I know...I know...it's starting to get boring, but some really good stuff can still come out of this! Immediately upon reading today's text you'll see some repeated things - which obviously are important to the heart of God! Here's a few of them:
1) The animal they bring to sacrifice before God is to have NO DEFECT! That means it is to be as perfect as any animal can get! They were to bring the best of the flock! This was to be a representation of Jesus Christ who is without blemish or sin!
2) The person bringing the animal was to lay their hand on the head of the animal (along with the priest). This was to symbolize a transferrence of sin from the person to the animal. The animal then became "sin" for the person who had done the sinning and was consequently sacrificed! This is a picture of what Jesus did for us. He took our sins upon Himself and became our sacrifice for the sins we've committed!
3) They were to lay hands on the animal at the door of the Tabernacle. This represented the fact that all transference of sin is to take place at the door - Jesus is the doorway to God! Jesus is the crux of every person's coming to God! We must ALL MEET AT THE DOOR - Jesus!
Leviticus 4 and 5 tells us "How To Get Right With God When We Commit An Unintentional Sin!"
Sometimes we sin out of ignorance or unknowingly. God was simply explaining to them the steps they were to take to resolve the situation. He says that even though they didn't know they had sinned that once they realized it they needed to seek forgiveness from God. They received forgiveness by following the prescribed instruction God gave for each kind of person:
1) For the High Priest - If they sinned, God counted the whole nation as sinful! Wow! The High Priest was to take a bull with no defects, kill it before the door of the Tabernacle, and sprinkle the blood 7 times within the Holy Place, but in the direction of the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. They were to also place some of the blood on the tips of the horns that protruded from the corners of the altar of incense. This was indeed a special sacrifice!
2) For others the sacrifice was to be burned on the altar in the courtyard of the Tabernacle.
It's wrong not to testify in a court of law when you have testimony to the fact! Did you read that in Leviticus 5:1? God says He would punish anyone who refused to testify in a court of law! Obviously, God takes justice, honesty, and integrity very seriously!
As you read today's text, see what else you can get out of the text, and let me know what you find! See you tomorrow!
Jan.30 - Exodus 40 - Leviticus 2
Now we begin to see the consecration of the priests! It's a beautiful picture of our salvation in Jesus Christ! Notice the similiarities in Exodus 4o:12-13, whereas before Aaron can serve as priest before the Lord he must do several things:
First, God calls Aaron to present himself. Isn't this what happens at salvation? God calls us to Himself! Jesus said, "No man can come to Me unless the Father draws him."
Secondly, Aaron must present himself at the door of the Tabernacle! You and I must also meet God at the door! Jesus is the door! He is "the way, the truth, and the life." He is the door or narrow entrance to the Father!
Thirdly, Aaron must be washed competely! This is a picture of several things! It is a picture of being made clean through repentance. Jesus said, "Unless you repent you'll die in your sins." In Acts 22:16, the Bible tells us to "have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord." It also speaks of baptism, which is a symbolic act of being dead to self, cleansed by the washing of repentence, and raised up to a new life in Christ. It also speaks of the effect of God's Word in our lives, "washed by the cleansing of God's Word - Ephesians 5:26.
Fourthly, he is to put on the priestly garment! The Bible tells us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." When we receive Christ into our life, He cleanses us from sin and puts on a garment of holiness (His holiness) in and before the eyes of our Heavenly Father! In other words, we are presented holy before the eyes of God!
Fifthly, he is to be annointed with the annointing oil! This speaks of being consecrated and set apart for the Lord's service. Oil in the bible often refers to the Holy Spirit. At salvation, we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us! He, in turn, annoints us for service before God!
Sixth, he is consecrated to serve God the rest of his life! This is exactly what we're to do! At salvation, God annoints us with His Holy Spirit and commissions us to serve as His ambassador to the world! We are to serve Him the rest of our lives! Are you serving the Lord RIGHT NOW? You should be!
In Chapter 40:34-38, can you imagine what it must have been like to see God fill the Temple? It was sooooo glorious that even Moses had to leave! Even he could NOT stand before the Holy Presence of Almighty God! Even though he was given the privilege to see God's backside (which caused his face to glow for quite some time and forced him to wear a veil over his face), he still could not stand in God's Presence as it filled the Tabernacle! Wow!
In Leviticus 1 and 2, God offers His commands concerning the sacrifices. Notice how there are several kinds of sacrifices that can be made before Him:
1) Animal - Bull, Goat, Sheep, Bird
2) Grain
First, God calls Aaron to present himself. Isn't this what happens at salvation? God calls us to Himself! Jesus said, "No man can come to Me unless the Father draws him."
Secondly, Aaron must present himself at the door of the Tabernacle! You and I must also meet God at the door! Jesus is the door! He is "the way, the truth, and the life." He is the door or narrow entrance to the Father!
Thirdly, Aaron must be washed competely! This is a picture of several things! It is a picture of being made clean through repentance. Jesus said, "Unless you repent you'll die in your sins." In Acts 22:16, the Bible tells us to "have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord." It also speaks of baptism, which is a symbolic act of being dead to self, cleansed by the washing of repentence, and raised up to a new life in Christ. It also speaks of the effect of God's Word in our lives, "washed by the cleansing of God's Word - Ephesians 5:26.
Fourthly, he is to put on the priestly garment! The Bible tells us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." When we receive Christ into our life, He cleanses us from sin and puts on a garment of holiness (His holiness) in and before the eyes of our Heavenly Father! In other words, we are presented holy before the eyes of God!
Fifthly, he is to be annointed with the annointing oil! This speaks of being consecrated and set apart for the Lord's service. Oil in the bible often refers to the Holy Spirit. At salvation, we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us! He, in turn, annoints us for service before God!
Sixth, he is consecrated to serve God the rest of his life! This is exactly what we're to do! At salvation, God annoints us with His Holy Spirit and commissions us to serve as His ambassador to the world! We are to serve Him the rest of our lives! Are you serving the Lord RIGHT NOW? You should be!
In Chapter 40:34-38, can you imagine what it must have been like to see God fill the Temple? It was sooooo glorious that even Moses had to leave! Even he could NOT stand before the Holy Presence of Almighty God! Even though he was given the privilege to see God's backside (which caused his face to glow for quite some time and forced him to wear a veil over his face), he still could not stand in God's Presence as it filled the Tabernacle! Wow!
In Leviticus 1 and 2, God offers His commands concerning the sacrifices. Notice how there are several kinds of sacrifices that can be made before Him:
1) Animal - Bull, Goat, Sheep, Bird
2) Grain
Jan.29 - Exodus 37 - 39
Today's reading discusses the creating and building of the Tabernacle, an important place of worship where God would meet with Moses and the Israelites could offer worship and sacrifice to God. Chapter 37 begins with Bezalel constructing the Ark of the Covernant - which was made famous in the Indiana Jones' movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Within this rectangular box made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold eventually would contain the stone tablets (wherein was written the 10 Commandments), a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod (which later budded flowers to prove as God's choice for high priest for the nation of Israel). To give you an overview of how this Tabernacle functioned, let me provide you with a play-by-play view of what an Israelite may have seen from his point of view:First, the Tabernacle was placed in the center of all the tribes of Israel. In other words, all of the tribes dwelled around the Tabernacle. This was to share with the nation of Israel (and to us today) that God and the worship of Him is to be central to all that we are and do!
As a man approached the Tabernacle, he would immediately see that the Tabernacle was a brilliant white linen curtain of about 150 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 7 1/2 feet high. It would have been a stunning sight as it depicts God's holiness and purity! There is ONLY ONE ENTRANCE and it was a narrow entrance. This narrow entrance depicts Jesus Christ as the ONLY way to God! Remember, Jesus said he was the door! He said in John 14, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes unto the Father except through me." Jesus also explained in Matthew 7 that the way to eternal life was a narrow road!
As the man approached the Tabernacle with his animal, the priest would come and lay his hands on the animal as you had one hand on it as well. This is symbolic of the transferrence of sin onto the sacrifical lamb! This is what Jesus did for you and me! When we place our trust in Him, He takes our sin upon Himself and it is crucified to the cross! Jesus became that sacrificial lamb. He was sent and provided by God - that's why He is called "the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
Upon entering in the courtyard area (which was only reserved for the priests), the animal was slaughtered and the blood was drained. Some of the blood was placed upon the four horns of the altar located within the courtyard. This represents the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross. As the blood is placed on the horns which were elevated heavenward, it showed God that the blood atonement was made. The four horns represent the four places you'll find blood on the cross of Jesus Christ - both hands, feet, and head!
The animal was then offered as a burnt sacrifice to cancel the debt of sin of the person who presented it to the priest. Jesus was that burnt sacrifice! Although he was not put on fire, He represented every sacrifice the Old Testament Law represented.
The next thing you would see is the priest washing his hands in a large, brass basin of water. This represents the cleansing on oneself through repentance! Once the priest had washed his hands, he could now enter into the first room of the Tabernacle - the Holy Place.
Once the priest entered into the Holy place, to his right in the center of the right hand curtain was a table of showbread - representing Jesus Christ as the bread of life as well as the Word of God (the Bible). This bread was put out daily! When the priest looked to the left, he would see the only light in the room - a 7 candled, golden lampstand filled with oil on a daily basis. This lampstand was commanded to always shine! This represents Jesus as the only true light of the world, and His light never goes out! The oil represents the Holy Spirit. We, as Christians, are to also be lights to the world. Only with the help of the oil or Holy Spirit can this happpen!
When the priest looked straight ahead, he would see a beautifully ornated golden altar of incense. This incense was burn incessantly! This represents prayer offered up to God!
From the Holy Place we learn the essentials to living a dynamic Christian life! We must daily feast on the bread coming from the Word of God, be filled with the Holy Spirit (oil) so that we can illluminate the world about God, and offer prayers and worship incessantly to the Lord!!!!
Regarding the Holy of Holies, only the High Priest (in this case, Aaron) could enter into this room - but ONLY one time per year! He would go beyond the curtain behind the altar of incense and kneel before the Ark of the Covenant where God would meet with Him between the two cherubims located on the lid portion of the Ark! It must have been an incredible sight! Here, the high priest would ask for forgiveness for the entire nation of Israel.
When Jesus died on the cross, the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom. Jesus simply tore the veil! This was His way of showing that a high priest from mankind was no longer needed. It was also His way of saying you don't need to approach God only one time per year. When the veil ripped in half, Jesus is saying, "Hey...I'm the High Priest! Any prayers offered up at any time in my name I will take directly to the Father in your behalf! Isn't that powerful!!! You don't need a priest, because Jesus is YOUR PRIEST! Wow!
I hope this brief analogy gives some insight into this fascinating structure which represents (according to Hebrews) a picture of things in Heaven!
Gotta go scuba diving! Have a wonderful day in the Lord!
Jan.28 - Exodus 34 - 36
Moses is given the incredible privilege of spending another 40 days and nights alone with God! What an incomprehensible opportunity! In that encounter, there are several interesting things to note:
1) Notice the name God calls Himself - YAHWEH, which means "the Lord." He is telling Moses that He is the only true God and that He lords overs everything. - 34:5
2) God describes 7 things about Himself to Moses:
- He's compassionate
- He's merciful
- He's slow to get angry
- He's faithful to everyone and in everything
- He possesses never-ending love
- He's forgiving
- He doesn't let those who are guilty go free without consequences
3) In 34:8, we see man's typical response to being in God's Holy Presence: "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshipped." This was the very same response to other men in the Bible, such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John. This will be what everyone else will do one day when we stand before the awesome and indescribable presence of Almighty God. The Bible teaches us that all of mankind will one day "bow down and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father." If you're not falling down before Him in worship today, you will one day! Why not get started right now?
Did you read it? In 34:10, God promises Moses MORE MIRACLES to see! Throughout the entire journey, the Israelites continue to see God move in miraculous ways. That's because our God is capable of doing anything! He is a miracle-working God! He's God! Are you seeing His hand of miracle working power in your life? If you're at a place of "human impossibility", give God the opportunity to prove His ability to solve your dilemna!
God loses His patience at times! Even though God is long-suffering, He tells us that it is possible for Him to eventually lose His patience with us. That's what He did to Israel in 34:11-28. He lost His patience after proving Himself over and over and over again. After all that God had done for the Israelites, they still rejected Him and began to worship a golden calf! Wow! Here's an idea...before God loses patience with you....make things right in your heart with Him!
The right heart before the eyes of God is the one that is willing and eager to please Him! Notice what God said about the kind of heart he wanted in those who would give to the building of the Tabernacle. God invited everyone to give gold, silver, brass, clothing, etc. But, He wanted these items only from those who had "willing" and "eager" hearts! Note the verses below:
35:21 - "all whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved."
35:23 - "all whose hearts were willing..."
35:23 - "willingly brought them."
35:26 - "all the women who were willing..."
35:29 - "every man and woman who was eager to help."
36:2 - "were eager to get to work."
Notice how they gave MORE THAN ENOUGH! If only Christians would do the same in the reaching of lost souls or in developing ways of ministering to the community!
Use your skills for God's glory! Several times, the Bible says God gave Bezalel and Oholiab the ability and the skills to not only do all kinds of crafts, but the ability to teach others as well. It is God who gives men the ability and skills to do certain things. What gifts do you have from God? Are you using them for His glory!
Have a wonderful day serving the Lord!
1) Notice the name God calls Himself - YAHWEH, which means "the Lord." He is telling Moses that He is the only true God and that He lords overs everything. - 34:5
2) God describes 7 things about Himself to Moses:
- He's compassionate
- He's merciful
- He's slow to get angry
- He's faithful to everyone and in everything
- He possesses never-ending love
- He's forgiving
- He doesn't let those who are guilty go free without consequences
3) In 34:8, we see man's typical response to being in God's Holy Presence: "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshipped." This was the very same response to other men in the Bible, such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John. This will be what everyone else will do one day when we stand before the awesome and indescribable presence of Almighty God. The Bible teaches us that all of mankind will one day "bow down and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father." If you're not falling down before Him in worship today, you will one day! Why not get started right now?
Did you read it? In 34:10, God promises Moses MORE MIRACLES to see! Throughout the entire journey, the Israelites continue to see God move in miraculous ways. That's because our God is capable of doing anything! He is a miracle-working God! He's God! Are you seeing His hand of miracle working power in your life? If you're at a place of "human impossibility", give God the opportunity to prove His ability to solve your dilemna!
God loses His patience at times! Even though God is long-suffering, He tells us that it is possible for Him to eventually lose His patience with us. That's what He did to Israel in 34:11-28. He lost His patience after proving Himself over and over and over again. After all that God had done for the Israelites, they still rejected Him and began to worship a golden calf! Wow! Here's an idea...before God loses patience with you....make things right in your heart with Him!
The right heart before the eyes of God is the one that is willing and eager to please Him! Notice what God said about the kind of heart he wanted in those who would give to the building of the Tabernacle. God invited everyone to give gold, silver, brass, clothing, etc. But, He wanted these items only from those who had "willing" and "eager" hearts! Note the verses below:
35:21 - "all whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved."
35:23 - "all whose hearts were willing..."
