Exodus 39-40
Tonight at dinner, we were sharing where we were in our Bible Reading. Our oldest child just sits and reads straight through. He isn't on a plan. He just reads when he feels like it. He is in 2 Corinthians.
My dear husband is reading several chapters a night. He is in Joshua.
Then there is me. I am still wandering in the dessert, stuck in Exodus. :)
Tonight's reading was more about the Holy Tent. It continued detailing what the skilled craftsmen and the people did, following God's instructions to a T.
Finally, they were finished.
They brought Moses in to inspect the work. He carefully checked out the details and noted that they matched God's blue prints.
He was pleased with their work. And he blessed them.
In the second passage, God gave Moses specific instructions in how to set the tabernacle up.
Again, he followed God's expectations to a T.
Oh, how I want to be the one to do that...
I want to follow God's directions to a T.
And yet I fail.
But that is another post for another day.
Tomorrow's passage: Leviticus 1-6
Reba
Showing posts with label Exodus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exodus. Show all posts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Week 7 Day 6 Coming to Fruition
Exodus 35-38
These chapters involve the actual building of the Holy Tent and all of the things involved with it (altars, table, Ark, etc.). If you will remember, we saw the "blueprints" for this just a few chapters ago. Now it is time to put the plan into action.
Surely somewhere out in cyberspace someone has replicated this at least in computer model. I am such a visual person! Even reading it twice (the first time in the plans, the second in the building), some of it is really fuzzy in my mind. So far my Google search has only brought forth a toy model, but I suppose something is better than nothing. :)
I won't repeat every direction given for this building. I will say that the Israelites (the same ones who were dancing around a cow earlier) followed God's commands to a T.
The one part that really stuck out to me in these chapters was that the Israelites gave gold, silver, bronze, threads, etc. not because they had to. Or they were guilted to. Or even for show. No. They gave because they WANTED to.
What a noble idea!
Even better, at one point, Moses has to ask the people to STOP providing gifts for the tabernacle. They had plenty for the project.
Wonder how many times that happens in today's life/church?
Oh, trust me, I say that with fingers pointed right back at me.
Something to think about.
Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 39-40
These chapters involve the actual building of the Holy Tent and all of the things involved with it (altars, table, Ark, etc.). If you will remember, we saw the "blueprints" for this just a few chapters ago. Now it is time to put the plan into action.
Surely somewhere out in cyberspace someone has replicated this at least in computer model. I am such a visual person! Even reading it twice (the first time in the plans, the second in the building), some of it is really fuzzy in my mind. So far my Google search has only brought forth a toy model, but I suppose something is better than nothing. :)
I won't repeat every direction given for this building. I will say that the Israelites (the same ones who were dancing around a cow earlier) followed God's commands to a T.
The one part that really stuck out to me in these chapters was that the Israelites gave gold, silver, bronze, threads, etc. not because they had to. Or they were guilted to. Or even for show. No. They gave because they WANTED to.
What a noble idea!
Even better, at one point, Moses has to ask the people to STOP providing gifts for the tabernacle. They had plenty for the project.
Wonder how many times that happens in today's life/church?
Oh, trust me, I say that with fingers pointed right back at me.
Something to think about.
Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 39-40
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Week 7 Day 5 Radiant
Exodus 32-34
I know, I know, I am behind two days now. I was up until about 2:30 this morning decorating a birthday cake then up bright and early to get lunch prepared (ahead of time) before attending a funeral then having Joshua's party. Excuses, I know, but I didn't really get to do much else last night. I will get caught up this week, I hope. Life will surely slow down, right?
I have to admit, though I treasure all of God's word, I was ready to be done with measurements and rules/regulations for a bit. I just don't think that way.
Then I get to today's reading which is more of the history of the Israelites.
It might be easier to break this down by chapters:
Exodus 32
So Moses has been hanging out on the mountain for a while with God. And now the people get restless. They go to Aaron and ask him to give them "gods who will lead them".
Aaron is not a tough sell.
He makes a golden calf.
I don't even see him put up a fight.
And he is supposed to be the high priest?
I have to admit. I read this and think, "Seriously, People, do you not remember all God did for you? Didn't you watch Him bring plague after plague upon Egypt? Didn't you see him part the waters so you could escape the Egyptians? Hasn't He provided manna for you to eat each day? What are you thinking?"
A lot of questions, few answers.
Except I know.
I know God does a LOT for me and yet I still find myself wondering, "God, are you there?" Or I let myself get distracted with other things.
So here Moses is on the mountain with God. And God is the one who tells Moses what exactly the people are doing.
Moses goes to see for himself.
I am sorry. I just cannot read this section without thinking of the movie. Charlton Heston. The Ten Commandments.
I just can't see it any other way. When I picture Moses, I picture Heston.
And this scene is the heart of the whole movie.
Moses comes down from the mountain and is steaming mad. He throws those tablets down in anger.
Point made. For now.
Chapter 33
The thing that stood out the most in this chapter was something that God said.
"I will not go with you, because I might destroy you on the way since you are such a stubborn people."
Whew. He is not happy.
Can you blame Him?
Think the people are getting the idea?
NOT happy.
Chapter 34
God and Moses again meet upon the mountain. God again lays out His commandments and rules/regulations regarding many things such as the feasts, sacrifices, offerings, etc.
I like how God describes Himself as He passes by in front of Moses.
"I am the LORD. The LORD is a God who shows mercy, who is kind, who doesn't become angry quickly, who has great love and faithfulness, and is kind to thousands of people. The LORD forgives people for evil, for sin, and for turning against him, but he does not forget to punish guilty people..."
Then Moses comes down from the mountain.
Now, remember, Moses wasn't allowed to look at God directly (or he would die) but he saw the back of God as He passed by.
Just from that little glimpse, Moses is changed.
He comes down from the mountain, and he is radiant. As in shiny. His face is so shiny from seeing the goodness of God. It is so shiny, the people are scared to even look at him.
That is what I want. I want to meet with God each day and walk away radiant with His love.
Meet me, God. Meet me.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 35-38
I know, I know, I am behind two days now. I was up until about 2:30 this morning decorating a birthday cake then up bright and early to get lunch prepared (ahead of time) before attending a funeral then having Joshua's party. Excuses, I know, but I didn't really get to do much else last night. I will get caught up this week, I hope. Life will surely slow down, right?
I have to admit, though I treasure all of God's word, I was ready to be done with measurements and rules/regulations for a bit. I just don't think that way.
Then I get to today's reading which is more of the history of the Israelites.
It might be easier to break this down by chapters:
Exodus 32
So Moses has been hanging out on the mountain for a while with God. And now the people get restless. They go to Aaron and ask him to give them "gods who will lead them".
Aaron is not a tough sell.
He makes a golden calf.
I don't even see him put up a fight.
And he is supposed to be the high priest?
I have to admit. I read this and think, "Seriously, People, do you not remember all God did for you? Didn't you watch Him bring plague after plague upon Egypt? Didn't you see him part the waters so you could escape the Egyptians? Hasn't He provided manna for you to eat each day? What are you thinking?"
A lot of questions, few answers.
Except I know.
I know God does a LOT for me and yet I still find myself wondering, "God, are you there?" Or I let myself get distracted with other things.
So here Moses is on the mountain with God. And God is the one who tells Moses what exactly the people are doing.
Moses goes to see for himself.
I am sorry. I just cannot read this section without thinking of the movie. Charlton Heston. The Ten Commandments.
I just can't see it any other way. When I picture Moses, I picture Heston.
And this scene is the heart of the whole movie.
Moses comes down from the mountain and is steaming mad. He throws those tablets down in anger.
Point made. For now.
Chapter 33
The thing that stood out the most in this chapter was something that God said.
"I will not go with you, because I might destroy you on the way since you are such a stubborn people."
Whew. He is not happy.
Can you blame Him?
Think the people are getting the idea?
NOT happy.
Chapter 34
God and Moses again meet upon the mountain. God again lays out His commandments and rules/regulations regarding many things such as the feasts, sacrifices, offerings, etc.
I like how God describes Himself as He passes by in front of Moses.
"I am the LORD. The LORD is a God who shows mercy, who is kind, who doesn't become angry quickly, who has great love and faithfulness, and is kind to thousands of people. The LORD forgives people for evil, for sin, and for turning against him, but he does not forget to punish guilty people..."
Then Moses comes down from the mountain.
