1 Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water that we may drink." And Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?" 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and they grumbled against Moses and said, "Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" 4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, "What shall I do to this people? A little more and they will stone me." 5 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pass before the people and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand your staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 "Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He named the place 1Massah and 2Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us, or not?"
Again, the Israelites just haven't caught on. God delivered them from Egypt. He parted the Red Sea. He is giving them manna every morning to eat. And now they are complaining about the lack of water. When hardships come, you have two choices: trust God, or complain. Pick the right one.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Exodus 16:22-36
22 Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, 23 then he said to them, "This is what the LORD meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning." 24 So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. 25 Moses said, "Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. 26 "Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will be none."
27 It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28 Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My 2instructions? 29 "See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 The house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey. 32 Then Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded, `Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.'" 33 Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar and put an omerful of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations." 34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the Testimony, to be kept. 35 The sons of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. 36 (Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.)
I'm guilty of this probably just as much as anyone else, but this passage is all about resting. God created the Sabbath day for man, and He intended it to be a day of rest. He provided extra manna the day before, just so they could rest the following day. So, it is no surprise that God was upset with the few who wandered out to gather manna when they were supposed to be resting. Don't forget to take a Sabbath, and if you can, follow God's plan, and do it every week.
27 It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28 Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My 2instructions? 29 "See, the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 The house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey. 32 Then Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded, `Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.'" 33 Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar and put an omerful of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations." 34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the Testimony, to be kept. 35 The sons of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. 36 (Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.)
I'm guilty of this probably just as much as anyone else, but this passage is all about resting. God created the Sabbath day for man, and He intended it to be a day of rest. He provided extra manna the day before, just so they could rest the following day. So, it is no surprise that God was upset with the few who wandered out to gather manna when they were supposed to be resting. Don't forget to take a Sabbath, and if you can, follow God's plan, and do it every week.
Exodus 16:8-21
8 Moses said, "This will happen when the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening, and bread to the full in the morning; for the LORD hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the LORD."
9 Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, `Come near before the LORD, for He has heard your grumblings.'" 10 It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 11 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 12 "I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, `At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'"
13 So it came about at evening that the quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the layer of dew evaporated, behold, on the surface of the wilderness there was a fine flake-like thing, fine as the frost on the ground. 15 When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "It is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. 16 "This is what the LORD has commanded, `Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.'" 17The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little. 18 When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. 19 Moses said to them, "Let no man leave any of it until morning." 20 But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. 21 They gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat; but when the sun grew hot, it would melt.
It amazes me that, no matter how clear the instructions are, someone will always not follow them. Most of the Israelites did what they were told. They left nothing of the manna until morning. A few were stubborn, and did not trust God to provide the next day. They received a lovely surprise when they woke up the next morning. When God asks you to do something, there's always a reason. Don't try to take matters into your own hands, or you might end up with a smelly wormy mess.
9 Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, `Come near before the LORD, for He has heard your grumblings.'" 10 It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 11 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 12 "I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, `At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'"
13 So it came about at evening that the quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the layer of dew evaporated, behold, on the surface of the wilderness there was a fine flake-like thing, fine as the frost on the ground. 15 When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "It is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. 16 "This is what the LORD has commanded, `Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.'" 17The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little. 18 When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. 19 Moses said to them, "Let no man leave any of it until morning." 20 But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. 21 They gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat; but when the sun grew hot, it would melt.
It amazes me that, no matter how clear the instructions are, someone will always not follow them. Most of the Israelites did what they were told. They left nothing of the manna until morning. A few were stubborn, and did not trust God to provide the next day. They received a lovely surprise when they woke up the next morning. When God asks you to do something, there's always a reason. Don't try to take matters into your own hands, or you might end up with a smelly wormy mess.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Exodus 16:1-7
1 Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. 2 The whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The sons of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the LORD'S hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My 1instruction. 5 "On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily." 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, "At evening you will know that the LORD has brought you out of the land of Egypt; 7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears your grumblings against the LORD; and what are we, that you grumble against us?"
Again with the grumbling. But God is patient, and He knows our human frailty. When you have a problem, take it to Him. Don't just grumble to others about your suffering and hardship. Take it to God, He can handle it.
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My 1instruction. 5 "On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily." 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, "At evening you will know that the LORD has brought you out of the land of Egypt; 7 and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears your grumblings against the LORD; and what are we, that you grumble against us?"
