18 "Behold, about this time tomorrow, I will send a very heavy hail, such as has not been seen in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. 19 "Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die."'" 20 The one among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses; 21 but he who paid no regard to the word of the LORD left his servants and his livestock in the field.
22 Now the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that hail may fall on all the land of Egypt, on man and on beast and on every plant of the field, throughout the land of Egypt." 23 Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the LORDrained hail on the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail, and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very severe, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 The hail struck all that was in the field through all the land of Egypt, both man and beast; the hail also struck every plant of the field and shattered every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the sons of Israel were, there was no hail.
Even Pharaoh's servants are figuring things out by now. When Moses spoke for God, they were paying attention. When he said severe hail was coming, they took action to protect themselves and their possessions. Many times we are surrounded by people that can see things we don't. Get their input, evaluate their advice. Don't try to go it alone. God made us social for a reason.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Exodus 9:8-17
8 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Take for yourselves handfuls of soot from a kiln, and let Moses throw it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 "It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and will become boils breaking out with sores on man and beast through all the land of Egypt." 10 So they took soot from a kiln, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses threw it toward the sky, and it became boils breaking out with sores on man and beast. 11 The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians as well as on all the Egyptians. 12 And the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses.
13 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, `Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14 "For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. 15 "For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. 16 "But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth. 17 "Still you exalt yourself against My people by not letting them go.
The key to Pharaoh's hardness of heart is in verse seventeen. It had nothing to do with unbelief. He believed God was doing these plagues by now. But He refused to acknowledge that it affected him, or that he needed to give in to anyone, even God Himself. After all, he was the ruler of all Egypt, why should he pay homage to anyone, even a god. Well, he still didn't quite know who he was dealing with, but he would find out soon enough. One of the key things in being a Christian is realizing you can't do it on your own. We all need God's help, and there's no shame in admitting that.
13 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, `Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14 "For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. 15 "For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. 16 "But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth. 17 "Still you exalt yourself against My people by not letting them go.
The key to Pharaoh's hardness of heart is in verse seventeen. It had nothing to do with unbelief. He believed God was doing these plagues by now. But He refused to acknowledge that it affected him, or that he needed to give in to anyone, even God Himself. After all, he was the ruler of all Egypt, why should he pay homage to anyone, even a god. Well, he still didn't quite know who he was dealing with, but he would find out soon enough. One of the key things in being a Christian is realizing you can't do it on your own. We all need God's help, and there's no shame in admitting that.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Exodus 9:1-7
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and speak to him, `Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2 "For if you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them, 3 behold, the hand of the LORD will come with a very severe pestilence on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks. 4 "But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel."'" 5 The LORD set a definite time, saying, "Tomorrow the LORD will do this thing in the land." 6 So the LORD did this thing on the next day, and all the livestock of Egypt died; but of the livestock of the sons of Israel, not one died. 7 Pharaoh sent, and behold, there was not even one of the livestock of Israel dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.
God wanted Pharaoh to know that these plagues were no coincidence, so He set a date, and He also said that the Israelites would be unaffected by the next plague. Then it came, and Pharaoh sent a messenger to check on the livestock of the Israelites, and it was just as God had said. There was no more denying that God was doing these things. Yet Pharaoh remained obstinate. Pharaoh is a great example of everything not to do. When God is trying to get your attention, listen. Don't try to fit Him into your mold, and make Him jump through a bunch of hoops just to get through to you. We are to fit into His mold, and obey His voice.
God wanted Pharaoh to know that these plagues were no coincidence, so He set a date, and He also said that the Israelites would be unaffected by the next plague. Then it came, and Pharaoh sent a messenger to check on the livestock of the Israelites, and it was just as God had said. There was no more denying that God was doing these things. Yet Pharaoh remained obstinate. Pharaoh is a great example of everything not to do. When God is trying to get your attention, listen. Don't try to fit Him into your mold, and make Him jump through a bunch of hoops just to get through to you. We are to fit into His mold, and obey His voice.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Exodus 8:25-32
25 Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, "Go, sacrifice to your God within the land." 26 But Moses said, "It is not right to do so, for we will sacrifice to the LORD our God what is an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice what is an abomination to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not then stone us? 27 "We must go a three days' journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as He commands us." 28 Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Make supplication for me." 29 Then Moses said, "Behold, I am going out from you, and I shall make supplication to the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people tomorrow; only do not let Pharaoh deal deceitfully again in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD."
30 So Moses went out from Pharaoh and made supplication to the LORD. 31 The LORD did as Moses asked, and removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants and from his people; not one remained. 32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.
Pharaoh tries to be sneaky here, and get Moses to compromise. But Moses knew what God had asked him to do, and he was not about to give in. When God asks you to do something, and the world tempts you to do it halfway, just do it. Don't give in, don't compromise. Obey God, and watch His hand work.
30 So Moses went out from Pharaoh and made supplication to the LORD. 31 The LORD did as Moses asked, and removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants and from his people; not one remained. 32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.