Now, remember, Moses wasn't allowed to look at God directly (or he would die) but he saw the back of God as He passed by.
Just from that little glimpse, Moses is changed.
He comes down from the mountain, and he is radiant. As in shiny. His face is so shiny from seeing the goodness of God. It is so shiny, the people are scared to even look at him.
That is what I want. I want to meet with God each day and walk away radiant with His love.
Meet me, God. Meet me.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 35-38
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Week 7 Day 4 Day of Rest
Exodus 30-31
Here we find more detailed plans, such as the altar for burning incense, the bronze bowl, and "recipes" for incense and anointing oil.
Again, I am just reminded. God has a plan.
The part that really stuck out to me from these chapters was that God provided two people to oversee the design and creation of the things God has been talking about. He specifically calls out names of who Moses can turn to for help. I love this. It just once again reaffirms to me that He has a plan for us. And that He provides the workers. I don't know if Bezalel and Oholiab ever had realized how important their skills were. I imagine that they lived their ordinary lives, worked day in and day out, and wondered at times, "Am I making a difference?" I know I do! But they didn't have to wonder any more. God specifically pointed them out to help with the design of God's meeting place. Even if the rest of the world hadn't realized their potential, their skills, God did. That is a comfort to my heart today.
The chapters end with a little discussion about the day of rest. He reminded the Israelites that He had a day of rest and that he expected them to.
I don't know about you, but rest sounds good right about now...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 32-33
Here we find more detailed plans, such as the altar for burning incense, the bronze bowl, and "recipes" for incense and anointing oil.
Again, I am just reminded. God has a plan.
The part that really stuck out to me from these chapters was that God provided two people to oversee the design and creation of the things God has been talking about. He specifically calls out names of who Moses can turn to for help. I love this. It just once again reaffirms to me that He has a plan for us. And that He provides the workers. I don't know if Bezalel and Oholiab ever had realized how important their skills were. I imagine that they lived their ordinary lives, worked day in and day out, and wondered at times, "Am I making a difference?" I know I do! But they didn't have to wonder any more. God specifically pointed them out to help with the design of God's meeting place. Even if the rest of the world hadn't realized their potential, their skills, God did. That is a comfort to my heart today.
The chapters end with a little discussion about the day of rest. He reminded the Israelites that He had a day of rest and that he expected them to.
I don't know about you, but rest sounds good right about now...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 32-33
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Week 7 Day 3 It's a Calling
Exodus 28-29
Today's reading revolved around the priests. A whole chapter was basically dedicated to what the priest would wear. I have to say, just from reading it, it sounded really hot and really heavy (as in weighty). I again loved reading each details God gave Moses down to the undergarment. God is definitely a God of detail. He didn't just give a blanket, "Make a robe and a vest" command. He told the people exactly what He wanted. I forget that sometimes. Sometimes, I feel like He is giving me a blanket command, like "Do this..." without any details. But even if they aren't clear to me, He does have details. And he does care about the smallest things!
The next chapter focused more on the cleansing of the priests and the sacrifices that needed to be made. Daily. Daily sacrifices.
That was all interesting, but the part that stuck out to me more than anything? It was the fact that God just appointed (and later "anointed") Levi and his sons to be priests.
They were called. Chosen. Selected.
I have to admit, I would have been saying, "Are you sure, God? I don't know if I am the right one for the job."
But if that happened, we don't know about it.
We just know God chose, and they did.
Guess that might be a good motto for life?
Reba
PS Not sure about tomorrow's reading. The Bible is in the other room and my legs are REALLY tired.
Today's reading revolved around the priests. A whole chapter was basically dedicated to what the priest would wear. I have to say, just from reading it, it sounded really hot and really heavy (as in weighty). I again loved reading each details God gave Moses down to the undergarment. God is definitely a God of detail. He didn't just give a blanket, "Make a robe and a vest" command. He told the people exactly what He wanted. I forget that sometimes. Sometimes, I feel like He is giving me a blanket command, like "Do this..." without any details. But even if they aren't clear to me, He does have details. And he does care about the smallest things!
The next chapter focused more on the cleansing of the priests and the sacrifices that needed to be made. Daily. Daily sacrifices.
That was all interesting, but the part that stuck out to me more than anything? It was the fact that God just appointed (and later "anointed") Levi and his sons to be priests.
They were called. Chosen. Selected.
I have to admit, I would have been saying, "Are you sure, God? I don't know if I am the right one for the job."
But if that happened, we don't know about it.
We just know God chose, and they did.
Guess that might be a good motto for life?
Reba
PS Not sure about tomorrow's reading. The Bible is in the other room and my legs are REALLY tired.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Week 7 Day 2 The Golden Touch
Exodus 25-27
Yes, I am back. Miss me? I really hated to do that (take a break) but I was completely overwhelmed with life last night. I was just barely making it from minute to minute. And of course, the next few chapters are full of details which was more than I could process at that time. In some ways, I didn't feel that pressure (of accountability) to get on here but at the same time, I missed out on that time each night.
I won't rehash every detail of Exodus 25-27. I will say there are a lot of them! God laid out the plans for the Holy Tent, the Table, the Lampstand, and the Altar.
I have to say, God is a details Guy. He laid out every single detail. What to use. Exact measurements. How many loops/hooks for the curtains. Even the weight of gold to be used in the lampstand (75 pounds).
I am a very visual person.
I ended up pulling out a notebook and a pen and sketching the plans, labeling them, just to give me an idea.
I am not a measurement person though. So by the time we got to the curtains, lots of feet, I was a little lost. I didn't have enough fabric to lay that out. :)
I won't embarrass myself by sharing the sketches.
I will just say that if you read these chapters, it might help a little to pull out a sketch pad.
Okay, quick question.
Which of these doesn't sound like the others?
Gold. Silver. Bronze. Fine Linen. Fine Leather. Onyx. Goat Hair.
Goat hair?
For some reason, this struck me funny as I read through the list of gifts the people were asked to bring.
Goat hair?
I am sure there is something historical there I should know. And obviously, God has a plan that is perfect. So I am not questioning it. Just chuckling about it a little. :)
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 28-29
Yes, I am back. Miss me? I really hated to do that (take a break) but I was completely overwhelmed with life last night. I was just barely making it from minute to minute. And of course, the next few chapters are full of details which was more than I could process at that time. In some ways, I didn't feel that pressure (of accountability) to get on here but at the same time, I missed out on that time each night.
I won't rehash every detail of Exodus 25-27. I will say there are a lot of them! God laid out the plans for the Holy Tent, the Table, the Lampstand, and the Altar.
I have to say, God is a details Guy. He laid out every single detail. What to use. Exact measurements. How many loops/hooks for the curtains. Even the weight of gold to be used in the lampstand (75 pounds).
I am a very visual person.
I ended up pulling out a notebook and a pen and sketching the plans, labeling them, just to give me an idea.
I am not a measurement person though. So by the time we got to the curtains, lots of feet, I was a little lost. I didn't have enough fabric to lay that out. :)
I won't embarrass myself by sharing the sketches.
I will just say that if you read these chapters, it might help a little to pull out a sketch pad.
Okay, quick question.
Which of these doesn't sound like the others?
Gold. Silver. Bronze. Fine Linen. Fine Leather. Onyx. Goat Hair.
Goat hair?
For some reason, this struck me funny as I read through the list of gifts the people were asked to bring.
Goat hair?
I am sure there is something historical there I should know. And obviously, God has a plan that is perfect. So I am not questioning it. Just chuckling about it a little. :)
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 28-29
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Week 7 Day 1 Written in Stone
Exodus 23-24
I am going to be honest. To Me, these are some of the tough chapters to read. A lot of detailed rules and regulations, laws and commands. And then all of these feasts (okay, three today :) are mentioned. And I find my eyes starting to cross. This is like legalese to me.
But I did read it.
The first part of this reading involved those rules and regulations. There were a lot of people hanging out in the desert together. They needed some guidance. Otherwise, all willy nilly breaks loose.
Rules about courts. A lot about courts.
Another mention about not mistreating the foreigner. Planting guidelines. Wandering ox and donkeys.
Then God brings up the feasts. 3 feasts. The Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Feast of Weeks. The Feast of Shelters.
Then God announces that an angle will be going with the people as they travel. God will always be with them. He will help fight those they fight against. And they will persevere.
