Lasso of Truth

Reflection on Exodus

I've  been thinking about this for a couple days, and I think the biggest impact that God has made on me through this book is in regard to His provision.

If we need a deliverer, there is nothing that the Enemy can do to keep us from being delivered. Pharaoh tried in this story, but God rose up a deliverer right in his very house.

If there is an enemy closing in on us, and we are powerless against it, God can fight our battles for us, without our saying a word.

If God asks us to do something, build something, or be something, he will provide all of the supplies, funds, abilities and talents required to complete what He has asked us to do.

We are living this life with God, not separate from Him.  He is with us in our daily lives and in our daily battles.  We only have to notice him there.

I referenced it above, but it is worth stating again.  The verse that had the biggest impact on me this time around was Exodus 14:14  "The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."  Already this verse has changed my daily life.  There are times when I want to prove to someone that I'm not wrong, or that my motives were pure, or whatever.  I got a ticket (out-of-state) this month that I did not deserve.  I don't know if the officer mistook me for someone else, or if he just saw thought he saw me do something that I didn't.  Either way, I was sick over it.  The total amount was outrageous, but driving to another state, and arguing our side would have cost almost as much--with no guarantee of success.  I felt myself becoming indignant and self-righteous.  But I didn't do anything wrong, and I don't deserve this!  At that moment, God reminded me of this verse.  The Lord will fight for me while I keep silent.  He knows that I was innocent (this time!).  And I believe that He is in control of everything--even this.  Without my worrying, the case could get thrown out.  Or the money that we had to pay for the ticket might show up in a different and unexpected way.  Or none of this could happen, and I could be thankful for all the times that I deserved a ticket and didn't get pulled over.  I breathed a sigh of relief, sent the money off to the court, and did not worry about it again.  That is the provision of God working in my life through Exodus.

Tell me how God worked in your life during your time in Exodus!

Next time:  Read Leviticus 1-3

Exodus 38-40

Chapter 38
I am still amazed at the complexity of God's plan, and the intricacies of His design.  God asked them to do this work for Him, and He provided everything needed to complete it. He does this with us every day.  All we need to do is say yes, and ride the wave.

One detail that hit me in chapter 39 was the thread in verse 3.  Don't pass over this without appreciating the amount of work involved.  And this is one tiny detail in His super-plan.

Chapter 40
Can you imagine how exciting this must have been, to see the work of their hands (and faithfulness) come to fruition?  What a celebration this would have been.  I bet they were more in awe of God than when they started.  They had built something more magnificent than they could have imagined.

Verse 33--Thus Moses finished His work.  God is organized, careful, and precise.  He created His tabernacle through the hands of faithful men--to the exact specifications that He required.  If we are faithful, He may do something similar through us. 

I appreciate the description of the presence of God in the pillar.  He is their leader.  He is visible to them, and ever-present.  God doesn't make Himself so obviously known today, but He is no less present in our world, and in our lives.  The Israelites knew when it was time to move camp because God made it obvious to them.  That is one of my favorite prayers in my own life.  When I am seeking direction, I pray that God would make my path obvious.  Sometimes His will is for me to sit tight, and find contentment in your current situation.  But at other times, God has a big change planned for you.

Before each huge change in my life, when I have sought God's will, He has made my path as clear to me as if He had risen in a pillar and asked me to follow.  And within His guidance is the only place I want to be.

Next time:  A reflection on Exodus.  I can't believe we are already through it!  I want to know how this book has affected your walk with the Lord, an maybe how it has affected your daily life.  Also, if you have a favorite passage or verse from the book, I want to hear about it. 

Exodus 35-37

Chapter 35
God could have built his own tabernacle if He had wanted to.  But He uses us to do His will as a form of worship and fellowship with Him.

Being a spinner, I thought verse 25 was kinda neat,

I had an interesting thought while reading this.  I wonder if these guys in verses 30-35 had these gifts and skills before, or if they just started working with the power of God upon them.  Wouldn't that be amazing to be called by God to do something that you had no experience doing--only to find out that He had granted you the sudden ability to do it?!

Chapter 36
The people of Israel brought so much to donate to the construction of the tabernacle that they had to be asked to stop!  (Verse 6)  I believe that this would happen in our own churches if every member gave faithfully.  Imagine what could be built or accomplished for God, and nobody would get burned out!

