Exodus 2:11-3:22 + Matthew 17:10-27 + Psalm 22:1-18 + Proverbs 5:7-14
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Old Testament – Well, I debated posting up this water color of Moses killing the Egyptian from chapter 2 today, but the image probably captures things accurately enough. We cannot hide from some of the things in the Bible that are not squeaky clean & perfect. The Bible is not always squeaky clean & perfect in terms of the behaviors of people in the Bible. Life is not always squeaky clean & perfect. However God will ultimately make us squeaky clean & perfect – forever. And in this life God can even redeem Moses after this act:
Please do read up more on this act of Moses’ in chapter 2 at bible.org at this link. At this link you’ll see this line: “We dare not seek to defend Moses in the murder of the Egyptian, no matter how cruel he may have been. Moses’ act was in defiance of the authority of Egypt, and it was premeditated murder (“he looked this way and that,” v. 12). While Moses’ method of dealing with this problem was wrong, we can see that his motivation was commendable. Moses sought to defend the oppressed. When he sought to rebuke his Hebrew brother for wrongly mistreating another Hebrew (v. 13), Moses revealed, once again, the disposition of a deliverer.” Moses was 40 years old when he killed the Egyptian. Moses then escapes to Midian – an area on the eastern side of the Red Sea that was very dry and desolate. Moses ends up living in Midian for 40 years:
In Chapter 3 today God speaks to Moses through the burning bush! What I love about this is in verse 4: “When the LORD saw that he had caught Moses’ attention…” It seems like Moses probably could have seen this burning bush – and kept going. He could have somehow walked on by – maybe because he had to get the flocks back home or he was late for dinner or who knows what. He could have missed the adventure and the calling of his life. But he doesn’t. He stops. He investigates. He has a conversation with God. God caught his attention. And I wonder in our lives today, is God trying to catch our attention? Is God trying to tell us something important? And are we just passing God by – or will we stop and investigate and have a conversation with God?
Exodus 3:14 is a biggee in today’s readings as Moses asks God who he should tell the Hebrews who sent him: “God replied, “I AM WHO I AM. Just tell them, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” I AM WHO I AM translates into Yahweh in Hebrew. I read a great little commentary that said when God speaks of himself, he says “I AM”. When we speak of God we should say “He is.” I like that. He is. I actually heard a sermon recently about the unchanging nature of God. He is omniscient. Omni-present. Eternal. He is wisdom. He cannot learn anything, because He knows everything. He is. The Hebrew letters yud, hey, vav, hey (below) — often depicted in English as YHWH or Yahweh — spell the ineffable name of God:
Another powerful thing to note is that Jesus uses this same phrase of I AM and nearly gets stoned to death for sharing this truth in the Gospel of John chapter 8 verses 58 & 59: ““I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.” Do you believe that Jesus is? So – when God says I AM! – what is our response? He is! 🙂 I like that. He is. A great commentary on the Burning Bush & I AM in Exodus chapter 3 is at bible.org at this link.
New Testament – Today in Matthew chapter 17 verse 20 stood out to me: “”You didn’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”” As I think about this verse, I wonder about my own faith. How much faith do I really have? Do I have enough faith in Jesus? And in all of God’s promises? Or – am I hedging my bets? Do I also place a lot of faith in my own power? My own skills? My own “smarts”? Do I truly have complete faith in Jesus and Jesus alone? If so, and if it was Jesus’ will, do I believe that I could move mountains? Could you? I don’t think that this idea of not having enough faith means that I need to “try harder” in any way. I think it means I simply need to depend more – rest more – relax more – give more – to Jesus. Trust in Jesus. Trust that his grace is enough… As a great Chris Tomlin song goes – “All of you is more than Enough, for all of me.” Is Jesus more than enough for you?
Verses 25 & 26 are awesome as Peter is about to ask Jesus about the Temple Tax: “But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the foreigners they have conquered?” “They tax the foreigners,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free!”” Here we see that Jesus is recognizing himself as the King – and his disciples are his citizens who should not have to pay the tax. But – as to not offend those who did not realize that Jesus was the King, Jesus tells Peter where to find a coin, in the fish’s mouth, to pay the tax.
Psalms – Psalm 22 is an amazing Psalm! This Psalm is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament. Re-read this Psalm again and see if you see parallels to Jesus’ crucifixion? There are a lot in this Psalm. I’ll list a few – Psalm 22:1a was quoted by Jesus on the cross – “My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?” As we see in Matthew 27:46 – “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Psalm 22 Verse 8: “”Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”” We see in similar fashion in Matthew 27:42-43: ““He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”
Psalm 22 verses 16 & 17 make me want to cry… “They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count every bone in my body.” The piercing of the hands and feet of Jesus are apparent with how the crucifixion took place. And these Psalm 22 verses are similar to John 19:33-37: “But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.””