35:23 - "willingly brought them."
35:26 - "all the women who were willing..."
35:29 - "every man and woman who was eager to help."
36:2 - "were eager to get to work."
Notice how they gave MORE THAN ENOUGH! If only Christians would do the same in the reaching of lost souls or in developing ways of ministering to the community!
Use your skills for God's glory! Several times, the Bible says God gave Bezalel and Oholiab the ability and the skills to not only do all kinds of crafts, but the ability to teach others as well. It is God who gives men the ability and skills to do certain things. What gifts do you have from God? Are you using them for His glory!
Have a wonderful day serving the Lord!
Jan.27 - Exodus 31 - 33
Wow! What an incredible read today! Israel goes from an exciting moment to a devastating moment in a matter of only 40 days - the amount of time Moses is up on Mount Sinai receiving the stone tablets of instruction.
God gives special gifts and talents to everyone! Chapter 31 opens with the reality that it is God who gives special gifts to men! Notice it's the Spirit of God who plays an active role in gifting mankind. In the book of Romans and 1 Corinthians you see the Spirit of God is responsible for distributing to EACH believer at least one special gift. What is yours? In 31:3 - the Holy Spirit gives Bezalel great wisdom to be gifted in ALL kinds of crafts! In 31:6, the Spirit of God is seen responsible for giving special skills to all the gifted craftsmen. Have you determined what special gift God has given you? If not, it's important to do so! You must use it and thank Him for it!
How quickly people can turn away from God! It takes only a short 40 days before Israel is found worshipping an idol! It's unfortunate that mankind needs a symbol for God. Remember what God did when he appeared to Israel at the Mountain of Sinai - there was an earthquake, a loud sound, smoke, and a dark cloud - all symbols that would be very difficult to reproduce and form into an object to worship. God knows man's heart! Some even pray to statue of saints as though they have some sort of connection or power with God. The fact is, they don't!!! And, this is the type of idol worship God is warning Israel about!
God's patience runs out! It's hard to imagine God's patience coming to an end, but it did! He tells Moses to stand back while He wipes out the entire nation of Israel and makes a new generation of people from him. God had shown them soooo much! Yet, like us today, they argued with God, blamed God, disobeyed God, and even showed very little faith in His ability. While the Bible does teach that God is longsuffering, we also see that His patience can run out! Is He running out of patience with you?
Aaron tries to shift the blame! Isn't that what we all try to do? Reading the account of Aaron's side of the story in 32:25-26 is funny. He puts the blame on the fact that he was pressured by the people and when he put their gold jewelry in the fire - out comes this calf already formed! Ha!
The most powerful prayer Moses ever prayed! Look at 33:13 - "Le me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor." Wow! Isn't that the prayer you and I ought to be praying every day! If you haven't prayed that yet, do it today!
One powerful truth! In 33:16, Moses states something that is critically important for you and I to think about! He says, "Your presence among us sets our people and me apart from all other people on the earth!" Isn't that true! It is God's presence in YOUR LIFE that sets YOU apart from everyone else too! Do others see God's presence in your life?
Going diving in Cancun! Have a great and wonderful day in the Lord!
God gives special gifts and talents to everyone! Chapter 31 opens with the reality that it is God who gives special gifts to men! Notice it's the Spirit of God who plays an active role in gifting mankind. In the book of Romans and 1 Corinthians you see the Spirit of God is responsible for distributing to EACH believer at least one special gift. What is yours? In 31:3 - the Holy Spirit gives Bezalel great wisdom to be gifted in ALL kinds of crafts! In 31:6, the Spirit of God is seen responsible for giving special skills to all the gifted craftsmen. Have you determined what special gift God has given you? If not, it's important to do so! You must use it and thank Him for it!
How quickly people can turn away from God! It takes only a short 40 days before Israel is found worshipping an idol! It's unfortunate that mankind needs a symbol for God. Remember what God did when he appeared to Israel at the Mountain of Sinai - there was an earthquake, a loud sound, smoke, and a dark cloud - all symbols that would be very difficult to reproduce and form into an object to worship. God knows man's heart! Some even pray to statue of saints as though they have some sort of connection or power with God. The fact is, they don't!!! And, this is the type of idol worship God is warning Israel about!
God's patience runs out! It's hard to imagine God's patience coming to an end, but it did! He tells Moses to stand back while He wipes out the entire nation of Israel and makes a new generation of people from him. God had shown them soooo much! Yet, like us today, they argued with God, blamed God, disobeyed God, and even showed very little faith in His ability. While the Bible does teach that God is longsuffering, we also see that His patience can run out! Is He running out of patience with you?
Aaron tries to shift the blame! Isn't that what we all try to do? Reading the account of Aaron's side of the story in 32:25-26 is funny. He puts the blame on the fact that he was pressured by the people and when he put their gold jewelry in the fire - out comes this calf already formed! Ha!
The most powerful prayer Moses ever prayed! Look at 33:13 - "Le me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor." Wow! Isn't that the prayer you and I ought to be praying every day! If you haven't prayed that yet, do it today!
One powerful truth! In 33:16, Moses states something that is critically important for you and I to think about! He says, "Your presence among us sets our people and me apart from all other people on the earth!" Isn't that true! It is God's presence in YOUR LIFE that sets YOU apart from everyone else too! Do others see God's presence in your life?
Going diving in Cancun! Have a great and wonderful day in the Lord!
Jan.26 - Exodus 28 - 30
You are reading some of the most fascinating parts of Scripture you'll ever read. To the average person, it might seem somewhat boring. But to the person that's looking for truth, it's a gold mine!Today, we start reading about the clothing of the priests. If you'll keep in mind that the priests are a type or picture of a Christian, you'll find it very interesting. If fact, God says that His design for Israel and the Gentile believers who are to get saved later, are to be a "kingdom of priests."
1) Notice that the priests are clothed with fine, white linen. This white linen represents holiness. All true believers in Jesus Christ are clothed in holiness before the eyes of God. When you give your life to Christ, you are annointed with the blood of Jesus Christ. Just as Aaron and his sons were annointed on the right ear, thumb on the right hand, and big toe on the right foot, so the believer is annointed from head to toe with the blood of Jesus Christ!
2) Notice how beautiful and varied the colors are that the priests are required to wear! This is a symbol or picture of salvation. There's nothing more beautiful in the eyes of God than those who have given their heart and life to Jesus Christ!
3) Aaron, the high priest, is a picture of Jesus Christ! The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our High Priest. Later on, you'll see that ONLY the high priest can go into the Holy of Holies - and that's just one time per year!! The bells on the bottom of his tunic are for the purpose of making noise as he enters in to meet with God. And, if anyone (including the high priest) goes into the Holy of Holies at any other time, they will be put to death by the Hand of God. This is God's way of showing the world that He is Holy! Notice how the forehead plate was to be engraved, "Holiness To The Lord." Of all the virtues and character traits that represent God, He desires to be known most by His holiness!
4) Aaron was also to wear a Urim and Thummin - a special gem - over his heart on the ephod. This is to represents that doing the will of God is the most central theme to the heart of Jesus, and that it should be the most endearing aspect of our own lives!
5) Notice how Aaron was to wear an annoiting oil that was different than anything else in the world. The unique fragrant aroma coming from him would have been different than anything the Israelites would have ever experienced. This is a beautiful picture of the fragrance of Jesus Christ! He is the most unique Person to have ever lived. And the fragrant aroma of His life and sacrifice would be different in the presence of God than anyone else who has ever lived.
Notice the Incense altar! It is located right outside the Holy of Holies and just in front of the curtain that separates the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. It represents the prayers of the saints that goes up before God! When Jesus died on the cross, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in Solomon's Temple tore in half!!! This was God's way of showing us that because of Jesus' death on the cross and the fact that He is now our mediator, we can boldly enter God's presence with any request we might have! Praise God!
The Washbasin that stood just outside the Holy Place was the place where the priests were to wash their hands before they entered the Holy Place. This represents a spiritual cleansing through prayer and confession of sins! Only through a repentant heart can one approach God!
Later, we'll go into more detail. I hope this gives you some insight as to how significant these details are! God bless you, and have a wonderful day in the Lord!!!
Jan.25 - Exodus 23 - 27
God is still offering Moses and the nation of Israel the commands for civil obedience. Here are a few we see right in the beginning of Chapter 23:
- Don't gossip
- Don't follow the wrong crowd!
- Don't lie!
- Be kind to animals!
- Don't take bribes!
An agricultural rule that you'll see often being used today is God's command concerning the land. The Israelites were commanded by God to only use the same land for 6 years worth of harvest. In the 7th year, they are to allow the soil to rest and replenish itself full of minerals and nutrients.
In 23:20, it's interesting to note that God said He was "sending my angel before you to lead you to safety to the land." Can you imagine how awesome it was to look outside your tent every single day and see the Lord in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night and to realize THAT'S GOD! We may not be able to actually see a "pillar" in front of us leading us to safety, but Jesus promised, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." He also told his disciples, "I am with you always, even until the end of time." God is with you where ever you go! So, nothing is coincidental in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ!
Were you able to notice the original land grant God was going to give the Israelites? It was MUCH larger than it is now. Notice in 23:31 - "I will fix your boundaries from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the southern deserts to the Euphrates River. While Palestinians argue about Jerusalem and Israel's right to exist, they neglect to realize Almighty God gave them this land. To argue the point is to argue with God!
There are 3 annual feasts in which all men in Israel are to attend:
1) The feast of Unleavened Bread - This is the feast leading up to Passover during the first month - which is in April.
2) The feast of Harvest - Later referred to as the feast of Pentecost.
3) The festival of the Final Harvest.
How exciting it must have been to have a covenant meal with God! Wow! Can you imagine what it must have been like for the 70 elders of Israel (along with Moses and Aaron) to have sat in God's Presence and have a meal with Him!! One day that privilege will be yours...if you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ! Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 26:29 - "Mark my words, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom." And in Revelation 24, the apostle John tells us of the future event when we'll all sit down in Heaven and have a meal with God - "For the time has come for the wedding feast of the lamb."
As we study the rest of the Scriptures of today's reading, it may appear somewhat boring, but a closer look will reveal some interesting things about Heaven! All the people were to bring Moses a variety of metals, fabric, spices, oils, and gems. All of this was for the purpose of building The Tabernacle within the wilderness desert of the Sinai Mountain. Through the building of this Tabernacle, God was attempting to show the nation of Israel a glimpse of Heaven and the type of lifestyle they were to lead. God gave Moses strict instructions and said, "You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you." And there was good reason to be accurate. In the book of Hebrews we read that it is "a pattern of things in Heaven." There are 3 articles mentioned in our reading today:
- The ark - This elongated and elegant box-like structure represents God and His throne! Notice how God said to build two cherubims on top of the lid that were to face each other. And, also notice how God said it was between the cherubims that He would "meet with" Moses and "talk" with him!
- The Table of Showbread - This represents Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Both are bread!
- The Lampstand - This is a picture of the Jesus Christ who is the light of the world! The oil represents the Holy Spirit. The only light within the Tabernacle was the radiant glow coming from the lampstand. The only true light within this world is Jesus Christ!
- The Tabernacle - It was 75 feet long and 45 feet wide made of brilliant white linen representing the holiness of God. Within the Tabernacle was the Holy Place Within the Holy Place of the tabernacle, there was an inner room called the Holy of Holies, or the Most Holy Place. Judging from its name, we can see that it was a most sacred room, a place no ordinary person could enter. It was God’s special dwelling place in the midst of His people. During the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness, God appeared as a pillar of cloud or fire in and above the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was a perfect cube — its length, width and height were all equal to 15 feet.
A thick curtain separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. This curtain, known as the “veil,” was made of fine linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn. There were figures of cherubim (angels) embroidered onto it. Cherubim, spirits who serve God, were in the presence of God to demonstrate His almighty power and majesty. They also guarded the throne of God. These cherubim were also on the innermost layer of covering of the tent. If one looked upward, they would see the cherubim figures.
The word “veil” in Hebrew means a screen, divider or separator that hides. What was this curtain hiding? Essentially, it was shielding a holy God from sinful man. Whoever entered into the Holy of Holies was entering the very presence of God. In fact, anyone except the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies would die. Even the high priest, God’s chosen mediator with His people, could only pass through the veil and enter this sacred dwelling once a year, on a prescribed day called the Day of Atonement.
The picture of the veil was that of a barrier between man and God, showing man that the holiness of God could not be trifled with. God’s eyes are too pure to look on evil and He can tolerate no sin (Habakkuk 1:13). The veil was a barrier to make sure that man could not carelessly and irreverently enter into God’s awesome presence. Even as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, he had to make some meticulous preparations: He had to wash himself, put on special clothing, bring burning incense to let the smoke cover his eyes from a direct view of God, and bring blood with him to make atonement for sins.
Notice, the last verse in chapter 25, God warns "you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you." Why? It's beautifully explained in Hebrews 9, and more specifically in Hebrews 9:23 - "That is why the earthly tent and everything in it - which were copies of things in Heaven..." God used this tent as a copy or an example of His plan of redemption and how we as Christians are to live a holy life before God. It's also a picture of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.
As we get further along within the book of Exodus, we'll talk more about what these things represent!
God bless you, and have a wonderful day!
- Don't gossip
- Don't follow the wrong crowd!
- Don't lie!
- Be kind to animals!
- Don't take bribes!
An agricultural rule that you'll see often being used today is God's command concerning the land. The Israelites were commanded by God to only use the same land for 6 years worth of harvest. In the 7th year, they are to allow the soil to rest and replenish itself full of minerals and nutrients.
In 23:20, it's interesting to note that God said He was "sending my angel before you to lead you to safety to the land." Can you imagine how awesome it was to look outside your tent every single day and see the Lord in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night and to realize THAT'S GOD! We may not be able to actually see a "pillar" in front of us leading us to safety, but Jesus promised, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." He also told his disciples, "I am with you always, even until the end of time." God is with you where ever you go! So, nothing is coincidental in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ!
Were you able to notice the original land grant God was going to give the Israelites? It was MUCH larger than it is now. Notice in 23:31 - "I will fix your boundaries from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the southern deserts to the Euphrates River. While Palestinians argue about Jerusalem and Israel's right to exist, they neglect to realize Almighty God gave them this land. To argue the point is to argue with God!
There are 3 annual feasts in which all men in Israel are to attend:
1) The feast of Unleavened Bread - This is the feast leading up to Passover during the first month - which is in April.
2) The feast of Harvest - Later referred to as the feast of Pentecost.
3) The festival of the Final Harvest.
How exciting it must have been to have a covenant meal with God! Wow! Can you imagine what it must have been like for the 70 elders of Israel (along with Moses and Aaron) to have sat in God's Presence and have a meal with Him!! One day that privilege will be yours...if you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ! Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 26:29 - "Mark my words, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom." And in Revelation 24, the apostle John tells us of the future event when we'll all sit down in Heaven and have a meal with God - "For the time has come for the wedding feast of the lamb."