Again with the grumbling. But God is patient, and He knows our human frailty. When you have a problem, take it to Him. Don't just grumble to others about your suffering and hardship. Take it to God, He can handle it.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Exodus 15:22-27
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named 2Marah. 24 So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" 25 Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. 26 And He said, "If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer."
27 Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.
It's pretty amazing how quick they forgot about God. Just days before, they had been singing praises about how mighty He was. Now, when they needed water, who could give it to them? Did they ask? No, they just grumbled. Don't be a grumbler. God can take care of anything. Don't forget about Him, through the good and bad.
There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. 26 And He said, "If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer."
27 Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.
It's pretty amazing how quick they forgot about God. Just days before, they had been singing praises about how mighty He was. Now, when they needed water, who could give it to them? Did they ask? No, they just grumbled. Don't be a grumbler. God can take care of anything. Don't forget about Him, through the good and bad.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Exodus 15:19-21
19 For the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea on them, but the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea.
20 Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. 21 Miriam answered them,
After God delivered the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, there was much rejoicing. The men wrote a whole song, and then Miriam led the women out with a song of praise. They wanted to make sure God knew they were grateful for what He had done. Do we always remember to thank Him for what He has done? What is our response when He answers our prayers? Don't forget to thank God, and tell everyone you know of His awesome works.
20 Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. 21 Miriam answered them,
"Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea."
After God delivered the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, there was much rejoicing. The men wrote a whole song, and then Miriam led the women out with a song of praise. They wanted to make sure God knew they were grateful for what He had done. Do we always remember to thank Him for what He has done? What is our response when He answers our prayers? Don't forget to thank God, and tell everyone you know of His awesome works.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Exodus 15:1-18
1 Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and said,
Who is like the Lord? That's the one line that stands out to me. There's a song that answers it quite well. "There is no one." God is amazing, and His love never fails. He protects those who trust in Him, and guides their path. Put your faith in Him, and be not discouraged. The Lord is mighty and faithful.
"I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.
2 "The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
This is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father's God, and I will extol Him.
3 "The LORD is a warrior;
The LORD is His name.
4 "Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the 1Red Sea.
5 "The deeps cover them;
They went down into the depths like a stone.
6 "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
7 "And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.
8 "At the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up,
The flowing waters stood up like a heap;
The deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 "The enemy said, `I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil;
My desire shall be gratified against them;
I will draw out my sword, my hand will destroy them.'
10 "You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
11 "Who is like You among the gods, O LORD?
Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in praises, working wonders?
12 "You stretched out Your right hand,
The earth swallowed them.
13 "In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed;
In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation.
14 "The peoples have heard, they tremble;
Anguish has gripped the inhabitants of Philistia.
15 "Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed;
The leaders of Moab, trembling grips them;
All the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
16 "Terror and dread fall upon them;
By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone;
Until Your people pass over, O LORD,
Until the people pass over whom You have purchased.
17 "You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance,
The place, O LORD, which You have made for Your dwelling,
The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.
18 "The LORD shall reign forever and ever."
Who is like the Lord? That's the one line that stands out to me. There's a song that answers it quite well. "There is no one." God is amazing, and His love never fails. He protects those who trust in Him, and guides their path. Put your faith in Him, and be not discouraged. The Lord is mighty and faithful.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Exodus 14:21-31
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. 22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. 24 At the morning watch, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. 25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians."
26 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen." 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. 29But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.
We seem to skip over the part where God actually confused the Egyptians to the point that they turned back in their pursuit of the Israelites. At that point, God had won the battle. The Israelites were safe, and the Egyptians were running homeward. But God didn't stop there. He wanted to make sure that the Israelites (and the Egyptians) never forgot His power. That is why he vanquished the enemy completely on that day. He wanted no doubt to remain that He could save them from any situation, and that the Israelites could trust Him completely. Indeed, it is a reminder to us today that we can trust Him completely. He won't just swat at our problems and make them go away for a while. He will take care of us completely.
26 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen." 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. 29But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.