And Psalm 22 verse 18: “They divide my clothes among themselves and throw dice for my garments.” Compare to John 19:23-24 – “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.””
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 5 verses 12-14 are some sad verses to imagine saying in our lives: “”How I hated discipline! If only I had not demanded my own way! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to those who gave me instruction? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”” Do you love or hate discipline? Do you demand your own way? Are you listening to your teachers today? Who are your teachers today? Who is disciplining you? For Whom will you not demand your own way?
Worship Video: Based on Psalm 22’s look at what Jesus endured for us, it seems appropriate to share Shane and Shane singing “Power of the Cross:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g235W2Ef7J0
Do you know how much your sin cost? Click here for the saving Cross!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” Exodus 3:14 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would know God truly as the great I AM. Pray that God would be your personal I AM each and every day. Pray that our world would come to know God and Jesus as the only one and true I AM.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: I realize that reading Psalm 22 and seeing some of the images I posted up can evoke a lot of emotions. I am wondering, how often do you meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death? Do you do this just around Good Friday / Resurrection Sunday each year? Or more often? How do you meditate upon the Lord’s passion and death? Are passion plays, movies, or books helpful for you to do this? Or are their other things you read or watch or do? Do you think we should or should not meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death more often than once a year? Why or why not? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Exodus 2:11-3:22
I will probably come back to Mike question/thought of the day this evening, but know I need to address something I’ve just seen in the text, two things, that I’ve never considered before.
Moses, knowing he was adopted, seeing the life he had led as an adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, and seeing the life of his biological people, chose to identify with slaves although he had not completely thrown off the comforts of being raised in the household of Pharaoh. Got used his act of murder to begin the removal of his identification to the palace and his privilege, He kicked him out of the “boat.” Moses also must have understood or knew his purpose as Israel’s deliver; however, he didn’t have a clue on how that was to be achieved.
I think many of us have some inkling, some vision, of what our purpose is; however, because we don’t know how that is to be fulfilled, we go off and do our own thing and mess up royally. We then don’t set goals (see Jan. 24th) because we are afraid to mess up again. Based on Moses’ story we see that God can have us go at least forty years to get the Egypt out of us although we are out of Egypt.
I also now think that Moses’ reluctance to go back to Egypt and lead his people out was not based on some self-perceived speech impediment, but based on his knowledge that he was a murderer. Even after forty years, people have long memories and I’m sure if someone in the palace committed murder, even if the people around at the time die off, the records would clearly record that even. After all inquiring minds want to know. People love to see the might fall. Hmmm!
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Anka:
does anyone have any explanation for math 16:28…a lot of times unbelievers say Jesus never did keep his word…I wondered if he was refering to the transfiguration that took place 6days after…but then he said “the son of man coming in his kingdom” so it can’t be….Deep down i believe there is truth to that verse that i just can’t see…I’d really like to have the opinions of others…..sorry I know it was yesterday’s reading but I just can’t help wondering….
God bless you all
Anka
====== Ramona:
Anka–I belive you must look at that verse with a different understanding of what Jesus’ Kingdom is. There are two. There is the Kingdom, geographical, that will arrive upon Jesus’ Second Coming or Advent. Then there is the Kingdom that has been placed in the heart of every Believer. Theologians chime in on this especially if I’m wrong.
I have to get ready to get out of my house to head off to work (I’m still in my P.Js.), so I don’t have the time now to give scriptures. However, Jesus states this Himself when He tells people at different points in the texts; The Kingdom of God/Heaven is “near” you.
Ramona
======= Anka:
anka,
I think you are right that the verse applies to the transfiguration. If you look at the Greek words for “coming” (Gk. erchomai) and “kingdom” (Gk. basileia) and tweak them with alternate meanings, then perhaps the verse reads like this:
“Verily I say unto you, There are some standing here, who shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man appearing in his royal majesty.”
Peter and John commented on the transfigurion:
2peter 1:16-18
“We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only…”
On the mount, to those three (some), Jesus pulled back the veil and gave them a display of the glory He had promised.
Anka
====== Anka:
thanks Ramona and John.When I watched the passion I think it was the first time I actually came to understand what my sin cost…I think we should think more about Christ’s death as many times as we can in appreciation of just hateful sin was to God that it made him decide to pay such a price…also how much Jesus loved people enough to ask for their forgiveness even though they treated him so badly.