The people were fully equipped to carry out God's will.  He provided them with the skill, the material, the plans, and the tools,  All He required was their willingness.

Chapter 37
These descriptions are so thorough that someone could make a scale model.  That would b a really neat thing to see.

Next time: Exodus 38-40  The End of the Book!

Exodus 32-34

Chapter 32
While Moses is God to be with God on the mountain, the people start to panic.  Really, he had been gone for over a month, so I see why they were getting nervous.  That's a long time.

But why would they make an idol?  Why would Aaron go along with it.  He didn't just allow it, but he built it!  Did he feel the pressure and fear for his life, or was he losing faith, too?  I asked Donnie what he thought about all this, and he said that people just want something that they can see and touch.  That's why it is so important to acknowledge the work that God has done in our lives.  Keep it in the forefront of your mind, so that you don't get discouraged and doubtful.

In verse 14 it says that God changed His mind.  What do you think that means? Did Moses really sway Him?  Was he testing Moses?  I don't know, but they must have grown very close on the mountain.  If God did change His mind, it was only to benefit His devoted servant, Moses.

When Moses sees the calf itself, his own anger burns against his people.  His reaction is hard to swallow (pun intended).  I don't know how, but I'd like to use a form of this punishment someday with my kids.  I'm sure they'd never forget it.

After this, the loyal followers of God went out and killed 3000 men.  I guess Moses realized that God's punishment was right after all.

Chapter 33
God can't be near His people because they are so evil that they would die in His presence.  They react to this by going into mourning.  Separation from God is a tragic thing.  This is something that we should consider before choosing to sin.  A Christian who is saved from eternal death can still spend his days on earth away from the shelter of God because of his continued sin.  It is a terrible existence.  Unfortunately, I speak from experience.

I think that the conversation between God and Moses on the mountain is really interesting.  Moses asks God to show him His glory.  God tells him that He can't do that or Moses would die.  I think Moses probably knew that already.  He said as much when he was in the presence of the burning bush.  But his desire was to be close to God.  To realize fully His majesty.  So, God grants him something else.  He gets to see God's back as He leaves the mountain.  Do you think Moses was upset with this compromise?  No way!  He could never have hoped for something as great as a glimpse of his Creator!  But he asked anyway.  And while God chose to give Moses something different that he had asked for, it was for Moses' own good--to preserve his life.  I think that sometimes we are afraid to ask God for things (cures, forgiveness, etc.) because we don't want to ask for something that is outside of God's will.  But we have to let God judge.  By asking for those things, we are reinforcing our faith that He can provide those for us.  It is His place to choose whether it would be right for us.  So, go ahead and ask.  You may get more than you ever dreamed.  By keeping the door of communication open between you and God, your heart will be open to accept His blessings.

Chapter 34
In this chapter I was reminded of another attribute of God.  He restores.  The people of Israel ruined the first set of stone tablets because of their sin.  God could have left it at that.  He could have gone and found another group of people to speak to.  But He gave them another chance.  I am so thankful for this!

In verse 12 God gives them one of many warnings to come about the danger of adapting to other cultures.  The Jews were meant to stand apart--to be an example to the rest of the world, not follow the world's example.  In 15-16 He describes exactly how quickly the nation could be destroyed spiritually. It only takes two generations to forget God.  As Christians we would do well to remember this warning.

This chapter also acts as a preparation for the rest of the journey that the Israelites will make.  God reminds them of all that He has commanded them so far, so that when they go and conquer the other nations they will remember Whose they are.

Isn't it cool that God told us about Moses' glowing face?!  We can also reflect God's glory, but only if we are in fellowship with Him.  Have you noticed that you are reminded of this Bible study throughout your day, and in conversation with others?  The great thing about God is that you can't study the wrong part of the Bible.  Somehow, whatever you are reading becomes relevant in a new way to your life.  That's because God's Word is alive.

Next time:  Exodus 35-37

Exodus 29-31

The ordination of the priests in chapter 29 is a confusing, bloody ordeal.  I don't know what the significance is of the three animals, nor the separation of their bodies.  But God is not letting them take their positions as priests lightly.  There is great sacrifice involved--large, valuable animals and hides being sacrificed for days on end.

We don't have official priests anymore, because in Christ we are all considered priests.  We can go directly to God, because Christ is our mediator. We don't have to go through this ceremony, because Christ's blood was sufficient for our own ordination into priesthood.  Our responsibility, however is to take our roles as priests with as much respect and gravity as was required of Aaron and his sons.