Pharaoh tries to be sneaky here, and get Moses to compromise. But Moses knew what God had asked him to do, and he was not about to give in. When God asks you to do something, and the world tempts you to do it halfway, just do it. Don't give in, don't compromise. Obey God, and watch His hand work.
Exodus 8:16-24
16 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, `Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become 1gnats through all the land of Egypt.'" 17 They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats through all the land of Egypt. 18 The magicians tried with their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not; so there were gnats on man and beast. 19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
20 Now the LORD said to Moses, "Rise early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh, as he comes out to the water, and say to him, `Thus says the LORD, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 21 "For if you do not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and on your servants and on your people and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians will be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they dwell. 22 "But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land. 23 "I will2put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign will occur."'" 24 Then the LORD did so. And there came great swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh and the houses of his servants and the land was laid waste because of the swarms of flies in all the land of Egypt.
Frogs were apparently easy enough to produce deceitfully, but gnats and flies were a little more difficult. God was upping the challenge with each plague, until Pharaoh would have no choice but to concede. Be careful when you test God, you may get more than you bargained for. Pharaoh certainly did.
20 Now the LORD said to Moses, "Rise early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh, as he comes out to the water, and say to him, `Thus says the LORD, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 21 "For if you do not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and on your servants and on your people and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians will be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they dwell. 22 "But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land. 23 "I will2put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign will occur."'" 24 Then the LORD did so. And there came great swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh and the houses of his servants and the land was laid waste because of the swarms of flies in all the land of Egypt.
Frogs were apparently easy enough to produce deceitfully, but gnats and flies were a little more difficult. God was upping the challenge with each plague, until Pharaoh would have no choice but to concede. Be careful when you test God, you may get more than you bargained for. Pharaoh certainly did.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Exodus 8:1-15
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, `Thus says the LORD, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2 "But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite your whole territory with frogs. 3 "The Nile will swarm with frogs, which will come up and go into your house and into your bedroom and on your bed, and into the houses of your servants and on your people, and into your ovens and into your kneading bowls. 4"So the frogs will come up on you and your people and all your servants."'" 5 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, `Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the streams and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.'" 6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7 The magicians did the same with their secret arts, making frogs come up on the land of Egypt.
8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, "Entreat the LORD that He remove the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD." 9 Moses said to Pharaoh, "The honor is yours to tell me: when shall I entreat for you and your servants and your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, that they may be left only in the Nile?"
10 Then he said, "Tomorrow." So he said, "May it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. 11 "The frogs will depart from you and your houses and your servants and your people; they will be left only in the Nile." 12 Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried to the LORD concerning the frogs which He had inflicted upon Pharaoh. 13 The LORD did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died out of the houses, the courts, and the fields. 14 So they piled them in heaps, and the land became foul. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
This time, Pharaoh has learned a bit. He isn't satisfied with more frogs from his magicians. He realizes the only way to get rid of them is to agree to God's request. Of course, He changes his mind once the frogs die, and refuses to listen, even though the foul stench is still there to remind him of what God is capable. He's not the only one who quickly forgets what God can do. We all can be guilty of trusting in what we ourselves can do, instead of believing and trusting fully in God.
8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, "Entreat the LORD that He remove the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD." 9 Moses said to Pharaoh, "The honor is yours to tell me: when shall I entreat for you and your servants and your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, that they may be left only in the Nile?"
10 Then he said, "Tomorrow." So he said, "May it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. 11 "The frogs will depart from you and your houses and your servants and your people; they will be left only in the Nile." 12 Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried to the LORD concerning the frogs which He had inflicted upon Pharaoh. 13 The LORD did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died out of the houses, the courts, and the fields. 14 So they piled them in heaps, and the land became foul. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
This time, Pharaoh has learned a bit. He isn't satisfied with more frogs from his magicians. He realizes the only way to get rid of them is to agree to God's request. Of course, He changes his mind once the frogs die, and refuses to listen, even though the foul stench is still there to remind him of what God is capable. He's not the only one who quickly forgets what God can do. We all can be guilty of trusting in what we ourselves can do, instead of believing and trusting fully in God.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Exodus 7:14-25
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is stubborn; he refuses to let the people go. 15 "Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he is going out to the water, and station yourself to meet him on the bank of the Nile; and you shall take in your hand the staff that was turned into a serpent. 16 "You shall say to him, `The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness. But behold, you have not listened until now." 17 `Thus says the LORD, "By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and it will be turned to blood. 18"The fish that are in the Nile will die, and the Nile will become foul, and the Egyptians will find difficulty in drinking water from the Nile."'" 19 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, `Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their reservoirs of water, that they may become blood; and there will be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both invessels of wood and in vessels of stone.'"
20 So Moses and Aaron did even as the LORD had commanded. And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood. 21 The fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. And the blood was through all the land of Egypt. 22 But the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORDhad said. 23 Then Pharaoh turned and went into his house with no concern even for this. 24 So all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink of the water of the Nile. 25 Seven days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile.