God bless you all
Anka
====== Claire:
Am I understanding this correctly…in Matthew Ch. 11:14…is Jesus telling them that John the Baptist is really Elijah re-incarnated? Which had been prophesized earlier? My friend Pat and I are truly “into” a lot of GREAT DISCUSSIONS over this Bible Study. Thanks for giving us this opportunity Mike.
Claire
====== Ramona:
Claire,
I read that verse as not the re-incarnate of Elijah, but the spirit of Elijah. Elijah proclaimed in the desert and he spoke out what was in and a sin, even to a king, Ahab (I Kings 17). In other words what they did in society was prepare the people to receive the soon coming King of kings.
But don’t take my word, stick around and read along with us.
Ramona
======= Mich:
what’s the significance of the fish? why is peter told he’ll find the money there?
Mich
====== Ramona:
Mich,
I’m not sure if there is anything significant about the fish except fishing was Peter’s occupation. Jesus sent him to do something that he knew and with what he was familiar. I guess you can extrapolate out that Jesus will use us in our occupations to take care of our financial obligations. Did you notice that Jesus told him to look in the mouth of the “first” fish? You don’t use the word first if you mean only so Jesus was expecting Peter to do a little work.
Ramona
====== Andrew:
Re Mike’s question about “The Passion of the Christ”: ‘helpful’ is a rather weak word to describe its impact. It certainly gave me a much deeper awareness of what the crucifixion invloved. For quite some time after, images from the film came to mind whenever we sang worship songs and hymns about Jesus’ sacrifice.
So far, I have not been able to steel myself to watch it a second time.
“But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Mat 17:27
” … so that we may not offend them …” Why was it important not to offend them? Jesus was not shy about offending the Scribes and Pharisees. Why were the temple tax collectors not to be offended? Was it because they were well meaning guys innocently doing their bit to serve God as they saw best?
Andrew
====== John:
Andrew –
Re: not offending them…
A plausible answer to that question was given in a sermon in Arizona. Excerpted below.
Summary: Before the tax incident: Disciples exhibiting some big egos and “PRIDE”, then you see Jesus’ unwarranted humility and instructions to Peter (Jesus sets an example), followed by Jesus’ teaching or remarks on the matter to disciples.
The pattern: PROBLEM – EXAMPLE – TEACHING
“it is worth pointing out that this particular episode falls between two episodes recorded for us in Mark. On the way back to Capernaum from their encounter with the demon-possessed boy and his father, the text we considered last Lord’s Day, Mark tells us that the disciples fell to arguing about which one of them was the greatest. When they got back to Capernaum, the Lord brought their argument up and asked them about it. That is the subject of our next paragraph, Matthew 18:1-9. So, taking Mark and Matthew together, it seems that the conversation on the road to Capernaum about which of the disciples was the greatest, occurred just before this conversation between the Lord and Peter about the temple tax, and the Lord’sresponse to their conversation took place just after it.
In other words, on both sides of this conversation about the temple tax was the demonstration of the disciples’ pride. They were arguing among themselves, in the first instance, about which of them was the greatest and, in the second instance, the Lord was teaching them not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think and to love and practice humility before others. Pride is in the air at this moment in Capernaum.
It is not difficult to see that Jesus is dealing with that pride in his discussions with Peter about the temple tax just as he will deal with his disciples about the same thing in his next remarks.If a man is arguing in public that he is greater than some other man – and, somehow we expect that Peter was in the thick of that argument – and if that argument is between believers, well,they have lost sight of something supremely important and need to be slapped up the side of thehead. And that is what the Lord does. He tells Peter and the disciples in no uncertain terms that he had rights that he never claimed precisely to do good to others. That man who is worrying about his status and his station, the man who wants to be above others, in that moment and in that attitude is no follower of Jesus Christ. That spirit is the exact opposite of the spirit of a man who forgets himself and his rights and his reputation in order to do good to others and help them.What the Lord is going to need from Peter and the other disciples, and, thankfully, what he will eventually get from them, is a spirit of self-denial, a humility that frees them to forget themselves so that they can live and act and speak on behalf of others.”
I prefer to focus on the Ressurection.
I have watched “The Passion of the Christ” four times: once at the theater, three times on DVD at home. the Brutality does help me to remember the price paid by Christ.
John
====== Peggy:
In todays reading Proverbs
5:21 For a man’s ways are in full veiw, stood out to me. It made me think about that old saying, actions speak louder than words. I printed it out so that I could remind myself, that before I say or do something God is watching. Thanks for your teaching today.
Peggy
======== Jen:
Psalms 22
Even though at times God may feel far away He never is.