In chapter 30 we see that God is forming them into an organized, civilized society.  They will take a census and also contribute by giving money.  The money (another mention of a ransom for sins) will be used for the tent of meeting.

I am always interested and thrilled by the mention of God's senses. We have seen in the past chapters that he is aware of beautiful color, fine metals, and luxurious fabrics.  In this section, we learn about his sense of smell.  The oils and incense that he requires has a special recipe that is never to be used for personal reasons.  I bet it smells good, if he had to make that rule.

Chapter 31
Again, in verse 3, God reminds us that He is the source of their artistic abilities.  God gave them (and you!) these gifts to serve Him. 

One reason for the emphasis on the Sabbath day, is that it is a reminder that it is God who provides.  When we rest on Sunday (our whatever day we use as sabbath) we choose to trust that God will provide for that day.  It is also a way of communing with God by following His example.

Next time: 32-34

Exodus 27-28

Chapter 27
Verse 16 mentions the skills of a weaver, another craftsman (or woman) that God is using for His glory.  He tells them to use linen, which is a fine, strong fabric that accepts dyes vividly and has a royal sheen to it.

The people are going to be required to contribute to the operation of the tabernacle by providing olive oil for the lamps.  Aaron finds out what his official role will be in verse 21.

Chapter 28 Aaron is called to the priesthood.

Verse 3 repeats what we've been noticing about God and His "endowment of the arts". 

The description of the priestly garments is really interesting to me.  Everything is precise and used for a purpose, whether practical or symbolic.  I would have liked to see the pomegranates on the hem of the garments, alternating with tinkling bells.

I'm amused by what seems to be the invention of boxer shorts in verse 42.  And the commandment that all of Aaron's descendants should wear them.

Next time: Exodus 29-31  We are moving right along!

Exodus 24-26

Chapter 24
The people of Israel are called God--in various distances away from the mountain.  Notice in verse 8 that Moses sprinkled the blood of the covenant on the people.  I guess that's one way to keep from forgetting something!

The visual in verse 10 is really cool.  It looks like God's feet are standing on a pavement of sapphire. 

Verse 18 I had forgotten that Moses was up in the mountain for so long.  40 days and 40 nights.  This is a significant number to God.  Like 3, 7, or 12.

Chapter 25
God announces His intent to have a tabernacle.  A sanctuary where God could dwell among His people.  He gives very specific instructions for the construction of the ark.  This section of scripture gives us something else to love about God.  He is detailed, appreciates beauty, and is ultimately creative.

Through building the tabernacle, the ark, and the other holy articles that are to come, he is allowing human beings to join Him in creation.  It is a form of fellowship and worship.  There are specific talents and gifts that God has given us--whether is is sewing, painting, scrapbooking, party planning...there are tons of them--that we can use to worship God.  I am really interested in finding out what this means in my own life.  I was thinking of posting my ideas within this Bible Study entry, but I have too much to say, and I don't want it to get in here.  Look for that post in the next couple of days.  Okay, back to the story--

All of the items in verse 29 were made of pure gold.  Remember when the Israelites left Egypt?  They took with them all of their gold, and thus plundered the Egyptians?  That booty wasn't for their own glory--they are to lay it all at the feet of God for Him to use as he pleases.  This is a great thing to remember in our American society.  Any wealth that God provides for us should be given back to Him--not just as a tithe or offering, but all of it used to glorify Him. 

Chapter 26
It meantions the use of goat hair in the making of the curtains.  Before you start thinking God has lost his sense of taste for a moment, remember that two very fine fibers come from goats--mohair and cashmere.  These were luxurious curtains.

Does anyone know what are the porpoise skins refered to in verse 14?  Surely they are not what we know as porpoise.  But I guess I could be wrong.

Next time: Exodus 27-28 We continue with the tabernacle, as well as the priesthood.

Exodus 21-23

The next three chapters are for the Hebrews to use as laws in their everyday disputes.  These are just like the laws in our own government.  And just like our laws reflect the issues that our citizens face, by reading these laws, we understand the issues that the Hebrews faced in their lives.  Many of them are different from ours--but some are very familiar.  All of them help to reveal to us the justness of God.

Chapter 21
Verse 22 reveals the value that God has for the unborn.  Life for life.  Bruise for bruise.