Something I had never noticed was that God had a reason for the Israelites to not go in and just win the battles instantly. They could have. God was there. There is nothing He can't do. But at this point in time, He told them that He would not force all of the people out in only one year. It would happen gradually.
After more chatting with God, Moses returned to the people and talked to them about what God had said. They all agreed that they would follow what God commanded. Moses wrote down God's words. Then he read God's words again. And the people again said, "We will obey."
God asks Moses to return to the mountain. This time He is going to give Moses two stone tablets. On the tablets, He will have written all of the commands and teachings to instruct the people.
Now I have seen the Charlton Heston Moses movie. We all have that vision of Moses walking down the mountain with two tablets, five commandments on each.
But after reading this, I am a bit confused. Was this just the 10 commandments? Or were all of these rules and regulations He just laid out on there?
I don't know the answer, just wondering aloud. :)
The other thought here is that "Written in stone" comes to mind. "It is written in stone." I wonder if that originated from this verse?
The end of the passage is Moses actually meeting with God. What an experience that would have been!
One day. One day.
Reba
PS Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 25-27
I am going to be honest. To Me, these are some of the tough chapters to read. A lot of detailed rules and regulations, laws and commands. And then all of these feasts (okay, three today :) are mentioned. And I find my eyes starting to cross. This is like legalese to me.
But I did read it.
The first part of this reading involved those rules and regulations. There were a lot of people hanging out in the desert together. They needed some guidance. Otherwise, all willy nilly breaks loose.
Rules about courts. A lot about courts.
Another mention about not mistreating the foreigner. Planting guidelines. Wandering ox and donkeys.
Then God brings up the feasts. 3 feasts. The Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Feast of Weeks. The Feast of Shelters.
Then God announces that an angle will be going with the people as they travel. God will always be with them. He will help fight those they fight against. And they will persevere.
Something I had never noticed was that God had a reason for the Israelites to not go in and just win the battles instantly. They could have. God was there. There is nothing He can't do. But at this point in time, He told them that He would not force all of the people out in only one year. It would happen gradually.
After more chatting with God, Moses returned to the people and talked to them about what God had said. They all agreed that they would follow what God commanded. Moses wrote down God's words. Then he read God's words again. And the people again said, "We will obey."
God asks Moses to return to the mountain. This time He is going to give Moses two stone tablets. On the tablets, He will have written all of the commands and teachings to instruct the people.
Now I have seen the Charlton Heston Moses movie. We all have that vision of Moses walking down the mountain with two tablets, five commandments on each.
But after reading this, I am a bit confused. Was this just the 10 commandments? Or were all of these rules and regulations He just laid out on there?
I don't know the answer, just wondering aloud. :)
The other thought here is that "Written in stone" comes to mind. "It is written in stone." I wonder if that originated from this verse?
The end of the passage is Moses actually meeting with God. What an experience that would have been!
One day. One day.
Reba
PS Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 25-27
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Week 6 Day 7 An Eye for an Eye
Exodus 21 and 22
You would kind of think the 10 commandments would cover everything. I mean, they are all pretty broad. But we are dealing with humans here. And while the 10 commandments should adequately cover everyday life, we humans want more. We want specifics. We want to know exactly what to do in certain situations.
That is what these two chapters (and more to come) deal with.
It gives very specific examples about crime and punishment, slavery, moral and ethical issues, etc.
Don't worry. I am not going to rehash them.
I am much too tired.
I am just going to give my favorite one (favorite as in the one I wanted to stand up and say "woohoo" to!).
It is found in Exodus 22.
Verse 21.
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
I won't go into a long discourse about this one...I have actually been writing a blog post in my mind around this very theme (even before reading it).
I will just say that sometimes we need to be reminded about this.
Even if we weren't actually foreigners in Egypt.
I have no idea what tomorrow's reading is...I guess I will have to take a look. Later. I am tired.
Reba
You would kind of think the 10 commandments would cover everything. I mean, they are all pretty broad. But we are dealing with humans here. And while the 10 commandments should adequately cover everyday life, we humans want more. We want specifics. We want to know exactly what to do in certain situations.
That is what these two chapters (and more to come) deal with.
It gives very specific examples about crime and punishment, slavery, moral and ethical issues, etc.
Don't worry. I am not going to rehash them.
I am much too tired.
I am just going to give my favorite one (favorite as in the one I wanted to stand up and say "woohoo" to!).
It is found in Exodus 22.
Verse 21.
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
I won't go into a long discourse about this one...I have actually been writing a blog post in my mind around this very theme (even before reading it).
I will just say that sometimes we need to be reminded about this.
Even if we weren't actually foreigners in Egypt.
I have no idea what tomorrow's reading is...I guess I will have to take a look. Later. I am tired.
Reba
Friday, April 1, 2011
Week 6 Day 6 Thous Shall Not...
Exodus 20
So just to recap, Moses is on the mountain (Mt. Sinai) listening to God. The people wait below.
And then God speaks.
Lots of Thou Shall Nots...
Well, 10 to be exact.
Okay, I am reading the more modern version, so it says, "You must not..."
But the "shall nots" sound so much more official. Plus that is the way I learned them.
So here is my little version and what my conversation with God might have been...
1. You must have no other gods before me. That one sounds so easy. I only believe in one god. Oh, wait. You aren't telling me that my job or my family or even my computer time is a god, are you? Okay, now that is just stepping on my toes...
2. You must not make an idol (or worship an idol). Again, that is easy. I have no statues hanging around my house that I serve. Huh? That box plugged into the wall can be an idol? Food that I love to eat? It isn't like I worship them, right? Sure, I may spend a lot of time thinking about them. Or with them. And that may interfere with my time with God on occasion. But that doesn't mean...oh. Never mind.
3. You must not use the name of the LORD your God thoughtlessly. Or in vain. I actually do pretty well with this one if you take it very literally. I just was raised to not say "God" unless I am actually talking to Him or about Him. But then there are those questionable words. "Golly" "Darn" "Heck" Hmmm...
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. I will be honest. I still struggle with exactly what this means. I know a long time ago the Pharisees took this very strictly. They would kill a hen for laying eggs on the Sabbath. I think that is a bit extreme. But I don't know if we always do enough to keep that one day holy either. I am still working on this one...
5. Honor your father and your mother. I love the reason here. "So you will live a long time in the land that the LORD your God is going to give you." I think I may type this one up in a REALLY big font and put it on the bathroom mirror for my children to see every day. :) By the way, I notice this commandment doesn't have an expiration date. It doesn't say that when you are a grown up, you don't have to honor them.
6. You must not murder anyone. Again, God, this one sounds so easy. I am not likely to just go out and kill someone. But if you are referring to having anger or bitterness in my heart to another...well, I just may struggle with this one too. Darn. I am not on a winning streak here.
7. You must not be guilty of adultery. I don't even know what to say on this one...
8. You must not steal. Stealing always conjures up pictures in my mind of that teenage girl at the mall shoplifting a tube of lipstick or the two men who robbed our house a couple years ago. But, God, I suppose that could also involve stealing of company time...doing my own personal stuff while working. Or trying to pass of my child as under 10 so he can eat off the kids' menu. (I am not saying I do these things...just thinking aloud here...)
9. You must not tell lies about your neighbor. Well, that sounds easy enough...unless this somehow gets into those little white lies. Gossip. You know, that kind of thing.
10. You must not covet. (That is my simplified version) Ugh. That is a tough one. I struggle with that one. I read about trips others are taking, and I immediately feel a sense of envy. I see people driving their cute little cars around as I roll in my minivan, and I feel that sense of "Why not me?" (Then I remember that is because four won't fit in the back of those cute little cars...) I read about ipads and houses with three bathrooms and swimming pools...and though I would truly say I am content, I still feel that little sense of want. Ugh, God...why didn't You stop with nine???
The people continued to wait for Moses at the foot of the mountain. They shook with fear and stood away from the mountain...I think I would have!
When Moses spoke to them, he told them to NOT be afraid. God wanted them to respect Him so they wouldn't sin.
Oh, there is that word respect. We use it a lot around here.
Am I respecting Him when I sin?
Ending with my head hanging in shame...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 21-22
So just to recap, Moses is on the mountain (Mt. Sinai) listening to God. The people wait below.
And then God speaks.
Lots of Thou Shall Nots...
Well, 10 to be exact.
Okay, I am reading the more modern version, so it says, "You must not..."
But the "shall nots" sound so much more official. Plus that is the way I learned them.