So God turns all the water in Egypt into blood. Somehow, Pharaoh's magicians convince him that they can do the same, although likely not on the same scale. He obviously didn't want to believe God, otherwise he would have commanded his magicians to fix the water. The hardness of his heart allowed him to accept a counterfeit miracle, when God was right in front of him. Often, we are guilty of not seeing God, because we insist in looking in the wrong places, instead of just listening for His voice. Don't try to box God up, or make Him play by your rules. Seek Him honestly, and you will find Him.
20 So Moses and Aaron did even as the LORD had commanded. And he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned to blood. 21 The fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile became foul, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile. And the blood was through all the land of Egypt. 22 But the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORDhad said. 23 Then Pharaoh turned and went into his house with no concern even for this. 24 So all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink of the water of the Nile. 25 Seven days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile.
So God turns all the water in Egypt into blood. Somehow, Pharaoh's magicians convince him that they can do the same, although likely not on the same scale. He obviously didn't want to believe God, otherwise he would have commanded his magicians to fix the water. The hardness of his heart allowed him to accept a counterfeit miracle, when God was right in front of him. Often, we are guilty of not seeing God, because we insist in looking in the wrong places, instead of just listening for His voice. Don't try to box God up, or make Him play by your rules. Seek Him honestly, and you will find Him.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Exodus 7:8-13
8 Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 9 "When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, `Work a miracle,' then you shall say to Aaron, `Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.'"10 So Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh, and thus they did just as the LORD had commanded; and Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts. 12 For each one threw down his staff and they turned into serpents. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Satan is pretty good at deception, but God will always make sure you know who is the right voice to believe. There's no doubt Pharaoh knew Moses and Aaron were legit, but there was no way he was going to let the Israelites go just because God could turn a stick into a snake. It would take more than that to convince him it was worth it. When God speaks, listen. You don't want God's voice to get as loud as it would in Pharaoh's case.
Satan is pretty good at deception, but God will always make sure you know who is the right voice to believe. There's no doubt Pharaoh knew Moses and Aaron were legit, but there was no way he was going to let the Israelites go just because God could turn a stick into a snake. It would take more than that to convince him it was worth it. When God speaks, listen. You don't want God's voice to get as loud as it would in Pharaoh's case.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Exodus 7:1-7
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 "You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh that he let the sons of Israel go out of his land. 3 "But I will harden Pharaoh's heart that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 "When Pharaoh does not listen to you, then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out My hosts, My people the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 "The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst." 6 So Moses and Aaron did it; as the LORD commanded them, thus they did. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three, when they spoke to Pharaoh.
Moses was worried about his lack of eloquence, but God was not worried about that. In verse five, he says, 'The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord..." God will make Himself known, even if we think we are not skilled enough to be used in that effort. God can use anyone who is willing.
Moses was worried about his lack of eloquence, but God was not worried about that. In verse five, he says, 'The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord..." God will make Himself known, even if we think we are not skilled enough to be used in that effort. God can use anyone who is willing.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Exodus 6:14-30
14 These are the heads of their fathers' households. The sons of Reuben, Israel's firstborn: Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. 15 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel and Jamin and Ohad and Jachin and Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the families of Simeon. 16 These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon and Kohath and Merari; and the length of Levi's life was one hundred and thirty-seven years. 17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families. 18 The sons of Kohath: Amram and Izhar and Hebron and Uzziel; and the length of Kohath's life was one hundred and thirty-three years. 19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations. 20 Amram married his father's sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses; and the length of Amram's life was one hundred and thirty-seven years. 21 The sons of Izhar: Korah and Nepheg and Zichri. 22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael and Elzaphan and Sithri. 23 Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24 The sons of Korah: Assir and Elkanah and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites. 25 Aaron's son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers'households of the Levites according to their families. 26 It was the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORDsaid, "Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts." 27 They were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing out the sons of Israel from Egypt; it was the same Moses and Aaron.
28 Now it came about on the day when the LORD spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 that the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "I am the LORD; speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I speak to you." 30 But Moses said before the LORD, "Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?"
Moses was concerned about his physical inabilities. God had no such concerns. When God asks us to do something, He will provide the words, the ability, and will do His work through us. All He needs is a willing vessel to use.
28 Now it came about on the day when the LORD spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 that the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "I am the LORD; speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I speak to you." 30 But Moses said before the LORD, "Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?"
Moses was concerned about his physical inabilities. God had no such concerns. When God asks us to do something, He will provide the words, the ability, and will do His work through us. All He needs is a willing vessel to use.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Exodus 6:1-13
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land."
2 God spoke further to Moses and said to him, "I am the LORD; 3 and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, 1LORD, I did not make Myself known to them. 4 "I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they sojourned. 5 "Furthermore I have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 "Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, `I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 `Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 `I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the LORD.'" 9 So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.
10 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 11 "Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the sons of Israel go out of his land." 12 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, "Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?" 13 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a charge to the sons of Israel and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
The sons of Israel had become so focused on themselves in their pain and suffering, that they did not listen to the word of the Lord as delivered by Moses. It's easy to feel sorry for ourselves when things aren't going well, but it won't get us anywhere with God. We need to stay focused on Him, if we want to see His hand work in our lives.