I thought the goring oxen in 28-29 were interesting.  The owner wasn't responsible unless the ox was in the habit of goring.  That sounds funny, huh?  But replace "ox" to "pit bull"  and these laws start to make a lot more sense to us.

Since we have been looking for clues that point to Christ, lets look at verse 30.  A man condemned to die could pay a ransom to save his life (if the offended party agrees.)  The New Testament says that Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many.  We were condemned to die because of our offenses toward God.  But he allowed us to use Jesus' life (his own son!) as a ransom so that we could live.  See how reading the Old Testament helps understand the New Testament more easily?

Chapter 22
Verse 17 refers to the dowry for a virgin.  I guess a virgin would cost more to marry than a woman in another state.  This would explain the tradition I've heard about where the sheets from the wedding night are hung for the town to see.  If the maiden's blood isn't there, I guess the dad has to pay back some of the dowry?

Verse 22--the careful treatment of widows.  Basically, if you mistreat them, God will make your own family just like them by taking your life.  Notice that God isn't leaving this up to the government to punish.  He'll become angry and kill them with His sword.  Wow.

Verse 28--Do not curse God or the ruler of your people.  This is one to remember in our own culture.  God appoints leaders for his own purpose, and we are to respect them, no matter how they lead.  Respect isn't agreement, though.

Chapter 23
God refers to the place he is preparing for them--the promised land--in verse 20.  When the Israelites get there, it will not be a wild, tangled mess.  He has people living there now--planting, cultivating, and building, so that when His people arrive, the work will already be done.  They'll just unpack their stuff and start living.

In verse 26 God promises that there will be no barrenness or miscarriages among them.  We have to remember that the fruit of the womb is in God's hands, and His alone.  Whether we want badly to have a child, or want badly not to, he has control over whether that will happen.  I've been asked many times how many kids we are planning to have, and my answer is always that we don't know.  We practice a form of birth control, but we don't put any kind of trust in it. God decides those kinds of things.

Okay, so next time:  Exodus 24-26  These chapters may seem monotonous and abstract, but read them carefully, and I'm sure that you can find something that will bless your own life.  Let me know how you're doing, too.  Does everyone like the pace that we are using?  Should we slow down?  Speed up?  Let me know!  We are doing this together.
Anna

Exodus 18-20

Chapter 18
In this chapter we get to know Moses' father-in-law, Jethro.  During the exodus, Moses' wife and sons stayed with him, and now he has returned them to Moses.

Since they left Egypt, Moses has been playing judge over all of the disputes.  For 600,000 Israelites.  Jethro suggests that he set up a system of delegation, and we see the beginning of a government system take place.  He wasn't to appoint just anyone, though.  They will be chosen through careful consideration of character. He'll teach them the ways of God, so that they'll have the knowledge to act as judges in their areas.  Jethro is a wise man, and good counsel for Moses.  Now Moses is free to do what God wants--something only Moses can do.  (Like write the Bible, perhaps.)

This concept of delegation is important in many aspects of life--especially service.  Don't let the fact that you are running VBS, for example, make you insane and worn out.  There are planning and administration issues that only you can deal with.  But the decorating, recruiting, singing, teaching, and advertising, can be issued to others who are waiting to be asked for help.

Chapter 19
God meets Moses on the mountain.  Have you ever been to camp, or a retreat, and left feeling really close to God--pumped up and excited to serve Him?  That's what we call a "mountain-top experience", and this is where we get that term.

God gives Israel the choice--whether they want to be his chosen people.  This chapter reminds us of the true power of God--something we can't even understand.  He is so bright, strong, and radiant, that we would be killed instantly in His physical presence.

Chapter 20
This is another very familiar chapter, that we might be tempted to skim over.  Make sure that you read the commandments carefully.  Verse 5 refers to God as a jealous God.  I heard someone (Oprah) say recently that the description of God as jealous is what turned her off of main-stream Christianity.  But this isn't the selfish, bitter jealousy that we know as human beings.  This is a fierce, protective jealousy--like that of a husband toward his wife.  He doesn't want her to go to other men.  He wants her heart, completely. He wants to be the only man in her life. If she loves other men, their reltationship will be weak and meaningless.  That's what it means that God is jealous.  He knows that worship of other gods (or idols) only leads to death, and separation from Him.  He can't tolerate that, because of his love for us.  I wouldn't want to serve a God who wasn't jealous.

