Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 15 we read about the prophet Miriam! You'll recall from Exodus chapter 2 that Miriam watched Pharaoh's daughter draw Moses from the Nile when he was a baby and Miriam wisely suggested that she find a Hebrew nurse for the baby (Moses' mom). We'll read about Miriam again in Numbers chapter 12 with a very interesting interaction with Aaron, Moses & God - you can read about it now at this link. Other female prophets we will read about in Bible include Deborah (Judges 4:4), Isaiah's wife (Isaiah 8:3), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36) and Philips daughters (Acts 21:9). Below is an image of Miriam's song:
Verse 26 stood out to me in this chapter: "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you." It seems to me that here the Israelites are getting a foreshadowing of the Laws to come. "Listen to God - do what is right in his sight. And you will not suffer. I will heal you." We'll dive more into this when we get to the Laws - but, I'll say this now and repeat it often - I do believe that the Laws for the Israelites, as we even see in this verse, were born out of compassion from God. God wanted to preserve and care and heal his people - and imagine living in a desert for 40 years, coming out of slavery... the laws were beneficial for your very well being and life!
Today in Exodus chapter 16 we read about Manna and Quail from heaven. Verses 29 & 30 were powerful for me today, as God speaks about the Sabbath: ""Do they not realize that I have given them the seventh day, the Sabbath, as a day of rest? That is why I give you twice as much food on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must stay in your places. Do not pick up food from the ground on that day." So the people rested on the seventh day." You will probably read on this blog over and over and over again about the Sabbath... I am a huge fan of the concept! And such a poor practitioner of it... I honestly think the Sabbath is one of the most compassionate things God ever created for us. And, don't get me wrong - my personal view is not legalistic in the sense of the Sabbath.... But.... personally, I think the Sabbath is just such a blessing of a gift to us. And I think we - I - us - humans - often do such a bad job of really taking a Sabbath. Really taking 1 day a week to really rest and relax and be with God. Recently I read in our local newspaper about a Hasidic Jewish rapper who came through our town on tour - yes, seriously, there is a Hasidic Jewish rapper who is getting hugely popular nationally. Anyhow, the article - in our secular newspaper - wrote about how this rapper will not perform on Fridays or Saturdays in observance of the Jewish Sabbath Law - and Hasidic Jews strongly observe most all of the Laws still today (I believe... except for animal sacrifices - simply because there is not the Temple in Jerusalem today for the sacrifices). Anyhow - I'm going off on some tangents here - but, the point is, that when I read about how this guy will not perform shows on the 2 best money-making nights of the week for concerts, because of his observance of the Sabbath - I dare say his love of God and his appreciation of the Sabbath - it really struck me. And it really reminded me of how really really bad I am at truly resting and being with God 1 day a week. And I'm not feeling guilty about this per se... but maybe I am feeling convicted... :) Basically - I am feeling that God is really calling me to slow down and simply rest and be with him 1 day a week. A Sabbath.
Verse 31 quick comment - "In time, the food became known as manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey cakes." I love that manna means "What is it?"! That is awesome... I think you'll notice throughout our Bible readings this year that names can often be very descriptive of locations, happenings, personalities - and can even be simple questions like "What is it??" Great commentary on Exodus chapter 16 entitled "Boot Camp and "C" Rations" :) is online at bible.org at this link. Below is "The Gathering of Manna" from 1614 by the Italian painter Guido Reni:
New Testament - Today we read in Matthew chapter 22 the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. This parable has always been so convicting to me personally. It's basically about a king preparing an amazing feast at a wedding banquet, and inviting a ton of people to come to the feast. But - the people don't accept the invitation! They are "too busy" – taking care of their fields and their businesses. And I think about this parable in my own life. Am I sometimes "too busy" to accept Jesus' invitation to be with him? Am I sometimes too focused on my work or my social life or other distractions? Do I get myself so "distracted" that I don't spend time with Jesus? And in doing this, am I missing out on an amazing spiritual feast? How about you? Do you believe that Jesus is inviting you to spend more time with him? Are you "too busy" to do so? Do you believe that spending time with Jesus will actually be an amazing spiritual feast for your soul? Will you accept Jesus' invitation to the wedding banquet?