2 God spoke further to Moses and said to him, "I am the LORD; 3 and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, 1LORD, I did not make Myself known to them. 4 "I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they sojourned. 5 "Furthermore I have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 "Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, `I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 `Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 `I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the LORD.'" 9 So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.
10 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 11 "Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the sons of Israel go out of his land." 12 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, "Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?" 13 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a charge to the sons of Israel and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
The sons of Israel had become so focused on themselves in their pain and suffering, that they did not listen to the word of the Lord as delivered by Moses. It's easy to feel sorry for ourselves when things aren't going well, but it won't get us anywhere with God. We need to stay focused on Him, if we want to see His hand work in our lives.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Genesis 5:15-23
15 Then the foremen of the sons of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, "Why do you deal this way with your servants? 16 "There is no straw given to your servants, yet they keep saying to us, `Make bricks!' And behold, your servants are being beaten; but it is the fault of your own people." 17 But he said, "You are lazy, very lazy; therefore you say, `Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.' 18 "So go now and work; for you will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the quota of bricks." 19 The foremen of the sons of Israel saw that they were in trouble because they were told, "You must not reduce your daily amount of bricks." 20 When they left Pharaoh's presence, they met Moses and Aaron as they were waiting for them. 21 They said to them, "May the LORD look upon you and judge you, for you have made 1us odious in Pharaoh's sight and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us."
22 Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have You brought harm to this people? Why did You ever send me? 23 "Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all."
When hardship comes, we quickly look for someone else to blame. In fact, they should have been angry with Pharaoh (not that it would have done any good). Instead, they go blame Moses (who was only obeying God). Moses, in turn, takes his case to God. God has thick skin though, and wasn't bothered in the least. Things were going exactly according to plan. When we are struggling, we would do well to take it to God. We may not understand His plan, but it's a far better plan than blaming someone else for our problems.
22 Then Moses returned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have You brought harm to this people? Why did You ever send me? 23 "Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all."
When hardship comes, we quickly look for someone else to blame. In fact, they should have been angry with Pharaoh (not that it would have done any good). Instead, they go blame Moses (who was only obeying God). Moses, in turn, takes his case to God. God has thick skin though, and wasn't bothered in the least. Things were going exactly according to plan. When we are struggling, we would do well to take it to God. We may not understand His plan, but it's a far better plan than blaming someone else for our problems.
Exodus 5:1-14
1 And afterward Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, `Let My people go that they may celebrate a feast to Me in the wilderness.'" 2 But Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and besides, I will not let Israel go." 3 Then they said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please, let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, otherwise He will fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword." 4 But the king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labors!" 5 Again Pharaoh said, "Look, the people of the land are now many, and you would have them cease from their labors!" 6 So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters over the people and their foremen, saying, 7 "You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 "But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, `Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' 9 "Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words."
10 So the taskmasters of the people and their foremen went out and spoke to the people, saying, "Thus says Pharaoh, `I am not going to give you any straw. 11 `You go and get straw for yourselves wherever you can find it,but none of your labor will be reduced.'" 12 So the people scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 13 The taskmasters pressed them, saying, "Complete your work quota, your daily amount, just as when you had straw." 14 Moreover, the foremen of the sons of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, "Why have you not completed your required amount either yesterday or today in making brick as previously?"
There is a key phrase in here. Pharaoh said, 'I do not know the Lord..." Of course He didn't, but God was going to reveal Himself to Pharaoh, and then He would know why He should let the people go. Until someone knows who God is, they can't grasp much of what you say when you speak of Him. But let God speak through you, and they'll find out in short order.
10 So the taskmasters of the people and their foremen went out and spoke to the people, saying, "Thus says Pharaoh, `I am not going to give you any straw. 11 `You go and get straw for yourselves wherever you can find it,but none of your labor will be reduced.'" 12 So the people scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 13 The taskmasters pressed them, saying, "Complete your work quota, your daily amount, just as when you had straw." 14 Moreover, the foremen of the sons of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, "Why have you not completed your required amount either yesterday or today in making brick as previously?"
There is a key phrase in here. Pharaoh said, 'I do not know the Lord..." Of course He didn't, but God was going to reveal Himself to Pharaoh, and then He would know why He should let the people go. Until someone knows who God is, they can't grasp much of what you say when you speak of Him. But let God speak through you, and they'll find out in short order.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Exodus 4:21-31
21 The LORD said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. 22 "Then you shall say to Pharaoh, `Thus says the LORD, "Israel is My son, My firstborn. 23 "So I said to you, `Let My son go that he may serve Me'; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn."'"
24 Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. 25Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin and threw it at Moses' feet, and she said, "You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me." 26 So He let him alone. At that time she said, "You are a bridegroom of blood"--because of the circumcision.
27 Now the LORD said to Aaron, "Go to meet Moses in the wilderness." So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD with which He had sent him, and all the signs that He had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the sons of Israel; 30 and Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses. He then performed the signs in the sight of the people. 31 So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.
