commands Moses and Aaron to form a census for each of the camps of Israel using the head household of each tribe. The Levites were not included in the census. When they settled into a camp, the Levites were the ones camped closest to the tabernacle. The Levites were in charged for caring for the tabernacle. If another came close to it, they would be killed. This was the organization of Israel's congregation and community.
The Lord commands Moses and Aaron to form a census for each of the camps of Israel using the head household of each tribe. The Levites were not included in the census. When they settled into a camp, the Levites were the ones camped closest to the tabernacle. The Levites were in charged for caring for the tabernacle. If another came close to it, they would be killed. This was the organization of Israel's congregation and community.
Leviticus 26-27
Leviticus 26-27
In chapter 26, it is all about the blessings and curses that comes with our choice to either obey or disobey God and his commands. God has given the Israelites the law to help them to obey Him. For their obedience to following his commands, the land would overflow and they would be given all they need. However for their disobedience, they would experience terrors, diseases, enemies stealing their crops, and run when no-one is even chasing them. What hits it for me is verses 44-45 where God tells them that it is for their stake that he does not reject them. Even when they have been hostile towards God, and God shows them how they have treated him.. He will not turn his back on them. This shows God's love for us to the core. For OUR sake, God will not despise or reject us!!
In chapter 27, God instructs Moses to teach the Israelites how to dedicate and give God offerings. What stuck out to me is the last part of the chapter where God is giving the Israelites instructions on how to tithe. The only difference is that it is not called tithing. It is the offering of giving a tenth of their animal and produce. It is set apart as holy. It is just that----it is set apart! It belongs to the Lord! We are not to pick and choose, but we are to give God what is rightly His!
In the book of Leviticus, God has shown me through his Word, the book of Leviticus, how I can worship Him. I am reminded that it is about giving God an aroma that is pleasing to Him. It is about glorifying Him, and doing what God has set apart as holy. God gives us new opportunities daily and weekly to worship Him. The question is: What are we doing with these holy moments? What are we doing with our chances to worship the great I Am and Creator of the Universe!
In chapter 26, it is all about the blessings and curses that comes with our choice to either obey or disobey God and his commands. God has given the Israelites the law to help them to obey Him. For their obedience to following his commands, the land would overflow and they would be given all they need. However for their disobedience, they would experience terrors, diseases, enemies stealing their crops, and run when no-one is even chasing them. What hits it for me is verses 44-45 where God tells them that it is for their stake that he does not reject them. Even when they have been hostile towards God, and God shows them how they have treated him.. He will not turn his back on them. This shows God's love for us to the core. For OUR sake, God will not despise or reject us!!
In chapter 27, God instructs Moses to teach the Israelites how to dedicate and give God offerings. What stuck out to me is the last part of the chapter where God is giving the Israelites instructions on how to tithe. The only difference is that it is not called tithing. It is the offering of giving a tenth of their animal and produce. It is set apart as holy. It is just that----it is set apart! It belongs to the Lord! We are not to pick and choose, but we are to give God what is rightly His!
In the book of Leviticus, God has shown me through his Word, the book of Leviticus, how I can worship Him. I am reminded that it is about giving God an aroma that is pleasing to Him. It is about glorifying Him, and doing what God has set apart as holy. God gives us new opportunities daily and weekly to worship Him. The question is: What are we doing with these holy moments? What are we doing with our chances to worship the great I Am and Creator of the Universe!
Leviticus 24-25
Lev 24-25
Tonight, what stuck out to me is the great need for justice! God is a god of justice! And, we should expect him to act on our behalf! We need to live rightly, and be holy as God is holy. We need to recognize who our Father God is! He is not some golden calf, no he is not. God is the Creator of the Universe, and the potter while we are nothing, but clay.
In chapter 24, we are given the great example of God acting righteously as our judge. We are given the illustration that our actions do have definite consequences. God instructs the Israelite community to stone a man for blasphemy and profaning God's name. Even now, we are still given consequences for our actions. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we may not face some of the same consequences as they did, but we are definitely not exempted from answering for our actions! Our actions have very real consequences. We need to recognize who our Father God is. We are not the rest of the world. We have been called as God's children, and are set apart. Because we are set apart, we need to live differently than the rest of the world does. For the Israelites, they often followed the Egyptian ways which resulted in dire consequences. Today, we are no different. We follow the world, and it leads us astray. We miss God's big blessings, and special intimacy with Him.
The contrast between the Old Testament and New Testament is Jesus paid it all. Jesus is how God redeemed all of humanity, and made us right with him. Instead of an "eye for an eye", we are instructed by Jesus to give them our other cheek if they are slapping one cheek. (Matt. 5: 39) Jesus is the fulfillment of the law!
In chapter 25, it is all about freedom that only God can provide. It reminds me of John 8:32. Only Jesus can set me free. God was making a way to allow the Israelites to enjoy freedom that only he could provide. Slaves gone free. Israelities given chances to be back in their homeland that they once had sold. It is about stepping outside of our selfish lives, and giving ourselves to our fellow brothers that are in need. It is about setting no boundaries between the rich man and the poor man, because each is given an equal amount.
Tonight, what stuck out to me is the great need for justice! God is a god of justice! And, we should expect him to act on our behalf! We need to live rightly, and be holy as God is holy. We need to recognize who our Father God is! He is not some golden calf, no he is not. God is the Creator of the Universe, and the potter while we are nothing, but clay.
In chapter 24, we are given the great example of God acting righteously as our judge. We are given the illustration that our actions do have definite consequences. God instructs the Israelite community to stone a man for blasphemy and profaning God's name. Even now, we are still given consequences for our actions. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we may not face some of the same consequences as they did, but we are definitely not exempted from answering for our actions! Our actions have very real consequences. We need to recognize who our Father God is. We are not the rest of the world. We have been called as God's children, and are set apart. Because we are set apart, we need to live differently than the rest of the world does. For the Israelites, they often followed the Egyptian ways which resulted in dire consequences. Today, we are no different. We follow the world, and it leads us astray. We miss God's big blessings, and special intimacy with Him.
The contrast between the Old Testament and New Testament is Jesus paid it all. Jesus is how God redeemed all of humanity, and made us right with him. Instead of an "eye for an eye", we are instructed by Jesus to give them our other cheek if they are slapping one cheek. (Matt. 5: 39) Jesus is the fulfillment of the law!
In chapter 25, it is all about freedom that only God can provide. It reminds me of John 8:32. Only Jesus can set me free. God was making a way to allow the Israelites to enjoy freedom that only he could provide. Slaves gone free. Israelities given chances to be back in their homeland that they once had sold. It is about stepping outside of our selfish lives, and giving ourselves to our fellow brothers that are in need. It is about setting no boundaries between the rich man and the poor man, because each is given an equal amount.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Leviticus 22-23
Leviticus 22-23
In chapter 22, the priests need to be diligent in how they handle the sacred sacrifices. It is of the holiest things. They need to be respectable toward the Lord's sacrifices. God is the one who makes all holy, as he is holy. What is interesting about this passage is it speaks of sacrifices. Sacrifices are to given in such a way that pleases God, for it states: When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf. (Lev 22:29) Even now, I know that I need to give an offering to the Lord in such a way so that it will be accepted on my behalf. It should not be out of guilt or responsiblity, but I need to give willing and diligently out of my love for God and recognizing his holiness. The sacrifices were not to be defected for their sacrifices were going as to pay for their sins. There is to be no blemish for their sacrifices, in order for it to be seen as acceptable. The ultimate sacrifce to pay for our sins is Christ. He is the unblemished lamb. He is the perfect sacrifice for our atonement. There is no need for another sacrifice for Jesus is enough. Jesus is the sacrifice we needed that would completely clear our names from the record of sins we have made.
In chapter 23, they are to treat with respect their festivals. They were a specific way to handle their special occasions of worshiping God. The main worship event for me to dwell on is the Sabbath. It is meant to be a day of rest. The people were to have a day of atonement yearly to receive cleanness before God. For the Jews, I bet this was a big deal. The animals didn't present a lasting freedom from their sinner status. They were continually doing sin offerings, because of their status of being unclean. Jesus came, so that we could have a eternally lasting sin offering. We no longer have to do sin offerings, because Jesus paid it all!
In chapter 22, the priests need to be diligent in how they handle the sacred sacrifices. It is of the holiest things. They need to be respectable toward the Lord's sacrifices. God is the one who makes all holy, as he is holy. What is interesting about this passage is it speaks of sacrifices. Sacrifices are to given in such a way that pleases God, for it states: When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf. (Lev 22:29) Even now, I know that I need to give an offering to the Lord in such a way so that it will be accepted on my behalf. It should not be out of guilt or responsiblity, but I need to give willing and diligently out of my love for God and recognizing his holiness. The sacrifices were not to be defected for their sacrifices were going as to pay for their sins. There is to be no blemish for their sacrifices, in order for it to be seen as acceptable. The ultimate sacrifce to pay for our sins is Christ. He is the unblemished lamb. He is the perfect sacrifice for our atonement. There is no need for another sacrifice for Jesus is enough. Jesus is the sacrifice we needed that would completely clear our names from the record of sins we have made.