We seem to skip over the part where God actually confused the Egyptians to the point that they turned back in their pursuit of the Israelites. At that point, God had won the battle. The Israelites were safe, and the Egyptians were running homeward. But God didn't stop there. He wanted to make sure that the Israelites (and the Egyptians) never forgot His power. That is why he vanquished the enemy completely on that day. He wanted no doubt to remain that He could save them from any situation, and that the Israelites could trust Him completely. Indeed, it is a reminder to us today that we can trust Him completely. He won't just swat at our problems and make them go away for a while. He will take care of us completely.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Exodus 14:13-20
13 But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.14 "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. 16 "As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. 17 "As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.18 "Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen."
19 The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.
When it seems like the enemy is closing in upon us, if we will seek the Lord, He will protect us. He will not let His children be destroyed by the enemy, but He will gather them like a hen gathers her chicks. God sent His son to die for us. He certainly values us more than enough to want to keep us safe. But we must keep our eyes on Him, and obey His commands.
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. 16 "As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. 17 "As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen.18 "Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen."
19 The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.
When it seems like the enemy is closing in upon us, if we will seek the Lord, He will protect us. He will not let His children be destroyed by the enemy, but He will gather them like a hen gathers her chicks. God sent His son to die for us. He certainly values us more than enough to want to keep us safe. But we must keep our eyes on Him, and obey His commands.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Exodus 14:1-12
1 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it, by the sea. 3 "For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, `They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.' 4 "Thus I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will chase after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." And they did so.
5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" 6 So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; 7 and he took six hundred select chariots, and all theother chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. 8 The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel as the sons of Israel were going out boldly. 9 Then the Egyptians chased after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.
10 As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. 11 Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? 12 "Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, `Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
The insecurity of the Israelites is always amazing, but I suppose we're not much different today. God had just delivered them from Egypt by killing the firstborn children of all the Egyptians. Just days later, now they are afraid of Pharaoh and his army. Let us not forget the things that God has done, lest we be swayed by the winds and currents of the world. Stand firm, and know in Whom you believe.
5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" 6 So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; 7 and he took six hundred select chariots, and all theother chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. 8 The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel as the sons of Israel were going out boldly. 9 Then the Egyptians chased after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.
10 As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. 11 Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? 12 "Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, `Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
The insecurity of the Israelites is always amazing, but I suppose we're not much different today. God had just delivered them from Egypt by killing the firstborn children of all the Egyptians. Just days later, now they are afraid of Pharaoh and his army. Let us not forget the things that God has done, lest we be swayed by the winds and currents of the world. Stand firm, and know in Whom you believe.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Exodus 13:17-22
17 Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, "The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." 18 Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, "God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you." 20 Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21 The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
God gave the Israelites a pillar of cloud and fire to follow so that they would know the best route back to Canaan. Although we don't have little pillars leading us around, God will still guide our paths, if we let Him. He has a plan for each one of us, if we will only take the time to listen for His leading. Don't get so caught up in what you want to do, that you miss what He wants you to do.
God gave the Israelites a pillar of cloud and fire to follow so that they would know the best route back to Canaan. Although we don't have little pillars leading us around, God will still guide our paths, if we let Him. He has a plan for each one of us, if we will only take the time to listen for His leading. Don't get so caught up in what you want to do, that you miss what He wants you to do.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Exodus 13:1-16
1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me."
3 Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery; for by a powerful hand the LORD brought you out from this place. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. 4 "On this day in the month of Abib, you are about to go forth. 5 "It shall be when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall observe this rite in this month. 6 "For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. 7 "Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and nothing leavened shall be seen among you, nor shall any leaven be seen among you in all your borders. 8 "You shall tell your son on that day, saying, `It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.' 9 "And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. 10 "Therefore, you shall keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year.
11 "Now when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, as He swore to you and to your fathers, and gives it to you, 12 you shall devote to the LORD the first offspring of every womb, and the first offspring of every beast that you own; the males belong to the LORD. 13 "But every first offspring of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. 14 "And it shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, `What is this?' then you shall say to him, `With a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. 15 `It came about, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I sacrifice to the LORD the males, the first offspring of every womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.' 16 "So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt."
God wanted to ensure that the traditions of the Passover were indeed passed on, so He gave the firstborn sons a special part in carrying on the tradition. They had to be redeemed, just as the firstborn of the Passover were redeemed with blood on the door-post. In this way, they would pass on the memory of what God had done for them. Don't take that lightly. Pass on the stories of what God has done to your children.