As we study the rest of the Scriptures of today's reading, it may appear somewhat boring, but a closer look will reveal some interesting things about Heaven! All the people were to bring Moses a variety of metals, fabric, spices, oils, and gems. All of this was for the purpose of building The Tabernacle within the wilderness desert of the Sinai Mountain. Through the building of this Tabernacle, God was attempting to show the nation of Israel a glimpse of Heaven and the type of lifestyle they were to lead. God gave Moses strict instructions and said, "You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you." And there was good reason to be accurate. In the book of Hebrews we read that it is "a pattern of things in Heaven." There are 3 articles mentioned in our reading today:
- The ark - This elongated and elegant box-like structure represents God and His throne! Notice how God said to build two cherubims on top of the lid that were to face each other. And, also notice how God said it was between the cherubims that He would "meet with" Moses and "talk" with him!
- The Table of Showbread - This represents Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Both are bread!
- The Lampstand - This is a picture of the Jesus Christ who is the light of the world! The oil represents the Holy Spirit. The only light within the Tabernacle was the radiant glow coming from the lampstand. The only true light within this world is Jesus Christ!
- The Tabernacle - It was 75 feet long and 45 feet wide made of brilliant white linen representing the holiness of God. Within the Tabernacle was the Holy Place Within the Holy Place of the tabernacle, there was an inner room called the Holy of Holies, or the Most Holy Place. Judging from its name, we can see that it was a most sacred room, a place no ordinary person could enter. It was God’s special dwelling place in the midst of His people. During the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness, God appeared as a pillar of cloud or fire in and above the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was a perfect cube — its length, width and height were all equal to 15 feet.
A thick curtain separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. This curtain, known as the “veil,” was made of fine linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn. There were figures of cherubim (angels) embroidered onto it. Cherubim, spirits who serve God, were in the presence of God to demonstrate His almighty power and majesty. They also guarded the throne of God. These cherubim were also on the innermost layer of covering of the tent. If one looked upward, they would see the cherubim figures.
The word “veil” in Hebrew means a screen, divider or separator that hides. What was this curtain hiding? Essentially, it was shielding a holy God from sinful man. Whoever entered into the Holy of Holies was entering the very presence of God. In fact, anyone except the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies would die. Even the high priest, God’s chosen mediator with His people, could only pass through the veil and enter this sacred dwelling once a year, on a prescribed day called the Day of Atonement.
The picture of the veil was that of a barrier between man and God, showing man that the holiness of God could not be trifled with. God’s eyes are too pure to look on evil and He can tolerate no sin (Habakkuk 1:13). The veil was a barrier to make sure that man could not carelessly and irreverently enter into God’s awesome presence. Even as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, he had to make some meticulous preparations: He had to wash himself, put on special clothing, bring burning incense to let the smoke cover his eyes from a direct view of God, and bring blood with him to make atonement for sins.
“But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.” (Hebrews 9:7)So the presence of God remained shielded from man behind a thick curtain during the history of Israel. However, Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross changed that. When He died, the curtain in the Jerusalem temple was torn in half, from the top to the bottom. Only God could have carried out such an incredible feat because the veil was too high for human hands to have reached it, and too thick to have torn it.
Notice, the last verse in chapter 25, God warns "you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you." Why? It's beautifully explained in Hebrews 9, and more specifically in Hebrews 9:23 - "That is why the earthly tent and everything in it - which were copies of things in Heaven..." God used this tent as a copy or an example of His plan of redemption and how we as Christians are to live a holy life before God. It's also a picture of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.
As we get further along within the book of Exodus, we'll talk more about what these things represent!
God bless you, and have a wonderful day!
Jan.24 - Exodus 20 - 22
Have you every fully understood the 10 commandments? Exodus 20 begins with God giving Moses 10 universal laws. Let me give them to you in our language today:1) Don't put anything in your life in front of God! Give Him first place!
2) Don't attempt to worship or pray to any image you create that represents God!
3) Don't use God's name in a wrong way!
4) Keep one day for no work and the worship of God!
5) Give the highest respect to your parents ... so that you can live a good, long life!
6) Don't commit premeditated murder. 7) Don't commit adultery! (Jesus added, "Don't even do it in your mind or thoughts!)
8) Don't ever steal!
9) Don't ever lie!
10) Don't lust after anything at all! (Including money, clothes, home, etc)
In Chapter 21 and 22, God offers some CIVIL LAWS for the new nation of Israel. Take a close look at some of these and see how they differ and/or are the same as our civil laws. Here's a few of them:
1) Slave laws
2) Personal Injury Laws
a) For premeditated murder - "Put them to death!"
b) For accidental murder - "Flee to a city of refuge and await trial."
c) Hitting your parents - "Put them to death!"
d) Dishonoring your parents - "Put them to death!"
e) Kidnapping - "Put them to death!"
f) Personal injury with permanent damage - "Compensate them until a full recovery!"
g) Hurting a pregnant woman - "Compensate fully for any damages done!"
h) Stealing - "You must pay back up to 5 times the fair market value!" '
3) Witchcraft - "Put them to death!"
4) Worshipping other gods - "Put them to death!"
5) Exploiting widows and orphans - "God's anger and wrath!"
6) Lending - "Don't charge interest to Jewish people."
7) Don't dishonor your God or your national leaders!
8) Don't cheat on your tithes and offerings to God!
Can you find any one of these that you might be guilty of?
Have a wonderful day! God bless!
Jan.23 - Exodus 17 - 19
Are you a good test taker? A lot of people aren't. They may be very smart, but when it comes to taking a test, they have a very difficult time. The Israelites were no exception! In fact, from the stories we read in the book of Exodus we find that they were horrible test takers. Once again, as we read Chapter 17, we see God bringing them into another test after leaving Egypt. From these lessons we can gain some incredible insight as to how God works in the lives of His children. Here are a few thoughts:
1) God will often bring us to the brink of disaster to see what we'll do and how faithful we'll be! The Israelites were desparately thirsty! God purposefully brought them into another place (the first one was Marah) where they are "tormented with thirst." In reaction to this situation, they place the blame on Moses - who eventually cries out to God and says, "They are ready to stone me!" It's at that point that God commands Moses to strike the rock once, and water will come forth in great abundance. Moses complies, and God answers the people's need! But, notice what God does in each case after they left Egypt:
- He brings them to great thirst at Marah - After they pray to Him, He miraculously answers!
- He brings them to great hunger at Rephidim - After prayer, He miraculously answers!
- Now, He brings them to great thirst at Sinai - After prayer, He miraculously answers!
Notice how often God does this! He's continually bringing them to what they think is the brink of disaster before He meets their need. God's not being cruel here, He's simply growing His children in their spiritual faith towards Him.
2) The only way to win against the pull of sinful desires is to go to God in prayer! As we read the story of the war between the Amalekites and Israel, there are some very powerful truths. In Galatians 5, God talks about the war between flesh and the spirit - the battle that you and I face each day to either follow our own sinful desires or the desires to do those things that please God. This story illustrates the truth of that reality. Let me show you:
a) Amalek is a descendant of Esau - He is a type of "the flesh."
b) Israel is God's chosen people - They are a type of "the spirit."
c) This battle between Amalek and Israel is a type or picture of the battle you and I personally face each day - that of the flesh verses the spirit.
d) During the battle, whenever Moses held up his staff (representing prayer) Israel prevailed! But also notice - as his arms got tired and he let down his staff, Amalek prevailed! Through this battle comes some very important spiritual points you and I need to remember:
- To win the battle against the flesh - Go to God in PRAYER
- Find friends to help you in this battle and pray with you! - Gather some friends like Moses did who assisted him in holding up his hands in prayer. They continued supporting him until the battle was won!! Those are true friends!
3) Leaders must train others to lead! Jethro, Moses' father-in-law came up with a brilliant idea - the importance of delegating tasks of leadership. Some people claim that Moses made a mistake here and that he followed Jethro's advice and not God's...and that it eventually became the beginning stages of the Sanhedrin who later killed Jesus. Actually, Jethro offered the advice and reminded Moses that God must give the final ok. This act of delegation actually helped Moses tremendously. This shows the value of receiving advice from others, taking that advice before God, and when God gives you an ok on it, act on it.
4) God reveals Himself in unusual ways! God decided to reveal Himself to the nation of Israel. Notice what He did NOT do: He did NOT show Himself in a way that they could artistically imitate. For example, I've seen a number of athletes wearing a "cross" around their neck. Then, just before their race or battle begins, they kiss the cross as though that makes any difference to the outcome. Notice what God does! He comes to the Israelites in the form of:
- An earthquake - How do you copy that?
- Thunder - How do you copy that?
- Dark cloud - How do you copy that and wear it around your neck?
- Loud noise - How do you copy that?
- Smoke - How do you artistically copy that too?
Tomorrow, we'll read how He gives Moses the ten commandments and how one of those ten commandments deals with "making any image after His likeness." They're strictly forbidden to do so!
I hope you received a blessing from today's blog. May the Lord bless you today!
1) God will often bring us to the brink of disaster to see what we'll do and how faithful we'll be! The Israelites were desparately thirsty! God purposefully brought them into another place (the first one was Marah) where they are "tormented with thirst." In reaction to this situation, they place the blame on Moses - who eventually cries out to God and says, "They are ready to stone me!" It's at that point that God commands Moses to strike the rock once, and water will come forth in great abundance. Moses complies, and God answers the people's need! But, notice what God does in each case after they left Egypt:
- He brings them to great thirst at Marah - After they pray to Him, He miraculously answers!
- He brings them to great hunger at Rephidim - After prayer, He miraculously answers!
- Now, He brings them to great thirst at Sinai - After prayer, He miraculously answers!
Notice how often God does this! He's continually bringing them to what they think is the brink of disaster before He meets their need. God's not being cruel here, He's simply growing His children in their spiritual faith towards Him.
2) The only way to win against the pull of sinful desires is to go to God in prayer! As we read the story of the war between the Amalekites and Israel, there are some very powerful truths. In Galatians 5, God talks about the war between flesh and the spirit - the battle that you and I face each day to either follow our own sinful desires or the desires to do those things that please God. This story illustrates the truth of that reality. Let me show you:
a) Amalek is a descendant of Esau - He is a type of "the flesh."
b) Israel is God's chosen people - They are a type of "the spirit."
c) This battle between Amalek and Israel is a type or picture of the battle you and I personally face each day - that of the flesh verses the spirit.
d) During the battle, whenever Moses held up his staff (representing prayer) Israel prevailed! But also notice - as his arms got tired and he let down his staff, Amalek prevailed! Through this battle comes some very important spiritual points you and I need to remember:
- To win the battle against the flesh - Go to God in PRAYER
- Find friends to help you in this battle and pray with you! - Gather some friends like Moses did who assisted him in holding up his hands in prayer. They continued supporting him until the battle was won!! Those are true friends!
3) Leaders must train others to lead! Jethro, Moses' father-in-law came up with a brilliant idea - the importance of delegating tasks of leadership. Some people claim that Moses made a mistake here and that he followed Jethro's advice and not God's...and that it eventually became the beginning stages of the Sanhedrin who later killed Jesus. Actually, Jethro offered the advice and reminded Moses that God must give the final ok. This act of delegation actually helped Moses tremendously. This shows the value of receiving advice from others, taking that advice before God, and when God gives you an ok on it, act on it.
4) God reveals Himself in unusual ways! God decided to reveal Himself to the nation of Israel. Notice what He did NOT do: He did NOT show Himself in a way that they could artistically imitate. For example, I've seen a number of athletes wearing a "cross" around their neck. Then, just before their race or battle begins, they kiss the cross as though that makes any difference to the outcome. Notice what God does! He comes to the Israelites in the form of:
- An earthquake - How do you copy that?
- Thunder - How do you copy that?
- Dark cloud - How do you copy that and wear it around your neck?
- Loud noise - How do you copy that?
- Smoke - How do you artistically copy that too?
Tomorrow, we'll read how He gives Moses the ten commandments and how one of those ten commandments deals with "making any image after His likeness." They're strictly forbidden to do so!
I hope you received a blessing from today's blog. May the Lord bless you today!
Jan.22 - Exodus 14 - 16
The remarkable story of the exodus of Israel out of Egypt doesn't end with the 10 plagues! It goes on! In these next 3 exciting chapters, we'll continue to see God displaying His Almighty Power before the eyes of the world. And, notice how chapter 14 begins. It begins with a strategy that God shares intimately and only with Moses. God is explaining to Moses "why" He is placing them into a horrible military position. God gets them cornered - on purpose! In front of them is the Red Sea. On both sides are high mountain ranges. And, behind them is the charging Egyptian army! God sees this as a wonderful opportunity to prompt Pharaoh and his army into action. It works! And, the entire Egyptian army takes advantage of their vulnerability, and Pharaoh throws out everything in an attack to re-capture Israel.
From these 3 chapters come at least 7 powerful lessons for you and I:
1) Things aren't always as they seem! When God placed the Israelites in a vulnerable position at the edge of the Red Sea, He did it on purpose. He explains to Moses in 14:4 - "I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army." Whenever God works in our lives, He does things on purpose! We may feel very insecure, uncomfortable, challenged, or even frightened, but He does it with the purpose of DISPLAYING HIS GLORY! Many Christians, just like the Israelites, blame God for what is happening to them. As we learn in these 3 chapters, God does this for purposes of testing us and proving to us that He is all-powerful! Do you feel challenged or angry at God? Maybe He's wanting to show you Himself in a way you've never experienced Him before!
2) Panic and fear ALWAYS blind us to God's ability and power! In 14:10, we see the Israelites "panicked" as the entire Egyptian army approaches. Why would they do that? They had just seen God do several incredible miracles! They are also seeing God at work as they visibly follow a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In spite of the fact that they have seen these miracles and are able to actually and visibly see God move, they still begin to question God, and blame Moses! Just like the Israelites, most of us are resistant to new challenges and changes. We don't like being put into a position of testing. And, in spite of the fact that God has dynamically moved in our lives, we still question Him and blame him. Satan will use the tools of "fear" and "panic" to offset your confidence in God! And, he uses them well. What are you afraid of right now that God is incapable of solving? Are you asking God "Why?" concerning circumstances in your life? Ask the Lord to bind Satan from attacking you with fear, and ask Him to take away your fear. Reread these chapters and consider the fact that God maybe doing the same thing in your life or marriage as He's doing to the nation of Israel.
3) There are times to "stop praying" and "start going!" Did you see what God said to Moses in 14:15? He asks Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!" God had already told Moses His plan. But Moses, just like every human being, looks up and sees the powerful approaching Egyptian army and has a moment of panic! In spite of the fact of what God had just told him, Moses is momentarily gripped with fear by what he sees! God tells him to stop praying and get going! Do you know what reading the Bible every day does for me? It keeps my spiritual eyes off of circumstances and puts them firmly on God. That's why God's Word is so important to us! Perhaps God has told you something He wants you to do. What is it that keeps you from GOING? Get your eyes off of your circumstances. Stop using human reasoning, and consider what God is able to do and what He wants you to do...and get going!
4) God's ultimate desire is for YOU to be in "awe" of Him and to put your "faith" in Him! In 14:31, it explains the final result of the Red Sea disaster, "They were filled with awe before Him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses." What does God have to do in your life to bring you to place of being in "awe" of Him and where you have placed your complete "faith" in Him?