In chapter 23, they are to treat with respect their festivals. They were a specific way to handle their special occasions of worshiping God. The main worship event for me to dwell on is the Sabbath. It is meant to be a day of rest. The people were to have a day of atonement yearly to receive cleanness before God. For the Jews, I bet this was a big deal. The animals didn't present a lasting freedom from their sinner status. They were continually doing sin offerings, because of their status of being unclean. Jesus came, so that we could have a eternally lasting sin offering. We no longer have to do sin offerings, because Jesus paid it all!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Leviticus 16-21
Leviticus 16-18
In chapter 16, atonement is made once a year for all the Israelites. The sins of the community of Israel is put on the goat, and it is sent into the wilderness. This is a lasting ordinance that is to happen once a year, every year to bring the Israelites and make them clean in the Lord's sight. I am so thankful that Jesus has become my atonement. Even though I am not Jewish, he has made me clean. He has put all my sins on Jesus, my Savior! I am made clean forever. Though I am not holy, I am made holy through what Jesus has done on the cross. Though I am not clean by any means, Jesus has made me clean through what he did on the cross.
In chapter 17, the Israelites will be held accountable if they chose to misuse what God has given them. They are not to eat the blood of animals or to sacrifice it in the field, rather they are to bring it to the Holy Place and allow it to be used to become clean to God. God did not have to give them a method of being temporary clean in his sight. He did not have to give them instruments of worshiping him. I may not eat blood or do animal offerings to make me right in God's eyes, but I still do have things to learn from this passage. It talked about doing what is pleasing in God's sight. This is key throughout the Leviticus for me. I know that I can learn how to worship God in a way that pleases Him, and it is through these scriptures. I do not have to give sin offerings to atone for my sinfulness, because Jesus Christ has paid it all greatly. There is no need for sin offerings, but I can learn about how to worship God in ways that please him. I can learn how to be holy as God is holy!
In chapter 18, God is our Lord and we should not be defiled by the things of this world. The Israelites allowed themselves to be defiled by what they learned and practiced in Egypt. We would be well to learn how not to live our lives based on the bad examples of these nations. Nations are defiled and corrupted because of their evil practices. We are different! We must not follow them! We are called to be set apart. We are to be holy, as God is to be holy!
Leviticus 19-21
In chapter 19, we are God's children. We are called to be holy, just as God is holy. God has freed us. He has set us free, just as he freed the Israelites from the land of Egypt and the oppression they faced with the Pharaoh! We need to consider the lives we live, and carefully decide how to live our lives for Him. We need to love others, just as we would want to be treated. We need to be honest, and realize how God is and his greatness!
In chapter 20, God punishes people for their actions. We are constantly seeing the passage being lived out of:
"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God." (Lev 20:7) We each are held responsible for our actions. We will each reap what we sow. Each one of our actions will have a consequence. It will either draw us closer to God or further away from God. Even now, our actions will draw us closer to God. Or, it is take us away from our intimacy with God our Creator. The question is: How can I act in such a way, where I am unhindered and constantly getting closer with the Lord, my God?
In chapter 21, there are additional requirements for the priests that lead the congregation of Israel. They are to be an example, but they are also instruments of God. They are how God seems to be working among the people. They have important jobs, such as announcing people as ceremonially clean, sin offerings, burnt offerings, wave offerings. They have many important tasks that make them set apart from the Jews'--giving them additional rules to live by.
Leviticus 11-15
Leviticus 11-13
In chapter 11, the Israelities are given directions on clean and unclean animals. It should sicken them to eat something that they know is dishonoring to God, likewise it should sicken us to do things that we know is displeasing to God. For us as believers in Christ, it is not about the food but how hearts. Are we receiving it with gratitude? The bigger lesson is: Does it sicken us to dishonor God? Are our actions changed, because we know doing something saddens God?
We are called to be holy, as God is holy! (Lev 11:44) We need to remember who God is. He is Sovereign!
In chapter 12, a woman must give a sin offering and burnt offering from her uncleanness once her purification from child birth has come. It is the only way to become clean again.
In chapter 13, it is on the processes that must take place for a person with a skin disease to become clean. The priests examined their skin to determine if they are to be seen as clean or unclean. They may be isolated from the rest of the congregation. The unclean individual is given a hard life to handle. The scripture states that: “Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt,[e] cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp. (Lev 13:45-46)
Chapter 13 is particularly valuable to me for this purpose. In Mark, Jesus heals a man with leperosy. He instructs him to present himself to the priest for instructions on how to become clean.
Leviticus 14-15
In chapter 14, it describes the kind of sacrifices that the individuals w/ skin diseases must do to be clean. They must do a burnt offering, sin offering, and wave offering. This chapter describes what kind of sacrifices the man in Mark 1:40-45 would have to do to be welcomed back into society! The chapter also describes how to deal with mold. A big part of it is having animals to atone for the uncleanness that have been upon God's holy and special people.
In chapter 15, it deals with uncleanness associated with bodily discharged. These chapters have importance for the future. As I look ahead, I know they have significance... Not just for what it meant for the early Israelites as they worshiped God, but they have significance as I learn more about people who encountered Jesus.
The bleeding woman bled for twelve straight years with no hope of help from doctors in first century Palestine. She went to Jesus, and was healed by Him. But in Mark 5:25-34, as we look at her story. We can see in Leviticus 15:25-30 how she lived. She probably had to live alone and was divorced by her husband. She was on the outcast of society, because she was seen as ceremonially unclean with no hope of going to the tabernacle to learn about God, but she had faith and touched Jesus' cloak for healing that could be hers at last!
In chapter 11, the Israelities are given directions on clean and unclean animals. It should sicken them to eat something that they know is dishonoring to God, likewise it should sicken us to do things that we know is displeasing to God. For us as believers in Christ, it is not about the food but how hearts. Are we receiving it with gratitude? The bigger lesson is: Does it sicken us to dishonor God? Are our actions changed, because we know doing something saddens God?
We are called to be holy, as God is holy! (Lev 11:44) We need to remember who God is. He is Sovereign!
In chapter 12, a woman must give a sin offering and burnt offering from her uncleanness once her purification from child birth has come. It is the only way to become clean again.
In chapter 13, it is on the processes that must take place for a person with a skin disease to become clean. The priests examined their skin to determine if they are to be seen as clean or unclean. They may be isolated from the rest of the congregation. The unclean individual is given a hard life to handle. The scripture states that: “Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt,[e] cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp. (Lev 13:45-46)
Chapter 13 is particularly valuable to me for this purpose. In Mark, Jesus heals a man with leperosy. He instructs him to present himself to the priest for instructions on how to become clean.
Leviticus 14-15
In chapter 14, it describes the kind of sacrifices that the individuals w/ skin diseases must do to be clean. They must do a burnt offering, sin offering, and wave offering. This chapter describes what kind of sacrifices the man in Mark 1:40-45 would have to do to be welcomed back into society! The chapter also describes how to deal with mold. A big part of it is having animals to atone for the uncleanness that have been upon God's holy and special people.
In chapter 15, it deals with uncleanness associated with bodily discharged. These chapters have importance for the future. As I look ahead, I know they have significance... Not just for what it meant for the early Israelites as they worshiped God, but they have significance as I learn more about people who encountered Jesus.
The bleeding woman bled for twelve straight years with no hope of help from doctors in first century Palestine. She went to Jesus, and was healed by Him. But in Mark 5:25-34, as we look at her story. We can see in Leviticus 15:25-30 how she lived. She probably had to live alone and was divorced by her husband. She was on the outcast of society, because she was seen as ceremonially unclean with no hope of going to the tabernacle to learn about God, but she had faith and touched Jesus' cloak for healing that could be hers at last!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Leviticus 1-10
Lev 1-4
The goal in all of it is making ourselves right with God and worshiping Him in a way where He will be glorified through our acts. It talks about the Old Testament ways of worship and making one's self right with God as "soothing aroma to the LORD". We may not have to do sin offerings, peace offerings, or burnt offerings like the Israelites did, but we do have to give God our all! We are missing blessings when we do not worship Him. For me, I need to think about how I can worship God in a more pleasing manner. How can I glorify God? Can I really glorify Him in what I eat or drink? How can I honor God with my body, life, and each breath I take?