So here is my little version and what my conversation with God might have been...
1. You must have no other gods before me. That one sounds so easy. I only believe in one god. Oh, wait. You aren't telling me that my job or my family or even my computer time is a god, are you? Okay, now that is just stepping on my toes...
2. You must not make an idol (or worship an idol). Again, that is easy. I have no statues hanging around my house that I serve. Huh? That box plugged into the wall can be an idol? Food that I love to eat? It isn't like I worship them, right? Sure, I may spend a lot of time thinking about them. Or with them. And that may interfere with my time with God on occasion. But that doesn't mean...oh. Never mind.
3. You must not use the name of the LORD your God thoughtlessly. Or in vain. I actually do pretty well with this one if you take it very literally. I just was raised to not say "God" unless I am actually talking to Him or about Him. But then there are those questionable words. "Golly" "Darn" "Heck" Hmmm...
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. I will be honest. I still struggle with exactly what this means. I know a long time ago the Pharisees took this very strictly. They would kill a hen for laying eggs on the Sabbath. I think that is a bit extreme. But I don't know if we always do enough to keep that one day holy either. I am still working on this one...
5. Honor your father and your mother. I love the reason here. "So you will live a long time in the land that the LORD your God is going to give you." I think I may type this one up in a REALLY big font and put it on the bathroom mirror for my children to see every day. :) By the way, I notice this commandment doesn't have an expiration date. It doesn't say that when you are a grown up, you don't have to honor them.
6. You must not murder anyone. Again, God, this one sounds so easy. I am not likely to just go out and kill someone. But if you are referring to having anger or bitterness in my heart to another...well, I just may struggle with this one too. Darn. I am not on a winning streak here.
7. You must not be guilty of adultery. I don't even know what to say on this one...
8. You must not steal. Stealing always conjures up pictures in my mind of that teenage girl at the mall shoplifting a tube of lipstick or the two men who robbed our house a couple years ago. But, God, I suppose that could also involve stealing of company time...doing my own personal stuff while working. Or trying to pass of my child as under 10 so he can eat off the kids' menu. (I am not saying I do these things...just thinking aloud here...)
9. You must not tell lies about your neighbor. Well, that sounds easy enough...unless this somehow gets into those little white lies. Gossip. You know, that kind of thing.
10. You must not covet. (That is my simplified version) Ugh. That is a tough one. I struggle with that one. I read about trips others are taking, and I immediately feel a sense of envy. I see people driving their cute little cars around as I roll in my minivan, and I feel that sense of "Why not me?" (Then I remember that is because four won't fit in the back of those cute little cars...) I read about ipads and houses with three bathrooms and swimming pools...and though I would truly say I am content, I still feel that little sense of want. Ugh, God...why didn't You stop with nine???
The people continued to wait for Moses at the foot of the mountain. They shook with fear and stood away from the mountain...I think I would have!
When Moses spoke to them, he told them to NOT be afraid. God wanted them to respect Him so they wouldn't sin.
Oh, there is that word respect. We use it a lot around here.
Am I respecting Him when I sin?
Ending with my head hanging in shame...
Reba
Next reading: Exodus 21-22
Week 6 Day 5 On Eagle's Wings
Exodus 19
I am determined to get caught up today. Determined. I can do this. And that is no joke. :)
It has been three months since the Israelites left Egypt. They are now camping in the Desert of Sinai in front of the mountain. That would be Mount Sinai.
So Moses goes up on the mountain to listen to God.
I think that is impressive for a man of his age. I don't know how old he is but he cannot be in his 20's at this point. I am not sure I could climb up a mountain at my age. :)
God tells Moses all kinds of things.
One of my favorites:
You saw how I carried you out of Egypt, as if on eagle's wings. verse 4
Doesn't that bring a beautiful picture to mind?
I love that God is reminding Moses (to remind the people) to remember what He has done for them.
You would think this would be fresh on their minds.
However, you would think when I am facing times of trouble and despair, all of the times God has provided would be fresh on my mind too.
Moses went to talk to the people. He shared what God had shared. And they said, "Yes. We will do what He says."
So Moses went back to the LORD...Another climb on the mountain.
I am getting tired thinking about it!
God instructs Moses to instruct the people to prepare for Him. He will come speak to Moses and they will hear. Then they will always trust him. Well, that may be wishful thinking but it sounds good.
For three days the people prepared. They spiffied themselves up.
On the morning of the third day, there was thunder and lightning. And there was a thick cloud on the mountain. Then, the people heard a loud blast. The people trembled.
How scary would that be???
So Moses met with God once again, while the people stood below.
And then He spoke...
Next up: Exodus 20
Reba
I am determined to get caught up today. Determined. I can do this. And that is no joke. :)
It has been three months since the Israelites left Egypt. They are now camping in the Desert of Sinai in front of the mountain. That would be Mount Sinai.
So Moses goes up on the mountain to listen to God.
I think that is impressive for a man of his age. I don't know how old he is but he cannot be in his 20's at this point. I am not sure I could climb up a mountain at my age. :)
God tells Moses all kinds of things.
One of my favorites:
You saw how I carried you out of Egypt, as if on eagle's wings. verse 4
Doesn't that bring a beautiful picture to mind?
I love that God is reminding Moses (to remind the people) to remember what He has done for them.
You would think this would be fresh on their minds.
However, you would think when I am facing times of trouble and despair, all of the times God has provided would be fresh on my mind too.
Moses went to talk to the people. He shared what God had shared. And they said, "Yes. We will do what He says."
So Moses went back to the LORD...Another climb on the mountain.
I am getting tired thinking about it!
God instructs Moses to instruct the people to prepare for Him. He will come speak to Moses and they will hear. Then they will always trust him. Well, that may be wishful thinking but it sounds good.
For three days the people prepared. They spiffied themselves up.
On the morning of the third day, there was thunder and lightning. And there was a thick cloud on the mountain. Then, the people heard a loud blast. The people trembled.
How scary would that be???
So Moses met with God once again, while the people stood below.
And then He spoke...
Next up: Exodus 20
Reba
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Week 6 Day 4 Raise Your Hands
Exodus 17:8-18 (as in all of chapter 18)
Well, the people face their first big hurdle. The Amalekites came on over to fight the Israelites. Joshua (hmmm, that name sounds familiar :) led the Israelites in the battle.
Moses had to have his arms raised. As long as they were raised, walking stick in hand, the Israelites would "win". However, the times he became weary and let his arms fall, the Amalekites took the lead. Soon, Aaron and Hur were there with a plan. Moses had a nice comfy rock to sit upon, and Aaron and Hur helped hold Moses' arms up until victory was declared.
There are so many correlations to life here. And if it weren't midnight, I might try to share some (feel free to share your own). But to me, one of the biggest ones is that we are not fighting alone. We live in an evil world. We look to our God to help us. But He doesn't expect us to do it alone. We have help. We have support. We have someone holding us up. Yes, family and friends do that, but even more, that is the role of the Holy Spirit. He holds our hands up when we think we are too tired to carry on. He sits us down on that comfy rock when our legs are weary. And HE will ultimately win the battle.
The next chapter, 18, was a neat one. Moses meets up with Jethro, his father in law. They obviously have a close relationship. They embraced. They sat and chatted. And Moses got to share everything that had been going on. And Jethro was obviously moved by how God had moved in such a powerful way in Egypt and through Moses.
One part I really like that I had forgotten about was that Moses spent all day dealing with issues of the Israelites...disagreements that are sure to come about with that many people. The people lined up as Moses dealt with each one.
And he did so without complaining. Or at least without any records of complaints.
But this is the part I liked.
Jethro, his father in law, told Moses to delegate. Moses did NOT need to be the one and only one doing this. He could choose capable men to handle the simple arguments, while taking on only the bigger ones.
I love to see business principles at work this many years ago.
Just shows me that we may think we are doing something new.
But really, these ideas have been around for years. (And have withstood the tests of time...)
Reba
Not sure on tomorrow's reading...it is too dark for me to see. I guess it will be a surprise! :)
Well, the people face their first big hurdle. The Amalekites came on over to fight the Israelites. Joshua (hmmm, that name sounds familiar :) led the Israelites in the battle.
Moses had to have his arms raised. As long as they were raised, walking stick in hand, the Israelites would "win". However, the times he became weary and let his arms fall, the Amalekites took the lead. Soon, Aaron and Hur were there with a plan. Moses had a nice comfy rock to sit upon, and Aaron and Hur helped hold Moses' arms up until victory was declared.