He is always there
Which is very reassuring and worth remembering when we are down
Another thing worth remembering is that God uses us the most when we are down
10From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.
I wondered whether this could also apply to when we commit ourselves to God. I know that since my baptism on the 17th of May 1998 a day before my 28th birthday that He has been my Lord.
As I was reading the Psalm again it suddenly struck me that its talking about Jesus and what happened to Him on the cross. I was very surprised that I hadn’t picked up on that on my 1st reading.
I meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death a lot. Especially since seeing the movie. That really effected me. Yes we should meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death more often than once a year. It was the most important to ever happen. We need to remember just what Jesus did. I also think about as I have communion each Sunday.
Jen
====== Anka:
I guess we see love at it’s greatest…Jesus dying for our sins.I cried when I saw the movie…there are a lot of people who critise the way it was done but I believe the sufferings of Christ were real…if He could feel hunger,thirst,then He felt every lash of the whip,He felt the pain of being nailed to that cross….and Jesus didn’t deserve to die like that,He had no sin.
Today,many people look at God as a indifferent to what goes on in the world,we question His love for us when we are sick,bereaved,when we see children go through war and poverty.And we try to understand why a loving God would allow it to happen.
Israel was opressed 400years in Egypt,I’m sure most of them turned to other gods since God seemed to no longer care,there were people who were born into slavery and died slaves…We may not know the reason for God’s silence during our afflictions but He sees it all,He knows it all because He’s been aflicted Himself because of us….
God bless you all
Anka
======= Julie:
the more we meditate on the death and passion of Christ, the more repentant we become; the more sensitive and pliable we are for our Potter.
Julie
====== Mae:
The story of Moses is just so wonderful to read … I can keep reading it on and on! I loved 2:23, the last part “… and their cry rose up to God”. What a beautiful thought; when we need God, when we talk to him, when we cry, when we worship Him … it will all rise up to Him. We know that of course, but to read it like that, gave me the chills. Good chills!!
Chapter 3, with the burning bush was just amazing!!! I read verse 6 “When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God”. He covered his face? Why did he cover his face? Did he think he was not worth it to look at God? Or was he ashamed, cause of his sin? What a wonderful way to have a converstation with God … at a burning bush … The Dutch Bible talks about a blackberry-bush.
Psalm 22 is really inspiring to read! I love both Psalm 22 and 23 … there’s so much to read in those Psalms! Verse 8 kept going through my mind “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!”. It made my toes curl … it sounds just so sarcastic. This is what I hear a lot when people talk about religion “Oh really? So you believe in God? Let him make this a better world instead of all the wars that are going on! If you’re His children, then He should save you!”. Little they know …. Verses 16, 17 and 18 are terrible … I don’t even want to put them down here …
I think about it a lot how and why Jesus died. I never meditated upon it … not because I don’t want to. But because I don’t know how to. I know how to meditate, but I never meditate upon the Lord. For very personal reasons. It sounds weird. I know I will meditate upon the Lord in the future, but it’s too early for me now.
Mae
====== Jenny:
A point to make in Moses killing the Egyptian…he looked right and left. BUT, He didnt look up! We cannot get away with wrongdoing, if we do somthing cause we think no one is watching, we are wrong, the Lord is watching!
I like Ex 2:24-25 “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. 25 So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”
God hears our groaning. Even wen we dont pray outright to God, the spirit intercedes for us and speaks through groanings n supplications to God. thats amazing to me! I love how it says, God was concerned for them. In this same way, He loves us and is concerned with all we go through! its amazing the God of the universe is concerned with me!
Another thing, Moses was concerned because He wasnt sure how God could use Him, he had a speech immediment, possibly a stutter. God will use who He wills and will equip them. My own dad has dyslexia n was called a dummy back in school n had to drop out of high school. to this day he has “i’m a dummy’ mentality and is often wondering why he cant read and write well, but my dad is a man of God and he has been used by God is such an awesome way..my dad is sooo blessed. He’s a tecaher at his church, gives sermons sometimes, has done mission work, does church counseling, did prison ministories and sooo much…every day he is working on something of the Lord. God gave him talent as an artist and he is skilled with his hands in making things. I see a man who is sooooo blessed and used by God, not a dummy, but a man of wisdom and perserverance. God equips those He calls. We may feel we have limitations, but often those limitations are HUGE blessings and inspirations to others! satan may tell us we are no good or useless, but God is not limited by anything!
I definately think about what Christ did for me every day. I mean, I’m soooo grateful. when we really study it at church and get into His suffering, it really hurts b’cos I love the Lord so much, my sweet Jesus, and hurts all the more that He did that for ME! and all of us.