Lev 5-10
Chapter 5
When we have guilt, we need to recognize our sin and ask for forgiveness (Lev 5:5). The scripture talks about the sin of not speaking up. We may not have to do a sin offering, but we do need to recognize it as a sin and not only speak up next time, but asking for forgiveness.
Chapter 6
When we deceive someone about something we have of theirs or have stolen, we also need to recognize it as sin and not only give it back, but we need to ask God for his forgiveness. We may have missed blessings, because it is the price of reaping what we have sown.
Chapter 7
The guilt offering: We have an advocate who intercedes on our behalf. Jesus came and became our sin offering to be our atonement!
The fellowship offering: There is a great difference between giving an offering out of thankfulness and out of vow. I did not realize how much until I came to this verse. We need to be more thoughtful in the motives of our heart: Are we giving out of love? Or, out of commitment?
Chapter 8-9
Moses ordained Aaron and his sons, just as God commanded. He did everything as the Lord commanded. Each smaller aspect of the ordination was a soothing aroma pleasing to God. On the eighth day, Aaron and his sons carried out the sin offering for the congregation of Israel for the first time, just as God prescribed. They carried out numerous types of offerings. The glory of the Lord appeared to all people! This is what ministry is. It is doing the Lord's work his way, and letting others find out who he is so they can be filled with joy and made right with him!
Given what priests do, it makes sense that they would do burnt and sin offerings as part of their ordination. A contempary version of this is: when someone is being ordinated, they may preach the day of their ordination. I believe God has specific ways for us to worship Him. For the Israelites, it included burnt offerings. For me personally, I can worship God with my talents. I can worship Him in my messages I deliver to the children on Wednesday nights. Our worship should include using our spiritual gifts.
Chapter 10
Two of Aaron's sons die because of their sin against God. Aaron's two remaining sons did not eat the offering as Moses commanded.
From this passage, it is important to recognize what sin does to us. It separates us from God. It destroys our relationship with God. We must separate the common things from those of the most holy. (Lev. 10:10) We must realize that this world will distract us from the things of God. Aaron's deceased sons were misusing God's place--the tabernacle, and defiling it.
The goal in all of it is making ourselves right with God and worshiping Him in a way where He will be glorified through our acts. It talks about the Old Testament ways of worship and making one's self right with God as "soothing aroma to the LORD". We may not have to do sin offerings, peace offerings, or burnt offerings like the Israelites did, but we do have to give God our all! We are missing blessings when we do not worship Him. For me, I need to think about how I can worship God in a more pleasing manner. How can I glorify God? Can I really glorify Him in what I eat or drink? How can I honor God with my body, life, and each breath I take?
Lev 5-10
Chapter 5
When we have guilt, we need to recognize our sin and ask for forgiveness (Lev 5:5). The scripture talks about the sin of not speaking up. We may not have to do a sin offering, but we do need to recognize it as a sin and not only speak up next time, but asking for forgiveness.
Chapter 6
When we deceive someone about something we have of theirs or have stolen, we also need to recognize it as sin and not only give it back, but we need to ask God for his forgiveness. We may have missed blessings, because it is the price of reaping what we have sown.
Chapter 7
The guilt offering: We have an advocate who intercedes on our behalf. Jesus came and became our sin offering to be our atonement!
The fellowship offering: There is a great difference between giving an offering out of thankfulness and out of vow. I did not realize how much until I came to this verse. We need to be more thoughtful in the motives of our heart: Are we giving out of love? Or, out of commitment?
Chapter 8-9
Moses ordained Aaron and his sons, just as God commanded. He did everything as the Lord commanded. Each smaller aspect of the ordination was a soothing aroma pleasing to God. On the eighth day, Aaron and his sons carried out the sin offering for the congregation of Israel for the first time, just as God prescribed. They carried out numerous types of offerings. The glory of the Lord appeared to all people! This is what ministry is. It is doing the Lord's work his way, and letting others find out who he is so they can be filled with joy and made right with him!
Given what priests do, it makes sense that they would do burnt and sin offerings as part of their ordination. A contempary version of this is: when someone is being ordinated, they may preach the day of their ordination. I believe God has specific ways for us to worship Him. For the Israelites, it included burnt offerings. For me personally, I can worship God with my talents. I can worship Him in my messages I deliver to the children on Wednesday nights. Our worship should include using our spiritual gifts.
Chapter 10
Two of Aaron's sons die because of their sin against God. Aaron's two remaining sons did not eat the offering as Moses commanded.
From this passage, it is important to recognize what sin does to us. It separates us from God. It destroys our relationship with God. We must separate the common things from those of the most holy. (Lev. 10:10) We must realize that this world will distract us from the things of God. Aaron's deceased sons were misusing God's place--the tabernacle, and defiling it.
Exodus 36-40
Exodus 36-40 is the continuation of God giving instruction for making the tabernacle. God previously gave instructions on building the tabernacle. Did the tabernacle stay in Mount Sinai, and they are making another one? Or, did the Israelites not carry through the plans? What happened?
What is the gap between chapters 25 and 35 of Exodus? The Israelites never had made the tabernacle again, so they are now making the tabernacle!
Exodus 35-39
The skilled workman stopped working to report that the people of Israel had given them too much material for the sanctuary! The skilled craftmen began to work and build the tabernacle! They built the tabernacle, ark of the covenant, table, lamp stand, incense alter, alter for burnt offering, washbasin, courtyard, and clothes for the priests. Once they are complete, Moses inspects their work. The tabernacle was complete, just as the Lord had asked. So, Moses blessed them.
They were obedient! Yes! It is important to be obedient no matter what situation we find ourselves in. For the Israelites, they came together and overflowed the sanctuary with their wave offering giving all that was needed to complete the tabernacle. There was a job for everyone! A chance to give for everyone, whether it was time, money, or property. They all gave generously and willingly!
Exodus 40
God gave Moses the important job of consecrating the tabernacle and setting it up with God's specific instructions and anoint Aaron and his sons. Moses did everything God asked. He was completely obedient in doing what God asked him to do! Moses finished the work that was asked of the Israelites. No matter what God asks of us, we do out of obedience. Moses had many tasks of setting up the tabernacle, but in the end---it meant God's glory filling the tabernacle! They were obedient in completing the tabernacle! It is awesome to see what God can do when we are obedient to Him even in the smaller tasks. God used the stubborn people to bring into play the tabernacle that would be a huge part of how the Israelites connected with him.
What is the gap between chapters 25 and 35 of Exodus? The Israelites never had made the tabernacle again, so they are now making the tabernacle!
Exodus 35-39
The skilled workman stopped working to report that the people of Israel had given them too much material for the sanctuary! The skilled craftmen began to work and build the tabernacle! They built the tabernacle, ark of the covenant, table, lamp stand, incense alter, alter for burnt offering, washbasin, courtyard, and clothes for the priests. Once they are complete, Moses inspects their work. The tabernacle was complete, just as the Lord had asked. So, Moses blessed them.
They were obedient! Yes! It is important to be obedient no matter what situation we find ourselves in. For the Israelites, they came together and overflowed the sanctuary with their wave offering giving all that was needed to complete the tabernacle. There was a job for everyone! A chance to give for everyone, whether it was time, money, or property. They all gave generously and willingly!
Exodus 40
God gave Moses the important job of consecrating the tabernacle and setting it up with God's specific instructions and anoint Aaron and his sons. Moses did everything God asked. He was completely obedient in doing what God asked him to do! Moses finished the work that was asked of the Israelites. No matter what God asks of us, we do out of obedience. Moses had many tasks of setting up the tabernacle, but in the end---it meant God's glory filling the tabernacle! They were obedient in completing the tabernacle! It is awesome to see what God can do when we are obedient to Him even in the smaller tasks. God used the stubborn people to bring into play the tabernacle that would be a huge part of how the Israelites connected with him.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Exodus 33-35
Exodus 33-35
Exodus 33-
Just as God had ordered Adam and Eve to leave the garden, the Israelites were ordered to leave Mount Sinai! Moses was to lead to the people out of Mount Sinai, and there would be an angel to go with them. (Exodus 32: 34) God was giving the people the land God promised their forefathers, but he would not go with them for if he did--he may destroy them for they are a stubborn group of people.The people of Israel no longer worn any jewelry. They mourned, and God did not know what to do with them. Even when they were set up at a camp, Moses would enter the tent of God's presence and talk to God like he would talk to a friend. God is Moses' help to get the Israelites to their land, and God will give them victory! (Exodus 33:14) God told Moses that he is well pleased with him. Moses wanted to see the dazling light of God's presence.
Despite everything else, God is continues to show Moses that he is not going to leave him no matter what. God is well pleased with Moses. God is faithful. Despite Israelites' act of sinfulness (their grumbling, lack of faith, golden calf), God is faithful and He is going with Moses and the Israelites and will bring forth His victory!