There are so many correlations to life here. And if it weren't midnight, I might try to share some (feel free to share your own). But to me, one of the biggest ones is that we are not fighting alone. We live in an evil world. We look to our God to help us. But He doesn't expect us to do it alone. We have help. We have support. We have someone holding us up. Yes, family and friends do that, but even more, that is the role of the Holy Spirit. He holds our hands up when we think we are too tired to carry on. He sits us down on that comfy rock when our legs are weary. And HE will ultimately win the battle.
The next chapter, 18, was a neat one. Moses meets up with Jethro, his father in law. They obviously have a close relationship. They embraced. They sat and chatted. And Moses got to share everything that had been going on. And Jethro was obviously moved by how God had moved in such a powerful way in Egypt and through Moses.
One part I really like that I had forgotten about was that Moses spent all day dealing with issues of the Israelites...disagreements that are sure to come about with that many people. The people lined up as Moses dealt with each one.
And he did so without complaining. Or at least without any records of complaints.
But this is the part I liked.
Jethro, his father in law, told Moses to delegate. Moses did NOT need to be the one and only one doing this. He could choose capable men to handle the simple arguments, while taking on only the bigger ones.
I love to see business principles at work this many years ago.
Just shows me that we may think we are doing something new.
But really, these ideas have been around for years. (And have withstood the tests of time...)
Reba
Not sure on tomorrow's reading...it is too dark for me to see. I guess it will be a surprise! :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Week 6 Day 3 Eat, Drink, and Be...
Grouchy?
I decided I could get one more in before I head to bed.
Exodus 15:22-17:7
Now the Egyptians are out of the way.
So things should be good. Right?
Well, at least until the people get thirsty.
One child who will remain nameless is extremely demanding. And when he is thirsty, he tells me about every five seconds. I don't even have time to respond and say, "I am getting it." He thinks he is dying of thirst. Right there. (Of course, he takes a tiny sip once I get it for him then goes off to play...)
That is what I think of with the Israelites. They act like they are dying of thirst. Poor Moses. Don't you know, he is thinking, "Don't kill the messenger..." Like he has ANY control of any of this.
So poor Moses goes to God and pleads for help For relief. For peace.
God gives him a plan.
So things are good, right?
Oh, wait. Now the people are hungry. Like wolves circling. They want to eat.
Once again, Moses pleads to God.
And once again, God provides. Meat and bread. Meat at night. Bread in the morning.
So now I am sure God has proven Himself. Right?
Well, at least until the people are thirsty again.
At this point, Moses is asking God, "What do I do with these people???"
How frustrated he must have been.
Even with all of the grumbling reaching His ears, God listens. And once again, He takes care of His people.
Grumble, complain, whine.
He listens anyway.
I am glad that is the God I serve, aren't you?
Reba
Next reading:
Exodus 17:8-18
I decided I could get one more in before I head to bed.
Exodus 15:22-17:7
Now the Egyptians are out of the way.
So things should be good. Right?
Well, at least until the people get thirsty.
One child who will remain nameless is extremely demanding. And when he is thirsty, he tells me about every five seconds. I don't even have time to respond and say, "I am getting it." He thinks he is dying of thirst. Right there. (Of course, he takes a tiny sip once I get it for him then goes off to play...)
That is what I think of with the Israelites. They act like they are dying of thirst. Poor Moses. Don't you know, he is thinking, "Don't kill the messenger..." Like he has ANY control of any of this.
So poor Moses goes to God and pleads for help For relief. For peace.
God gives him a plan.
So things are good, right?
Oh, wait. Now the people are hungry. Like wolves circling. They want to eat.
Once again, Moses pleads to God.
And once again, God provides. Meat and bread. Meat at night. Bread in the morning.
So now I am sure God has proven Himself. Right?
Well, at least until the people are thirsty again.
At this point, Moses is asking God, "What do I do with these people???"
How frustrated he must have been.
Even with all of the grumbling reaching His ears, God listens. And once again, He takes care of His people.
Grumble, complain, whine.
He listens anyway.
I am glad that is the God I serve, aren't you?
Reba
Next reading:
Exodus 17:8-18
Week 6 Day 2 Clouds and Fire
Yes, I realize I am now TWO days behind. I will get caught up by Monday. I will. I don't know what happened; it has just been a really long and busy week. I am not saying it will happen tonight but soon. :)
Exodus 13-15:21
Finally the people are out of Egypt.
Finally.
And here they have God right there with them. During the day, His presence is a pillar of clouds. At night, a pillar of fire.
What a comfort that would be! A tangible piece of evidence that God was with them.
Yet, they still doubted.
They are heading out on their journey when the king of Egypt notices, "Hey, all of our slaves are gone...we need to get them."
So Pharaoh and his men hop into their chariots and head to the Red Sea.
Even with a head start, the Egyptians catch up with God's people.
Now you would think after ALL that God had done, God's people would have thought, "This situation is not bigger than God. At all."
Instead, the people start whining right off. "Why did you bring us here? We could have died in Egypt just as easily? What will happen?" Blah. Blah. Blah.
I just think Moses had to get weary at some point of the complaining. Don't you think? I would have been. I would have been saying, "Um, God, I did NOT sign up for this!"
Thankfully, Moses was a better guy than me. He just listened to God. Raised his staff by the water. And the waters opened up.
The Israelites walked across the Sea on dry land.
The Egyptians tried. But at that point, the water that had been held back was released.
And that was the end of that. Or rather them.
Next reading: Exodus 15:22-Exodus 17:7
Exodus 13-15:21
Finally the people are out of Egypt.
Finally.
And here they have God right there with them. During the day, His presence is a pillar of clouds. At night, a pillar of fire.
What a comfort that would be! A tangible piece of evidence that God was with them.
Yet, they still doubted.
They are heading out on their journey when the king of Egypt notices, "Hey, all of our slaves are gone...we need to get them."
So Pharaoh and his men hop into their chariots and head to the Red Sea.
Even with a head start, the Egyptians catch up with God's people.
Now you would think after ALL that God had done, God's people would have thought, "This situation is not bigger than God. At all."
Instead, the people start whining right off. "Why did you bring us here? We could have died in Egypt just as easily? What will happen?" Blah. Blah. Blah.
I just think Moses had to get weary at some point of the complaining. Don't you think? I would have been. I would have been saying, "Um, God, I did NOT sign up for this!"
Thankfully, Moses was a better guy than me. He just listened to God. Raised his staff by the water. And the waters opened up.
The Israelites walked across the Sea on dry land.
The Egyptians tried. But at that point, the water that had been held back was released.
And that was the end of that. Or rather them.
Next reading: Exodus 15:22-Exodus 17:7
Monday, March 28, 2011
Week 6 Day 1 Passover
Exodus 11 and 12
One last time, God has a message for the king of Egypt. He (God) will be passing through the land the next day, killing the firstborn of every family, whether human or animal.
He also had a message for the people of Israel. He had very strict instructions on what they needed to do to prepare for this "passover" so that He would pass over their homes, not harming their children.
I am a little bit of a worrier, so I found myself intrigued with these directions. I think the whole time I would have been checking my list and checking it again to make sure I got it right!
Sure enough, at midnight, just as God had said, the firstborns of any child in a home not protected by the blood of an innocent lamb died. Even the king's son.
And there was a loud wail across the land.
Now he listens. The king listens. He orders Moses and his people to hightail it out of town.
And the people of Egypt who have come to respect the Israelites AND Moses agree.
In fact, they not only encourage the Israelites to leave but to take their gold and silver.
So the people of Israel leave.
430 years later.
And now a whole new set of adventures begin!
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 13-15:21
One last time, God has a message for the king of Egypt. He (God) will be passing through the land the next day, killing the firstborn of every family, whether human or animal.
He also had a message for the people of Israel. He had very strict instructions on what they needed to do to prepare for this "passover" so that He would pass over their homes, not harming their children.
I am a little bit of a worrier, so I found myself intrigued with these directions. I think the whole time I would have been checking my list and checking it again to make sure I got it right!
Sure enough, at midnight, just as God had said, the firstborns of any child in a home not protected by the blood of an innocent lamb died. Even the king's son.
And there was a loud wail across the land.