We are currently in the book of John at church sunday nights, we are nearing the time of His crusifixion and it really does get me, i do lose it at church too. when I saw the Passion of the Christ, (yes, i was full on sobbing uncontrollably in the theater) but i was thinking, I couldnt go through that. Do I love anyone that much??? I dont think i honestly can give an affirmative. Would anyone besides Christ do that for me?? I highly doubt it, which makes His love more amazing. It defies human reasoning,…in fact many none of us will ever FULLY grasp His love for us until we see Him.
BUT, knowing Christ is more then an emotional experince. I know many nonbelievers who saw the Passion and cried, but that was it. They didnt “get” that they had a choice to make after seeing what Jesus did for us. What are we doing with Jesus? We cant just cry and say what a good man, He died of the whole world! well, only those who receive the gift are benefactors and heirs. we cant go on living ungodly lives thinking, ‘Jesus died for me, I’m safe. back to living for self’ What are we doing about that? We are called to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him.
I think we can all say discipline is not pleasant in any way. But i love it!! (afterwards!!) I need His correction. His discipline proves I’m His child. if i was getting away with wrong, thats something to be concerned with….but i’m His child, and as a parent loves his child he corrects him b’cos he knows wats best, he sees the outcome of wat would happen if the child continued to disboey. I need instruction, i need His guidance, His teaching, His leading, His correction. I want God’s hand on me every step of the way!!!! when i swerve off the path, i need a good scolding, some pain…b’cos in this, He saves my life!
Jenny
======= Keysha:
What stood out to me in today’s readings in Exodus is how God chose Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. Moses! The murderer! This showed me that you do not have to be perfect in order to be used by God. He accepts us just the way that we are. Thank you Lord!
I also liked Moses’ obedience. God told him what to do and he listened.
I think if that were me today I would have been like, “look God those people are not going to listen to me who am I? Sorry, you may want to find someone else stronger and smarter than me.” LOL!
Also, how God not only told Moses not to worry that He would be with him but He also said that He would make the Egyptians look favorably on Moses. He could have just said do as I say and that’s that. What a great God you are!
Prayer: For obedience. Give me the wisdom to know when God is speaking to me and give me the strength to be obedient all the time. Whether it is something that I want to do or think that I can do at the time or not.
Praise: Thank you for you Word Lord and revealing yourself to me. You are awesome!!
Keysha
====== Sarah:
I remember studying the story of Moses in my Theology A-Levels at 17 and being amazed by it for the first time ever. It prompted me to write this song and todays reading reminded me of that so I dug it out. Thought I’d share it. It’s called “Holy Fire”
Walking around, tending my sheep
Never thought I’d get in so deep
A humble shepherd, an outlaw on the run
Why me? What good could I have done?
Out of the darkness a light shone bright
Intruding my day, cleansing my night
Burning Fire, Holy Fire,
Fire getting higher and higher and higher
Burning Fire, Holy Fire,
Fire getting higer and higher and higher.
“Moses, Moses, Take off your shoe”
“This land is far too Holy for you”
I knew who it was and did as he said
Turning my face, my heart filled with dread
“Moses, Moses, I need you”
“Moses, Moses there’s something you can do”
“Moses set my people free”
I cried “Why have you chosen me?”
And there was burning fire, Holy Fire, fire getting higher and higher and higher
Burning Fire, Holy Fire,
Fire getting higher and higher and higher
The Lord gave us laws by which to live
Said “I have land and people to give”
“You are the ones whome I choose”
“my love is something you’ll never lose”
“Go for it Moses I’ll stay by your side”
“I’ve choen Israel for my bride”
“Lead her to the promised Land”
“Go on Moses, take my hand”
Give me a sign Lord for people to see
For I’m someone they’ll never believe
Give me your name by whom am I sent?
He said “I am who I am and no other gent”
See the Burning Fire, Holy Fire
Fire getting higher and higher and higher
Burning Fire, Holy Fire, Fire getting higher and higher and higher
The Lord filled Egypt with Terror and Fear
“Do not enslave my people here”
The bread didn’t even have time to rise
We fled Egypt running for our lives
We reached the sea, cried “What can we do”
When all at once it split in two
Lost in the desert we cried out in prayer
We knew the Lord was always there
I’d done what he said, now we were free
I’d loved the Lord and he had loved me
I saw the promised land, my job was complete
I washed Egypts dust from off of my feet
Raised my eyes to Heaven and saw Holy Fire
Fire getting higher and higher and higher.