Exodus 34- God is faithful! He is not easily angered. He forgives. He has compassion and pity on people of his chosing. God has great love over His creation! God is remaking the stone tablets Moses destroyed in his anger over the Israelites' sin. As the people obey God, God will drive the other nations out of the land promised to them. Moses stayed there for forty days, and wrote the commandments God gave the Israelites. God renewed his covenant with Israel once again!
In Exodus 33:29, Moses' face was shining from his time spent with the Lord. We may not shine..but the more time we spend with the Lord, we will be transformed. Our hearts will be light and unburdened. We can take Jesus' yoke and light burden, and be joyful because of our time spent with Him. God alone can ease us and make our faces shine. We are to be bright shining lights to this dark world!
Exodus 35- Moses meets the community to state the importance of observing the Sabbath, material for the tabernacle, and God's skilled workers. They have seven days to work, but the Sabbath deserves absolute rest. We need to be completely devoted to observing the Sabbath, remembering the holiness of God and the priority of giving our Sabbath to him to be reminded of what kind of God we serve! God is rebuilding his tabernacle again! And, God is using the people he has equipped! The emphasis is on the people's willingness for the offerings and helping in the work! It was all offerings. It was all working for God. It is all seen as offering in God's eyes, for it is our willingness and denying our selves that counts.
Exodus 33-
Just as God had ordered Adam and Eve to leave the garden, the Israelites were ordered to leave Mount Sinai! Moses was to lead to the people out of Mount Sinai, and there would be an angel to go with them. (Exodus 32: 34) God was giving the people the land God promised their forefathers, but he would not go with them for if he did--he may destroy them for they are a stubborn group of people.The people of Israel no longer worn any jewelry. They mourned, and God did not know what to do with them. Even when they were set up at a camp, Moses would enter the tent of God's presence and talk to God like he would talk to a friend. God is Moses' help to get the Israelites to their land, and God will give them victory! (Exodus 33:14) God told Moses that he is well pleased with him. Moses wanted to see the dazling light of God's presence.
Despite everything else, God is continues to show Moses that he is not going to leave him no matter what. God is well pleased with Moses. God is faithful. Despite Israelites' act of sinfulness (their grumbling, lack of faith, golden calf), God is faithful and He is going with Moses and the Israelites and will bring forth His victory!
Exodus 34- God is faithful! He is not easily angered. He forgives. He has compassion and pity on people of his chosing. God has great love over His creation! God is remaking the stone tablets Moses destroyed in his anger over the Israelites' sin. As the people obey God, God will drive the other nations out of the land promised to them. Moses stayed there for forty days, and wrote the commandments God gave the Israelites. God renewed his covenant with Israel once again!
In Exodus 33:29, Moses' face was shining from his time spent with the Lord. We may not shine..but the more time we spend with the Lord, we will be transformed. Our hearts will be light and unburdened. We can take Jesus' yoke and light burden, and be joyful because of our time spent with Him. God alone can ease us and make our faces shine. We are to be bright shining lights to this dark world!
Exodus 35- Moses meets the community to state the importance of observing the Sabbath, material for the tabernacle, and God's skilled workers. They have seven days to work, but the Sabbath deserves absolute rest. We need to be completely devoted to observing the Sabbath, remembering the holiness of God and the priority of giving our Sabbath to him to be reminded of what kind of God we serve! God is rebuilding his tabernacle again! And, God is using the people he has equipped! The emphasis is on the people's willingness for the offerings and helping in the work! It was all offerings. It was all working for God. It is all seen as offering in God's eyes, for it is our willingness and denying our selves that counts.
Exodus 22-32
We see God's love for the Israelites. But as any good parent does, there are boundaries that mustn't be crossed! God is a jealous God who fights for his people no matter what. He has their ultimate good in store! As the Israelites learned, God means business! If God says "do not make and worship idols, God means it! They were given commandments, and sinned greatly. They had no excuse for it, even though they tried to come up with one. God's commandments are for life! We need to take them SERIOUSLY!
Exodus 22: Protection of property, social responsibilities. Stealing others' property should result in a repayment. In the area of social responsibilities, my favorite verses are Exodus 22:21-25 regarding giving and treating the foreigner and widows/orphans. We do have a great responsibility and we shouldn't neglect or take advantage of the situations.
Exodus 23: In this section, we are really learning the need to be completely honest and vunerable to the Lord in everything we do. We should not take bribes, but do things out of the willingness of our own hearts. We are to not follow the crowd, but follow God. (Exodus 23:2) We need to be serious in our offerings to the Lord, and devote ourselves and households toward rest on the Sabbath.
Exodus 24: God instructs Aaron, and some of the men to come up to worship God at a distance. Moses went and told the people the laws that God had commanded him, and the covenant book. He built an altar and used twelve stones at the foot of the mountain to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The Israelites said they would do all that God commanded. Moses went on to the mountain as God commanded, to be given the stone tables with the commandments of God. The people thought the cloud of God looked like a consuming fire. Moses stayed up there for forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 25-27: God gives Moses commands. God wants Moses to go receive the offerings from the Israelites. Also, they are to make the ark of covenant to put the stone tablets of God's commands for the Israelites, table, lampstand, tabernacle, altar, and courtyard. The tabernacle has a special place for the ark of the covenant with the laws inside them in the most holy place! The Israelites are to bring oil for the lamps, which Aaron and his sons will keep burning from evening until morning.
Exodus 28-30: God calls Aaron and his sons to serve him as priests. The people are to make priestly garments. The garments include: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. God instructs Moses to anoint and ordain them. They did an sin, burnt, wave offering. It took seven days to ordain them. Offering daily for the seven days to purify the place making it holy. They are to make an altar for incense for Aaron to offer daily, atonement money to atone for their lives, make a basin for washing, make sacred anointing oil, and incense.
God is very specific in everything he is calling Aaron and Moses to make. God is setting the stage for how the people will worship him through the formation of the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle! God is setting up his priests to lead and guide his people. God is doing it. He is setting them up to be obedient to Him through his law and carrying out his covenant for his people!
Exodus 31: God has equipped Bezalel and Oholiab to make what the Lord has commanded Moses. God has equipped the people and brought skilled workers to make what God is detailedly asking of Moses to make. Moses' job seems like it is to be the overseer and ensure that it is done properly as God has given clear directions on what to do. The Lord, then, instructs Moses to remind the people the severity of them needing to keep the Sabbath. The Sabbath is remind us of God's holiness. When God sent Moses to return to the people, he also gave him the tablets inscribed by the finger of God.
Exodus 32: The Israelites asked Aaron to make them gods--he is going to make them golden calves: ignoring the ten commandments they were just given. God sent Moses to deal with the Israelites as he told them about the Israelites sacrificing to their golden calves. The Lord's anger burned and he wanted to destroy them. Moses spoke to God and pleaded with him, so he relented. Moses, himself, burned with anger once he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calves that he threw the tablets and burned their calves--making them drink it. He and the Levites (he said anyone who follows the Lord) killed about 3,000 people that day. Moses went before the Lord to ask for forgiveness for the people's sins. Moses knew about the book of life. God sent a plague on the Israelites for the sins they had committed.---for this great sin they committed.
Exodus 22: Protection of property, social responsibilities. Stealing others' property should result in a repayment. In the area of social responsibilities, my favorite verses are Exodus 22:21-25 regarding giving and treating the foreigner and widows/orphans. We do have a great responsibility and we shouldn't neglect or take advantage of the situations.
Exodus 23: In this section, we are really learning the need to be completely honest and vunerable to the Lord in everything we do. We should not take bribes, but do things out of the willingness of our own hearts. We are to not follow the crowd, but follow God. (Exodus 23:2) We need to be serious in our offerings to the Lord, and devote ourselves and households toward rest on the Sabbath.
Exodus 24: God instructs Aaron, and some of the men to come up to worship God at a distance. Moses went and told the people the laws that God had commanded him, and the covenant book. He built an altar and used twelve stones at the foot of the mountain to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The Israelites said they would do all that God commanded. Moses went on to the mountain as God commanded, to be given the stone tables with the commandments of God. The people thought the cloud of God looked like a consuming fire. Moses stayed up there for forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 25-27: God gives Moses commands. God wants Moses to go receive the offerings from the Israelites. Also, they are to make the ark of covenant to put the stone tablets of God's commands for the Israelites, table, lampstand, tabernacle, altar, and courtyard. The tabernacle has a special place for the ark of the covenant with the laws inside them in the most holy place! The Israelites are to bring oil for the lamps, which Aaron and his sons will keep burning from evening until morning.