Now he listens. The king listens. He orders Moses and his people to hightail it out of town.
And the people of Egypt who have come to respect the Israelites AND Moses agree.
In fact, they not only encourage the Israelites to leave but to take their gold and silver.
So the people of Israel leave.
430 years later.
And now a whole new set of adventures begin!
Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 13-15:21
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Week 5 Day 7 A Storm is a a Coming!
Okay, okay, I am going to be a day behind. At least until I catch up with myself. :)
Okay, Exodus 9-10
The Plagues continue...
Next on the list: Disease on farm animals. The Egyptians farm animals fell over dead from disease. The Israelite's animals...clean as a whistle. Don't you think the king of Egypt should be seeing a pattern here? I guess he probably did but his heart was hardened. So the plagues continue.
Next: Boils. Moses threw ashes into the air in front of the king, and the people of the land had boils all over their bodies. Even the magicians couldn't even come before the king because of the boils. I am such a baby. One little blister does me in. Can you imagine having boils all over your body? I think I would be calling for the head of the king at this point. Don't you know the people are wanting to say, "King, leave us out of your power games!"
Up to bat: Hail. Moses warned them. He told the people, "Get your people and your animals inside...a storm is a coming." Okay, he didn't say it exactly like that, but that is basically what he said. And some people listened. (You would think after all of this, all of the people would listen...) Some people didn't. Guess what? Moses knew what he was talking about. The next day, the storms started. BIG storms. Lots of hail. All over Egypt. Not at all in Goshen. And anything left outside was destroyed. You know, a hailstorm about does our roof in. We have had a couple of those storms where new roofs went on afterward all over town. And that is in a modern house. Can you imagine what it did to the houses back then? To the crops? To the animals? Pharaoh admitted defeat (or looked like he did...), asking Moses to make it stop. But as soon as the thunder and hail ended, guess what? Pharaoh changed his mind. Again. So the plagues continue.
Next on the list: Locusts. Moses tells the king that locusts are coming. Even the king's officers are feeling weary at this point. They urge the king to listen because anytime Moses comes around, trouble begins. So Pharaoh asks Moses who exactly will be going on this worship excursion. Moses tells him that they ALL would be going. Pharaoh says, "No, just the men." Then forces Moses and Aaron out. So guess what happens next? Swarms of locusts come in with a big gust of wind from the east. So many locusts that the land looked black? Can you fathom? Locusts are noisy. Just hearing a few of them sends shivers down my side. Finding their little skeletons (skins) hanging on the tree is a bit eerie. Can you fathom having a land covered by locusts? And of course, they eat anything green. And they did. Again, the king calls Moses back, feigning remorse. At least until the locusts blew away into the Red Sea. Then the king changed his mind yet again.
In the dark: Total darkness. Just last week we visited a cavern. When we were way back in the cave, the guide turned all of the lights off at one point so we could experience total darkness. I am glad it was only for a minute. I am claustrophobic anyway. I felt like I was suffocating. It was terrifying to me. Can you imagine three days of complete darkness? Not even a little moonlight coming through. Yet the people of Israel had light.
So the king calls Moses back. He tells Moses that he and his people can go worship the Lord but their flocks must remain. Moses calmly tells him that the animals are needed for sacrifices. The king again changes his mind and throws Moses and Aaron out, telling them the next time he sees them, they will die. Moses says, "Fine with me..." (paraphrase)
The saga continues.
Tomorrow's passage: Exodus 11-12
Reba
Okay, Exodus 9-10
The Plagues continue...
Next on the list: Disease on farm animals. The Egyptians farm animals fell over dead from disease. The Israelite's animals...clean as a whistle. Don't you think the king of Egypt should be seeing a pattern here? I guess he probably did but his heart was hardened. So the plagues continue.
Next: Boils. Moses threw ashes into the air in front of the king, and the people of the land had boils all over their bodies. Even the magicians couldn't even come before the king because of the boils. I am such a baby. One little blister does me in. Can you imagine having boils all over your body? I think I would be calling for the head of the king at this point. Don't you know the people are wanting to say, "King, leave us out of your power games!"
Up to bat: Hail. Moses warned them. He told the people, "Get your people and your animals inside...a storm is a coming." Okay, he didn't say it exactly like that, but that is basically what he said. And some people listened. (You would think after all of this, all of the people would listen...) Some people didn't. Guess what? Moses knew what he was talking about. The next day, the storms started. BIG storms. Lots of hail. All over Egypt. Not at all in Goshen. And anything left outside was destroyed. You know, a hailstorm about does our roof in. We have had a couple of those storms where new roofs went on afterward all over town. And that is in a modern house. Can you imagine what it did to the houses back then? To the crops? To the animals? Pharaoh admitted defeat (or looked like he did...), asking Moses to make it stop. But as soon as the thunder and hail ended, guess what? Pharaoh changed his mind. Again. So the plagues continue.
Next on the list: Locusts. Moses tells the king that locusts are coming. Even the king's officers are feeling weary at this point. They urge the king to listen because anytime Moses comes around, trouble begins. So Pharaoh asks Moses who exactly will be going on this worship excursion. Moses tells him that they ALL would be going. Pharaoh says, "No, just the men." Then forces Moses and Aaron out. So guess what happens next? Swarms of locusts come in with a big gust of wind from the east. So many locusts that the land looked black? Can you fathom? Locusts are noisy. Just hearing a few of them sends shivers down my side. Finding their little skeletons (skins) hanging on the tree is a bit eerie. Can you fathom having a land covered by locusts? And of course, they eat anything green. And they did. Again, the king calls Moses back, feigning remorse. At least until the locusts blew away into the Red Sea. Then the king changed his mind yet again.
In the dark: Total darkness. Just last week we visited a cavern. When we were way back in the cave, the guide turned all of the lights off at one point so we could experience total darkness. I am glad it was only for a minute. I am claustrophobic anyway. I felt like I was suffocating. It was terrifying to me. Can you imagine three days of complete darkness? Not even a little moonlight coming through. Yet the people of Israel had light.
So the king calls Moses back. He tells Moses that he and his people can go worship the Lord but their flocks must remain. Moses calmly tells him that the animals are needed for sacrifices. The king again changes his mind and throws Moses and Aaron out, telling them the next time he sees them, they will die. Moses says, "Fine with me..." (paraphrase)
The saga continues.
Tomorrow's passage: Exodus 11-12
Reba
Friday, March 25, 2011
Week 5 Day 6 Shoo Fly
Exodus 6:28-8
Let the games begin!
Again, at God's urging, Moses goes to the king and asks that God's people be allowed to leave to worship their God.
And again, as will become a theme, the king says, "No way, Jose."
So now it is time to bring out some "signs of the time".
First up: Aaron throws his rod/staff to the ground where it becomes a snake in front of the king. Let me just say as a not so much snake fan, I would have been done at that point. But I wasn't there. Instead, the king just calls in his magicians and "wise men" who quickly do the same thing. The part I love? The staff/snake of Moses/Aaron ate the staff/snake of the magicians. You kind of think that would have been a sign. Guess not.
I think this is a good time to note that the magicians were able to do SOME of these "signs" too. So it isn't so improbable to me that some people can do things that should not be humanly possible. At the same time, being able to doesn't mean they should or that I should follow along...
Anyway, next in line: The water turns to blood. Ick! Can you imagine the whole Nile turning to blood? Stinky! And the kings' magicians come in and do the same thing. I was kind of puzzled how they knew it worked when they did it since Aaron/God had already turned all of the water to blood. What was left? Anyway, I feel kind of bad for the Egyptians. They can't help it if they have a hard hearted leader who is causing trouble by not listening to God.
Next up: Frogs. Frogs everywhere. I have tried to fathom this. I can't imagine opening up my pot and finding a frog in my soup. Or reaching for the shampoo in my shower and grabbing a frog by mistake. To make matters worse, the magicians try the same thing and add TO the frogs. Yet they can't make them stop. Only Moses/Aaron can do that (with God of course). Then they have dead frogs everywhere. Yuck!
Next: The Gnats. How annoying to have little gnats everywhere. This time the magicians couldn't do anything. They even told the king that it was the power of God that had done this. Nope, the king won't budge.
Next in line: Flies. Okay, I can barely handle having one or two flies in the house. They drive me crazy buzzing around, teasing me, as I chase them with my fly swatter. And this time God keeps the flies confined to the Egyptian homes. The Israelite people are fly free. Again, the king extends a plea for help in getting rid of the flies. Moses/Aaron relent and again the king's heart is hardened.