Hope that doesn’t spoil the suspense for anyone reading the stroy of Moses for the first time! ;o)
Sarah
====== Chelsea:
I mediate on Jesus’s death whenever I receive communion. However, not always. I’ve attended quite a bit of passion plays, and it does help to spell out passion for me, to SEE it, to realize what Jesus went through. This isn’t fictional. It actually happened two thousand years ago!
To mediate on Jesus’ death…it is a must for every Christian to realize what their God went through for THEM, for US.
Psalms 22, I never realized that Psalms spoke about piercing of hands and feet. My goodness, it stood out to me and got me choked up.
Thank you for this post.
Chelsea
====== Arielle:
The verse that most stuck out to me was:
Mathew 17:20
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them.”
why didn’t the disciples have enough faith? Christ was right there with them. He performed many miracles in front of them. The very actions of Christ showed GOD in Him and that He was fully in GOD.
Why was it hard for the disciples to have faith that GOD would work through them when required?
How can we as humans develop that faith that CHRIST is talking about in Mathew 17:20?
Arielle
====== Ramona:
Exodus 2:11-3:22
I need to address something I’ve just seen in the text, two things, that I’ve never considered before.
Moses, knowing he was adopted, seeing the life he had led as an adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, and seeing the life of his biological people, chose to identify with slaves although he had not completely thrown off the comforts of being raised in the household of Pharaoh. Got used his act of murder to begin the removal of his identification to the palace and his privilege, He kicked him out of the “boat.” Moses also must have understood or knew his purpose as Israel’s deliver; however, he didn’t have a clue on how that was to be achieved.
I think many of us have some inkling, some vision, of what our purpose is; however, because we don’t know how that is to be fulfilled, we go off and do our own thing and mess up royally. We then don’t set goals (see Jan. 24th) because we are afraid to mess up again. Based on Moses’ story we see that God can have us go at least forty years to get the Egypt out of us although we are out of Egypt.
I also now think that Moses’ reluctance to go back to Egypt and lead his people out was not based on some self-perceived speech impediment, but based on his knowledge that he was a murderer. Even after forty years, people have long memories and I’m sure if someone in the palace committed murder, even if the people around at the time die off, the records would clearly record that even. After all inquiring minds want to know. People love to see the might fall. Hmmm!
Ramona
====== Angela:
Commenting on “squeaky clean parts of the Bible”… There really are none. The only blameless person in the Bible is Jesus and His life was not a beautiful portrait either. But do not be ashamed about these things, or ever again debate about bringing them up. Embrace these never ending stories of cowards and murderers because without them, the Bible could not be relevant to our lives, we would not be able to relate to the “heroes” of the Bible.
Angela
======= Manny:
Something that is often missed by many people because of the chapter divisions is the correlation between Matthew 16 and Matthew 17. In the former passage, Peter makes the astonishing and enlightened declaration of who Christ is and Christ affirms him. In the latter passage, Jesus asks Peter if he really believes what he says. Peter is more worried about paying taxes rather than understanding that the king of all the Universe need not pay taxes. What a wonderful object lesson!
Manny
======= Alli:
What stood out for me in today’s reading is that Moses after killing the Egyptian feared for his life for Pharaoh heard and sought to slay him, hence Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh…now God is sending Moses back to Egypt [back to Pharaoh who sought his life 40 years prior]…I believe that an immense fear would have once again gripped Moses for he asked “11… Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
and I love God’s response
12And he said, Certainly I will be with thee;” …God did not respond to Moses question as to whom he was, for who he was was not important…what was important is that God would be with him…hence He could walk in confidence and not fear Pharoah or rejection from the children of Israel …
Moses then sought to question too who he should say sent him…and again I love God’s response …”14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:… I AM hath sent me unto you.”
As children of God we must understand that it is not who we are on earth, but whose we are in heaven that is important…for “…God will certainly be with us”…He says “…I will never leave you nor forsake you”
Alli
======= Billy:
The 22 Psalm is amazing. I think about Christ on cross. It is almost finished. Most of his followers are not there but the unbelieving Jews are many. Jesus cries out, My God My God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Much the same way we can start singing the first line of a song, all those who know the song continue singing it in their minds. Those Jews who didn’t believe that Christ was the messiah must have repeated Psalm 23 in their minds. Then seeing that Jesus was the fulfilment of the prophecy there. At that moment, they had to accept or reject him. I’m sure that some wept and repented. I’m sure that many rationalized the similarity and rejected Him. Looking back, the world has no excuse. Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the King of creation. I love you Jesus!