In verse 21 we read Jesus' famous line ""give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." What you may not realize about the preceding verses is that the Pharisees and the supporters of Herod were trying to trap Jesus. Per the OYB Companion commentary, The Pharisees, a religious group, opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine. The followers of Herod - or Herodians - were a political party that supported the policies of Rome and Herod Antipas. Normally these 2 groups did not get along at all - but they united here to try to trap Jesus. If Jesus had said it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Pharisees would say he is opposed to God. And if Jesus had said the taxes should not be paid, the Herodians would have had him arrested. Jesus answer amazed them both... Below is an image of the Denarius (Roman coin) of Tiberius Caesar. Tiberius (42 B.C. - A.D. 37) became Roman Emperor in A.D. 14. This would have been the picture on the coin shown to Jesus, when he asked in verse 20: "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?"
Psalms - Psalm 27 verse 13 is so beautiful - "Yet I am confident that I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living." Do you have this same confidence? What are some examples of how you have seen God's goodness here in the land of the living? What are some examples of how you are sharing God's goodness with others here in the land of the living?
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 6 verse 23 should make each of us rejoice in this amazing blessing of reading - and learning! - from the One Year Bible here in 2008! "For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life." Are you learning as you have read the Bible this past month? Is reading the Bible each day changing your relationship with God? Is it changing your behavior in any way? Is reading the Bible a lamp to light the way ahead of you? Will reading the Bible each day change the way you live the rest of your life? Do you believe that the correction of discipline is the way to life? Will you embrace and pray for and accept God's holy and divine correction of discipline in your life this year?
Worship God: Somehow my reflections on the Sabbath today reminded me of the MercyMe song "I Can Only Imagine," when we'll meet our true rest and eternal Sabbath in heaven with Jesus!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week:"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 NIV
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on God's words about the Sabbath in our Exodus readings today, do you take a Sabbath? What do you do - or not do - on the Sabbath? Does it bless the other 6 days of your week? How long have you been in the habit of taking a Sabbath? Is it hard to get in the habit? Any other "tricks of the trade" you can share with all of us about taking a Sabbath? Please post up any wisdom you can share about your Sabbath habits in the Comments section below! Thanks! You can change our weekly habits here with your Comments! :) Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 13 verse 17 we read what I found to be an intriguing verse: "When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." That last sentence really stood out to me. It makes sense. It was wise for God to do this. But... then I think about our lives today. What if we are faced with a challenging spiritual battle our lives? Will we change our minds about God and return to our "Egypts"? Our Egypts might be the places where we are / were comfortable - enslaved to a sin though we may have been. As I think more about this, I do believe that God is sensitive in our lives, just as he was in the Israelites lives in this verse, as to what we can handle. I do not think he will send us a temptation or a trial greater than we can bear. But I also know that trials do come. And I pray that as the trials come, that we don't go back to our "Egypts"! but that we press on toward the "Promised Land". Below are a couple of maps - both showing the "traditional" routes of the Exodus. There have been some other routes suggested in recent years - if anyone has thoughts/info on these alternate routes, please post up in the Comments below.
In verse 21 we read: "The LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night." Do you sing in your church the worship song, "Lord you're leading me. With a cloud by day. And in the night. Glow of a burning flame. Everywhere I go I see you. Everywhere I go I see you."? I LOVE this song - and today we read about where this song came from. (I think this song is on one of Michael W Smith's Worship CD's as well) God's presence was made manifest among the Israelites in the cloud by day:
And in the pillar of fire by night:
Imagine seeing these pillars of cloud by day or fire by night and being led by God out of Egypt and in the desert! And then in Exodus chapter 14 we read about the parting of the Red Sea. Great commentary on Exodus chapter 14 and the Red Sea is at bible.org at this link.