3 Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery; for by a powerful hand the LORD brought you out from this place. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. 4 "On this day in the month of Abib, you are about to go forth. 5 "It shall be when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall observe this rite in this month. 6 "For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. 7 "Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and nothing leavened shall be seen among you, nor shall any leaven be seen among you in all your borders. 8 "You shall tell your son on that day, saying, `It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.' 9 "And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. 10 "Therefore, you shall keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year.
11 "Now when the LORD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, as He swore to you and to your fathers, and gives it to you, 12 you shall devote to the LORD the first offspring of every womb, and the first offspring of every beast that you own; the males belong to the LORD. 13 "But every first offspring of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. 14 "And it shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, `What is this?' then you shall say to him, `With a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. 15 `It came about, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I sacrifice to the LORD the males, the first offspring of every womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.' 16 "So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt."
God wanted to ensure that the traditions of the Passover were indeed passed on, so He gave the firstborn sons a special part in carrying on the tradition. They had to be redeemed, just as the firstborn of the Passover were redeemed with blood on the door-post. In this way, they would pass on the memory of what God had done for them. Don't take that lightly. Pass on the stories of what God has done to your children.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Exodus 12:42-51
42 It is a night to be observed for the LORD for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.
43 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover: no 1foreigner is to eat of it; 44 but every man's slave purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat of it. 45 "A sojourner or a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46 "It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, nor are you to break any bone of it. 47 "All the congregation of Israel are to celebrate this. 48 "But if a stranger sojourns with you, and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near to celebrate it; and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it. 49 "The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you."
50 Then all the sons of Israel did so; they did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. 51 And on that same day the LORD brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.
God wanted to be sure the sons of Israel never forgot their deliverance. He also wanted to make sure it was not cheapened by letting anyone partake of the celebration. Only those who had been circumcised (thus declaring their belief in God) could partake. We would do well to remember the day of our deliverance also. Don't take it for granted, and don't let it be cheapened. Keep it, and keep it sacred.
43 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover: no 1foreigner is to eat of it; 44 but every man's slave purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat of it. 45 "A sojourner or a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46 "It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, nor are you to break any bone of it. 47 "All the congregation of Israel are to celebrate this. 48 "But if a stranger sojourns with you, and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near to celebrate it; and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it. 49 "The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you."
50 Then all the sons of Israel did so; they did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. 51 And on that same day the LORD brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.
God wanted to be sure the sons of Israel never forgot their deliverance. He also wanted to make sure it was not cheapened by letting anyone partake of the celebration. Only those who had been circumcised (thus declaring their belief in God) could partake. We would do well to remember the day of our deliverance also. Don't take it for granted, and don't let it be cheapened. Keep it, and keep it sacred.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Exodus 12:33-41
33 The Egyptians urged the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, "We will all be dead." 34So the people took their dough before it was leavened, with their kneading bowls bound up in the clothes on their shoulders.
35 Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; 36 and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
37 Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. 38 A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock. 39 They baked the dough which they had brought out of Egypt into cakes of unleavened bread. For it had not become leavened, since they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves.
40 Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
The Israelites had waited a long time for this. Finally, God had delivered them, and in style besides. Sometimes, it may seems like God is not working, or that He isn't listening to our prayers. Don't worry, He is, and He will answer them if we wait on Him. The results of waiting for Him will be well worth it.
35 Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; 36 and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
37 Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. 38 A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock. 39 They baked the dough which they had brought out of Egypt into cakes of unleavened bread. For it had not become leavened, since they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves.
40 Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.
The Israelites had waited a long time for this. Finally, God had delivered them, and in style besides. Sometimes, it may seems like God is not working, or that He isn't listening to our prayers. Don't worry, He is, and He will answer them if we wait on Him. The results of waiting for Him will be well worth it.
Exodus 12:23-32
23 "For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. 24 "And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. 25 "When you enter the land which the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite. 26 "And when your children say to you, `What does this rite mean to you?' 27 you shall say, `It is a Passover sacrifice to the LORDwho passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but spared our homes.'" And the people bowed low and worshiped.
28 Then the sons of Israel went and did so; just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.
29 Now it came about at midnight that the LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians, and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was no home where there was not someone dead. 31 Then he called for Moses and Aaron at night and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the sons of Israel; and go, worship the LORD, as you have said. 32 "Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and go, and bless me also."