5) God uses circumstances to show us some aspect of Himself! In chapter 15, the song the Israelites sang before the Lord explains some very POWERFUL aspects they learned about God throughout this entire ordeal. Notice what they say (15:1-18)
- The Lord is my strength! vs.2
- The Lord is my song! vs.2
- The Lord is my God! vs.2
- The Lord is a warrior! vs.3
- Yahweh ("the Lord") is His name! vs.3
- The Lord is glorious in power! vs.6
- The Lord overthrows those who rise up against Him! vs.7
- There is no one like the Lord! vs.11
- The Lord is glorious in holiness! vs.11
- The Lord is awesome in splendor! vs.11
- He possesses unfailing love for us! vs.13
- He leads the people He has redeemed! vs.13
- He will reign forever! vs.18
6) God is always testing us on "faithfulness!" God tests the Israelites at the Red Sea, and He delivers! He tests them at Marah (with thirst), and He delivers them! He tests them again just before they get to Mount Sinai (with hunger), and He rains down "manna." He will continue to test them throughout the entire Old Testament! Which tells us that God will always test His people concerning faithfulness. Therefore, we should NEVER be surprised when things go awry!
7) Jesus is the "manna" God gives mankind for the hunger he faces! The remarkable story of God providing "manna" for the entire 40 years the Israelites wandered throughout the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula is amazing! He personally and miraculously fed them manna each and every day! Once they entered the Promised Land...it stopped forever! But, what is interesting to note is what Jesus said of Himself in John 6:48-50 - "Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven." Jesus is everything you and I will ever need!
May God give you a wonderful and productive day for His glory!
From these 3 chapters come at least 7 powerful lessons for you and I:
1) Things aren't always as they seem! When God placed the Israelites in a vulnerable position at the edge of the Red Sea, He did it on purpose. He explains to Moses in 14:4 - "I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army." Whenever God works in our lives, He does things on purpose! We may feel very insecure, uncomfortable, challenged, or even frightened, but He does it with the purpose of DISPLAYING HIS GLORY! Many Christians, just like the Israelites, blame God for what is happening to them. As we learn in these 3 chapters, God does this for purposes of testing us and proving to us that He is all-powerful! Do you feel challenged or angry at God? Maybe He's wanting to show you Himself in a way you've never experienced Him before!
2) Panic and fear ALWAYS blind us to God's ability and power! In 14:10, we see the Israelites "panicked" as the entire Egyptian army approaches. Why would they do that? They had just seen God do several incredible miracles! They are also seeing God at work as they visibly follow a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In spite of the fact that they have seen these miracles and are able to actually and visibly see God move, they still begin to question God, and blame Moses! Just like the Israelites, most of us are resistant to new challenges and changes. We don't like being put into a position of testing. And, in spite of the fact that God has dynamically moved in our lives, we still question Him and blame him. Satan will use the tools of "fear" and "panic" to offset your confidence in God! And, he uses them well. What are you afraid of right now that God is incapable of solving? Are you asking God "Why?" concerning circumstances in your life? Ask the Lord to bind Satan from attacking you with fear, and ask Him to take away your fear. Reread these chapters and consider the fact that God maybe doing the same thing in your life or marriage as He's doing to the nation of Israel.
3) There are times to "stop praying" and "start going!" Did you see what God said to Moses in 14:15? He asks Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!" God had already told Moses His plan. But Moses, just like every human being, looks up and sees the powerful approaching Egyptian army and has a moment of panic! In spite of the fact of what God had just told him, Moses is momentarily gripped with fear by what he sees! God tells him to stop praying and get going! Do you know what reading the Bible every day does for me? It keeps my spiritual eyes off of circumstances and puts them firmly on God. That's why God's Word is so important to us! Perhaps God has told you something He wants you to do. What is it that keeps you from GOING? Get your eyes off of your circumstances. Stop using human reasoning, and consider what God is able to do and what He wants you to do...and get going!
4) God's ultimate desire is for YOU to be in "awe" of Him and to put your "faith" in Him! In 14:31, it explains the final result of the Red Sea disaster, "They were filled with awe before Him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses." What does God have to do in your life to bring you to place of being in "awe" of Him and where you have placed your complete "faith" in Him?
5) God uses circumstances to show us some aspect of Himself! In chapter 15, the song the Israelites sang before the Lord explains some very POWERFUL aspects they learned about God throughout this entire ordeal. Notice what they say (15:1-18)
- The Lord is my strength! vs.2
- The Lord is my song! vs.2
- The Lord is my God! vs.2
- The Lord is a warrior! vs.3
- Yahweh ("the Lord") is His name! vs.3
- The Lord is glorious in power! vs.6
- The Lord overthrows those who rise up against Him! vs.7
- There is no one like the Lord! vs.11
- The Lord is glorious in holiness! vs.11
- The Lord is awesome in splendor! vs.11
- He possesses unfailing love for us! vs.13
- He leads the people He has redeemed! vs.13
- He will reign forever! vs.18
6) God is always testing us on "faithfulness!" God tests the Israelites at the Red Sea, and He delivers! He tests them at Marah (with thirst), and He delivers them! He tests them again just before they get to Mount Sinai (with hunger), and He rains down "manna." He will continue to test them throughout the entire Old Testament! Which tells us that God will always test His people concerning faithfulness. Therefore, we should NEVER be surprised when things go awry!
7) Jesus is the "manna" God gives mankind for the hunger he faces! The remarkable story of God providing "manna" for the entire 40 years the Israelites wandered throughout the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula is amazing! He personally and miraculously fed them manna each and every day! Once they entered the Promised Land...it stopped forever! But, what is interesting to note is what Jesus said of Himself in John 6:48-50 - "Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven." Jesus is everything you and I will ever need!
May God give you a wonderful and productive day for His glory!
Jan.21 - Exodus 11 - 13
God's final assault on Egypt is an attempt to show all men everywhere that He IS God! In Chapter 11, we read of the horrible account of God's wrath against sinful Egypt as He orders the last plague - the death of every first-born animal and child throughout the entire nation. Chapter 11:1-8 is God's announcement to Moses (as he is standing in front of Pharaoh for the last time) that this death will cause a "wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again." It says in verse 8 that Moses then left Pharaoh "with burning anger." For many people, it's hard to believe that a loving God would do such a thing as this. But, you have to keep in mind two very important things: 1) God, above all things, desires us to know that HE IS HOLY! And, 2) He is allowing the sacrifice of these first-borns for the loving purpose of reaching the entire world with the stark reality that He IS God! Both aspects of God's nature and character are seen in this last plague!
While sooooooo much could be taken out of the chapters we read today, here are a few power points to encourage you or even challenge you today!
1) If you want others to respect you, seek God's favor on your life! It's amazing what God did in the hearts of the Egyptians! He totally changed their hatrid into an incredible favor! If you remember past chapters, the Israelites (due to the fact that they are shepherds) are an abomination to the Egyptians. The Egyptians hated the Hebrews! They were both politically, militarilly, and racially motivated to enslave them. But, God miraculously turned that around by showing a "distinction between them and Israel." It says in 11:3 - "Now the Lord had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel. And Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, respected by Pharaoh's officials and the Egyptian people alike." In fact, as the Israelites left the land of Egypt it says (12:36), "and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!" Isn't it amazing what God can do? Listen...you may have a difficult challenge in your life with no idea of how to change it. Give it to God! Go to Him in prayer, and ask Him to turn things around! Only God can change a person's heart or events that seem like impossible challenges. He did it here with the Egyptians, and He can do it again with you and your circumstances!!!!
2) God will do whatever is necessary to get our attention! It's unfortunate that Pharaoh was as stubborn as he was. It cost him his credibility with his officials, the people of Egypt, their first-born children, their wealth, and eventually his army (as we'll read in a future chapter). This ought to remind us that God will do whatever is necessary to get our attention too! The Bible teaches us two powerful truths: 1) that God is no respecter of persons...which means that ALL OF US are acutely within the reach of God's spankings! And, 2) God will not be mocked! If you're being stubborn about any kind of obedience with God in ANY area of your life, be reminded of this powerful story! God loves you too much to allow you to keep going in a direction opposite of what He knows is ultimately best for you! Make today the day you'll square things with God in your heart!
3) The Lord's Passover is the powerful story of Jesus' death on the cross! In Chapter 12, God gives Moses specific instructions as to how to treat and carry out an event that is to not only shape one of Israel's future festivals, but is to share with the world the future death of its Savior - Jesus Christ! Here are the key points:
- This will re-shape your calendar and be the first month! Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week re-shaped converted Jews to celebrate on the first day of the week instead of on the Sabbath!
- They are to slaughter the lamb at 12 noon! Jesus, the lamb of God, was sacrificed on a cross and died at around 12 noon!
- They are to take a hyssop branch and smear blood across the top and side posts of the door to their homes. This represents the blood shed on the cross, both from his head and his hands! It's interesting to note that the Romans offered up a hyssop filled with vinegar for Jesus to drink while he was on the cross!
- They were to eat with unleavend (without yeast) bread. God commands Moses 5 times in chapter 12 about the use of "bread without yeast." Yeast (or leaven), in the Bible, represents sin. In the New Testament, Jesus often referred to the need for us to avoid "leaven" in our lives.
- They were to eat the Passover Meal with traveling clothes! God wants us to receive Jesus Christ with readiness to serve Him! Many Christians will share their testimony of how wicked or awful their lives were before they received Christ and then how they got saved....as though that's the end of the story! Forget that stuff! Who cares how horrible your life was in the past? What the lost people need to know is what has Christ done in and for you after you received Him! Salvation is NOT the end of the story, it is the beginning!!!
4) God leads us by His Spirit, but it's not always on the main road or the shortest path! As the Israelites leave the land of Egypt, God leads them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night! It must have been an incredible sight! But, what's interesting to note is that God took them through the back country and kept them off the main road. Why? God knew something about Israel they didn't know about themselves, 13:17), "if the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." In our personal lives, I know it seems as though God doesn't always make sense in what He does. But, He does what He does because of what He knows about us! He knows exactly how we'll respond. Therefore, with gentle care, He often takes us through a longer, but safer route. It may not be the route you like, but it's the best of all choices possible.
5) A 1 million person march! Can you imagine that! More than one million people follow Moses on foot through the deserts of Egypt! Wow! In 12:37, it says that the number amounted to some 600,000 MEN, plus all the women and children, PLUS "a rabble of non-Israelites went with them." As a manager, you probably have a lot of respect for Moses! Managing a small group of people is difficult enough. Imagine managing more than 1 million people in a hot, scorpion-infested desert! Only with the help of God can any manage ANY group of people effectively! If you're a manager, you're going to learn some valuable leadership lessons as we read on throughout the book of Exodus!
May God bless you today! And, thank you for reading this post!
While sooooooo much could be taken out of the chapters we read today, here are a few power points to encourage you or even challenge you today!
1) If you want others to respect you, seek God's favor on your life! It's amazing what God did in the hearts of the Egyptians! He totally changed their hatrid into an incredible favor! If you remember past chapters, the Israelites (due to the fact that they are shepherds) are an abomination to the Egyptians. The Egyptians hated the Hebrews! They were both politically, militarilly, and racially motivated to enslave them. But, God miraculously turned that around by showing a "distinction between them and Israel." It says in 11:3 - "Now the Lord had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel. And Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, respected by Pharaoh's officials and the Egyptian people alike." In fact, as the Israelites left the land of Egypt it says (12:36), "and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!" Isn't it amazing what God can do? Listen...you may have a difficult challenge in your life with no idea of how to change it. Give it to God! Go to Him in prayer, and ask Him to turn things around! Only God can change a person's heart or events that seem like impossible challenges. He did it here with the Egyptians, and He can do it again with you and your circumstances!!!!
2) God will do whatever is necessary to get our attention! It's unfortunate that Pharaoh was as stubborn as he was. It cost him his credibility with his officials, the people of Egypt, their first-born children, their wealth, and eventually his army (as we'll read in a future chapter). This ought to remind us that God will do whatever is necessary to get our attention too! The Bible teaches us two powerful truths: 1) that God is no respecter of persons...which means that ALL OF US are acutely within the reach of God's spankings! And, 2) God will not be mocked! If you're being stubborn about any kind of obedience with God in ANY area of your life, be reminded of this powerful story! God loves you too much to allow you to keep going in a direction opposite of what He knows is ultimately best for you! Make today the day you'll square things with God in your heart!
3) The Lord's Passover is the powerful story of Jesus' death on the cross! In Chapter 12, God gives Moses specific instructions as to how to treat and carry out an event that is to not only shape one of Israel's future festivals, but is to share with the world the future death of its Savior - Jesus Christ! Here are the key points:
- This will re-shape your calendar and be the first month! Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week re-shaped converted Jews to celebrate on the first day of the week instead of on the Sabbath!
- They are to slaughter the lamb at 12 noon! Jesus, the lamb of God, was sacrificed on a cross and died at around 12 noon!
- They are to take a hyssop branch and smear blood across the top and side posts of the door to their homes. This represents the blood shed on the cross, both from his head and his hands! It's interesting to note that the Romans offered up a hyssop filled with vinegar for Jesus to drink while he was on the cross!
- They were to eat with unleavend (without yeast) bread. God commands Moses 5 times in chapter 12 about the use of "bread without yeast." Yeast (or leaven), in the Bible, represents sin. In the New Testament, Jesus often referred to the need for us to avoid "leaven" in our lives.
- They were to eat the Passover Meal with traveling clothes! God wants us to receive Jesus Christ with readiness to serve Him! Many Christians will share their testimony of how wicked or awful their lives were before they received Christ and then how they got saved....as though that's the end of the story! Forget that stuff! Who cares how horrible your life was in the past? What the lost people need to know is what has Christ done in and for you after you received Him! Salvation is NOT the end of the story, it is the beginning!!!
4) God leads us by His Spirit, but it's not always on the main road or the shortest path! As the Israelites leave the land of Egypt, God leads them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night! It must have been an incredible sight! But, what's interesting to note is that God took them through the back country and kept them off the main road. Why? God knew something about Israel they didn't know about themselves, 13:17), "if the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." In our personal lives, I know it seems as though God doesn't always make sense in what He does. But, He does what He does because of what He knows about us! He knows exactly how we'll respond. Therefore, with gentle care, He often takes us through a longer, but safer route. It may not be the route you like, but it's the best of all choices possible.
5) A 1 million person march! Can you imagine that! More than one million people follow Moses on foot through the deserts of Egypt! Wow! In 12:37, it says that the number amounted to some 600,000 MEN, plus all the women and children, PLUS "a rabble of non-Israelites went with them." As a manager, you probably have a lot of respect for Moses! Managing a small group of people is difficult enough. Imagine managing more than 1 million people in a hot, scorpion-infested desert! Only with the help of God can any manage ANY group of people effectively! If you're a manager, you're going to learn some valuable leadership lessons as we read on throughout the book of Exodus!
May God bless you today! And, thank you for reading this post!