Billy
======= Jennifer:
What I am always convicted by is Moses’ faith. I kind of gloss over that God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let Isreal go. Moses had a choice to not do that. Instead he chose to act. This connects back to Mathew 17:20 “Because you have little faith, if you had the faith of mustard seed you can tell that mountain to move and it will, with faith nothing is impossible.” It is not Moses’ skill, but his faith that delivers Isreal. Do I have the faith of mustard seed, do I really believe what the Bible states, I pray for faith.
One note can someone explain. I read NIV and King James parallel bible and it says that Moses saved the daughters of Reull and then further on states that Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro. Is Reull and Jethro the same person or were the daughters he saved different from the Zipporah’s father. If anyone can explain.
Jennifer
======= Will:
Jennifer, I wondered, too, whether Jethro and Reuel were one and the same. Here is the footnote from NetBible.org:
The name “Reuel” is given here. In other places (e.g., chap. 18) he is called Jethro (cf. CEV, which uses “Jethro” here). Some suggest that this is simply a confusion of traditions. But it is not uncommon for ancients, like Sabean kings and priests, to have more than one name. Several of the kings of Israel, including Solomon, did. “Reuel” means “friend of God.”
Will
====== Sandra:
My comment is about Genesis 22, when Isaac asked Abraham where was the lamb for sacrifice? It stired up my faith, because it reminded me that we don’t have to explain what God is doing with us or what he has told us to do, we just have to believe it and obey. That is what all the people who stories we read about had to learn. We don’t start using words to explain away his purpose for us, just obey. So we must watch our words and choose them carefully when we have to give a response as Abraham did.
Sandra
======= Frederick:
Romances that began in the wells
Genesis 24:12-25 (Abraham’s old servant met Rebekah for Issac)
Genesis 29:9-12 (Jacob met Rachel)
And…
Exodus 2:16-22 (Moses met Reuel father of Zipporah)
It seems that romances were likely to happen in the wells!
Frederick
======= Linda:
Hello, my name is Linda and I am 60 yrs old, it has taken me this long to learn the truth and I thankyou. I read your bible study on a regular basis and have learnt so much. I have tried to get my family to read your comments but to no avail. So I started my own little group of 5 people. It is private and only involves my two daughters, twin sister and elderly friend. I study your site and Gods word and have used many of your comments. You have helped me understand Gods word in a way I never thought possible. I thankyou that the Lord has brought you into my life and has Blessed you with so much wisdom. God Bless.
Linda
======= Bob:
I have been haunted for years by the verse in Psalm 22 1a. It draws me into that place where I stand and look at the gap that is impossible to breech. I can see the other side and understand the hopelessness of trying to get there. I am standing in a world of misery, suffering and pain and hear this verse. Then I see this brilliant vision of a man on a white horse riding toward the cliff on the other side and the horse easily jumps the ravine and I jump on the back of the horse and am taken back over the chasm to ride with him.
Bob
====== Jack:
I often think about the suffering of Christ and that my struggles are so small and insignificant in comparison. I have had many people stand against me, but Jesus had his own creation stand against him, and he was willing to pay the price of their sin with his crucifixion. The love and willingness to do this for our salvation is a true act of love beyond explanation. I cannot say I would die for the difficult people I work with and I am not sure anybody would.
Jack
====== Russ:
I find it amazinng that God’s divine providence was to use an orphan and murderer to deliver his people.
Reminds me that God is in control and has a purpose whether we understand it or not.
Russ
======= Jill:
Not a day goes by that I dont think about Jesus suffering on the cross. I believe we come to a point where we know suffering is abpart of the Christian walk
And we need to accept then we are on the right path. To think how God had to sacrifice his son for us. He had to turn his back on him. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us I’m so humbled when I think of this. That he would do that for me. Even one he would have come to Save.
I’m So thankful for his word He left for us to mediate on every day. It strengthens me daily. Thankyou Mike for challenging us with questions to ask ourselves!
I think of my sweet mother who met our Jesus a few months ago. Her spirit is alive within me. I can feel her. I Parallel this to our Heavenly Father as His spirit Is with us. He walks among us. I can feel him! He is alive. Jesus wants each of us to come before him
As he walks among us every day! Look for him!
Jill
======= Carol:
I think of Jesus’ sacrifice often because it reminds me that God “means business” when it comes to sin, righteousness and His great love and forgiveness towards us! When I think on these things, I want to literally fall on my face before Father God!
Carol
======== Pat:
Mike my minister preached a sermon on God saying “I am who I am”. Br. Everette made a point that I will always remember. He said “God is God because God IS God!”