In Exodus chapter 15 we read an amazing song that Moses and the Israelites sing to God after passing safely through the Red Sea! Some commentaries say that this is the oldest recorded song in the world! Music played an important part in Israel’s celebration and worship. Does music play an important part in your celebration and worship of God? (I know not everyone is musically inclined, so don’t feel bad if this is not a yes.) In what ways does worship music manifest itself in your life? In church, do you really sing the songs to God and God only? And not worry about what your voice sounds like to your neighbors? In your car, do you ever bust out with some loud and true worship singing to God? How do you typically "sing" your praise to the Lord? (couldn't resist this photo below... :)
The other comment to make on the song in chapter 15 is that this song seems to be a very significant development in the relationship of the people of Israel and God. The people of Israel now seem to really embrace and worship God as their God as we see in verse 2: "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father's God, and I will exalt him!" Wow... I love that language. Is God your strength? And your song? Commentary on The Song of the Sea and Exodus chapter 15 is at bible.org at this link.
New Testament - Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 21 verses 31 & 32 is convicting: "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him." This last sentence is so important for our relationship with Jesus. Have we turned from our sins? Do we believe Jesus' teachings are showing us the way to life? Do we believe that Jesus is who he said he was? Do we believe that Jesus can heal us now and free us now from what enslaves us today? And do we believe that Jesus literally gives us the gift of life everlasting? Below is an image of "The Parable of the Vineyard" by John S. C. Abbott and Jacob Abbott from the Illustrated New Testament (1878):
Verse 42 is so beautiful as Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22-23: "Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? `The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous to see.'" And Jesus - like the son of the farmer in the parable just before this verse - was rejected and murdered. However, Jesus didn't remain dead - he rose on the third day and today he is the cornerstone of Christianity. He is the cornerstone of our churches. And probably the biggest question each of us needs to ask ourselves - Is Jesus the cornerstone of our life? Is he the foundation in our life which anchors and directs everything else we do? If Jesus is the cornerstone of our lives, then indeed as this verse closes with, it is marvelous to see! Commentary on the Story of Two Sons in today's Matthew readings is online at bible.org at this link.
Psalms - Today in Psalm 26 verse 2 we read: "Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections." What a powerful reflection from David - God, test my motives and affections. What are your motives? Why do you do what you do in life? Whom are you doing it all for? What are your affections? Who do you pledge your loyalties to? Who do you give your heart to? Where are you investing your time, treasure and talents? Have you ever asked God to test your motives and affections?
Verse 8 of this Psalm reminds me of my church and I pray it reminds you of your church as well: "I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glory shines." Wow... the place where God's glory shines! Yes, I do believe this happens in our churches - even if we maybe don't notice it sometimes. When we come together as the body of Christ each week, God's glory shines! Will you take a moment to really pay attention to God’s glory shining in your church as you attend a service this upcoming weekend?
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 6 verses 16 and 19 stand out to me - "There are six things the LORD hates--no, seven things he detests.....a person who sows discord among brothers." This last portion of the list reminds me that each day we can either spread courage/love/positivity or fear/hate/negativity in our lives to those around us. And I realize that we potentially do some/all of these things at various points in our day or lives. But, I do believe that as followers of Jesus we should be striving to only sow unity among brothers and sisters - and not discord. We should be sowing courage - love - positivity in Christ to others. Investing in others. Building others up. Being Jesus to others. And not sowing discord. What type of seeds are you sowing each day in your life to those around you?
Worship God: Based on my Exodus 13:21 reflection above, here's Michael W. Smith's song "I see you" set to some beautiful images!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 NIV
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Back to my reflections above on music from the song in Exodus 15 - One thing I personally struggle with is listening to worship / Christian music versus secular music. I grew up listening to all the 80’s / early 90’s bands you could think of. And I have come to realize that many of the lyrics from these bands are really full of hopelessness, existentialism, sexuality, addiction, narcissism, etc. And yet, for some reason I typically still like the tunes... I had one friend tell me that after he became a Christian he literally threw away most of his CD collection - which was all secular CD's. I guess I still sometimes struggle with being in the world and not of the world. What do you think is the line of listening to / enjoying secular music, versus it literally being bad for you? Please let me know your thoughts on secular music - do you listen to it? Do you avoid it? Are you cautious about it in any way? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
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