Jan.20 - Exodus 8 - 10
As we celebrate a major turning point in America today with the induction of Barak Obama, the first African-American as President of the United States, it somewhat reminds me of the events we read today in our daily Scripture reading. Like America, Israel was struggling as a nation. Under God's watchful care, He sends a leader on the scene, Moses, to deliver this nation of people from the enslavement of Egypt. But, God is more interested in something else! He explains to Pharaoh in 9:16 - "But I have spared you for a purpose - to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth." God was interested in only one thing - that the world might come to know Him!
As we read these 3 chapters, it's important to gets some interesting power points from this lesson:
1) God is the only God, and He wants the world to know Him! God gave Moses the reasons for the upcoming plagues upon Egypt. He tells him in (7:5) - "When I raise my powerful hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord." In other words, God was explaining to Moses that He was going to exercise His power in such a way that the Egyptians will have NO QUESTION that He is the ONLY TRUE GOD! To do that, God enacts His plagues against the various gods of Egypt. Here's what God did:
- The first plague was directed against OSIRIS, the god of the Nile.
- The 2nd plague of frogs was against the goddess HEKT.
- The 3rd plague of gnats (lice) was against the earth god, SEB.
- The 4th plague of flies was against HATKOK, the wife of Osiris.
- The 5th plague of livestock disease was against APIS, the sacred bull god.
- The 6th plague of boils was against TYPHON.
- The 7th plague of hail was against SHU, god of the atmosphere.
- The 8th plague of locusts was against SERAPIA.
- The 9th plague of darkness was against RA, the sun god.
- The 10th plague of death of the first born was an attack on all the gods of Egypt!
2) Satan can copy God's work! When God caused Moses' staff to become a snake, and when He turn the Nile to blood, and even when He caused a great swarming of frogs to come upon the land of Egypt, God allowed Pharaoh's magicians (Jannes and Jambres, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:8) to do the same through their dark arts! This helped to harden Pharaoh's heart so that He could enact more power against the Egyptian gods. But, when the gnats infested the entire land, even Pharaoh's magicians said (8:19), "This is the finger of God!"
3) God protects His own! As God pours out His wrath against Egypt, He protects His own people from what He's about to do that will absolutely devastate the entire nation! God says in 8:22, "But this time I will spare the region of Goshen where my people live...I will make a clear distinction between my people and your people."
4) We're all just about as stubborn as Pharaoh! When God sent the swarm of flies upon Egypt and protected Israel from its effect, Pharaoh says, "All right! Go ahead and offer sacrifices to your God!" In the midst of affliction, Pharaoh is willing to cry "uncle!" But, look what happens a few verses down! Once the flies are gone, Pharaoh changes his mind. How many of us are like that? In the midst of affliction we want God to take care of things - immediately! When things are stable, we act as though we don't have any need or time for God. Have you noticed that?
5) God's purpose in everything is that the world will know Him personally! Several times, but especially in 9:15-17, God mentions His purpose in devastating the nation of Egypt. It is for the ultimate purpose of convincing the world that He is the only God! God is trying to show Himself to man! Since man doesn't have time for God, God gets man's attention through what He does to Egypt. Are you evidence of the fact that God exists? Do people see God in and through you? What will God have to do to get your attention?
6) God shows tender mercy to every man! It's interesting to note that God protected all the individuals of both Egypt and Israel during these plagues, except for the ones who purposely disobeyed. God ONLY attacked the food and livestock of Egypt, but protected mankind. The purpose of the plagues was evangelistic in nature. Sadly, Pharaoh's decision to force Moses away from his presence was, in a sense, a direct blasphemous act against God. In order to get everyone's attention, the 10th plague is about to be enacted! We'll read about that tomorrow! Unless, of course, you just can't wait until then...
While there is still so much more to say, I hope this has been a blessing to you! Have a God-blessed day! And, let's pray for our new President. He'll certainly need it!
As we read these 3 chapters, it's important to gets some interesting power points from this lesson:
1) God is the only God, and He wants the world to know Him! God gave Moses the reasons for the upcoming plagues upon Egypt. He tells him in (7:5) - "When I raise my powerful hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord." In other words, God was explaining to Moses that He was going to exercise His power in such a way that the Egyptians will have NO QUESTION that He is the ONLY TRUE GOD! To do that, God enacts His plagues against the various gods of Egypt. Here's what God did:
- The first plague was directed against OSIRIS, the god of the Nile.
- The 2nd plague of frogs was against the goddess HEKT.
- The 3rd plague of gnats (lice) was against the earth god, SEB.
- The 4th plague of flies was against HATKOK, the wife of Osiris.
- The 5th plague of livestock disease was against APIS, the sacred bull god.
- The 6th plague of boils was against TYPHON.
- The 7th plague of hail was against SHU, god of the atmosphere.
- The 8th plague of locusts was against SERAPIA.
- The 9th plague of darkness was against RA, the sun god.
- The 10th plague of death of the first born was an attack on all the gods of Egypt!
2) Satan can copy God's work! When God caused Moses' staff to become a snake, and when He turn the Nile to blood, and even when He caused a great swarming of frogs to come upon the land of Egypt, God allowed Pharaoh's magicians (Jannes and Jambres, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:8) to do the same through their dark arts! This helped to harden Pharaoh's heart so that He could enact more power against the Egyptian gods. But, when the gnats infested the entire land, even Pharaoh's magicians said (8:19), "This is the finger of God!"
3) God protects His own! As God pours out His wrath against Egypt, He protects His own people from what He's about to do that will absolutely devastate the entire nation! God says in 8:22, "But this time I will spare the region of Goshen where my people live...I will make a clear distinction between my people and your people."
4) We're all just about as stubborn as Pharaoh! When God sent the swarm of flies upon Egypt and protected Israel from its effect, Pharaoh says, "All right! Go ahead and offer sacrifices to your God!" In the midst of affliction, Pharaoh is willing to cry "uncle!" But, look what happens a few verses down! Once the flies are gone, Pharaoh changes his mind. How many of us are like that? In the midst of affliction we want God to take care of things - immediately! When things are stable, we act as though we don't have any need or time for God. Have you noticed that?
5) God's purpose in everything is that the world will know Him personally! Several times, but especially in 9:15-17, God mentions His purpose in devastating the nation of Egypt. It is for the ultimate purpose of convincing the world that He is the only God! God is trying to show Himself to man! Since man doesn't have time for God, God gets man's attention through what He does to Egypt. Are you evidence of the fact that God exists? Do people see God in and through you? What will God have to do to get your attention?
6) God shows tender mercy to every man! It's interesting to note that God protected all the individuals of both Egypt and Israel during these plagues, except for the ones who purposely disobeyed. God ONLY attacked the food and livestock of Egypt, but protected mankind. The purpose of the plagues was evangelistic in nature. Sadly, Pharaoh's decision to force Moses away from his presence was, in a sense, a direct blasphemous act against God. In order to get everyone's attention, the 10th plague is about to be enacted! We'll read about that tomorrow! Unless, of course, you just can't wait until then...
While there is still so much more to say, I hope this has been a blessing to you! Have a God-blessed day! And, let's pray for our new President. He'll certainly need it!
Jan.19 - Exodus 5 - 7
At the age of 80, Moses was content to shepherd sheep in the Sinai Peninsula. He wasn't looking for anything else to do. But, out of the clear blue sky, God speaks to him through a burning bush and commissions him to engage into one of the most leadership-intensive positions any person has ever had to go through! In Exodus 3 and 4 you'll find Moses arguing with God as he desperately trys prove his case that he is NOT the person God is looking for. For every excuse Moses comes up with, God has an answer!
As we read these 3 chapters, we see some very interesting issues that deal with all of us today:
1) We often "feel" unqualified for what God calls us to do! Moses gave 5 reasons why he shouldn't take this job. The very first one was (3:11), "But who am I to appear before Pharaoh?" Moses was convinced he had NO QUALIFICATIONS or POSITION to stand in front of one of the most powerful emperors in the world and make ridiculous demands. I'm sure he was thinking, "Forty years ago I ran for my life from this place! I hope they've forgotten about me!" Guess what was one of the very first questions Pharaoh threw into the face of Moses? Pharaoh shouted (5:4), "Who do you think you are?" I'm sure Moses was embarrassed and thinking quietly, "I knew this was going to happen! See, I told you Lord! I shouldn't be here! You've got the wrong guy!"
Even though God's call to Moses was very clear, Satan was there to attack and create doubt! God allowed Satan to stiffen the pride of Pharaoh. That resulted in a shock to Moses. He thought everything was going to go smoothly for him. Hey...If God has given you a clear calling to do something, you can be sure that it will NOT go as smoothly as you expect it! Just like Eve in the Garden, Satan will creep up and ask you the same doubt-stimulating question, "Did God really say...?"
Man's reasoning get's in the way of God's power! You don't need an education, or intelligence, or money, or position, or the right connections, or anything else to do God's will. What you do need is a resolve to let Him be God, and to trust in His calling and power regardless of the circumstances.
2) Serving the Lord does NOT circumvent tough situations! After Moses' first visit with Pharaoh, nothing went according to plan - his plans! God knew what he was doing, but Moses didn't have a clue. All that Moses knew was that he had made things HORRIBLY worse for the people he was sent to help. In 5:20-21, Moses and Aaron are condemned by the ones they're seeking to save. The Israelite foremen shouted, "May the Lord judge you for getting us into this terrible situation...you have given them an excuse to kill us!" Moses was so disturbed by this that he charged back to the Lord and began an argument with Him! In 5:22, he says, "Why have YOU mistreated YOUR own people like this...Why did you send me?...You have not even begun to rescue them!" Obviously, Moses is angry, confused, and afraid! It takes half of Chapter 6 for God to revisit His plan for Moses. Don't you love it? God is so patient with us! He calmly goes over the past and present of what His plans are for Israel and his servant Moses...AGAIN!
3) Our excuses are no match for God's demands! Three times Moses vehemently argued with God that he is no orator and the wrong person for the job - (4:10 ; 6:12 ; 6:30). If you'll notice in 6:13, it says, "But the Lord ordered Moses and Aaron to return to Pharaoh." If God is asking you to do something, He has obviously agreed to open the doors of Heaven to make things work out. It may not go smoothly, but He will eventually accomplish the task He's sent you to do. It didn't go smoothly for Moses at all! It was a gut-wrenching endeavor from the very beginning. Yet, God's Will never takes you where His Grace can't keep you!
4) God never usually unfolds the entire plan He has for you...just the next step! When God called Moses on top of Mount Sinai, He didn't give him any instructions other than to go back to Egypt. Once Moses got there, God tells Him to simply demand that Pharaoh let the Israelites go! Once that failed, God tells Moses in Chapter 7 what the next step was - the staff will become a snake when Pharaoh demands a miraculous sign from God. Once that failed to impress Pharaoh, God gave him the next step - go down to the Nile and put the staff in the water and it will turn the Nile to blood. After that happened, we see every encounter Moses has with God that God simply gives him the next step...never more than that! If you and I are waiting for the full unfolding of God's map for our lives, it will never come! Why? Because you and I probably won't be able to handle it! Just doing the next step is tough enough!
Tomorrow, we'll look at God's contest against the gods of Egypt! God bless, and have a wonderful, Spirit-filled day!
As we read these 3 chapters, we see some very interesting issues that deal with all of us today:
1) We often "feel" unqualified for what God calls us to do! Moses gave 5 reasons why he shouldn't take this job. The very first one was (3:11), "But who am I to appear before Pharaoh?" Moses was convinced he had NO QUALIFICATIONS or POSITION to stand in front of one of the most powerful emperors in the world and make ridiculous demands. I'm sure he was thinking, "Forty years ago I ran for my life from this place! I hope they've forgotten about me!" Guess what was one of the very first questions Pharaoh threw into the face of Moses? Pharaoh shouted (5:4), "Who do you think you are?" I'm sure Moses was embarrassed and thinking quietly, "I knew this was going to happen! See, I told you Lord! I shouldn't be here! You've got the wrong guy!"
Even though God's call to Moses was very clear, Satan was there to attack and create doubt! God allowed Satan to stiffen the pride of Pharaoh. That resulted in a shock to Moses. He thought everything was going to go smoothly for him. Hey...If God has given you a clear calling to do something, you can be sure that it will NOT go as smoothly as you expect it! Just like Eve in the Garden, Satan will creep up and ask you the same doubt-stimulating question, "Did God really say...?"
Man's reasoning get's in the way of God's power! You don't need an education, or intelligence, or money, or position, or the right connections, or anything else to do God's will. What you do need is a resolve to let Him be God, and to trust in His calling and power regardless of the circumstances.
2) Serving the Lord does NOT circumvent tough situations! After Moses' first visit with Pharaoh, nothing went according to plan - his plans! God knew what he was doing, but Moses didn't have a clue. All that Moses knew was that he had made things HORRIBLY worse for the people he was sent to help. In 5:20-21, Moses and Aaron are condemned by the ones they're seeking to save. The Israelite foremen shouted, "May the Lord judge you for getting us into this terrible situation...you have given them an excuse to kill us!" Moses was so disturbed by this that he charged back to the Lord and began an argument with Him! In 5:22, he says, "Why have YOU mistreated YOUR own people like this...Why did you send me?...You have not even begun to rescue them!" Obviously, Moses is angry, confused, and afraid! It takes half of Chapter 6 for God to revisit His plan for Moses. Don't you love it? God is so patient with us! He calmly goes over the past and present of what His plans are for Israel and his servant Moses...AGAIN!
3) Our excuses are no match for God's demands! Three times Moses vehemently argued with God that he is no orator and the wrong person for the job - (4:10 ; 6:12 ; 6:30). If you'll notice in 6:13, it says, "But the Lord ordered Moses and Aaron to return to Pharaoh." If God is asking you to do something, He has obviously agreed to open the doors of Heaven to make things work out. It may not go smoothly, but He will eventually accomplish the task He's sent you to do. It didn't go smoothly for Moses at all! It was a gut-wrenching endeavor from the very beginning. Yet, God's Will never takes you where His Grace can't keep you!
4) God never usually unfolds the entire plan He has for you...just the next step! When God called Moses on top of Mount Sinai, He didn't give him any instructions other than to go back to Egypt. Once Moses got there, God tells Him to simply demand that Pharaoh let the Israelites go! Once that failed, God tells Moses in Chapter 7 what the next step was - the staff will become a snake when Pharaoh demands a miraculous sign from God. Once that failed to impress Pharaoh, God gave him the next step - go down to the Nile and put the staff in the water and it will turn the Nile to blood. After that happened, we see every encounter Moses has with God that God simply gives him the next step...never more than that! If you and I are waiting for the full unfolding of God's map for our lives, it will never come! Why? Because you and I probably won't be able to handle it! Just doing the next step is tough enough!
Tomorrow, we'll look at God's contest against the gods of Egypt! God bless, and have a wonderful, Spirit-filled day!
Jan.18 - Exodus 2 - 4
What an incredible encounter! Moses is given the phenominal privilege to converse with God on a one-on-one, face-to-face encounter! After having killed an Egyptian, Moses flees the palace of Pharaoh and his executive position to hide in the desert of Midian, near the Red Sea. He joins up with a family of shepherds and marries the daughter of one of the priests within a local tribe.