Exodus 28-30: God calls Aaron and his sons to serve him as priests. The people are to make priestly garments. The garments include: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. God instructs Moses to anoint and ordain them. They did an sin, burnt, wave offering. It took seven days to ordain them. Offering daily for the seven days to purify the place making it holy. They are to make an altar for incense for Aaron to offer daily, atonement money to atone for their lives, make a basin for washing, make sacred anointing oil, and incense.
God is very specific in everything he is calling Aaron and Moses to make. God is setting the stage for how the people will worship him through the formation of the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle! God is setting up his priests to lead and guide his people. God is doing it. He is setting them up to be obedient to Him through his law and carrying out his covenant for his people!
Exodus 31: God has equipped Bezalel and Oholiab to make what the Lord has commanded Moses. God has equipped the people and brought skilled workers to make what God is detailedly asking of Moses to make. Moses' job seems like it is to be the overseer and ensure that it is done properly as God has given clear directions on what to do. The Lord, then, instructs Moses to remind the people the severity of them needing to keep the Sabbath. The Sabbath is remind us of God's holiness. When God sent Moses to return to the people, he also gave him the tablets inscribed by the finger of God.
Exodus 32: The Israelites asked Aaron to make them gods--he is going to make them golden calves: ignoring the ten commandments they were just given. God sent Moses to deal with the Israelites as he told them about the Israelites sacrificing to their golden calves. The Lord's anger burned and he wanted to destroy them. Moses spoke to God and pleaded with him, so he relented. Moses, himself, burned with anger once he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calves that he threw the tablets and burned their calves--making them drink it. He and the Levites (he said anyone who follows the Lord) killed about 3,000 people that day. Moses went before the Lord to ask for forgiveness for the people's sins. Moses knew about the book of life. God sent a plague on the Israelites for the sins they had committed.---for this great sin they committed.
Exodus 16-21
Exodus 16-- The Israelites complained that they had no food. When God sent manna from heaven, the people still did not trust God to provide for their needs. They would gather extra manna and it would attract maggots the next day. Also, they would go out on the Sabbath to attempt to find manna where God told them not to and they would have to gather double their portion of manna on the sixth day, for the seventh was the Sabbath day. They were instructed to not go out, but to trust God! They needed to learn to trust God! They spent forty years in the wilderness complaining, and not trusting God. The quality of the manna the next day depended on the Lord's command. On the seventh day, the manna was still good with no maggots found anywhere. God instructed them to save a jar of the manna to show their ancestors how God provided for them in the wilderness!
Exodus 17- In this chapter, two things happen:
Exodus 17- In this chapter, two things happen:
- The Israelites are grumbling again about not having water. Moses ends up going to God, and God tells Moses (to take a few elders) and go to the rock of Horeb. With his staff, he is able to strike the rock and the Israelites are given water to drink. They kept questioning God's presence among them, even after all that has happened. I am reminded of the need to be thankful and not question who God is or what he doing in my life. God is God. He is enough that I do not need to question him or what he is doing. God will take care of me!
- The Israelites fight the Amalekites. As long as Moses hands are raised toward Heaven, the Israelites are winning. However as soon as Moses lowers his hands, they begin to lose. Aaron and Hur kept Moses' hands lifted once he got tired and he (Moses) sat on a stone for relief. After they win, Moses makes an alter and calls it "the Lord is my banner!" Two things strike me: The significance of having friends who support us. I need people to support me, just as Moses needed those with him to keep his hands in the air worshiping God.
Exodus 18- Moses' father in law brings Moses' family (wife and two sons) to him. Moses talked with his father in law about all that has been going on for the Israelites, and Jethro gives Moses good advice about delegating tasks with elders of the community so Moses doesn't wear himself out. This is very good advice for anyone, but especially as a pastoral type person- Moses needed to delegate tasks other men, for it is too big of a burden for Moses alone to carry. I think the same is true of us too. We need to delegate tasks in our household and churches to prevent ourselves from getting overly burdened and burned out. The verses that stuck out most to me is Exodus 18:18-19;23
Exodus 19- God wanted to speak to the people. They were to not touch the base of the mountain or be near it or they would perish. God wanted the people to consecrated themselves for the third day God appeared through clouds, smoke, and appeared on fire. There were loud truimpets blaring! God wanted to speak to Moses at the top of the mountain. Moses is to remind them to not force themselves to see the Lord or he will break out against them. Aaron is to come up with Moses. What stands out is Exodus 19:5-6: If they follow God's covenant, they will be the chosen nation!
Exodus 20- The Lord spoke the Ten Commandments to all of the Israelites, which feared them even more. They sought for Moses to speak on God's behalf and to not hear God's voice. (Exodus 20:18-20) We need to hear God's voice. God's voice may at times scare us deeply, but it keeps us from sin. God's sovereign authority is what will keep us centered in His will and protect us from the sins of this world.
Exodus 21- God tells Moses the laws that he is to tell the Israelites regarding personal injury and hebrew slaves. These are regarding our actions have consequences. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, death for a kidnapper, scheming and killing one equals death for the murderer..
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Exodus 13-15
Exodus 13-15
In today's readings, the Israelites are being given instructions on the Passover. Also, they are to dedicate the first of their animals. Also, they are to give their first son...But, they are able to buy their sons back.
God warns Moses ahead of time that the Egyptians are going to try to follow the Israelites. The Egyptians were fearful of losing their slaves, and Pharaoh's heart was hardened by God to ultimately show the Egyptians who he is. God is not someone to be messed with, neither are his children! God has planned this in order to display his glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. (Exodus 14:4)
The Egyptians are seen chasing after the Israelites with 600 of his best chariots and men, and the Israelites notice that the Egyptians are chasing after them. Their fears begin to continue (Pretty sure they were already scared about what would happen. 500,000 men alone. Surely, they knew the Egyptians would not only notice, but chase after them.) The Israelites begin to wish that they had stayed in Egypt as slaves, for it was better than dying in the wilderness.
God sent the Israelites through the Red Sea. The sea had dried up, while there were walls of water. The Israelites were able to cross through the Red Sea. However once the Israelites had crossed through the Red Sea, the Egyptians were crossing and their chariots were not working like they thought they should. Moses used his staff, and the water returned to its place in the sea killing the entire Egyptian army. Not one survived. The Israelites even saw their bodies once they washed up to shore. That must have been a bit scary for the Israelites too. Once they have seen how God had prevailed against the Egyptian army, they praised Him. The scripture says: "They were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses." (Exodus 14:31)
They are involved in this awe-struck worship experience of just worshiping God for who he has using tambourines. After this, they were led to a camp with corrupted water and were again fear struck instead of awe struck. It is probably a month or so later, assumingly. They complained to Moses, their fearless leader, and Moses in turn cried out to God. God provided a piece of wood, which cleansed the water and made it able to drink.
Through it all, God shows up! God shows up in a remarkable way! God can take any season of our lives, and be glorified. He can take our daily struggles or the biggest crisis of our life, and triumph over it! God can do unimaginable things! What I need to be more obedient in doing is sharing my struggles with God. I need to cry out to Him, and trust that God will provide for me and all my needs! The Lord is a WARRIOR, Yahweh is his name! (Exodus 15:3) God is more than able to handle my struggles. I want to be more willing to confide in Him and share my struggles with Him. I want to be able to be awe-struck instead of just fear struck.
Some of the scriptures that stood out to me were:
In today's readings, the Israelites are being given instructions on the Passover. Also, they are to dedicate the first of their animals. Also, they are to give their first son...But, they are able to buy their sons back.
God warns Moses ahead of time that the Egyptians are going to try to follow the Israelites. The Egyptians were fearful of losing their slaves, and Pharaoh's heart was hardened by God to ultimately show the Egyptians who he is. God is not someone to be messed with, neither are his children! God has planned this in order to display his glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. (Exodus 14:4)
The Egyptians are seen chasing after the Israelites with 600 of his best chariots and men, and the Israelites notice that the Egyptians are chasing after them. Their fears begin to continue (Pretty sure they were already scared about what would happen. 500,000 men alone. Surely, they knew the Egyptians would not only notice, but chase after them.) The Israelites begin to wish that they had stayed in Egypt as slaves, for it was better than dying in the wilderness.
God sent the Israelites through the Red Sea. The sea had dried up, while there were walls of water. The Israelites were able to cross through the Red Sea. However once the Israelites had crossed through the Red Sea, the Egyptians were crossing and their chariots were not working like they thought they should. Moses used his staff, and the water returned to its place in the sea killing the entire Egyptian army. Not one survived. The Israelites even saw their bodies once they washed up to shore. That must have been a bit scary for the Israelites too. Once they have seen how God had prevailed against the Egyptian army, they praised Him. The scripture says: "They were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses." (Exodus 14:31)
They are involved in this awe-struck worship experience of just worshiping God for who he has using tambourines. After this, they were led to a camp with corrupted water and were again fear struck instead of awe struck. It is probably a month or so later, assumingly. They complained to Moses, their fearless leader, and Moses in turn cried out to God. God provided a piece of wood, which cleansed the water and made it able to drink.
