I started writing this because I am at a point in my life where I feel like I am wandering in the desert, and never quite getting to the promised land. Something drastically changed in my life, and I need to break from the past and move toward the future God is calling me to. But I feel stuck in the desert. For this reason I decided to look again at the Israelites journey. The book God Chasers talked about the pilgrimage being necessary for God to change the Israelites into a nation. That fascinated me. I wanted to look at the steps God took in their lives and see what application there could be to mine. Maybe then I can fast forward the forty year journey and get to my promised land much quicker.
Chapter 13 says that when they first left Egypt God took them in a round about way rather than along the direct route. Taking the direct route would bring them into Philistine territory which could have caused a battle. God knew the Israelites were not prepared for battle and would have run back to the familiar ways of slavery before pushing on.
It is not new to me that following God rarely takes us on the well traveled road. I guess I've always thought of it as a way of testing our faith. To follow him despite common sense. To be willing to endure. To strengthen us. I never really imagined it as him saving us from something that might make us run. However, when I think about the emotional state I've been in and out of for the past year or so, I must say that I'm sure that would be a useful strategy to get me through. I am not the warrior chick that I wish I was. I needed time to follow safely and not be crushed like a bug. I'm grateful that he was looking ahead and guiding me as only he would know to do.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Exodus 12
Wow, this is a long chapter, and there is a lot in it. There is a lot to be said about the angels destroying the Egyptian gods. It's been somewhat of a theme throughout the plagues and speaks to His jealousy and possessiveness. There is more to say about the rituals of the Passover. But what I choose to focus on is how God is paving a new way for the Israelites.
The first instruction is that they are going to change their calendar so that their new year starts in spring. I suppose that the Israelites are hopeful and doubtful at the same time. They've been stuck for so long. Time after time Pharaoh has been stubborn. Why would they believe that this time would be any different? Being commanded to change their calendar makes a very significant statement that things will be different from here on out. This, along with the detailed instructions for Passover would be constant reminders to them of what God has done for them. Not only that, but they were serving him, no longer subject to the power of Pharaoh. I can imagine that the tendency would be to fall into the rituals of their lives of slavery, knowing nothing else. But God gave them a new path, a new calendar, new traditions. I think this is an important example for us. When we leave an old habit or season of life, it's important to change some things and replace some things in order for us to move forward. We need to be intentional, not just suppose that our lives will move forward because we will them to or think they should. A clear and detailed plan for a new path needs to be made and followed.
The first instruction is that they are going to change their calendar so that their new year starts in spring. I suppose that the Israelites are hopeful and doubtful at the same time. They've been stuck for so long. Time after time Pharaoh has been stubborn. Why would they believe that this time would be any different? Being commanded to change their calendar makes a very significant statement that things will be different from here on out. This, along with the detailed instructions for Passover would be constant reminders to them of what God has done for them. Not only that, but they were serving him, no longer subject to the power of Pharaoh. I can imagine that the tendency would be to fall into the rituals of their lives of slavery, knowing nothing else. But God gave them a new path, a new calendar, new traditions. I think this is an important example for us. When we leave an old habit or season of life, it's important to change some things and replace some things in order for us to move forward. We need to be intentional, not just suppose that our lives will move forward because we will them to or think they should. A clear and detailed plan for a new path needs to be made and followed.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Exodus 11
This had to be the last time Moses spoke to Pharaoh. Pharaoh had already threatened his life. Through Moses, God spoke about the final plague, the death of every first born.
I almost skipped over the part about the Israelites demanding silver and gold from their Egyptian neighbors. In reading a commentary it said that the Israelites were so happy to leave under any terms that they would not have had any problem leaving without demanding their wages. But God did take issue with that and ordered them to demand it. It said, "One way or the other, God will give redress to the injured, who in a humble silence commit their cause to him." I don't know about you, but I have many times, whether at work or in relationship, have accepted my lot as someone taken advantage of or unfairly treated. I just accepted it as if there were no other choice. Maybe even as something that a "good christian" does. But God says no. He will fight for us. He will see that the wages are paid one way or the other. Exodus tells us that the Israelites found favor in the eyes of the Egyptians and that Moses was considered "great." I love a good underdog story.