There apparently had been some compromise, because Zipporah didn't want her son to be circumcised. So Moses had compromised, and allowed the boy to remain uncircumcised. God isn't a big fan of compromise. Ever. In this case, He was going to kill Moses because he had compromised on the symbol of being one of God's chosen people. Don't compromise what makes you unique, especially that which makes you unique as a Christian.
24 Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. 25Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin and threw it at Moses' feet, and she said, "You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me." 26 So He let him alone. At that time she said, "You are a bridegroom of blood"--because of the circumcision.
27 Now the LORD said to Aaron, "Go to meet Moses in the wilderness." So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD with which He had sent him, and all the signs that He had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the sons of Israel; 30 and Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses. He then performed the signs in the sight of the people. 31 So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.
There apparently had been some compromise, because Zipporah didn't want her son to be circumcised. So Moses had compromised, and allowed the boy to remain uncircumcised. God isn't a big fan of compromise. Ever. In this case, He was going to kill Moses because he had compromised on the symbol of being one of God's chosen people. Don't compromise what makes you unique, especially that which makes you unique as a Christian.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Exodus 4:14-20
14 Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, "Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 "You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. 16 "Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him. 17 "You shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs."
18 Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, "Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive." And Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."19 Now the LORD said to Moses in Midian, "Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead." 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand.
When Moses was speaking God's words, he would represent God Himself to the people, and Pharaoh. So much so, that God said "you will be as God to him." It is a reminder when we are claiming to speak the words of God, how important that is. Not just for preachers, but for anyone that would say, "God told me..." Be careful, you are bearing the image of God when you do so, and He will not take it lightly if you are claiming falsely that you speak His words.
18 Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, "Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive." And Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."19 Now the LORD said to Moses in Midian, "Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead." 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand.
When Moses was speaking God's words, he would represent God Himself to the people, and Pharaoh. So much so, that God said "you will be as God to him." It is a reminder when we are claiming to speak the words of God, how important that is. Not just for preachers, but for anyone that would say, "God told me..." Be careful, you are bearing the image of God when you do so, and He will not take it lightly if you are claiming falsely that you speak His words.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Exodus 4:1-13
1 Then Moses said, "What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, `The LORD has not appeared to you.'" 2 The LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" And he said, "A staff." 3 Then He said, "Throw it on the ground." So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4But the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail"--so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand-- 5 "that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you."
6 The LORD furthermore said to him, "Now put your hand into your bosom." So he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then He said, "Put your hand into your bosom again." So he put his hand into his bosom again, and when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 "If they will not believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe the witness of the last sign. 9 "But if they will not believe even these two signs or heed what you say, then you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water which you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground."
10 Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." 11 The LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12"Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say." 13 But he said, "Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will."
I can understand being nervous to go talk to a million of your relatives. I used to get frightfully nervous in front of crowds, and I'm still not entirely comfortable in front of them now. So God gave Moses some signs to perform, so that he wouldn't have to speak as much, but just let God's works speak for themselves. Even still, Moses isn't convinced. He says, "I'm not very eloquent." God finally gets a little frustrated, but here comes the encouraging part. God made man. He made man's mouth, and hands, and feed, and everything else. If God asks you to do something, even if you think that it's your weakest area, He will give you the ability to do His will. God will never send you out on your own.
6 The LORD furthermore said to him, "Now put your hand into your bosom." So he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then He said, "Put your hand into your bosom again." So he put his hand into his bosom again, and when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 "If they will not believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe the witness of the last sign. 9 "But if they will not believe even these two signs or heed what you say, then you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water which you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground."
10 Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." 11 The LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12"Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say." 13 But he said, "Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will."
I can understand being nervous to go talk to a million of your relatives. I used to get frightfully nervous in front of crowds, and I'm still not entirely comfortable in front of them now. So God gave Moses some signs to perform, so that he wouldn't have to speak as much, but just let God's works speak for themselves. Even still, Moses isn't convinced. He says, "I'm not very eloquent." God finally gets a little frustrated, but here comes the encouraging part. God made man. He made man's mouth, and hands, and feed, and everything else. If God asks you to do something, even if you think that it's your weakest area, He will give you the ability to do His will. God will never send you out on your own.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Exodus 3:10-22
10 "Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt." 11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?" 12 And He said, "Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain."
13 Then Moses said to God, "Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, `The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Now they may say to me, `What is His name?' What shall I say to them?" 14 God said to Moses, "1I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, `I AM has sent me to you.'" 15 God, furthermore, said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, `The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. 16 "Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, `The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, "I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt. 17 "So I said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey."' 18 "They will pay heed to what you say; and you with the elders of Israel will come to the king of Egypt and you will say to him, `The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. So now, please, let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.' 19 "But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion. 20 "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go. 21 "I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed. 22 "But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and you will put them on your sons and daughters. Thus you will plunder the Egyptians."
When Moses asks what to say when the Israelites ask who sent him, God's answer is amazing. That I can remember, it is the first time this name is used for God: I AM. It isn't I WAS or I WILL BE. He is eternal, and this name states that, but it also tells us that time is no barrier to God. He can see 1000 years from now, just like it was this present moment. Because for Him, it is. It tells us that every moment is important to Him also. We don't need to worry about the future, or the past. We can focus on God in the present situation, right here, right now; because He is the I AM.