Through it all, God shows up! God shows up in a remarkable way! God can take any season of our lives, and be glorified. He can take our daily struggles or the biggest crisis of our life, and triumph over it! God can do unimaginable things! What I need to be more obedient in doing is sharing my struggles with God. I need to cry out to Him, and trust that God will provide for me and all my needs! The Lord is a WARRIOR, Yahweh is his name! (Exodus 15:3) God is more than able to handle my struggles. I want to be more willing to confide in Him and share my struggles with Him. I want to be able to be awe-struck instead of just fear struck.
Some of the scriptures that stood out to me were:
- Exodus 14:13-14
- Reminds me of "Be still and know I am God" Psalm 46:10
- Exodus 14:25b
- The Lord is fighting for us against whatever trial we may face!
- Exodus 14:31
- They were not fear struck, but awestruck
- Exodus 15:1-3
- The Lord triumphed and won the victory!
- Exodus 15:6-7a
- God can smash our enemies!
- Exodus 15:11
- There is no-one like our God!
- Exodus 15:13
- God redeemed them! He leads them to their sacred home--the promise land. Just like, He leads us to our eternal home with Him!
- Exodus 15:16
- Notice the word Moses uses "the people God has PURCHASED"
- Exodus 15:18
- He reigns!
- Exodus 15:26
- God promised them if they would follow Him, there would not face any diseases. He would be the one to heal them!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Exodus 4-12
Exodus 4-12
I really wanted to read through the plagues tonight for two reasons.
1. I thought it'd just be really fun to get to the plagues that had to happen in order for the Israelites to be freed. I just saw God called Moses, and God told Moses that many miraculous things would have to happen in order for the Israelites to finally be freed.
2. I really wanted to hopefully catch up some on my readings. I have let myself get behind, and I do not want to get any further behind than I am. I really would like to accomplish this task and familiarize myself with the whole Bible. There are many books that I have not really read through, and I would like to.
In Exodus 4-11, a lot has happened. Moses is going through what I would go through. He is questioning "well, what if they don't believe me?.." God is so awesome, for He gives Moses signs to do to reassure everyone that God is working and He is deeply concerned and going to bring them into the land promised to them. God gives Moses signs to perform using his God-given staff. What I find interesting is Moses speaks of his lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10) in his inability to do the job. God knows us completely as it states in Psalm 139. God knows us completely. Moses kept on asking "oh, please send someone else" to the point of God's anger is kindled---then God says that Aaron can be Moses' mouth.
In Moses and Aaron's first attempt to talk the Pharaoh into letting God's people go, the Pharaoh doubles the Israelites' work load due to their visit. The Israelites are upset and feeling very overly oppressed. Through the numerous attempts due to Pharaoh's hard heart, God uses Moses and Aaron to show the Israelites and Egyptians how big God is. God continues to promise deliverance for the Israelites. I appreciated chapter 6 of Exodus for it shows the ways God has been working.
In this chapter, Moses goes so far to tell God "why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?" God promises Moses deliverance for God's people. God reminds Moses of the ways that he has worked for his people.
God made a covenant with..
I really wanted to read through the plagues tonight for two reasons.
1. I thought it'd just be really fun to get to the plagues that had to happen in order for the Israelites to be freed. I just saw God called Moses, and God told Moses that many miraculous things would have to happen in order for the Israelites to finally be freed.
2. I really wanted to hopefully catch up some on my readings. I have let myself get behind, and I do not want to get any further behind than I am. I really would like to accomplish this task and familiarize myself with the whole Bible. There are many books that I have not really read through, and I would like to.
In Exodus 4-11, a lot has happened. Moses is going through what I would go through. He is questioning "well, what if they don't believe me?.." God is so awesome, for He gives Moses signs to do to reassure everyone that God is working and He is deeply concerned and going to bring them into the land promised to them. God gives Moses signs to perform using his God-given staff. What I find interesting is Moses speaks of his lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10) in his inability to do the job. God knows us completely as it states in Psalm 139. God knows us completely. Moses kept on asking "oh, please send someone else" to the point of God's anger is kindled---then God says that Aaron can be Moses' mouth.
In Moses and Aaron's first attempt to talk the Pharaoh into letting God's people go, the Pharaoh doubles the Israelites' work load due to their visit. The Israelites are upset and feeling very overly oppressed. Through the numerous attempts due to Pharaoh's hard heart, God uses Moses and Aaron to show the Israelites and Egyptians how big God is. God continues to promise deliverance for the Israelites. I appreciated chapter 6 of Exodus for it shows the ways God has been working.
In this chapter, Moses goes so far to tell God "why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?" God promises Moses deliverance for God's people. God reminds Moses of the ways that he has worked for his people.
God made a covenant with..
- Abraham
- Issac
- Jacob
God is going to give them the land he promised them. God continues to speak to Moses, and says I have heard the groaning of my people. I remember the covenant I have with them. In all in all, God is showing Moses. "I know what I am doing.."
It took ten plagues for God to free his people. I believe there was purpose in each of those plagues. Through each plague, it strengthened the hearts and faiths of the Israelites. What is fascinating is how much Moses and Aaron personally must have grown during this time. Moses was very fearful in the earlier stages of this call to be God's voice in freeing the Egyptians. He had points of anger of frustration, I am sure. But, he must have grown immensely.
Once the tenth plague, the Israelites were free to go. I wonder if some Egyptians saw the power of God's hands and went with them. This is the start of the Passover, where God passed over and spared the Israelite people from losing their first born sons. Soon afterwards, they were free to go with all their belongings. They celebrated a feast. For those who were not Jewish, the only requirement to partake of it is to be circumcised. So the only rule at this point is to be circumcised and the order of which the Passover is be celebrated.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
2.5.12- Exodus 1-3
Exodus 1
The Israelites become strong in numerous in Egypt just as God promised Jacob, which the new King found as a serious threat. He feared what may happen if he went to war and the Israelites joined the enemies. He commanded midwives to kill Hebrew baby boys, then made a command to all people the Hebrew baby boys must be thrown into the Nile River. The Israelites were made slaves of the Egyptians, and were heavily oppressed. The harder they were oppressed, the more their numbers seemed to grow. The Egyptians feared the Israelites. The Egyptians made the lives of the Israelites miserable.
What I noticed about this passage is the oppression that the Israelites must have gone through. Even as God's chosen people, they experienced great difficulty. Their trials must have been hard, but it must have increased their faith. The text stated that the more the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites---the more great in numbers the Israelites became.
Exodus 2
As a result of the King's law, Moses were put in a basket at 3 months old in the Nile River to be found by the King's daughter. He was able to stay with his biological mother for a while long, until given over to the King's daughter. As an adult, Moses went to saw how badly the Hebrews were treated and killed an Egyptian for treating the Hebrews cruelly. The King (his adoptive grandfather) sought to have him killed. He ran and married one of Jethro's daughters after saving them and their animals. Years later even after the King died, the Israelites were still being oppressed by the Egyptians. God heard their cries for relief. He remembered the covenant he had made with their forefathers. God saw what the Israelites were going through, and had concern for them.
What changed things is they sought God. God had compassion and concern for them. As we face various trials, God has concern for us. But, we need to turn to Him! God can help us in our time of need. God can find a way out of our trial or help the situations become less oppressive.
Exodus 3
God is taking action. God appears to Moses as the burning bush. He radically gets Moses' attention and he (Moses) is too fearful to look at God. God is sending him to get his people from the King. Moses says: I am nobody. How can I? God says: I will go with you! You will praise me after all is said and done. This is how God works. He goes with us even when we are convinced we are nobody and do not have the confidence to go. Still, God sends Moses. God is acting justly ready to free His people of oppression. He is ready to give them the land that was promised. God tells Moses up front that some scary things will have to happen before they will be freed, but it is by God's power and they will leave with Egypt's wealth!
Even on days when we feel like we are nothing, we need to remember who our Maker is. Even though we may feel like nothing, we are not nothings, but God cares deeply for us. He has concern for us. He goes with us wherever we go! God is sending Moses to use to accomplish His purposes for a great task, which is also a difficult task. God is going to free His people. He is going to give them the land He has promised.
The Israelites become strong in numerous in Egypt just as God promised Jacob, which the new King found as a serious threat. He feared what may happen if he went to war and the Israelites joined the enemies. He commanded midwives to kill Hebrew baby boys, then made a command to all people the Hebrew baby boys must be thrown into the Nile River. The Israelites were made slaves of the Egyptians, and were heavily oppressed. The harder they were oppressed, the more their numbers seemed to grow. The Egyptians feared the Israelites. The Egyptians made the lives of the Israelites miserable.