Finally, Pharaoh could pretend no longer. When tragedy struck his own flesh and blood, then it was too much to bear. He could scorn God no more. His pride would do him no good. It could not bring back his firstborn. All he could do was ask Moses and Aaron to go worship the Lord, and bless him. Finally, he knew that there was a God bigger than himself. Whose curse should be feared, and whose blessing was to be desired above all things. Don't wait until tragedy comes; seek the blessing of God now, while it is day.
28 Then the sons of Israel went and did so; just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.
29 Now it came about at midnight that the LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians, and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was no home where there was not someone dead. 31 Then he called for Moses and Aaron at night and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the sons of Israel; and go, worship the LORD, as you have said. 32 "Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and go, and bless me also."
Finally, Pharaoh could pretend no longer. When tragedy struck his own flesh and blood, then it was too much to bear. He could scorn God no more. His pride would do him no good. It could not bring back his firstborn. All he could do was ask Moses and Aaron to go worship the Lord, and bless him. Finally, he knew that there was a God bigger than himself. Whose curse should be feared, and whose blessing was to be desired above all things. Don't wait until tragedy comes; seek the blessing of God now, while it is day.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Exodus 12:14-22
14 `Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance. 15 `Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses; for whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. 16 `On the first day you shall have a holy assembly, and another holy assembly on the seventh day; no work at all shall be done on them, except what must be eaten by every person, that alone may be prepared by you. 17 `You shall also observe the Feast ofUnleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt; therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as a permanent ordinance. 18 `In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19`Seven days there shall be no leaven found in your houses; for whoever eats what is leavened, that person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is an alien or a native of the land. 20 `You shall not eat anything leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.'"
21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go and take for yourselves lambs according to your families, and slay the Passover lamb. 22 "You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning.
God was planning to deliver Israel from Egypt in a huge way, and He wanted them to remember it forever. So he instituted a festival of remembrance, and a special celebration for the Passover day itself. Too often, we forget what God has done for us. Make it a note on your calendar to commemorate the things God has done for you. Celebrate them, and give Him glory for what He has done.
21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go and take for yourselves lambs according to your families, and slay the Passover lamb. 22 "You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning.
God was planning to deliver Israel from Egypt in a huge way, and He wanted them to remember it forever. So he instituted a festival of remembrance, and a special celebration for the Passover day itself. Too often, we forget what God has done for us. Make it a note on your calendar to commemorate the things God has done for you. Celebrate them, and give Him glory for what He has done.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Exodus 12:1-13
1 Now the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 "This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you. 3 "Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, `On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers' households, a lamb for each household. 4 `Now if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his neighbor nearest to his house are to take one according to the number of persons in them; according to what each man should eat, you are to divide the lamb. 5 `Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 `You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. 7 `Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 `They shall eat the flesh that same night, roasted with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 `Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all with water, but rather roasted with fire, both its head and its legs along with its entrails. 10 `And you shall not leave any of it over until morning, but whatever is left of it until morning, you shall burn with fire. 11 `Now you shall eat it in this manner: with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste--it is the LORD'S Passover. 12 `For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments--I am the LORD. 13 `The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
The Passover was all about the blood of the lamb. It didn't matter who you were, or what you had done before. If you had the blood of a lamb on your doorstep, you would be saved. It is the same with us as Christians. It doesn't matter who we are, what our family is, what race we are, or what we've done. If we follow Christ, and allow His mark on our lives, we will be saved.
The Passover was all about the blood of the lamb. It didn't matter who you were, or what you had done before. If you had the blood of a lamb on your doorstep, you would be saved. It is the same with us as Christians. It doesn't matter who we are, what our family is, what race we are, or what we've done. If we follow Christ, and allow His mark on our lives, we will be saved.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Exodus 11:1-10
1 Now the LORD said to Moses, "One more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt; after that he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out from here completely. 2 "Speak now in the hearing of the people that each man ask from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor for articles of silver and articles of gold." 3 The LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Furthermore, the man Moses himself was greatly esteemed in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people.
4 Moses said, "Thus says the LORD, `About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well. 6 `Moreover, there shall be a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before and such as shall never be again.7 `But against any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.' 8 "All these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me, saying, `Go out, you and all the people who follow you,' and after that I will go out." And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
9 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders will be multiplied in the land of Egypt." 10 Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; yet the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land.