From A SOMEBODY TO A NOBODY! Believe it or not, 40 years pass between the end of Chapter 2 and the beginning of Chapter 3. For 40 years, Moses was a "prince" in Egypt - a real "somebody"! During the next 40 years while shepherding Jethro's flocks in the desert near the Mountain of Sinai and the Sinai Peninsula, Moses realizes he's just a "nobody." While hanging around the mountains in the Sinai Peninsula, he sees a bush that appears to be on fire, but is NOT being consumed by the heat and flames! Obviously, he is captured by this sight and goes over to investigate this unusual phenomenon. Like a clap of thunder out of a clear blue sky, God speaks to Moses from within the bush. As they engage in conversation, God clearly explains His plans for Moses' life. Here's how the conversation flows:
God's reveals His plan: "I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people...out of Egypt."
Moses' response: "Who am I?" In other words... "I have no ability to do that!"
God says: "I'll be with you."
Moses responds: "What shall I tell them?" (3:13) In other words, "I have no message!"
God says: Tell them "I AM has sent me to you."
Moses responds: "What if they don't believe me?" (4:1) In other words, "I have no authority!"
God says: "Throw your staff on the ground." In fact, God speaks of 3 miracles He will do for Moses to convince him of His power and His promise.
Moses responds: "I have never been eloquent." (4:10) In other words, "I don't speak well!"
God says: "I will help you speak."
Moses responds: "Please send someone else to do it." (4:13) In other words, "I'm just not interested, use someone else."
How many Christians have used these same lame excuses to avoid following God with all of their heart? They say, "Lord, I love you, but I can't do this or that because I don't speak well, or I don't have the right education, or I don't have the right position of authority, or I don't really know what to say to people????" PLEASE NOTE: God had an answer for EVERY excuse Moses made!!!
If you think you have no ability for God's use, read Phillippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
If you think you have no message, read I Corinthians 15:3-4!
If you think you have no authority, read Matthew 28:18-20!
If you think you have no eloquence, read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5!
If you think you have no desire to submit to God's will, read Phillippians 2:13!
There are NO EXCUSES for not serving the God of the Universe, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords! Right now, go to Him in prayer and ask for His forgiveness for not trusting in Him. If you look at your own talents and gifts, yes...you'll be afraid. But if you look at His Ability and His Power, He can do anything in and through YOU!!!
From A SOMEBODY TO A NOBODY! Believe it or not, 40 years pass between the end of Chapter 2 and the beginning of Chapter 3. For 40 years, Moses was a "prince" in Egypt - a real "somebody"! During the next 40 years while shepherding Jethro's flocks in the desert near the Mountain of Sinai and the Sinai Peninsula, Moses realizes he's just a "nobody." While hanging around the mountains in the Sinai Peninsula, he sees a bush that appears to be on fire, but is NOT being consumed by the heat and flames! Obviously, he is captured by this sight and goes over to investigate this unusual phenomenon. Like a clap of thunder out of a clear blue sky, God speaks to Moses from within the bush. As they engage in conversation, God clearly explains His plans for Moses' life. Here's how the conversation flows:
God's reveals His plan: "I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people...out of Egypt."
Moses' response: "Who am I?" In other words... "I have no ability to do that!"
God says: "I'll be with you."
Moses responds: "What shall I tell them?" (3:13) In other words, "I have no message!"
God says: Tell them "I AM has sent me to you."
Moses responds: "What if they don't believe me?" (4:1) In other words, "I have no authority!"
God says: "Throw your staff on the ground." In fact, God speaks of 3 miracles He will do for Moses to convince him of His power and His promise.
Moses responds: "I have never been eloquent." (4:10) In other words, "I don't speak well!"
God says: "I will help you speak."
Moses responds: "Please send someone else to do it." (4:13) In other words, "I'm just not interested, use someone else."
How many Christians have used these same lame excuses to avoid following God with all of their heart? They say, "Lord, I love you, but I can't do this or that because I don't speak well, or I don't have the right education, or I don't have the right position of authority, or I don't really know what to say to people????" PLEASE NOTE: God had an answer for EVERY excuse Moses made!!!
If you think you have no ability for God's use, read Phillippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
If you think you have no message, read I Corinthians 15:3-4!
If you think you have no authority, read Matthew 28:18-20!
If you think you have no eloquence, read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5!
If you think you have no desire to submit to God's will, read Phillippians 2:13!
There are NO EXCUSES for not serving the God of the Universe, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords! Right now, go to Him in prayer and ask for His forgiveness for not trusting in Him. If you look at your own talents and gifts, yes...you'll be afraid. But if you look at His Ability and His Power, He can do anything in and through YOU!!!
Jan.17 - Genesis 49 - Exodus 1
Genesis ends with the incredible decree of future events for the sons of Jacob (Israel) and their tribes. As Jacob calls his sons together, he tell them - "I will tell you what will happen to each of you in the days to come." Perhaps God gave Jacob some insight to this. However it happened, Jacob foretells a chilling prophecy concerning each of his 12 sons:
He begins with Reuben, his first-born. Unfortunately, the "blessings" to Reuben aren't very desirous. In fact, I'm sure Reuben cringed to hear his father say what would befall his tribe. By right of birth, he should have been elevated to a priestly eminence among the family, but his act of adultery (and other acts of cowardness) stole away this privilege at it went to his brother LEVI. By right of birth, Reuben should have been the lineage of royalty, but that went to his brother JUDAH! By right of birth, Reuben should have received the highest blessings from his father (which is always reserved for the firstborn child), but it went to JOSEPH!
Jacob pronounces a "scattering" of Simeon and Levi's tribe throughout Israel - which did happen once they entered the Promised Land. In fact, the tribe of Levi was to own no property at all, and they were to purposefully be scattered throughout the land of Israel for the Lord's work.
Judah is the tribe from which King David and eventually Jesus arises! Notice how Jacob states, "The scepter will not depart from Judah." God later offers King David this very same promise!
The highest blessing went to Joseph!
The last chapter of Genesis (the book of beginnings), describes the death of Jacob and the beginning of the fast-growing nation of Israel within the land of Egypt. Some 400 years pass by between Genesis 50 and Exodus 1. In Genesis, the outstanding man of God would be Abraham. In Exodus, the outstanding man of God would be Moses. The story of Moses' place of leadership is one of the most fascinating stories of the Bible. It shows the providential hand of God taking a lowly Hebrew baby pronounced to die to a place of honor in the very palace of the ruling Pharaoh of Egypt. As we go through these chapters in Exodus, you'll find Moses is a simple man who is afraid of completely yielding his life for God's service! How about you? Have you ever felt afraid of totally yielding your life to God for fear of what He might ask you to do? Are you able to say in prayer right now, "God, here's my life! Take it! Use it! Do with it anything you want to do with it! I give my life up for your service and for your glory! I am willing to sacrifice all I have for you!"? This is the place God where God wants us to be! Are you there yet? Are you willing to go there?
Tomorrow, we'll take a look at Moses' face-to-face encounter with God and he how tries to get out of the responsibility God calls him to do.
He begins with Reuben, his first-born. Unfortunately, the "blessings" to Reuben aren't very desirous. In fact, I'm sure Reuben cringed to hear his father say what would befall his tribe. By right of birth, he should have been elevated to a priestly eminence among the family, but his act of adultery (and other acts of cowardness) stole away this privilege at it went to his brother LEVI. By right of birth, Reuben should have been the lineage of royalty, but that went to his brother JUDAH! By right of birth, Reuben should have received the highest blessings from his father (which is always reserved for the firstborn child), but it went to JOSEPH!
Jacob pronounces a "scattering" of Simeon and Levi's tribe throughout Israel - which did happen once they entered the Promised Land. In fact, the tribe of Levi was to own no property at all, and they were to purposefully be scattered throughout the land of Israel for the Lord's work.
Judah is the tribe from which King David and eventually Jesus arises! Notice how Jacob states, "The scepter will not depart from Judah." God later offers King David this very same promise!
The highest blessing went to Joseph!
The last chapter of Genesis (the book of beginnings), describes the death of Jacob and the beginning of the fast-growing nation of Israel within the land of Egypt. Some 400 years pass by between Genesis 50 and Exodus 1. In Genesis, the outstanding man of God would be Abraham. In Exodus, the outstanding man of God would be Moses. The story of Moses' place of leadership is one of the most fascinating stories of the Bible. It shows the providential hand of God taking a lowly Hebrew baby pronounced to die to a place of honor in the very palace of the ruling Pharaoh of Egypt. As we go through these chapters in Exodus, you'll find Moses is a simple man who is afraid of completely yielding his life for God's service! How about you? Have you ever felt afraid of totally yielding your life to God for fear of what He might ask you to do? Are you able to say in prayer right now, "God, here's my life! Take it! Use it! Do with it anything you want to do with it! I give my life up for your service and for your glory! I am willing to sacrifice all I have for you!"? This is the place God where God wants us to be! Are you there yet? Are you willing to go there?
Tomorrow, we'll take a look at Moses' face-to-face encounter with God and he how tries to get out of the responsibility God calls him to do.
Jan.16 - Genesis 46 - 48
This is one of the most emotionally charged sections of Genesis! The reuniting of Joseph with his father after some 20 years makes even a tough guy a little teary-eyed. Its says they cried on each other's shoulder for a long time. I don't blame them!
But, the most remarkable aspect of this whole story about Joseph is the forgiveness he shows towards his brothers! While discussing his brother's act of betrayal in selling him off to Ishmaelite traders within the palace, he shifts the responsibility from their shoulders to God's. He say's "Don't be angry for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."
Is there someone who's hurt you or wronged you in some way that you need to forgive? Perhaps God is testing you like he did Joseph. Think how horrible Joseph had it! He could have really enacted vengeance on his brothers, but he took a few steps back and realized how God was involved in every tough and challenging step. God was shaping him to be a world leader!
The exciting thing is...God is shaping you too! Each time we fail to "mature" in our walk with God and with other people, God's got to keep working on us until we pass the test.
Joseph is the most complete type of Christ in all the Bible!! Note the amazing similiarities between the two:
1) Both were beloved by their fathers. (37:3 ; Matt.3:17)
2) Both regarded themselves as shepherds. (37:2 ; John 10:11-14)
3) Both were sent to their brothers by their father. (37:13-14 ; Luke 20:13)
4) Both were hated by their brothers without cause. (37:4,5,8 ; John 1:11, 7:5, 15:25)
5) Both were plotted against by their brother. (37:20 ; John 11:53)
6) Both were severly tempted. (39:7 ; Matthew 4:1)
7) Both were taken to Egypt. (37:26 ; Matthew 2:14-15)
8) Both were stripped of their robes. (37:23 ; John 19:23-24)
9) Both were sold for the price of a slave. (37:28 ; Matt.26:15)
10) Both were bound. (39:20 ; Matt.27:2)
11) Both were falsely accused. (39:16-18 ; Matt.26:59-60)
12) Both experienced God's favor through everything. (39:2,21,23 ; John 16:32)
13) Both placed with two prisoners - one who was lost, the other saved. (40:2-3 ; Luke 23:32)
14) Both were age 30 when ministry began. (41:46 ; Luke 3:23)
15) Both took Gentile brides. (41:45 ; Ephesians 3:1-12)
16) Both offered forgiveness to their brothers. (45:1-15 ; Rev.1:7)
17) Both became savior's to the world. (41:57 ; Isa.2:2-3, 49:6)
Jacob blesses Pharaoh! In fact, he blessed him twice! Although Egypt was a polytheistic nation (worshipper of many gods), Pharaoh had a lot of respect for Joseph's God. Joseph proved that his God was the one TRUE God, because of what he foretold about the 7 years of abundance and the 7 years of famine and how it came true! I'm sure Joseph was a great witness to Pharaoh. The very fact that Jacob would have the opportunity to bless the most blessed person on earth (in that Pharaoh eventually came to own all livestock, land, and people), indicates Pharaoh had some respect for the God of Joseph and Jacob.
When people see you, do they develop a respect for YOUR GOD? Are you a good witness?
Due to illness, I'll cut this one short. But, consider the challenges of this phenominal story! May we all become as wise and forgiving as Joseph!
But, the most remarkable aspect of this whole story about Joseph is the forgiveness he shows towards his brothers! While discussing his brother's act of betrayal in selling him off to Ishmaelite traders within the palace, he shifts the responsibility from their shoulders to God's. He say's "Don't be angry for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."
Is there someone who's hurt you or wronged you in some way that you need to forgive? Perhaps God is testing you like he did Joseph. Think how horrible Joseph had it! He could have really enacted vengeance on his brothers, but he took a few steps back and realized how God was involved in every tough and challenging step. God was shaping him to be a world leader!
The exciting thing is...God is shaping you too! Each time we fail to "mature" in our walk with God and with other people, God's got to keep working on us until we pass the test.
Joseph is the most complete type of Christ in all the Bible!! Note the amazing similiarities between the two:
1) Both were beloved by their fathers. (37:3 ; Matt.3:17)
2) Both regarded themselves as shepherds. (37:2 ; John 10:11-14)
3) Both were sent to their brothers by their father. (37:13-14 ; Luke 20:13)
4) Both were hated by their brothers without cause. (37:4,5,8 ; John 1:11, 7:5, 15:25)
5) Both were plotted against by their brother. (37:20 ; John 11:53)
6) Both were severly tempted. (39:7 ; Matthew 4:1)
7) Both were taken to Egypt. (37:26 ; Matthew 2:14-15)
8) Both were stripped of their robes. (37:23 ; John 19:23-24)
9) Both were sold for the price of a slave. (37:28 ; Matt.26:15)
10) Both were bound. (39:20 ; Matt.27:2)
11) Both were falsely accused. (39:16-18 ; Matt.26:59-60)
12) Both experienced God's favor through everything. (39:2,21,23 ; John 16:32)
13) Both placed with two prisoners - one who was lost, the other saved. (40:2-3 ; Luke 23:32)
14) Both were age 30 when ministry began. (41:46 ; Luke 3:23)
15) Both took Gentile brides. (41:45 ; Ephesians 3:1-12)
16) Both offered forgiveness to their brothers. (45:1-15 ; Rev.1:7)
17) Both became savior's to the world. (41:57 ; Isa.2:2-3, 49:6)
Jacob blesses Pharaoh! In fact, he blessed him twice! Although Egypt was a polytheistic nation (worshipper of many gods), Pharaoh had a lot of respect for Joseph's God. Joseph proved that his God was the one TRUE God, because of what he foretold about the 7 years of abundance and the 7 years of famine and how it came true! I'm sure Joseph was a great witness to Pharaoh. The very fact that Jacob would have the opportunity to bless the most blessed person on earth (in that Pharaoh eventually came to own all livestock, land, and people), indicates Pharaoh had some respect for the God of Joseph and Jacob.
When people see you, do they develop a respect for YOUR GOD? Are you a good witness?
Due to illness, I'll cut this one short. But, consider the challenges of this phenominal story! May we all become as wise and forgiving as Joseph!
Jan.15 - Genesis 42 - 45
Today, you and I have just read one of the most fascinating and emotional stories we'll ever read! I couldn't stop at chapter 44. I needed to go on to chapter 45 (which makes 4 chapters of reading today), because the story is JUST TOO GOOD! Every time I read the story of Joseph I cry! Tomorrow...we'll read about the wonderful and highly emotional reunion Joseph has with his father! But, for now let's look at some interesting Power Points from these chapters!