Hmmm, wonder what will happen tomorrow?
Reba
Let the games begin!
Again, at God's urging, Moses goes to the king and asks that God's people be allowed to leave to worship their God.
And again, as will become a theme, the king says, "No way, Jose."
So now it is time to bring out some "signs of the time".
First up: Aaron throws his rod/staff to the ground where it becomes a snake in front of the king. Let me just say as a not so much snake fan, I would have been done at that point. But I wasn't there. Instead, the king just calls in his magicians and "wise men" who quickly do the same thing. The part I love? The staff/snake of Moses/Aaron ate the staff/snake of the magicians. You kind of think that would have been a sign. Guess not.
I think this is a good time to note that the magicians were able to do SOME of these "signs" too. So it isn't so improbable to me that some people can do things that should not be humanly possible. At the same time, being able to doesn't mean they should or that I should follow along...
Anyway, next in line: The water turns to blood. Ick! Can you imagine the whole Nile turning to blood? Stinky! And the kings' magicians come in and do the same thing. I was kind of puzzled how they knew it worked when they did it since Aaron/God had already turned all of the water to blood. What was left? Anyway, I feel kind of bad for the Egyptians. They can't help it if they have a hard hearted leader who is causing trouble by not listening to God.
Next up: Frogs. Frogs everywhere. I have tried to fathom this. I can't imagine opening up my pot and finding a frog in my soup. Or reaching for the shampoo in my shower and grabbing a frog by mistake. To make matters worse, the magicians try the same thing and add TO the frogs. Yet they can't make them stop. Only Moses/Aaron can do that (with God of course). Then they have dead frogs everywhere. Yuck!
Next: The Gnats. How annoying to have little gnats everywhere. This time the magicians couldn't do anything. They even told the king that it was the power of God that had done this. Nope, the king won't budge.
Next in line: Flies. Okay, I can barely handle having one or two flies in the house. They drive me crazy buzzing around, teasing me, as I chase them with my fly swatter. And this time God keeps the flies confined to the Egyptian homes. The Israelite people are fly free. Again, the king extends a plea for help in getting rid of the flies. Moses/Aaron relent and again the king's heart is hardened.
Hmmm, wonder what will happen tomorrow?
Reba
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Week 5 Day 5 A Hard Day's Night
Exodus 5-6:27
Don't you know that after Moses came barging into Egypt telling the people that he was ready to help lead them to the Promised Land, the people were ready for it to happen. Like now. I know I would have been. After all, God "remembers" His promise to the people. (I think there must be something in the translation because surely God didn't truly forget...right?) So why wouldn't He rescue them right now???
Well, maybe because that wasn't His plan. And the people don't know it.
So Moses goes marching in to the king, Aaron by his side, asking the king to let the people go for a special religious celebration.
And the king laughs. He doesn't believe in this God. Why should he care?
To make matters worse, he then decided to make life harder for the people. He stopped providing straw for the bricks they made for him. So they had to gather straw while still making the same number of bricks as they made before.
As you can guess, they weren't so happy. They went to the king and asked what was going on. The king totally ratted out Moses, blaming it on his request.
Now where are we?
The people are now not so happy with Moses.
I do feel for the guy. He didn't ask for this job. And here he just wants to stay under the radar, and now the Egyptians AND the Isrealites are both mad at him...for something he didn't want to do in the first place.
(The last part of the reading section involves family/lineage kind of stuff.)
Not sure exactly what tomorrow's reading is. But I will let you know. Tomorrow. :)
Reba
Don't you know that after Moses came barging into Egypt telling the people that he was ready to help lead them to the Promised Land, the people were ready for it to happen. Like now. I know I would have been. After all, God "remembers" His promise to the people. (I think there must be something in the translation because surely God didn't truly forget...right?) So why wouldn't He rescue them right now???
Well, maybe because that wasn't His plan. And the people don't know it.
So Moses goes marching in to the king, Aaron by his side, asking the king to let the people go for a special religious celebration.
And the king laughs. He doesn't believe in this God. Why should he care?
To make matters worse, he then decided to make life harder for the people. He stopped providing straw for the bricks they made for him. So they had to gather straw while still making the same number of bricks as they made before.
As you can guess, they weren't so happy. They went to the king and asked what was going on. The king totally ratted out Moses, blaming it on his request.
Now where are we?
The people are now not so happy with Moses.
I do feel for the guy. He didn't ask for this job. And here he just wants to stay under the radar, and now the Egyptians AND the Isrealites are both mad at him...for something he didn't want to do in the first place.
(The last part of the reading section involves family/lineage kind of stuff.)
Not sure exactly what tomorrow's reading is. But I will let you know. Tomorrow. :)
Reba
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Week 5 Day 4 Fire, Fire!
Exodus 2-4
When we last stopped reading, the king had decided to control the Israelites by killing any and all baby boys. Baby girls could live.
So here in chapter 2, a Levite man marries a Levite woman. They of course end up having a baby boy.
Mom hid the baby boy for three months.
That is really impressive to me.
None of my kids have been "quiet" kids.
How did she hide him?
Anyway, after three months, she couldn't hide him anymore. So she got a basket, covered it with tar, and put the baby in the basket then into the Nile.
I can't help but think about crocodiles and alligators here.
How scary!
That must have been a step of faith.
Along comes the Princess who has her servants retrieve the baby.
Miriam, Moses' sister, offers to fetch a Hebrew nurse to help with the baby.
So for some time Moses' own mother nursed him AND was paid to do it by the Princess.
I wonder if the Princess knew who Moses' "nurse" really was?
As the child grew older, the Moses' nurse/mom took him to the Princess who then adopted the boy as her own son.
Did your read that?
It is the first adoption noted in the Bible!
Obviously that is near and dear to my heart.
As Moses grew, he visited his people (which makes me think that he knows who his people are even if he is living in the palace) and was outraged to see an Egyptian treating one of his people very poorly. Apparently Moses is a bit of a hothead. He killed the Egyptian.
It soon became apparent that it wasn't a crime done in secret. Others knew or found out (and this was in the days before Internet). The king wanted to have Moses killed.
I can't help but wonder, is is the king who has been Moses' adopted grandfather? Or is it someone else? I just don't know. Not many details are given here.
Anyway, Moses hightails it out of town for his sake.
In Midian, Moses meets some girls by the water troughs. I have noticed this is a big meeting place in the Bible. Wells, troughs, etc. Anyway, Moses helps the girls who in turn tell their daddy who in turn invites Moses to dinner, gives away one of his daughters to be Moses' wife who later delivers a son.
And all of this is in one chapter!
Chapter three: The famous burning bush.
One day as Moses is taking care of the Jethro's flock (his father in law), he notices a bush that is on fire. But it isn't burning up. Don't you know he was rubbing his eyes wondering if he was seeing it correctly? Then he does what all of us would have done. He tries to get a closer look.
God stops him. He makes him take off his shoes instead. It is holy ground after all.
Then God talks to Moses. He tells Moses that He remembers his people and sees what troubles they are facing. He hears their cries. He hasn't forgotten them (like I am sure they felt like He had). He is ready to do something. And Moses is the key.
It becomes apparent that Moses is a very human guy. He doesn't quite jump at this opportunity like Abraham did. (God said "Go", Abraham said, "Okay!") No, Moses did what most of us would do.
"God, are you sure about this?"
"God, don't you know me at all?"
"God, what do I even say?"
At first God calmly answers Moses' questions. And gave Moses all sorts of useful information such as the fact that king in Egypt would not really let God's people go.
I am sure that eased Moses' fears...NOT.
God even gave Moses a few "tricks" he could show the people. Not really tricks, but "signs".
Still, Moses questioned.
Actually, he went beyond questioning.
He just flat out told God, "Please, send someone else!"
You have to kind of feel for him. I think I have more or less said that a time or two. Or ten thousand.
At this point though, the Lord became angry.
I kind of feel for Him too. I have a couple of kids who question every decision I make. I know why I am making them and have good reason. I don't appreciate being questioned over and over and doubted over and over. I get it. I become a bit edgy myself.
Thankfully the LORD doesn't just smite him though, whatever smite means.
He just offers yet another solution to Moses' doubts.
He is sending in Moses' brother for back up.