Pat
======= Robert:
Exodus 2:11- 3:22
Ramona, great commentary on facing our own fears, setting goals and listening to God. I like that, “many of us have some inkling, some vision, of what our purpose is”. That one I have had to rework a few times in my life, but I’ve never looked at it from the Moses perspective. Good One!
Psalm 22
Why Does God allow evil and suffering?
This question is one I have thrown around a lot and get asked about. I like Tim Keller’s comments but it somehow still leaves me searching……
“. … If we again ask the question: ‘Why does God allow evil and suffering to continue?’ and we look at the cross of Jesus, we still do not know what the answer is. However, we know what the answer isn’t. It can’t be that he doesn’t love us. It can’t be that he is indifferent or detached from our condition. God takes our misery and suffering so seriously that he was willing to take it on himself. … So, if we embrace the Christian teaching that Jesus is God and that he went to the Cross, then we have deep consolation and strength to face the brutal realities of life on earth.”
SOURCE: Timothy Keller, The Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (New York City: Dutton, 2008) p. 30
Robert
======= Cynthia:
Many people, even professing Christians, do not believe in sin. Unbelievers consider it a non-issue. Professing believers may consider it a past-issue because “we have the indwelling Holy Spirit”, or they may think that acknowledging sin is “negative thinking”. Of course, these views are un-Scriptural. Scripture IS the story of God’s design to reconcile mankind to Himself through Christ’s work on the cross—mankind needs reconciliation because of his sin. Scripture provides countless examples of how even great men and women of God sinned grievously. Perhaps the stories of Moses being a murderer, Jacob being a liar and a thief, David being and adulterer and a murderer, Jonah being a rebel, along with many others, are meant to convince people that we really are sinners, that we really need to be reconciled to God, and that we really need daily dependence on Him for cleansing and power over sin.
Cynthia
====== Jeffrey:
Moses has fled Egypt. Years later, after settling in Midian, he sees the miracle of the burning bush. The LORD speaks to him from the bush and commands Moses to go to his people with a message of deliverance. Moses protests, but God gives him knowledge of his personal name as a sign that he will be with Moses and the people. God has begun his direct and intimate communication with Moses, continuing the fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. All praise to the Self-Existent One!
In the New Testament, Jesus continues his miracles of the Kingdom. He also tells his disciples again in more detail what he must suffer at the hands of his enemies.
Jeffrey
======= Mitch:
Matt 17:20: “moving a mountain” is a Jewish idiom for accomplishing something BIG.
Psalm 22:1: Have come to view this as a teaching phrase from the cross. We do not know the pitch of Jesus’ voice, where His eyes were gazing….
What if He was looking right at the temple priests present at the cross. When a Rabbi (teacher) cites the first verse of a chapter or psalm. The person is to look up the rest of the citing.
If so, then Jesus is telling these learned (?) men – I am the Messiah – as Psalm 22 is considered a Messianic psalm by Jewish authorities.
Mitch
======= Sandy:
The crucifixion and passion of Christ come up frequently when I pray for those in travail. The Lord said on the Cross ” IT IS FINISHED” . HE has overcome All this through HIS shed blood, death and Resurrection. Look to Him, our Healer, Our Provider, our Everything. Our home is not here, it is with Christ for eternity. I/We need to work on our Trust in Him alone.
Sandy
====== Doug:
I am meditating his passion and resurrection every day of the year! we need to meditate his passion and resurrection every year so that we know God is the I am. the verse that stand out to me is when Moses saw the bush was burning with fire and yet it was not burning.
Doug
======== Dee:
I know I evoke emotions about it quite often throughout the year. When heartache or suffering goes on in the world, or I hear the Michael W Smith song, “above all” both at church and on radio,it brings feelings and memories of what Christ did for us. I lift my hands up and praise Him and thank Him for what He did and in prayer both at home, in car, at school, church, I thank Him daily for what He did for me and the world in giving All He had to us. It’s amazing!! I do watch the Passion of the Christ, though its very hard to watch that, but I will watch that around Easter every year. I just love Jesus and pray everyone I know and don’t know even, will come to realize the great I AM!! I got to thinking about the verses we have read the past several days and it sparked the same interest in me that Ramona had about how it would feel to be raised and grow up as a foreignor in an unknown land? It must feel so wierd and unsure of to have everyone around you an Egyptian and have different faith, beliefs, foods even, and clothing and no that you are not equally yoked with them. What it must have felt for Joseph, then Jacob/Israel and his children and then for Moses is a hard thing to imagine. However, we are all called to be passing through or foreignors of a distant land. “We are in the world but not of the world.”John 15:19. We are to be but spectators in this world. James 1:22, however in Ephesians 2:19 NIV says “consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.
Dee
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