13 Then Moses said to God, "Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, `The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Now they may say to me, `What is His name?' What shall I say to them?" 14 God said to Moses, "1I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, `I AM has sent me to you.'" 15 God, furthermore, said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, `The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. 16 "Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, `The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, "I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt. 17 "So I said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey."' 18 "They will pay heed to what you say; and you with the elders of Israel will come to the king of Egypt and you will say to him, `The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. So now, please, let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.' 19 "But I know that the king of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion. 20 "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you go. 21 "I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed. 22 "But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and you will put them on your sons and daughters. Thus you will plunder the Egyptians."
When Moses asks what to say when the Israelites ask who sent him, God's answer is amazing. That I can remember, it is the first time this name is used for God: I AM. It isn't I WAS or I WILL BE. He is eternal, and this name states that, but it also tells us that time is no barrier to God. He can see 1000 years from now, just like it was this present moment. Because for Him, it is. It tells us that every moment is important to Him also. We don't need to worry about the future, or the past. We can focus on God in the present situation, right here, right now; because He is the I AM.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Exodus 3:1-9
1 Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. 3 So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up." 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." 5 Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." 6 He said also, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7 The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. 8 "So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. 9 "Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them.
To God it was more about the covenant than the oppression of His people. Surely, He cared about that also, but God wanted them to go back to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that to Moses in several ways. First, it is the way He introduces Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Those were the men He with which He had confirmed the covenant in so many ways. Then it is emphasis on where He is going to take them instead of on their suffering. God cares about our troubles, but we must keep them in light of the plans He has for us. Keep your focus on His plan, and your troubles will be taken care of also.
7 The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. 8 "So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. 9 "Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them.
To God it was more about the covenant than the oppression of His people. Surely, He cared about that also, but God wanted them to go back to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that to Moses in several ways. First, it is the way He introduces Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Those were the men He with which He had confirmed the covenant in so many ways. Then it is emphasis on where He is going to take them instead of on their suffering. God cares about our troubles, but we must keep them in light of the plans He has for us. Keep your focus on His plan, and your troubles will be taken care of also.
Exodus 2:15-25
15 When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 17 Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock. 18 When they came to Reuel their father, he said, "Why have you come back so soon today?" 19 So they said, "An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock." 20 He said to his daughters, "Where is he then? Why is it that you have left the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat." 21 Moses was willing to dwell with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses. 22 Then she gave birth to a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, "I have been a sojourner in a foreign land."
23 Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. 24 So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.
It's interesting to see the difference in perspective between God and men. Whoever wrote this particular book (probably Moses), makes it sound like God didn't notice His people until they cried out to Him. On the contrary, He had already set a plan in motion. He knew that Moses would be the man He would use to deliver Israel, and He had been preparing Moses for this already. He had protected Moses as a baby, and now God was preparing him in a foreign land. God's timing, and planning is amazing. If we could only see the big picture, we would see some pretty amazing things on God's canvas.
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 17 Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock. 18 When they came to Reuel their father, he said, "Why have you come back so soon today?" 19 So they said, "An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock." 20 He said to his daughters, "Where is he then? Why is it that you have left the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat." 21 Moses was willing to dwell with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses. 22 Then she gave birth to a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, "I have been a sojourner in a foreign land."
23 Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. 24 So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.
It's interesting to see the difference in perspective between God and men. Whoever wrote this particular book (probably Moses), makes it sound like God didn't notice His people until they cried out to Him. On the contrary, He had already set a plan in motion. He knew that Moses would be the man He would use to deliver Israel, and He had been preparing Moses for this already. He had protected Moses as a baby, and now God was preparing him in a foreign land. God's timing, and planning is amazing. If we could only see the big picture, we would see some pretty amazing things on God's canvas.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Exodus 2:11-14
11 Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12 So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 He went out the next day, and behold, two Hebrews were fighting with each other; and he said to the offender, "Why are you striking your companion?" 14 But he said, "Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and said, "Surely the matter has become known."
The lesson here is not a new one. Moses let his anger get out of control, and even though he was sure no one had seen his act of rage, he could not hide his sin. You can't hide sin forever. It always comes back. The only way to be free of sin is to serve God, and obey His commands.
The lesson here is not a new one. Moses let his anger get out of control, and even though he was sure no one had seen his act of rage, he could not hide his sin. You can't hide sin forever. It always comes back. The only way to be free of sin is to serve God, and obey His commands.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Exodus 2:1-10
1 Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a 1wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it and setit among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him.
5 The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?" 8 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go ahead." So the girl went and called the child's mother. 9 Then Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, "Because I drew him out of the water."
It's amazing how God provides sometimes. Moses' (birth) mother didn't know what else to do, so she put her son in a basket and hid him among the reeds of the Nile River. God provided someone who could overrule the decision of Pharaoh (his own daughter) to provide for Moses. Then, she lets Moses' own mother take care of him, with pay, until he was weaned. God's provision is always enough, and sometimes it goes over and above, so that your 'cup runs over'.