I guess Moses ran out of excuses at that point. He went to his father in law and told him he needed to go back to his home, Egypt.
I cannot help but wonder if Moses was secretly hoping that Jethro would just say "no".
But he didn't. He said, "Go."
Probably not what Moses was wanting to hear.
But he went.
Tomorrow's reading: Genesis 5-6:27
Reba
When we last stopped reading, the king had decided to control the Israelites by killing any and all baby boys. Baby girls could live.
So here in chapter 2, a Levite man marries a Levite woman. They of course end up having a baby boy.
Mom hid the baby boy for three months.
That is really impressive to me.
None of my kids have been "quiet" kids.
How did she hide him?
Anyway, after three months, she couldn't hide him anymore. So she got a basket, covered it with tar, and put the baby in the basket then into the Nile.
I can't help but think about crocodiles and alligators here.
How scary!
That must have been a step of faith.
Along comes the Princess who has her servants retrieve the baby.
Miriam, Moses' sister, offers to fetch a Hebrew nurse to help with the baby.
So for some time Moses' own mother nursed him AND was paid to do it by the Princess.
I wonder if the Princess knew who Moses' "nurse" really was?
As the child grew older, the Moses' nurse/mom took him to the Princess who then adopted the boy as her own son.
Did your read that?
It is the first adoption noted in the Bible!
Obviously that is near and dear to my heart.
As Moses grew, he visited his people (which makes me think that he knows who his people are even if he is living in the palace) and was outraged to see an Egyptian treating one of his people very poorly. Apparently Moses is a bit of a hothead. He killed the Egyptian.
It soon became apparent that it wasn't a crime done in secret. Others knew or found out (and this was in the days before Internet). The king wanted to have Moses killed.
I can't help but wonder, is is the king who has been Moses' adopted grandfather? Or is it someone else? I just don't know. Not many details are given here.
Anyway, Moses hightails it out of town for his sake.
In Midian, Moses meets some girls by the water troughs. I have noticed this is a big meeting place in the Bible. Wells, troughs, etc. Anyway, Moses helps the girls who in turn tell their daddy who in turn invites Moses to dinner, gives away one of his daughters to be Moses' wife who later delivers a son.
And all of this is in one chapter!
Chapter three: The famous burning bush.
One day as Moses is taking care of the Jethro's flock (his father in law), he notices a bush that is on fire. But it isn't burning up. Don't you know he was rubbing his eyes wondering if he was seeing it correctly? Then he does what all of us would have done. He tries to get a closer look.
God stops him. He makes him take off his shoes instead. It is holy ground after all.
Then God talks to Moses. He tells Moses that He remembers his people and sees what troubles they are facing. He hears their cries. He hasn't forgotten them (like I am sure they felt like He had). He is ready to do something. And Moses is the key.
It becomes apparent that Moses is a very human guy. He doesn't quite jump at this opportunity like Abraham did. (God said "Go", Abraham said, "Okay!") No, Moses did what most of us would do.
"God, are you sure about this?"
"God, don't you know me at all?"
"God, what do I even say?"
At first God calmly answers Moses' questions. And gave Moses all sorts of useful information such as the fact that king in Egypt would not really let God's people go.
I am sure that eased Moses' fears...NOT.
God even gave Moses a few "tricks" he could show the people. Not really tricks, but "signs".
Still, Moses questioned.
Actually, he went beyond questioning.
He just flat out told God, "Please, send someone else!"
You have to kind of feel for him. I think I have more or less said that a time or two. Or ten thousand.
At this point though, the Lord became angry.
I kind of feel for Him too. I have a couple of kids who question every decision I make. I know why I am making them and have good reason. I don't appreciate being questioned over and over and doubted over and over. I get it. I become a bit edgy myself.
Thankfully the LORD doesn't just smite him though, whatever smite means.
He just offers yet another solution to Moses' doubts.
He is sending in Moses' brother for back up.
I guess Moses ran out of excuses at that point. He went to his father in law and told him he needed to go back to his home, Egypt.
I cannot help but wonder if Moses was secretly hoping that Jethro would just say "no".
But he didn't. He said, "Go."
Probably not what Moses was wanting to hear.
But he went.
Tomorrow's reading: Genesis 5-6:27
Reba
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Week 5 Days 2 and 3 Birthing Babies
I am really not as behind as you might think I am. :) The devotional Bible I am doing had yesterday for reading the introduction of Exodus and reviewing the Key Verse. Today is actually Exodus 1.
This chapter is kind of sad to me.
When I mentioned to someone that I was about to embark on Exodus 1, he immediately quoted verse 8.
"Then a new king began to rule Egypt, who did know who Joseph was."
Here Joseph had a HUGE impact on Egypt, saving the king/Pharaoh and the people from starvation during the "lean years". But now he and his brothers have been dead for a while. And he has been forgotten.
Isn't that always a fear? Will I be remembered? You hope you are leaving a legacy behind through your children, your grandchildren, your students, your friends. But in the end, after a few generations, what will I truly be remembered for?
Anyway, the new king starts to look around and realizes that there are a whole lot of Israelite people in his land. Not sure why this suddenly occurred to him, but it did. And the thought comes to mind that those Israelites could join the enemies of the Egyptians and fight them and escape their country.
Now I am not a politician, but I am kind of thinking if I don't want people to get upset and join my enemies and leave my country, then maybe, just maybe, I would be a bit nicer to them. You know, make them WANT to stay.
But then again, I am not a Pharaoh/king.
His plan was instead to make life hard for the Israelites. You know, make them slaves. Make them work. And when they keep multiplying (something they seem good at), make their lives "bitter".
Doesn't that sound like a plan?
And if that isn't enough, let's also call in the two Hebrew midwives and ask them to kill any baby boys who are born to the Israelites.
Um, okay.
Now the Hebrew nurses (Shiphrah and Puah) feared the Lord. So they let the baby boys live. When called before the king to explain why, they lied.
That has always puzzled me a bit. I have always thought God treasured honesty. And if you fear the Lord, you would be honest. But that is just me.
Anyway, their response?
The Hebrew women are strong. They birth babies quickly.
I will say, lies or not, God gave the nurses/midwives families of their own since they feared Him.
So the king's next command?
All baby boys born to the Hebrews must be thrown into the Nile River.
Apparently this is what my youngest is learning at church. He has been telling me about the king who threw babies into the river.
And that is where we stop for today.
Tomorrow's reading:
Genesis 2-4
Reba
This chapter is kind of sad to me.
When I mentioned to someone that I was about to embark on Exodus 1, he immediately quoted verse 8.
"Then a new king began to rule Egypt, who did know who Joseph was."
Here Joseph had a HUGE impact on Egypt, saving the king/Pharaoh and the people from starvation during the "lean years". But now he and his brothers have been dead for a while. And he has been forgotten.
Isn't that always a fear? Will I be remembered? You hope you are leaving a legacy behind through your children, your grandchildren, your students, your friends. But in the end, after a few generations, what will I truly be remembered for?
Anyway, the new king starts to look around and realizes that there are a whole lot of Israelite people in his land. Not sure why this suddenly occurred to him, but it did. And the thought comes to mind that those Israelites could join the enemies of the Egyptians and fight them and escape their country.
Now I am not a politician, but I am kind of thinking if I don't want people to get upset and join my enemies and leave my country, then maybe, just maybe, I would be a bit nicer to them. You know, make them WANT to stay.
But then again, I am not a Pharaoh/king.
His plan was instead to make life hard for the Israelites. You know, make them slaves. Make them work. And when they keep multiplying (something they seem good at), make their lives "bitter".
Doesn't that sound like a plan?
And if that isn't enough, let's also call in the two Hebrew midwives and ask them to kill any baby boys who are born to the Israelites.
Um, okay.
Now the Hebrew nurses (Shiphrah and Puah) feared the Lord. So they let the baby boys live. When called before the king to explain why, they lied.
That has always puzzled me a bit. I have always thought God treasured honesty. And if you fear the Lord, you would be honest. But that is just me.
Anyway, their response?
The Hebrew women are strong. They birth babies quickly.
I will say, lies or not, God gave the nurses/midwives families of their own since they feared Him.
So the king's next command?
All baby boys born to the Hebrews must be thrown into the Nile River.
Apparently this is what my youngest is learning at church. He has been telling me about the king who threw babies into the river.
And that is where we stop for today.
Tomorrow's reading:
Genesis 2-4
Reba
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)