What I noticed about this passage is the oppression that the Israelites must have gone through. Even as God's chosen people, they experienced great difficulty. Their trials must have been hard, but it must have increased their faith. The text stated that the more the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites---the more great in numbers the Israelites became.
Exodus 2
As a result of the King's law, Moses were put in a basket at 3 months old in the Nile River to be found by the King's daughter. He was able to stay with his biological mother for a while long, until given over to the King's daughter. As an adult, Moses went to saw how badly the Hebrews were treated and killed an Egyptian for treating the Hebrews cruelly. The King (his adoptive grandfather) sought to have him killed. He ran and married one of Jethro's daughters after saving them and their animals. Years later even after the King died, the Israelites were still being oppressed by the Egyptians. God heard their cries for relief. He remembered the covenant he had made with their forefathers. God saw what the Israelites were going through, and had concern for them.
What changed things is they sought God. God had compassion and concern for them. As we face various trials, God has concern for us. But, we need to turn to Him! God can help us in our time of need. God can find a way out of our trial or help the situations become less oppressive.
Exodus 3
God is taking action. God appears to Moses as the burning bush. He radically gets Moses' attention and he (Moses) is too fearful to look at God. God is sending him to get his people from the King. Moses says: I am nobody. How can I? God says: I will go with you! You will praise me after all is said and done. This is how God works. He goes with us even when we are convinced we are nobody and do not have the confidence to go. Still, God sends Moses. God is acting justly ready to free His people of oppression. He is ready to give them the land that was promised. God tells Moses up front that some scary things will have to happen before they will be freed, but it is by God's power and they will leave with Egypt's wealth!
Even on days when we feel like we are nothing, we need to remember who our Maker is. Even though we may feel like nothing, we are not nothings, but God cares deeply for us. He has concern for us. He goes with us wherever we go! God is sending Moses to use to accomplish His purposes for a great task, which is also a difficult task. God is going to free His people. He is going to give them the land He has promised.
End of Month ONE (Genesis 46-50)
Genesis 46
Jacob went and settled in a camp. He received a vision from the Lord saying it was okay, not to fear going to Egypt. God is still giving him the land he promised. His decedents will be many in Egypt as well. Joseph finally was able to see his dad, Jacob, again! His brothers, wives, and children were also there. Joseph told the brothers to tell the king they were shepherds. It is noted that Egyptians will have nothing to do with shepherds. However the king not only welcomes them, he offers a job to let them shepherd his flock.
Genesis 47
Joseph presents his family before the king. The king offered them the best piece of land, and the chance to shepherd his own flock. Joseph provided food for them all. The famine became severe. Everyone's money was gone. Livestock was used as money for the exchanging of animals for food. The following year, there was no money and livestock to exchange for food. The people began to sell their land and self (becoming slaves) in exchange for food. This is with the exception of priests who received an allowance from the king himself. One-Fifth of the harvests were given to the king (from those who sold their land in exchange for seed and food.) Jacob made Joseph promise to bury him where his fathers were buried.
Genesis 48
In this section Jacob is dying, and Joseph and his two sons have gone to see him. Even though his eyesight is failing, he blesses Jacob and his two sons. Even when he has no strength to sit up, he sits up and blesses his children (he considered Joseph's sons as his own.)
Genesis 49
Jacob gathers his sons to tell them about their future. Jacob speaks a farewell to each of his sons. These are the twelve tribes of Israel. God is seen as the protector and shepherd as he speaks of Joseph. By his words, it's apparent that Joseph stands out among the rest of his brothers. Jacob gave specific instructions about his burial. He wants to be buried where Abraham, Sarah, Issac, Rebekah, and Leah were buried. He laid back down and died.
Genesis 50
The death left a long preparation period. The time it took to embalmed the body. The time it took for everyone to go. A large group went with Joseph to bury his father, after they mourned for him in Egypt---giving tribute to his life. After Jacob's death, the brothers feared Joseph would harm them. Joseph had to reassure them once again that God used it for good--His good! Many people are alive because of how God worked in that situation. Even on Joseph's deathbed, he continues to reassure them that God will take care of them! Joseph asks them to take his body with them to the promised land. They embalmed him, and put him in a coffin.
Month One Completed.
Update on this month's journey
Jacob went and settled in a camp. He received a vision from the Lord saying it was okay, not to fear going to Egypt. God is still giving him the land he promised. His decedents will be many in Egypt as well. Joseph finally was able to see his dad, Jacob, again! His brothers, wives, and children were also there. Joseph told the brothers to tell the king they were shepherds. It is noted that Egyptians will have nothing to do with shepherds. However the king not only welcomes them, he offers a job to let them shepherd his flock.
Genesis 47
Joseph presents his family before the king. The king offered them the best piece of land, and the chance to shepherd his own flock. Joseph provided food for them all. The famine became severe. Everyone's money was gone. Livestock was used as money for the exchanging of animals for food. The following year, there was no money and livestock to exchange for food. The people began to sell their land and self (becoming slaves) in exchange for food. This is with the exception of priests who received an allowance from the king himself. One-Fifth of the harvests were given to the king (from those who sold their land in exchange for seed and food.) Jacob made Joseph promise to bury him where his fathers were buried.
Genesis 48
In this section Jacob is dying, and Joseph and his two sons have gone to see him. Even though his eyesight is failing, he blesses Jacob and his two sons. Even when he has no strength to sit up, he sits up and blesses his children (he considered Joseph's sons as his own.)
Genesis 49
Jacob gathers his sons to tell them about their future. Jacob speaks a farewell to each of his sons. These are the twelve tribes of Israel. God is seen as the protector and shepherd as he speaks of Joseph. By his words, it's apparent that Joseph stands out among the rest of his brothers. Jacob gave specific instructions about his burial. He wants to be buried where Abraham, Sarah, Issac, Rebekah, and Leah were buried. He laid back down and died.
Genesis 50
The death left a long preparation period. The time it took to embalmed the body. The time it took for everyone to go. A large group went with Joseph to bury his father, after they mourned for him in Egypt---giving tribute to his life. After Jacob's death, the brothers feared Joseph would harm them. Joseph had to reassure them once again that God used it for good--His good! Many people are alive because of how God worked in that situation. Even on Joseph's deathbed, he continues to reassure them that God will take care of them! Joseph asks them to take his body with them to the promised land. They embalmed him, and put him in a coffin.
Month One Completed.
Update on this month's journey
Genesis 43-45
Genesis 43
Joseph evidently asked his brothers many questions, such as how is my brother and father? The men had not gone back with Benjamin as required. Not until they were in dire need of more food, then Judah persuaded Jacob to allow Benjamin to go with them to Egypt. When Joseph was with his brothers after their arrival, he commanded his servant to take his brothers to his house so they could have a meal together at noon. There is where Simeon was reunited to his brothers. The brothers were fearful, and told the servant about bringing money for paying last trip's grain. The servant had already received their payment for last trip's grain. The servant said that God must have given it to them. Joseph talked with his brothers, but had to leave out of inability to control himself. He still had not told his brothers who he was.
Genesis 44
Joseph sends them on their way, after their meal and loading them with bread and money. He had snuck his silver cup in Benjamin's bag. He obviously cared more for Benjamin than the rest of his brothers. His servant was to catch up to his brothers, and bring the one who stole the silver cup. The brothers came back along with Benjamin who held the silver cup in his possession unknowingly. Benjamin was to become Joseph's slave. Judah pleaded with Joseph to not make Benjamin his slave, but instead to take him. Judah had placed his own life on the line with his father in order to bring Benjamin to Egypt.
Genesis 45
Finally!!
Joseph tells his brothers who he is once he sends the Egyptians out of the room. Only he said it so loud that the Egyptians told the king about what had happened. Joseph tells his brothers the truth. God sent him ahead to save people's lives. Joseph and the king invited his brothers and father to move into the best piece of land in Egypt, so they would not starve---giving them plenty of food, wagons, and livestock to make the round trip journey.
Joseph did not blame them for selling him to Egyptians, instead he saw the bright side of it. He saw how God has worked and favored him in the midst of the circumstances. He recognized God's hand over the entire situation. How can I recognize God's hand in my own, sometimes crummy, situations? God is still sovereign working behind the scenes of everything!!