5 The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?" 8 Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Go ahead." So the girl went and called the child's mother. 9 Then Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages." So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, "Because I drew him out of the water."
It's amazing how God provides sometimes. Moses' (birth) mother didn't know what else to do, so she put her son in a basket and hid him among the reeds of the Nile River. God provided someone who could overrule the decision of Pharaoh (his own daughter) to provide for Moses. Then, she lets Moses' own mother take care of him, with pay, until he was weaned. God's provision is always enough, and sometimes it goes over and above, so that your 'cup runs over'.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Exodus 1:15-22
15 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; 16 and he said, "When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live." 17 But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. 18 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?" 19The midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them." 20 So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. 21 Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them.22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son who is born 1you are to cast into the Nile, and every daughter you are to keep alive."
Sometimes you are asked to do some downright outrageous things by those in power or authority over you. Sometimes those things are just downright wrong. What would God have you do in such a situation? Here is the answer: God blessed the Hebrew midwives for doing what was morally right, even though they were disobeying a command from the King. God wants us to respect authority, but He also wants us to use our brains and do what is right.
Sometimes you are asked to do some downright outrageous things by those in power or authority over you. Sometimes those things are just downright wrong. What would God have you do in such a situation? Here is the answer: God blessed the Hebrew midwives for doing what was morally right, even though they were disobeying a command from the King. God wants us to respect authority, but He also wants us to use our brains and do what is right.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Exodus 1:1-14
1 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob; they came each one with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah; 3 Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin; 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the persons who came from the loins of Jacob were seventy in number, but Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them.
8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we. 10 "Come, let us deal wisely with them, or else they will multiply and in the event of war, they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and depart from the land." 11 So they appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel. 13 The Egyptians compelled the sons of Israel to labor rigorously; 14 and they made their lives bitter with hard labor in mortar and bricks and at all kinds of labor in the field, all their labors which they rigorously imposed on them.
It's amazing how much the Egyptians let their fears take control of their actions. Not once did the Israelites ever give them a reason to fear them. So instead of allying themselves with the sons of Israel, they put them into forced labor. Well, this only caused the Israelites to spread out and have more children, which caused the Egyptians more fear. It was a vicious cycle. All because the Egyptians let fear and false assumptions rule their lives. Don't be an Egyptian. When you are tempted to think the worst of somebody, find the truth, and you will often be amazed. In any regard, trust God, and don't let fear control you.
8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we. 10 "Come, let us deal wisely with them, or else they will multiply and in the event of war, they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and depart from the land." 11 So they appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel. 13 The Egyptians compelled the sons of Israel to labor rigorously; 14 and they made their lives bitter with hard labor in mortar and bricks and at all kinds of labor in the field, all their labors which they rigorously imposed on them.
It's amazing how much the Egyptians let their fears take control of their actions. Not once did the Israelites ever give them a reason to fear them. So instead of allying themselves with the sons of Israel, they put them into forced labor. Well, this only caused the Israelites to spread out and have more children, which caused the Egyptians more fear. It was a vicious cycle. All because the Egyptians let fear and false assumptions rule their lives. Don't be an Egyptian. When you are tempted to think the worst of somebody, find the truth, and you will often be amazed. In any regard, trust God, and don't let fear control you.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Genesis 50:22-26
22 Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father's household, and Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. 23Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim's sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph's knees. 24 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob." 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here." 26 So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
Joseph saw another chance for his brothers to go back 'home', and so he requested that they take his bones back to Canaan. He knew where they (his brothers) belonged, even if he had been unable to leave Egypt. But they didn't take him right away, and that would be their undoing. They had him embalmed and put in a coffin for preservation. When you're supposed to do something. Don't put it off. Just don't.
Joseph saw another chance for his brothers to go back 'home', and so he requested that they take his bones back to Canaan. He knew where they (his brothers) belonged, even if he had been unable to leave Egypt. But they didn't take him right away, and that would be their undoing. They had him embalmed and put in a coffin for preservation. When you're supposed to do something. Don't put it off. Just don't.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Genesis 50:12-21
12 Thus his sons did for him as he had charged them; 13 for his sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, which Abraham had bought along with the field for a burial site from Ephron the Hittite. 14 After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers, and all who had gone up with him to bury his father.
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!" 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father charged before he died, saying, 17 `Thus you shall say to Joseph, "Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph's brothers were in fear that their sin would come back to haunt them now that their father was gone, and Joseph was still a man of authority in Egypt. Joseph was of a different mind fortunately, but the lesson is still there. You never know when your sins will catch up to you. Even as a believer, there may be consequences down the road you never thought of. Keep your eyes on Christ, and live for Him. Even when those consequences come, He will keep you strong.
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!" 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father charged before he died, saying, 17 `Thus you shall say to Joseph, "Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph's brothers were in fear that their sin would come back to haunt them now that their father was gone, and Joseph was still a man of authority in Egypt. Joseph was of a different mind fortunately, but the lesson is still there. You never know when your sins will catch up to you. Even as a believer, there may be consequences down the road you never thought of. Keep your eyes on Christ, and live for Him. Even when those consequences come, He will keep you strong.