Anger needs a "cooling off" period! One can only imagine the flood of emotions Joseph must have experienced the moment he recognized his brothers standing in line to receive food. Genesis 42:7 says, "Joseph instantly recognized his brothers!" Only Joseph himself could tell us exactly how intense the battle of thought and emotions that flooded his entire being at that special moment! The Bible does give us some clues:
- The first thing Joseph experiences are his memories! - Genesis 42:9 says, "And he remembered the dreams he had about them many years before." When anything traumatic happens to an individual, the first thing a person does is relive their memories.
- The second thing Joseph experienced is anger! Notice how he jumps to his feet and condemns them by saying, "You are spies. You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become!" In fact, he's so angry he argues with them further and puts them into prison for 3 days!
- The third thing Joseph experiences is a cooling off of emotion! It took Joseph 3 days to cool his anger, frustration, hurt, and all the other stuff that goes along with being betrayed by his own brothers! In the last half of chapter 42, you and I see Joseph having a more calm demeanor towards his brothers - he sends them back with all their money being returned to them. But, he does have a plan also!
- Another glimpse into Joseph's emotions can be seen in the names he gives his own sons: His first son is Manasseh, which means "forgetting". Joseph said, "God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father's family. His second son was named "Ephraim" meaning "doubly fruitful". Joseph said, "God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief." From the names Joseph gives his two sons, we learn that he was deeply acquainted with grief - just like Isaiah says of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The rest of the story doesn't really need any explanations - they are self-evident! However, there's some additional things we can take from this story:
- God is in control of everyone's destiny! Notice how Joseph reassured his brothers Genesis 45:5 saying, "Don't be angry for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives." Joseph realizes that God caused this unusual set of circumstances to occur in order to save lives! Not much different than our Lord, who was born in the insignificant and obscure town of Bethlehem, laid in a cow trough, wrapped in burial clothes (swaddling clothes), and only experienced a short 3 1/2 years of ministry before being crucified!
- It's important to save for future adversity! Joseph, under God's revelation, realizes the need to take advantage of income opportunity and to save for what may happen in the future!
- Bad things happen to Godly people...but ultimately it's for a good purpose! Joseph, although an interpreter of dreams, could not and did not know his future. He simply dealt with the circumstances that unjustly imprisoned him in the best way he could. In Genesis 45, we realize that he has comes to grips with the reality that God had not left him, rather God was preparing him to be a savior to the world! Wow!
What's God preparing you for? Think about it!
Have a God-blessed day!
Anger needs a "cooling off" period! One can only imagine the flood of emotions Joseph must have experienced the moment he recognized his brothers standing in line to receive food. Genesis 42:7 says, "Joseph instantly recognized his brothers!" Only Joseph himself could tell us exactly how intense the battle of thought and emotions that flooded his entire being at that special moment! The Bible does give us some clues:
- The first thing Joseph experiences are his memories! - Genesis 42:9 says, "And he remembered the dreams he had about them many years before." When anything traumatic happens to an individual, the first thing a person does is relive their memories.
- The second thing Joseph experienced is anger! Notice how he jumps to his feet and condemns them by saying, "You are spies. You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become!" In fact, he's so angry he argues with them further and puts them into prison for 3 days!
- The third thing Joseph experiences is a cooling off of emotion! It took Joseph 3 days to cool his anger, frustration, hurt, and all the other stuff that goes along with being betrayed by his own brothers! In the last half of chapter 42, you and I see Joseph having a more calm demeanor towards his brothers - he sends them back with all their money being returned to them. But, he does have a plan also!
- Another glimpse into Joseph's emotions can be seen in the names he gives his own sons: His first son is Manasseh, which means "forgetting". Joseph said, "God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father's family. His second son was named "Ephraim" meaning "doubly fruitful". Joseph said, "God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief." From the names Joseph gives his two sons, we learn that he was deeply acquainted with grief - just like Isaiah says of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The rest of the story doesn't really need any explanations - they are self-evident! However, there's some additional things we can take from this story:
- God is in control of everyone's destiny! Notice how Joseph reassured his brothers Genesis 45:5 saying, "Don't be angry for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives." Joseph realizes that God caused this unusual set of circumstances to occur in order to save lives! Not much different than our Lord, who was born in the insignificant and obscure town of Bethlehem, laid in a cow trough, wrapped in burial clothes (swaddling clothes), and only experienced a short 3 1/2 years of ministry before being crucified!
- It's important to save for future adversity! Joseph, under God's revelation, realizes the need to take advantage of income opportunity and to save for what may happen in the future!
- Bad things happen to Godly people...but ultimately it's for a good purpose! Joseph, although an interpreter of dreams, could not and did not know his future. He simply dealt with the circumstances that unjustly imprisoned him in the best way he could. In Genesis 45, we realize that he has comes to grips with the reality that God had not left him, rather God was preparing him to be a savior to the world! Wow!
What's God preparing you for? Think about it!
Have a God-blessed day!
Jan.14 - Genesis 40 - 42
The remarkable, made-for-movie story of Joseph starts to unfold in these chapters! Here's the background of what's happened so far:
- Joseph is the labeled the "favorite son" of Jacob.
- His 11 brothers hate him for this!
- Joseph is sold into slavery to a caravaning group of Ishmaelite traders going to Egypt.
- He's purchased as a slave by Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard.
- He's viciously and wrongfully accused of raping Potiphar's wife, and is sent to prison!
Think about it! Here's a young teenage boy who's having the time of his life being spoiled by a loving father, when all of a sudden great tragedy strikes! His brothers sell him to some traders heading for Egypt. What would you have done, and how would you feel if you were rejected and sold away from your family? Joseph could have sought reasons to escape, but he didn't. He made the best of a horrible situation. And, God blessed him because of it! Think about this...you may be in a situation that's uncomfortable, unjust, not fit for you, or just plain wrong...how are you reacting? Are you trusting God and making the best of your situation? Joseph didn't complain, but rather made him successful in EVERYTHING he did. Are you complaining about your situation? It won't do you any good!! Everyone hates complainers. And, everyone loves a person who rises above their situation and makes the best of it!
Your situation or position, as bad as it may seem, may be the beginning of an incredible miracle! So often times we never see it! God is at work, but because we don't like it we immediately blame God. We ask, "God...don't you love me? Where are you? "Why are you so mean and letting this happen to me?" Are you blaming God for anything in your life that doesn't seem fair or right? If anyone could have...it was Joseph. He was completely innocent and life was nearly unbearable with no foreseeable way out! Fortunately, you and I can read a few chapters ahead and see that God's hand was marvelously and lovingly involved in everything Joseph did, and that he had a phenominal outcome! Be careful! God may be shaping you through your trial or affliction. Though you and I don't have the privilege of looking a few chapters ahead in our life, we need to trust God and believe that He is at work! Remember what the apostle Paul said in Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
God's timing is usually not our timing! In Genesis 40 - 41, Joseph interprets the incredible dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and chief baker. In return, he begs Pharaoh's cupbearer (who lives) to tell Pharaoh about his innocence and horrible injustice! But God does something here! God, in His sovereign will and perfect timing, allows Pharaoh's cupbearer to forget about Joseph. It takes 2 long years to slowly pass by before he remembers, but it's only because Pharaoh has a disturbing dream. Pharoah's cupbearer suggests Joseph for the job of interpretting the dream. In God's eyes, things weren't ripe yet. Jospeh wasn't mature enough for the job he was about to do. The drought situation wasn't close enough for Joseph to come on the scene. And, there's probably many other things that God in His wisdom saw...therefore He delays the deliverance of Joseph for two more years! Here's what I'm learning even now in my life, when God is silent, there's a good reason! I don't like it...who does? But, the Bible is replete with examples of how God works behind the scene in men's lives! And, He's working in yours right now...even though you don't think so!
When a golden opportunity arises, don't fail to give God the glory! Joseph is given the one and only chance of deliverance - the chance of meeting Pharaoh face-to-face. But notice what Joseph doesn't do:
- He doesn't jump right in on his own agenda, he genuinely seeks to help the one who can free him!
- When Pharaoh admires his dream interpretation skills, he quickly denounces his greatness and gives all the glory to God!
- Joseph didn't become fearful in front of Pharaoh, but told him the truth!
Notice also what Joseph did do:
- He denied glory for himself and gave it all to his God. Pharaoh had many gods. But, now Joseph was telling the story of his God - God Almighty!
- He not only tells Pharaoh of Egypt's impending problem, but also provids a detailed solution!
As a pastor, I quickly got tired of people who came into my office to tell me of all the problems we have! But, I loved the people who not only identified the problem, but also identified a workable solution! I loved those people! Here's why:
- The came across as a team player!
- They showed leadership skills! Anyone can complain, but few can solve problems!
- They were persons you could trust because they genuinely wanted to help!
Joseph is a type or foreshadowing picture of Jesus Christ!
- He was sold for pieces of silver! Just like what Judas did with the High Priest.
-He was acquainted with grief and sorrow! Just what Isaiah said about Jesus!
- He was condemned to die by his brothers! Israel called out for Jesus' crucifixion.
- Became a savior to the known world. Jesus is the savior of the world!
- Exalted to Pharaoh's right hand. Jesus is now at the Father's right hand!
- Responsible for feeding the hungry. Jesus is the bread of life that feeds us!
- Was eventually reunited with his father. Jesus is now reunited with His Father!
From the story of Joseph we learn a few things:
- When God seems silent, know that He's really at work!
- Bad things happen to Godly people!
- Patience pays off down the road!
- God has a definite plan for your life...even thought it doesn't make sense!
- God will bring you to your destiny in ways you may never dream of!
May God give you His patience as you continue to faithfully follow Him...even when things may not make much sense!
- Joseph is the labeled the "favorite son" of Jacob.
- His 11 brothers hate him for this!
- Joseph is sold into slavery to a caravaning group of Ishmaelite traders going to Egypt.
- He's purchased as a slave by Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard.
- He's viciously and wrongfully accused of raping Potiphar's wife, and is sent to prison!
Think about it! Here's a young teenage boy who's having the time of his life being spoiled by a loving father, when all of a sudden great tragedy strikes! His brothers sell him to some traders heading for Egypt. What would you have done, and how would you feel if you were rejected and sold away from your family? Joseph could have sought reasons to escape, but he didn't. He made the best of a horrible situation. And, God blessed him because of it! Think about this...you may be in a situation that's uncomfortable, unjust, not fit for you, or just plain wrong...how are you reacting? Are you trusting God and making the best of your situation? Joseph didn't complain, but rather made him successful in EVERYTHING he did. Are you complaining about your situation? It won't do you any good!! Everyone hates complainers. And, everyone loves a person who rises above their situation and makes the best of it!
Your situation or position, as bad as it may seem, may be the beginning of an incredible miracle! So often times we never see it! God is at work, but because we don't like it we immediately blame God. We ask, "God...don't you love me? Where are you? "Why are you so mean and letting this happen to me?" Are you blaming God for anything in your life that doesn't seem fair or right? If anyone could have...it was Joseph. He was completely innocent and life was nearly unbearable with no foreseeable way out! Fortunately, you and I can read a few chapters ahead and see that God's hand was marvelously and lovingly involved in everything Joseph did, and that he had a phenominal outcome! Be careful! God may be shaping you through your trial or affliction. Though you and I don't have the privilege of looking a few chapters ahead in our life, we need to trust God and believe that He is at work! Remember what the apostle Paul said in Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
God's timing is usually not our timing! In Genesis 40 - 41, Joseph interprets the incredible dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and chief baker. In return, he begs Pharaoh's cupbearer (who lives) to tell Pharaoh about his innocence and horrible injustice! But God does something here! God, in His sovereign will and perfect timing, allows Pharaoh's cupbearer to forget about Joseph. It takes 2 long years to slowly pass by before he remembers, but it's only because Pharaoh has a disturbing dream. Pharoah's cupbearer suggests Joseph for the job of interpretting the dream. In God's eyes, things weren't ripe yet. Jospeh wasn't mature enough for the job he was about to do. The drought situation wasn't close enough for Joseph to come on the scene. And, there's probably many other things that God in His wisdom saw...therefore He delays the deliverance of Joseph for two more years! Here's what I'm learning even now in my life, when God is silent, there's a good reason! I don't like it...who does? But, the Bible is replete with examples of how God works behind the scene in men's lives! And, He's working in yours right now...even though you don't think so!
When a golden opportunity arises, don't fail to give God the glory! Joseph is given the one and only chance of deliverance - the chance of meeting Pharaoh face-to-face. But notice what Joseph doesn't do:
- He doesn't jump right in on his own agenda, he genuinely seeks to help the one who can free him!
- When Pharaoh admires his dream interpretation skills, he quickly denounces his greatness and gives all the glory to God!
- Joseph didn't become fearful in front of Pharaoh, but told him the truth!
Notice also what Joseph did do:
- He denied glory for himself and gave it all to his God. Pharaoh had many gods. But, now Joseph was telling the story of his God - God Almighty!
- He not only tells Pharaoh of Egypt's impending problem, but also provids a detailed solution!
As a pastor, I quickly got tired of people who came into my office to tell me of all the problems we have! But, I loved the people who not only identified the problem, but also identified a workable solution! I loved those people! Here's why:
- The came across as a team player!
- They showed leadership skills! Anyone can complain, but few can solve problems!
- They were persons you could trust because they genuinely wanted to help!
Joseph is a type or foreshadowing picture of Jesus Christ!
- He was sold for pieces of silver! Just like what Judas did with the High Priest.
-He was acquainted with grief and sorrow! Just what Isaiah said about Jesus!
- He was condemned to die by his brothers! Israel called out for Jesus' crucifixion.
- Became a savior to the known world. Jesus is the savior of the world!
- Exalted to Pharaoh's right hand. Jesus is now at the Father's right hand!
- Responsible for feeding the hungry. Jesus is the bread of life that feeds us!
- Was eventually reunited with his father. Jesus is now reunited with His Father!
From the story of Joseph we learn a few things:
- When God seems silent, know that He's really at work!
- Bad things happen to Godly people!
- Patience pays off down the road!
- God has a definite plan for your life...even thought it doesn't make sense!
- God will bring you to your destiny in ways you may never dream of!
May God give you His patience as you continue to faithfully follow Him...even when things may not make much sense!
Jan.13 - Genesis 37 -39
Like a good novel, the stories we're reading now are filled with unbelievable human drama - that of mystery, intrigue, danger, infidelity, hatrid, jealousy...and all the other stuff that plays out in life! If there's ever a time to jump in and start reading the bible...it's now!
During these 3 chapters, it's interesting to note the dynamics of fathering. You'll see the repercussions of what it means to be a good father, as well as the horrible repercussions of being a "bad" father. There's no better teacher on fathering skills than the Bible! And, there's no better example of a GREAT FATHER than our Heavely Father! By the way, a great resource to help you with your fathering skills is my dear friend Carey Casey and the team at www.fathers.com ! I've listed them in my "GREAT SITES" section.