The last plague was one that would touch the lives of every Egyptian. Even Pharaoh himself would be distraught over the loss of his firstborn. He had withstood everything else, so long as it did not touch his family. But this plague changed everything. Pharaoh was indeed obstinate, that it took the death of his son to yield to God. For some, that is the depth of their pride and selfishness. It takes a tragedy to get their attention back on God. Don't be one of those people. Keep your heart soft, and listen for the voice of God.
4 Moses said, "Thus says the LORD, `About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well. 6 `Moreover, there shall be a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before and such as shall never be again.7 `But against any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.' 8 "All these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me, saying, `Go out, you and all the people who follow you,' and after that I will go out." And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
9 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders will be multiplied in the land of Egypt." 10 Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; yet the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land.
The last plague was one that would touch the lives of every Egyptian. Even Pharaoh himself would be distraught over the loss of his firstborn. He had withstood everything else, so long as it did not touch his family. But this plague changed everything. Pharaoh was indeed obstinate, that it took the death of his son to yield to God. For some, that is the depth of their pride and selfishness. It takes a tragedy to get their attention back on God. Don't be one of those people. Keep your heart soft, and listen for the voice of God.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Exodus 10:21-29
21 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even a darkness which may be felt." 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days. 23 They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings. 24 Then Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, "Go, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be detained. Even your little ones may go with you." 25 But Moses said, "You must also let us have sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice them to the LORD our God. 26 "Therefore, our livestock too shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind, for we shall take some of them to serve the LORD our God. And until we arrive there, we ourselves do not know with what we shall serve the LORD." 27 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he was not willing to let them go. 28 Then Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me! Beware, do not see my face again, for in the day you see my face you shall die!" 29 Moses said, "You are right; I shall never see your face again!"
Pharaoh tries his hand at bargaining again, and tries to get Moses to leave without their livestock, which is rather foolish. The whole point was that they were to go offer sacrifices to God, and yet they were to leave the sacrifices behind? His heart was not sincere. He had no intention of letting them really go. He just wanted the darkness gone, and when he could not get them to compromise, he became angry. This is not an uncommon reaction when Christians refuse to compromise their beliefs. Don't give in, hold steadfast, otherwise, what will you present to God?
Pharaoh tries his hand at bargaining again, and tries to get Moses to leave without their livestock, which is rather foolish. The whole point was that they were to go offer sacrifices to God, and yet they were to leave the sacrifices behind? His heart was not sincere. He had no intention of letting them really go. He just wanted the darkness gone, and when he could not get them to compromise, he became angry. This is not an uncommon reaction when Christians refuse to compromise their beliefs. Don't give in, hold steadfast, otherwise, what will you present to God?
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Exodus 10:12-20
12 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up on the land of Egypt and eat every plant of the land, even all that the hail has left." 13 So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD directed an east wind on the land all that day and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 The locusts came up over all the land of Egypt and settled in all the territory of Egypt; they were very numerous. There had never been so many locusts, nor would there be so many again. 15 For they covered the surface of the whole land, so that the land was darkened; and they ate every plant of the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Thus nothing green was left on tree or plant of the field through all the land of Egypt. 16 Then Pharaoh hurriedly called for Moses and Aaron, and he said, "I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. 17 "Now therefore, please forgive my sin only this once, and make supplication to the LORD your God, that He would only remove this death from me." 18 He went out from Pharaoh and made supplication to the LORD. 19 So the LORD shifted the wind to a very strong west wind which took up the locusts and drove them into the 2Red Sea; not one locust was left in all the territory of Egypt. 20 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go.
Pharaoh was in a hurry this time. Probably for the first time, he was actually scared for his life. He pleaded with Moses and Aaron, and didn't even bother mentioning their request to leave Egypt. It was apparently assumed. Yet, the impulsive actions were not from a changed heart. A brush with death would not be enough to change Pharaoh. He needed something that moved his entire being to admit that God was bigger, and more powerful. Some people take a lot of convincing, which almost reminds me of Thomas in the Bible. Jesus didn't chastise Thomas, but He said that those who believed without seeing would be even more blessed. Be one of those, and see what God can do.