Moses tells Pharaoh of the plague. At midnight the next night the first born of every household will die. It is not something that Moses needs to raise his staff over and declare. The Lord himself will do it. Nothing can stop it. Can you imagine what that would be like as a parent? Pharaoh couldn't hide it. His advisers respect Moses. They would have spread the word. You would have known the fate of your child and you would have spent every moment watching and waiting. I'm sure every Egyptian that could get to Pharaoh to beg for their child's life tried, but Pharaoh's heart was hard. Their fate was sealed.
I almost skipped over the part about the Israelites demanding silver and gold from their Egyptian neighbors. In reading a commentary it said that the Israelites were so happy to leave under any terms that they would not have had any problem leaving without demanding their wages. But God did take issue with that and ordered them to demand it. It said, "One way or the other, God will give redress to the injured, who in a humble silence commit their cause to him." I don't know about you, but I have many times, whether at work or in relationship, have accepted my lot as someone taken advantage of or unfairly treated. I just accepted it as if there were no other choice. Maybe even as something that a "good christian" does. But God says no. He will fight for us. He will see that the wages are paid one way or the other. Exodus tells us that the Israelites found favor in the eyes of the Egyptians and that Moses was considered "great." I love a good underdog story.
Moses tells Pharaoh of the plague. At midnight the next night the first born of every household will die. It is not something that Moses needs to raise his staff over and declare. The Lord himself will do it. Nothing can stop it. Can you imagine what that would be like as a parent? Pharaoh couldn't hide it. His advisers respect Moses. They would have spread the word. You would have known the fate of your child and you would have spent every moment watching and waiting. I'm sure every Egyptian that could get to Pharaoh to beg for their child's life tried, but Pharaoh's heart was hard. Their fate was sealed.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Exodus 10
Before I started this devotional on Exodus I found the numerous plagues fascinating. Now, having to write about them I find myself saying, "Come on, already! I get it. Pharaoh is stupid. A plague comes, people suffer, Pharaoh begs, Pharaoh makes promise, Pharaoh breaks promise, and the cycle starts again." Just as I'm thinking that though, the Lord reminds us that this is about something bigger. He is creating a story that will be remembered and told forever.
At this point we also see Pharaoh's officials appealing to him and trying to get him to see that his actions are leaving Egypt in ruins. Pharaoh starts to give concessions to the Israelites. First he tells them they can go, but they cannot bring their children. Moses stands his ground, stating they will not leave their children. Pharoah says no. So the plague of locusts comes. Next he says they can go, but they need to leave their livestock. I probably would have taken that deal and ran, I'm not a very good negotiator. But Moses says no. Pharaoh gets angry and kicks them out, telling them that the next time he sees Moses' face he will kill him. Hmmm, what do you think will happen next? Seriously, what did Pharaoh think would happen?
How often do we do that to God though? His Word clearly speaks about actions and consequences yet I know we all have times that we think that we can get away with something if we just refuse to acknowledge the truth. The truth is that our actions, or lack thereof, will catch up to us.
At this point we also see Pharaoh's officials appealing to him and trying to get him to see that his actions are leaving Egypt in ruins. Pharaoh starts to give concessions to the Israelites. First he tells them they can go, but they cannot bring their children. Moses stands his ground, stating they will not leave their children. Pharoah says no. So the plague of locusts comes. Next he says they can go, but they need to leave their livestock. I probably would have taken that deal and ran, I'm not a very good negotiator. But Moses says no. Pharaoh gets angry and kicks them out, telling them that the next time he sees Moses' face he will kill him. Hmmm, what do you think will happen next? Seriously, what did Pharaoh think would happen?