Within chapter 20, God reveals the beginning of the Law, and also provides a way to be cleansed from the sinfulness of breaking the law, through the alters and sacrifices.  The Law didn't create sin.  These things were sins before Exodus 20.  But now God is defining sin for them.  This way they know what to avoid, and also realize their need for redemption when they don't.

I want to end with a note on verse 26.  It's funny, but also something to think about.  The last thing we need to do is cause others to sin while we are being forgiven for ours!  A good lesson for all about modesty--especially in church.  (And don't wear knee-length skirts when you sing on stage at church!)

Next time:21-23

Exodus 14-17

Chapter 14
God took the Israelites in a direction that didn't make sense to Pharaoh.  They were heading toward the sea, so they must be lost, right?

The people see Pharaoh and his army behind them, and they freak out.  They can see the pillar of God in front of them, but they forget to trust that he will protect them.  They have been "without Him" for so long that He has to keep reintroducing Himself to them.  Assuring them of His protection.  Six hundred (and more) chariots would have been a formidable sight. But the reality is that that stuff is just smoke and mirrors--the illusion of power.  But it is still only flesh and blood that threatens them.  God is the only real power.

In verse 13, God isn't asking them to do anything--just stand back and watch Him deliver them.  I am in love with this next verse, and I think I might make it my theme verse for Exodus.  "The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."  That sends chills through my spine.  We don't have to do it ourselves.  We can't do it ourselves, so let's just stand back and watch him fight for us!

As you read about the parting of the Red Sea, don't let the familiarity of the story make it seem unremarkable.  This is the power of God.  How could Pharaoh (or any man) seem like a threat after we witness something like this.  A wall of water on either side, while they walked across on dry land!

Verse 30--the dead on the seashore.  There's something we don't mention in the children's story!

Chapter 15
This a really cool song.  I hope you read it carefully.  There are tons of ways to praise God in here. My favorite is verse 8.  At the blast of your nostrils.  Something that is impossible for man is nothing for God.

In response to the song, Moses' sister Miriam leads the women in dance and worship.  They are singing and making music and dancing in worship to their God.  I love singing in church.  I love the poetry of the hymns.  But that is not the worship that we see here.  They have just been saved by the mighty hand of God, and the appreciation, wonder, and adoration is spilling out of them.  Don't you want to experience worship like that?

Chapter 16
The biggest problem the people have here is that they are grumbling when they should be praying.  There is only negative power in grumbling, but we still do it. 

Something really cool happens in verses 18-21.  God starts playing with their measuring system.  If someone gathered extra manna, it would all fit into the omer, with none left over.  If someone only gathered a little, it would still fill up the omer.  If they tried to gather extra and save it for tomorrow, it would go bad in the night. God is teaching them to rely only on Him.

God has been doing this with me and Donnie since we went into the ministry.  Except instead of manna, he's been teaching us total reliance through money.  Let's just say that He keeps us on a short leash.  When we get a little saved up, something goes wrong with the car, and we have to spend it on that.  In the same way, when it looks like ends are just not going to meet at the end of the month, money turns up (usually in the perfect amount) from someone who felt led by God to send it to us.  We're not bad stewards--altough I can't say that we never spend money that we shouldn't--but God is taking us through a season of life where we are forced to rely on him for our future.  To be honest, I kind of like it.  So this passage about the manna seems really familiar to me.

Chapter 17
Again, God's people are grumbling when they should be praying.  Moses sends Joshua out to fight Amalek.  Remember that name?  He's probably a descendant of Esau.  The two brothers are still fighting, as they were in the womb!

So Moses notices that when he raises his hands, his people do well in battle, but when he lowers them, they start to lose.  So he keeps his hands in the air ALL DAY LONG!  And when he gets tired, his friends sit by him and hold his hands.  What a cool example of bearing each other's burdens and being there to support your friends.

In verse 14, God tells Moses to add something to the book.  Moses is the author of the first five books of the Bible, so he would have been writing during the 40 years that they were in the desert.

Keep going! You're doing great!  When you read this, leave me a comment.  Just something that says. "I'm here!"  I want to know who's with me.  Even if you are reading this much later than I posted it.  I guess I need the boost.  Kinda like Moses on the hill.

Next time:  Exodus 18-20