Pharaoh was in a hurry this time. Probably for the first time, he was actually scared for his life. He pleaded with Moses and Aaron, and didn't even bother mentioning their request to leave Egypt. It was apparently assumed. Yet, the impulsive actions were not from a changed heart. A brush with death would not be enough to change Pharaoh. He needed something that moved his entire being to admit that God was bigger, and more powerful. Some people take a lot of convincing, which almost reminds me of Thomas in the Bible. Jesus didn't chastise Thomas, but He said that those who believed without seeing would be even more blessed. Be one of those, and see what God can do.
Exodus 10:1-11
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have 1hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them, 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your grandson, how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, that you may know that I am the LORD."
3 Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, `How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 4 `For if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory. 5 `They shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They will also eat the rest of what has escaped--what is left to you from the hail--and they will eat every tree which sprouts for you out of the field. 6 `Then your houses shall be filled and the houses of all your servants and the houses of all the Egyptians, something which neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day that they came upon the earth until this day.'" And he turned and went out from Pharaoh. 7 Pharaoh's servants said to him, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not realize that Egypt is destroyed?" 8 So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh, and he said to them, "Go, serve the LORD your God! Who are the ones that are going?" 9 Moses said, "We shall go with our young and our old; with our sons and our daughters, with our flocks and our herds we shall go, for we must hold a feast to the LORD." 10 Then he said to them, "Thus may the LORD be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Take heed, for evil is in your mind. 11 "Not so! Go now, the men among you, and serve the LORD, for that is what you desire." So they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
Pharaoh was trying to bargain with God again, and strike a compromise. God doesn't do compromise, and He doesn't want us to compromise either. The results of Pharaoh's attempted bargain will not take long to show up. Likewise, when we compromise, the results can be disastrous.
3 Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, `How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 4 `For if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory. 5 `They shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They will also eat the rest of what has escaped--what is left to you from the hail--and they will eat every tree which sprouts for you out of the field. 6 `Then your houses shall be filled and the houses of all your servants and the houses of all the Egyptians, something which neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day that they came upon the earth until this day.'" And he turned and went out from Pharaoh. 7 Pharaoh's servants said to him, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not realize that Egypt is destroyed?" 8 So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh, and he said to them, "Go, serve the LORD your God! Who are the ones that are going?" 9 Moses said, "We shall go with our young and our old; with our sons and our daughters, with our flocks and our herds we shall go, for we must hold a feast to the LORD." 10 Then he said to them, "Thus may the LORD be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Take heed, for evil is in your mind. 11 "Not so! Go now, the men among you, and serve the LORD, for that is what you desire." So they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
Pharaoh was trying to bargain with God again, and strike a compromise. God doesn't do compromise, and He doesn't want us to compromise either. The results of Pharaoh's attempted bargain will not take long to show up. Likewise, when we compromise, the results can be disastrous.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Exodus 9:27-35
27 Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "I have sinned this time; the LORD is the righteous one, and I and my people are the wicked ones. 28 "Make supplication to the LORD, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail; and I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer." 29 Moses said to him, "As soon as I go out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD; the thunder will cease and there will be hail no longer, that you may know that the earth is the LORD'S. 30 "But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the LORD God." 31 (Now the flax and the barley were ruined, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bud. 32 But the wheat and the spelt were not ruined, for they ripen late.) 33 So Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread out his hands to the LORD; and the thunder and the hail ceased, and rain no longer poured on the earth. 34 But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not let the sons of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.
Moses was right on. Pharaoh did not yet fear the Lord, and it would take more than hail and frogs and flies to make him do that. He wasn't open to admitting that anyone could be greater than himself. Especially so great that he would fear that person. Pride is a nasty bug, and it closes your mind to so many things, that it is no wonder it often precedes folly and destruction. Don't miss the warning signs just because pride has closed your mind. Cast it aside, and open your eyes.
Moses was right on. Pharaoh did not yet fear the Lord, and it would take more than hail and frogs and flies to make him do that. He wasn't open to admitting that anyone could be greater than himself. Especially so great that he would fear that person. Pride is a nasty bug, and it closes your mind to so many things, that it is no wonder it often precedes folly and destruction. Don't miss the warning signs just because pride has closed your mind. Cast it aside, and open your eyes.
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