How often do we do that to God though? His Word clearly speaks about actions and consequences yet I know we all have times that we think that we can get away with something if we just refuse to acknowledge the truth. The truth is that our actions, or lack thereof, will catch up to us.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Exodus 9
We see three more plagues in this chapter due to Pharaoh's stubbornness. The first is the plague against livestock. Certain livestock were worshiped in Egypt. Apparently temples were even built for them. So, not only did the death of these livestock cost them financially, but it was a great blow to their superstition.
The second was the plague of boils. Even the magicians were plagued with this one. Nothing could be done, but Pharaoh still would not relent.
The third was the plague of hail. Now, imagine you are one of the Egyptian people. You've seen the river turn to blood, you put up with frogs and flies and your livestock is dead. You're recovering from boils. You are told another plague is coming and you really need to bring your livestock and your servants inside or they will die. What would you do? On one hand, a storm like this in Egypt is unheard of, so maybe you can say there is some lack of comprehension on their part. Still, after everything you have experienced hasn't "unheard of" defined this entire experience? Yet some ignored the warning and left their livestock and servants out to die.
As foolish as I believe these Egyptians were, I do recognize a similar foolish streak in myself. When my heart and mind are set in a particular direction and I hear that heavenly warning to change course something rises up in me against that voice. For just a moment my spirit turns to say, "Oh, yeah, what are you going to do about it?" Luckily I've never taken it too far, but I recognize the defiance in me just the same. I know that same foolishness that the Egyptians are showing here is inside me and inside all of us. We've all been warned against something and chosen our arrogant foolishness instead at some point. We have a way of spinning our tales of woe and interweaving our emotions through them that allow people to side with us, but if we stopped camouflaging the situation and just presented it as it is - choice, action, consequence - then we would have to hang our head in shame at our own foolishness and we would be grieved at how prevalent it is around us. Our heart would ache at how avoidable so much suffering is allowed into this world because of our own foolishness.
The second was the plague of boils. Even the magicians were plagued with this one. Nothing could be done, but Pharaoh still would not relent.
The third was the plague of hail. Now, imagine you are one of the Egyptian people. You've seen the river turn to blood, you put up with frogs and flies and your livestock is dead. You're recovering from boils. You are told another plague is coming and you really need to bring your livestock and your servants inside or they will die. What would you do? On one hand, a storm like this in Egypt is unheard of, so maybe you can say there is some lack of comprehension on their part. Still, after everything you have experienced hasn't "unheard of" defined this entire experience? Yet some ignored the warning and left their livestock and servants out to die.
As foolish as I believe these Egyptians were, I do recognize a similar foolish streak in myself. When my heart and mind are set in a particular direction and I hear that heavenly warning to change course something rises up in me against that voice. For just a moment my spirit turns to say, "Oh, yeah, what are you going to do about it?" Luckily I've never taken it too far, but I recognize the defiance in me just the same. I know that same foolishness that the Egyptians are showing here is inside me and inside all of us. We've all been warned against something and chosen our arrogant foolishness instead at some point. We have a way of spinning our tales of woe and interweaving our emotions through them that allow people to side with us, but if we stopped camouflaging the situation and just presented it as it is - choice, action, consequence - then we would have to hang our head in shame at our own foolishness and we would be grieved at how prevalent it is around us. Our heart would ache at how avoidable so much suffering is allowed into this world because of our own foolishness.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Exodus 8
The next plague is the frogs. The Egyptian god Ptha has the face of a frog. Coincidence?
First, I have to laugh, because the magicians solution to proving they were just as powerful was to bring more frogs. Ha! Yup, that's proving your point. Problem solved. Not!
I've always understood how gross the plague was. Yup, they would be everywhere. I can imagine having to watch where you step. How unsanitary your kitchen would suddenly be. Trying to sleep knowing that you are going to be hopped on. What I didn't think about before now was the noise factor. It must have been pretty loud with all of that croaking. No one would have slept. This brings it from gross inconvenience to a crisis situation. Pharaoh begs Moses, and promises to let the people go. The plague is lifted and Pharaoh has a change of heart. The solution? Gnats. The magicians finally admit that this is an act of God, but Pharaoh's heart remains hard.