Genesis 50:1-11
1 Then Joseph fell on his father's face, and wept over him and kissed him. 2 Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Now forty days were required for it, for such is the period required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days.
4 When the days of mourning for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, "If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak to Pharaoh, saying, 5 `My father made me swear, saying, "Behold, I am about to die; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me." Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.'" 6 Pharaoh said, "Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear."
7 So Joseph went up to bury his father, and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household and all the elders of the land of Egypt, 8 and all the household of Joseph and his brothers and his father's household; they left only their little ones and their flocks and their herds in the land of Goshen. 9 There also went up with him both chariots and horsemen; and it was a very great company. 10 When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and sorrowful lamentation; and he observed seven days mourning for his father. 11 Now when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, "This is a grievous mourning for the Egyptians." Therefore it was named Abel-mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan.
Perhaps it was too early for them to leave Egypt properly, but you can tell where their hearts were. Even as they carried their father back to Canaan, their little ones and their flocks and herds were still in Egypt. Their most precious possessions had been left behind, because they had no intention of going back to Canaan for anything other than fulfilling their father's wishes. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
4 When the days of mourning for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, "If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak to Pharaoh, saying, 5 `My father made me swear, saying, "Behold, I am about to die; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me." Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.'" 6 Pharaoh said, "Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear."
7 So Joseph went up to bury his father, and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household and all the elders of the land of Egypt, 8 and all the household of Joseph and his brothers and his father's household; they left only their little ones and their flocks and their herds in the land of Goshen. 9 There also went up with him both chariots and horsemen; and it was a very great company. 10 When they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, they lamented there with a very great and sorrowful lamentation; and he observed seven days mourning for his father. 11 Now when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, "This is a grievous mourning for the Egyptians." Therefore it was named Abel-mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan.
Perhaps it was too early for them to leave Egypt properly, but you can tell where their hearts were. Even as they carried their father back to Canaan, their little ones and their flocks and herds were still in Egypt. Their most precious possessions had been left behind, because they had no intention of going back to Canaan for anything other than fulfilling their father's wishes. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Genesis 49:22-33
22 "Joseph is a fruitful 4bough,
A fruitful bough by a spring;
Its 5branches run over a wall.
23 "The archers bitterly attacked him,
And shot at him and harassed him;
24 But his bow remained firm,
And his arms were agile,
From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
25 From the God of your father who helps you,
And by the Almighty who blesses you
With blessings of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
Blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
26 "The blessings of your father
Have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors
Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills;
May they be on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.
27 "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
In the morning he devours the prey,
And in the evening he divides the spoil."
28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him. 29 Then he charged them and said to them, "I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field from Ephron the Hittite for a burial site. 31 "There they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Isaac and his wife Rebekah, and there I buried Leah-- 32 the field and the cave that is in it, purchased from the sons of Heth." 33 When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.
With his last breath, Jacob charges his sons with remembering the promise of God to their family. He doesn't do it directly, but by asking them to bury him in the cave which Abraham bought for burial. In doing so, he gives them a reason to return to the land that had been promised to Abraham. He made it personal. He knew the land they were in was fruitful, and that it would be difficult to leave, so he made it a requirement to honoring their father's last request. Even then, it might not be enough, but at least they would be reminded of where they came from, and where they were supposed to be.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Genesis 49:13-21
13 "Zebulun will dwell at the seashore;
And he shall be a haven for ships,
And his flank shall be toward Sidon.
14 "Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between the sheepfolds.
15 "When he saw that a resting place was good
And that the land was pleasant,
He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens,
And became a slave at forced labor.
16 "Dan shall judge his people,
As one of the tribes of Israel.
17 "Dan shall be a serpent in the way,
A horned snake in the path,
That bites the horse's heels,
So that his rider falls backward.
18 "For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.
19 "As for Gad, raiders shall raid him,
But he will raid at their heels.
20 "As for Asher, his food shall be rich,
And he will yield royal dainties.
21 "Naphtali is a doe let loose,
He gives beautiful words.
Issachar is one of the most interesting ones too me. That anything would be worth becoming a slave for, even 'pleasant' lands, is a mystery. Perhaps I've never known that type of lifestyle, and so I can't understand it. Many countries lived with it for centuries and centuries, but growing up in America, freedom is hard to let go of, for any price. In another light, freedom of an individual was so important, that God made a law that debts should be forgiven every seven years. In those days, if you owed a debt, you were working as a slave to pay it back. Regardless of how much you owed, after seven years, you would be released from that bond (unless you chose to serve your master and become a bondslave). Which reminds me of another perspective on this. As a Christian, we are freed from sin, because we choose another master (Jesus Christ). We become his bondslave, so that we are freed from the debt of sin, and the slavery therein. Wow. So I'm free, only because I choose to be a bondslave. So I can forgive Issachar for thinking pleasant lands were worth the 'hard' load. My freedom from sin is certainly worth anything that my God would ask of me.
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