Power Points:
A father's love creates the "no place like home" feeling! As we begin Genesis 37:1, I find it interesting to note that Jacob is compelled to "settle...where his father lived." Isaac could have been a foolish father and harbored a deep resentment for Jacob when he deceived him and his brother Esau over "the birthright" and "the blessing." But, like a loving father, he quickly forgives his son, urges his son to marry the right woman, and sends him out with a rich blessing. Isaac's love and forgiveness ultimately brought Jacob home! How many fathers do you know that harbor continuing resentment for something their children did years ago? What that father needs to do...is GROW UP! A good father leads by example! A good father follows the advice of Jesus and "always forgives." A good father, by his own example of how he deals with hurt and deception, subliminally and profoundly teaches his own children how to handle the situation when it happens to them...and it will!
A father's mistake - partiality! Jacob makes the mistake of showing partiality to his son Joseph, and his other sons see it! This partiality led to the disintegration of this family unit, which ultimately led to the desire for murder.
- Giving Joseph "special attention" through the gift of a robe of many colors, which the others didn't get, provided an opportunity for hatrid to brew among the brothers! I can't tell you how many times my own children thought I was giving more attention to the others, or that I loved one more than the others. I always made every attempt to assure them that what they were perceiving wasn't true (for perception is reality to the other person). If you hear your children saying something like this, ask them - "Why do you feel this way?" "What did I do or what am I doing that makes you feel this way?" While they might make a lame excuse as to why they feel you love or like the others more, you still need to address the perception. For example, ask them, "How would you like me to handle this or that?" "What do I do that makes you feel special?" And then work on it. Don't blow it off! Work on it!
A father needs to be sensitive to his children's feelings! In verse 4, it becomes obvious that Joseph is "hated" by his brothers and that he his continuously "mocked" by them. Jacob should have dealt with this! Jealousy will destroy a family!
- Not only is Joseph being mocked, ridiculed, put-down, and belittled, but he's probably developing a low self image of himself. It explains why he never complained to God or others about his being sold into slavery or put in a dungeon! Often times, people of low self esteem see their bad environment or bad circumstances as a just action against them. They feel they don't deserve good things. Isn't that sad! But, that's what ridicule can do to ANYONE! It takes an otherwise brilliant, spiritual, and talented person like Joseph (which we'll see later), and forms a mind-set that allows them to be ok with mediocrity or even poverty!
A father's lack of inaction and leadership leads to a horrible act! Because Jacob failed at dealing with his sons hatrid toward Joseph, the dreams God gave Joseph only fueled the fire of jealousy to a greater level of intensity! His brothers finally:
- vs.8 - "hated him all the more"
- vs.11 - "were jealous of him"
- vs.20 - "desire to kill him"
If you're the father of children who are having some obvious issues with another child, do what you can to intervene. Don't just inactively resolve to "let them sort it out."
Unresolved issues lead to doing things you'll later regret! Joseph's brothers, steaming with envy and hatrid, want to kill him as he approaches them with his robe of many colors. After they blow off some steam, they decide to sell him to their Ishmaelite cousins who are planning to do some trading in Egypt! This violent act haunts them later! In Genesis 42:21, they found themselves in a desperate situation and cried out, "This has all happened because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his terror and anguish and heard his pleadings, but we wouldn't listen. That's why this has come upon us!
Chapter 36 speaks of Judah's poor fathering skills too!
- His son, Er, is so wicked - God kills him!
- His son, Onan, lacks the integrity to honor his dead brother by giving Tamar a child!
- He lies to his own daughter-in-law!
- Judah commits fornication!
Father's should SET THE STANDARD! How are you doing? Visit www.fathers.com for more information on how to be a "champion" father!
During these 3 chapters, it's interesting to note the dynamics of fathering. You'll see the repercussions of what it means to be a good father, as well as the horrible repercussions of being a "bad" father. There's no better teacher on fathering skills than the Bible! And, there's no better example of a GREAT FATHER than our Heavely Father! By the way, a great resource to help you with your fathering skills is my dear friend Carey Casey and the team at www.fathers.com ! I've listed them in my "GREAT SITES" section.
Power Points:
A father's love creates the "no place like home" feeling! As we begin Genesis 37:1, I find it interesting to note that Jacob is compelled to "settle...where his father lived." Isaac could have been a foolish father and harbored a deep resentment for Jacob when he deceived him and his brother Esau over "the birthright" and "the blessing." But, like a loving father, he quickly forgives his son, urges his son to marry the right woman, and sends him out with a rich blessing. Isaac's love and forgiveness ultimately brought Jacob home! How many fathers do you know that harbor continuing resentment for something their children did years ago? What that father needs to do...is GROW UP! A good father leads by example! A good father follows the advice of Jesus and "always forgives." A good father, by his own example of how he deals with hurt and deception, subliminally and profoundly teaches his own children how to handle the situation when it happens to them...and it will!
A father's mistake - partiality! Jacob makes the mistake of showing partiality to his son Joseph, and his other sons see it! This partiality led to the disintegration of this family unit, which ultimately led to the desire for murder.
- Giving Joseph "special attention" through the gift of a robe of many colors, which the others didn't get, provided an opportunity for hatrid to brew among the brothers! I can't tell you how many times my own children thought I was giving more attention to the others, or that I loved one more than the others. I always made every attempt to assure them that what they were perceiving wasn't true (for perception is reality to the other person). If you hear your children saying something like this, ask them - "Why do you feel this way?" "What did I do or what am I doing that makes you feel this way?" While they might make a lame excuse as to why they feel you love or like the others more, you still need to address the perception. For example, ask them, "How would you like me to handle this or that?" "What do I do that makes you feel special?" And then work on it. Don't blow it off! Work on it!
A father needs to be sensitive to his children's feelings! In verse 4, it becomes obvious that Joseph is "hated" by his brothers and that he his continuously "mocked" by them. Jacob should have dealt with this! Jealousy will destroy a family!
- Not only is Joseph being mocked, ridiculed, put-down, and belittled, but he's probably developing a low self image of himself. It explains why he never complained to God or others about his being sold into slavery or put in a dungeon! Often times, people of low self esteem see their bad environment or bad circumstances as a just action against them. They feel they don't deserve good things. Isn't that sad! But, that's what ridicule can do to ANYONE! It takes an otherwise brilliant, spiritual, and talented person like Joseph (which we'll see later), and forms a mind-set that allows them to be ok with mediocrity or even poverty!
A father's lack of inaction and leadership leads to a horrible act! Because Jacob failed at dealing with his sons hatrid toward Joseph, the dreams God gave Joseph only fueled the fire of jealousy to a greater level of intensity! His brothers finally:
- vs.8 - "hated him all the more"
- vs.11 - "were jealous of him"
- vs.20 - "desire to kill him"
If you're the father of children who are having some obvious issues with another child, do what you can to intervene. Don't just inactively resolve to "let them sort it out."
Unresolved issues lead to doing things you'll later regret! Joseph's brothers, steaming with envy and hatrid, want to kill him as he approaches them with his robe of many colors. After they blow off some steam, they decide to sell him to their Ishmaelite cousins who are planning to do some trading in Egypt! This violent act haunts them later! In Genesis 42:21, they found themselves in a desperate situation and cried out, "This has all happened because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his terror and anguish and heard his pleadings, but we wouldn't listen. That's why this has come upon us!
Chapter 36 speaks of Judah's poor fathering skills too!
- His son, Er, is so wicked - God kills him!
- His son, Onan, lacks the integrity to honor his dead brother by giving Tamar a child!
- He lies to his own daughter-in-law!
- Judah commits fornication!
Father's should SET THE STANDARD! How are you doing? Visit www.fathers.com for more information on how to be a "champion" father!
Jan.12 - Genesis 34 - 36
The stories we're reading in Genesis now are starting to get fascinating! We're beginning to see God's nature and character as He deals with man, his sin, and his future purposes!
Here's some Power Points:
Fear is Jacob's worse enemy! He ran away from home in a desperate attempt to save his life from Esau's wrath when he deceived him twice - once over his birthright and secondly over Isaac's blessing! The ugly scene of rape and greed begins the story within Genesis 34! A local guy named Shechem was able to schmooz one of Jacob's daughters (Dinah) into his arms only to later rape her. Obviously, once this was known to Jacob and his sons, they were livid and infuriated! Here's the tragedy...his sons did not have the spiritual or emotional maturity to control their anger! It got completely out of control! This incensed anger took them to the point of premeditated murder! After working out a deceptive "deal" with Shechem and the men of that territory (which, by the way, was also being conjured up by Shechem and his local group) - the sons of Jacob makes preparations to kill them! Once they were circumcised this local group became a very vulnerable target for killing. Simeon and Levi, the sons of Leah, run to town and kill all the men. In the process, they also take captive all the women, children, and wealth for spoil. Once Jacob hears of what has happened, he realizes he's a dead man! He feels compelled to run for his life again! While Jacob contemplates his despair, God intervenes and insructs him to run to Bethel, the one place on earth where Jacob felt God's presence and a sense of peace. Remember, this is the first place he met God after deceiving Esau and running for his life! Now, he's running to Bethel to meet God again in an attempt to avoid death once more! Do you have a Bethel in your life? Do you have a place where you can run and get alone with God and find the peace that only an Almighty God can provide? Think of it, Bethel, is the one place where Jacob knows where God is - that's why he called it Beth-El which means "house of God." We're getting a pattern here! Jacob runs to God when it matters most! How often we do that too. We usually go about our lives not really ever giving God much thought or attention. But, the moment disaster strikes, we run to Him! It's almost like He's nothing more than a protector. God is more than that! He's our Father! We must have a relationship with Him everyday. We must be willing to RUN for our lives to Him everyday! Who is God to you?
Only God can cast out all fear! As Jacob wallows in the state of confusion and fear, God offers instruction to him, "Now move on to Bethel and settle there!" In other words, God says to him, "Come to me, and just abide with me for a while!" Remember, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind." Fear has a way of creating an unsound mind - usually confusion! The answer is to run to God, meditate on Scripture, pray to Him, and abide in His loving care! As Jesus said, "There is nothing impossible with God!"
At Bethel, God changes Jacob's name to "Israel" and reminds Him of His promise! Bethel was that one place on earth where Jacob knew he could meet and communicate with God. While at Bethel, God told him his name will be changed to Israel meaning "victory with God." What a boost to a broken, fearful spirit! And, God reminded Jacob of His promise to his father and grandfather:
- You'll become a great nation!
- You'll become many nations!
- Kings will come from you!
- I will eventually give this land to you and your descendants!
What encouragement Jacob received at Bethel. If I were him, I don't think I'd ever leave that place! Where is your Bethel? Do you have a place where you can meet and communicate with God? Is there some place where you can get alone with God where He can calm your fears and give you a message of encouragement?
Chapter 36 provides a detail of Esau's family descendants. Reading this chapter may seem to be a boring part of Scripture, but in reality it gives us an interesting and insightful detail as to how the nations developed at that time. Plus, you see the beginnings of the Amalekites who eventually made an attempt to destroy Israel many times some 600 years later, especially when they first crossed the Red Sea after fleeing from the Egyptians. It's sad to see cousins fighting cousins. After 600 years, I guess family ties don't matter much.
While there is still so much to say, I hope this tidbit is an encouragement to you! Ask God to give you a "Bethel" - a place where you can get alone with Him and experience His presence and His peace. Jesus recommended a closet to pray - in other words, a private place where you can be still and hear the calming voice of God who desires so longingly to speak to you! God bless!
Here's some Power Points:
Fear is Jacob's worse enemy! He ran away from home in a desperate attempt to save his life from Esau's wrath when he deceived him twice - once over his birthright and secondly over Isaac's blessing! The ugly scene of rape and greed begins the story within Genesis 34! A local guy named Shechem was able to schmooz one of Jacob's daughters (Dinah) into his arms only to later rape her. Obviously, once this was known to Jacob and his sons, they were livid and infuriated! Here's the tragedy...his sons did not have the spiritual or emotional maturity to control their anger! It got completely out of control! This incensed anger took them to the point of premeditated murder! After working out a deceptive "deal" with Shechem and the men of that territory (which, by the way, was also being conjured up by Shechem and his local group) - the sons of Jacob makes preparations to kill them! Once they were circumcised this local group became a very vulnerable target for killing. Simeon and Levi, the sons of Leah, run to town and kill all the men. In the process, they also take captive all the women, children, and wealth for spoil. Once Jacob hears of what has happened, he realizes he's a dead man! He feels compelled to run for his life again! While Jacob contemplates his despair, God intervenes and insructs him to run to Bethel, the one place on earth where Jacob felt God's presence and a sense of peace. Remember, this is the first place he met God after deceiving Esau and running for his life! Now, he's running to Bethel to meet God again in an attempt to avoid death once more! Do you have a Bethel in your life? Do you have a place where you can run and get alone with God and find the peace that only an Almighty God can provide? Think of it, Bethel, is the one place where Jacob knows where God is - that's why he called it Beth-El which means "house of God." We're getting a pattern here! Jacob runs to God when it matters most! How often we do that too. We usually go about our lives not really ever giving God much thought or attention. But, the moment disaster strikes, we run to Him! It's almost like He's nothing more than a protector. God is more than that! He's our Father! We must have a relationship with Him everyday. We must be willing to RUN for our lives to Him everyday! Who is God to you?
Only God can cast out all fear! As Jacob wallows in the state of confusion and fear, God offers instruction to him, "Now move on to Bethel and settle there!" In other words, God says to him, "Come to me, and just abide with me for a while!" Remember, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind." Fear has a way of creating an unsound mind - usually confusion! The answer is to run to God, meditate on Scripture, pray to Him, and abide in His loving care! As Jesus said, "There is nothing impossible with God!"
At Bethel, God changes Jacob's name to "Israel" and reminds Him of His promise! Bethel was that one place on earth where Jacob knew he could meet and communicate with God. While at Bethel, God told him his name will be changed to Israel meaning "victory with God." What a boost to a broken, fearful spirit! And, God reminded Jacob of His promise to his father and grandfather:
- You'll become a great nation!
- You'll become many nations!
- Kings will come from you!
- I will eventually give this land to you and your descendants!
What encouragement Jacob received at Bethel. If I were him, I don't think I'd ever leave that place! Where is your Bethel? Do you have a place where you can meet and communicate with God? Is there some place where you can get alone with God where He can calm your fears and give you a message of encouragement?
Chapter 36 provides a detail of Esau's family descendants. Reading this chapter may seem to be a boring part of Scripture, but in reality it gives us an interesting and insightful detail as to how the nations developed at that time. Plus, you see the beginnings of the Amalekites who eventually made an attempt to destroy Israel many times some 600 years later, especially when they first crossed the Red Sea after fleeing from the Egyptians. It's sad to see cousins fighting cousins. After 600 years, I guess family ties don't matter much.
While there is still so much to say, I hope this tidbit is an encouragement to you! Ask God to give you a "Bethel" - a place where you can get alone with Him and experience His presence and His peace. Jesus recommended a closet to pray - in other words, a private place where you can be still and hear the calming voice of God who desires so longingly to speak to you! God bless!
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