Next comes the flies. This time God spares the Israelites. Flies are everywhere except in the land of Goshen as proof of God's power. Pharaoh again calls to Moses. They negotiate and Pharaoh agrees to his terms. Moses calls on God and the flies are removed.
I wonder how Moses is feeling at the point. I doubt he feels victorious. He must be getting a good read on the situation. I'm sure he is fully expecting for Pharaoh to change his mind, but what about the relationship between Moses and the Israelites. They can no longer deny that something is happening. There were probably rumors that the Egyptian magicians had admitted defeat. Plus, the Israelites were spared the latest plague. Are they warming up to Moses? Are they starting to ask questions rather than hurl insults?
First, I have to laugh, because the magicians solution to proving they were just as powerful was to bring more frogs. Ha! Yup, that's proving your point. Problem solved. Not!
I've always understood how gross the plague was. Yup, they would be everywhere. I can imagine having to watch where you step. How unsanitary your kitchen would suddenly be. Trying to sleep knowing that you are going to be hopped on. What I didn't think about before now was the noise factor. It must have been pretty loud with all of that croaking. No one would have slept. This brings it from gross inconvenience to a crisis situation. Pharaoh begs Moses, and promises to let the people go. The plague is lifted and Pharaoh has a change of heart. The solution? Gnats. The magicians finally admit that this is an act of God, but Pharaoh's heart remains hard.
Next comes the flies. This time God spares the Israelites. Flies are everywhere except in the land of Goshen as proof of God's power. Pharaoh again calls to Moses. They negotiate and Pharaoh agrees to his terms. Moses calls on God and the flies are removed.
I wonder how Moses is feeling at the point. I doubt he feels victorious. He must be getting a good read on the situation. I'm sure he is fully expecting for Pharaoh to change his mind, but what about the relationship between Moses and the Israelites. They can no longer deny that something is happening. There were probably rumors that the Egyptian magicians had admitted defeat. Plus, the Israelites were spared the latest plague. Are they warming up to Moses? Are they starting to ask questions rather than hurl insults?
Monday, July 13, 2015
Exodus 7
As much as I did not like Chapter 4, I LOVE Chapter 7. The Lord has just revealed a new name for himself to Moses as a way to underline that He will make good on His promise to their ancestors. Now he tells Moses that He will make him like a god to Pharaoh. Think about it! Here Moses has been quaking in his boots (sandals) in front of the Israelite slaves, he's whined that he can't face Pharaoh, and God tells him in no uncertain terms that it is not Pharaoh who holds the power, but Moses. Sure, if you are willing to be ruled by the circumstances of this world then, yes, Pharaoh holds all the power, but the circumstances mean nothing to our God. Pharaoh only holds the power that God allows him to have, and God says that Moses will be like a God to Pharaoh. That gives me goosebumps. Moses, who has run away and cowered, Moses, who has given excuse after excuse, Moses who won't even speak to the man, Moses, who is 80 years old, yes, that Moses will become like a god to Pharaoh.
Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh. As the Lord said it would be, Pharaoh's heart is hard and refuses to listen, so the plagues start. I was curious about whether or not there was any meaning behind the specific plagues. The first plague was turning the water into blood. It seems that one of Egypt's most revered god was the god of the river. A plague hitting the river would be a show of power over this particular god. It seems it's not just a plague, but a strategy. Of course. :)
Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh. As the Lord said it would be, Pharaoh's heart is hard and refuses to listen, so the plagues start. I was curious about whether or not there was any meaning behind the specific plagues. The first plague was turning the water into blood. It seems that one of Egypt's most revered god was the god of the river. A plague hitting the river would be a show of power over this particular god. It seems it's not just a plague, but a strategy. Of course. :)
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