Joseph evidently asked his brothers many questions, such as how is my brother and father? The men had not gone back with Benjamin as required. Not until they were in dire need of more food, then Judah persuaded Jacob to allow Benjamin to go with them to Egypt. When Joseph was with his brothers after their arrival, he commanded his servant to take his brothers to his house so they could have a meal together at noon. There is where Simeon was reunited to his brothers. The brothers were fearful, and told the servant about bringing money for paying last trip's grain. The servant had already received their payment for last trip's grain. The servant said that God must have given it to them. Joseph talked with his brothers, but had to leave out of inability to control himself. He still had not told his brothers who he was.
Genesis 44
Joseph sends them on their way, after their meal and loading them with bread and money. He had snuck his silver cup in Benjamin's bag. He obviously cared more for Benjamin than the rest of his brothers. His servant was to catch up to his brothers, and bring the one who stole the silver cup. The brothers came back along with Benjamin who held the silver cup in his possession unknowingly. Benjamin was to become Joseph's slave. Judah pleaded with Joseph to not make Benjamin his slave, but instead to take him. Judah had placed his own life on the line with his father in order to bring Benjamin to Egypt.
Genesis 45
Finally!!
Joseph tells his brothers who he is once he sends the Egyptians out of the room. Only he said it so loud that the Egyptians told the king about what had happened. Joseph tells his brothers the truth. God sent him ahead to save people's lives. Joseph and the king invited his brothers and father to move into the best piece of land in Egypt, so they would not starve---giving them plenty of food, wagons, and livestock to make the round trip journey.
Joseph did not blame them for selling him to Egyptians, instead he saw the bright side of it. He saw how God has worked and favored him in the midst of the circumstances. He recognized God's hand over the entire situation. How can I recognize God's hand in my own, sometimes crummy, situations? God is still sovereign working behind the scenes of everything!!
Genesis 41-42
Pharaoh learns that Joseph has the ability to interpret dreams by one of the men he was imprisoned with. Joseph goes, and gives credit only to God for being able to interpret dreams. After he tells the Pharaoh of his dream about the future famine, he is given a powerful position--selling grain to whomever is need. Joseph's brothers (except Benjamin) must travel from Canaan to Egypt to purchase food for their households, because the famine is across the whole earth. Joseph listens to his brothers' lie about how he is dead, as Joseph's brothers do not know that it is Joseph. They must leave Simeon behind, as they refused to bring Benjamin back for Joseph to see him. Jacob refuses to send Benjamin with the brothers to meet Joseph. Joseph said he would take their money in exchange for money, but the money was found in their bags. He freely gave. I think Joseph's heart just longed to see his youngest brother Benjamin (the other son of Joseph's mother--Rachel).
Joseph's life shows me two things: God will bless us for giving Him the glory. Without Him, we can do nothing. Also, we choose how to live out our blessings. We choose what we do with what God gives us. We choose what we do with our blessings whether it is friends, money, health, or work. We make choices to neglect our blessings and make poor choices or make choices that glorify God in the end!
Joseph's life shows me two things: God will bless us for giving Him the glory. Without Him, we can do nothing. Also, we choose how to live out our blessings. We choose what we do with what God gives us. We choose what we do with our blessings whether it is friends, money, health, or work. We make choices to neglect our blessings and make poor choices or make choices that glorify God in the end!
Genesis 38-40
Genesis 38
Judah left his brothers, moved, married a Canaanite woman, and had children. His first son did evil and died. His second son died---leaving his wife. The third son defiled his deceased brother's wife, and died. She ended up being pregnant. Tamar was sent away with the promise of Judah's youngest son once he is old enough. Tamar got word about Judah traveling because his wife died. So she showed up on the side of the road dressed like a prostitute, and ended up sleeping with Judah (Father in Law). Truth found out about her prostituting. Judah says for her to be burned alive, but once he finds out that he slept with her. He calls the whole thing off. She gives birth to twins, and they never have relations ever again.
Genesis 39
Joseph was sold to the Egyptians in the palace belonging to the officers. Potiphar made Joseph his servant. God made Joseph suceed in everything he did, and his owner saw this. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned (even the wife), and God blessed the Egyptian household. Potiphar did not concern himself with anything but food. Joseph was well-built, and probably hot looking. Potiphar's wife kept desiring Joseph and wanted him to go to bed with her. She tried to tempt him on numerous occasions I am sure.. Finally unfortunately, she tries to seduce him leaving him running outside with his robe in her hands. She told everyone that he tried to rape her. His master has Joseph arrested. The Lord blessed Joseph---helping him to win the jailer's favor. He put Joseph in charge of the whole jail. The jailer gave his responsibilities to Joseph. The Lord blessed him successfully in all he did.
Genesis 40
The wine steward and chief baker offended the king, and went to prison where Joseph was the servant. Both had a dream, and were obviously very upset about the dream and not knowing what it meant for them in the long run. Joseph saw that they were upset, and interpreted their dreams for them. The win steward's dream meant that they were to be released and pardoned in three days by the King, and Joseph pleased to be mentioned to the king for release since he did no wrong. The chef baker's dream was interpreted and meant that the king would release him and behead him in three days and the birds will eat his flesh. Three days later, the king will restore the wine steward's position and execute the chief baker. It happened just as Joseph had said, but the wine steward never mentioned Joseph or thought about him anymore.
After Joseph's help, the people had wronged him. The owner's wife, the wine steward. Even when people clearly wronged him, he still gave his best to others. This is seen as he interactions with his brothers who had sold him to Egypt. When others wrong or hurt me, I can still choose to give my best to others.
Genesis 38 to 40 show two different pictures of how we can live out our lives based on circumstances. Tamar reacts to what happened to her, and acts like a prostitute---sleeping with Judah without him knowing who she is. Joseph is trusting God to make a way in spite of his circumstances. I want to cherish where God has me now. It is about making the most of my situations and living by faith. It is about cherishing where I am right now. It is not waiting for fibromyalgia to vanish, waiting for a man or friends to pop up, or waiting for a job to pop up, but it is about accepting and cherishing where God has me in this moment. What is God doing in my life that will make an impact? How can I be a light to the darkness in SPITE of where I am right now? It is about making the most of things.
Judah left his brothers, moved, married a Canaanite woman, and had children. His first son did evil and died. His second son died---leaving his wife. The third son defiled his deceased brother's wife, and died. She ended up being pregnant. Tamar was sent away with the promise of Judah's youngest son once he is old enough. Tamar got word about Judah traveling because his wife died. So she showed up on the side of the road dressed like a prostitute, and ended up sleeping with Judah (Father in Law). Truth found out about her prostituting. Judah says for her to be burned alive, but once he finds out that he slept with her. He calls the whole thing off. She gives birth to twins, and they never have relations ever again.
Genesis 39
Joseph was sold to the Egyptians in the palace belonging to the officers. Potiphar made Joseph his servant. God made Joseph suceed in everything he did, and his owner saw this. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned (even the wife), and God blessed the Egyptian household. Potiphar did not concern himself with anything but food. Joseph was well-built, and probably hot looking. Potiphar's wife kept desiring Joseph and wanted him to go to bed with her. She tried to tempt him on numerous occasions I am sure.. Finally unfortunately, she tries to seduce him leaving him running outside with his robe in her hands. She told everyone that he tried to rape her. His master has Joseph arrested. The Lord blessed Joseph---helping him to win the jailer's favor. He put Joseph in charge of the whole jail. The jailer gave his responsibilities to Joseph. The Lord blessed him successfully in all he did.
Genesis 40
The wine steward and chief baker offended the king, and went to prison where Joseph was the servant. Both had a dream, and were obviously very upset about the dream and not knowing what it meant for them in the long run. Joseph saw that they were upset, and interpreted their dreams for them. The win steward's dream meant that they were to be released and pardoned in three days by the King, and Joseph pleased to be mentioned to the king for release since he did no wrong. The chef baker's dream was interpreted and meant that the king would release him and behead him in three days and the birds will eat his flesh. Three days later, the king will restore the wine steward's position and execute the chief baker. It happened just as Joseph had said, but the wine steward never mentioned Joseph or thought about him anymore.
After Joseph's help, the people had wronged him. The owner's wife, the wine steward. Even when people clearly wronged him, he still gave his best to others. This is seen as he interactions with his brothers who had sold him to Egypt. When others wrong or hurt me, I can still choose to give my best to others.
Genesis 38 to 40 show two different pictures of how we can live out our lives based on circumstances. Tamar reacts to what happened to her, and acts like a prostitute---sleeping with Judah without him knowing who she is. Joseph is trusting God to make a way in spite of his circumstances. I want to cherish where God has me now. It is about making the most of my situations and living by faith. It is about cherishing where I am right now. It is not waiting for fibromyalgia to vanish, waiting for a man or friends to pop up, or waiting for a job to pop up, but it is about accepting and cherishing where God has me in this moment. What is God doing in my life that will make an impact? How can I be a light to the darkness in SPITE of where I am right now? It is about making the most of things.
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