January 23–Exodus 28-30

“You shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod. . .and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial” (28:12).

Humans need help. Counsel. Assistance. Encouragement. Legal troubles? We consult an attorney. Illness? We call a physician.

Our Spiritual assignment is no different. We are not self-sufficient. God does not intend us to be.

In ancient Israel, God offered needed help through the High Priest. Aaron was the first to serve in this glorious office. Arrayed in beauty, offering sacrifices, burning incense as a symbol of constant prayer, the High Priest assisted the people in their relationship with God. He interceded for them. They (rightly) depended on him and loved him.

The New Testament later declares the failure of this original system. These priests, appointed by men, were, themselves, sinful. Their sacrifices had to be repeated because they could never actually take away sin. See Hebrews 10:11. The truth, however, remained. We all need help, and God is tenderly willing to provide it. Jesus FULFILLS the Old Testament office. Our Savior is the true and unfailing High Priest!

Like Aaron, and more competently than Aaron, JESUS carries the people of God on His shoulders and in His heart into the Holy Place (28:12, 30). HE is “Holy to the Lord,” but also sympathetic because He is “touched with the feelings of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). HE is robed with garments of righteousness and offers His own blood (rather than that of lambs) as the perfect atonement.

Dear Reader, with eyes of faith, do you see Him, today? Your High Priest is standing before the Father! He is representing you, interceding for you! He is your Helper!

Does it give you confidence and courage to have such a glorious and beautiful intercessor? Does it convict you of pride that you would attempt to live without His necessary counsel? Does it convince you that fear is false because we are safe in His powerful hands?

Ancient Israel was given a High Priest. We have One even greater.

“Therefore, He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them”(Hebrews 7:25).

“I need Thee, O, I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee. O, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee” (Robert Lowry).

January 22–Exodus 25-27

“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. . .See that you make them after the pattern for them which was shown to you on the mountain” (25:8,40).

Those who walk with God learn that He has a plan greater than we understand. Higher. More beautiful. “We see through a glass darkly,” said Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:12. Even the most faithful saint has only an elemental appreciation for all that God is doing. “I once was blind,” sings the familiar hymn. “In many ways, I still am,” says a needed second verse.

As Moses continued on the mountain with God, he (and the people) were given a new assignment. They were to raise a contribution and construct a sanctuary. (Hebrew, mik dawsh, “sacred place”).

God is always, in every moment, with us. Even so, He is most particularly and effectively with us in certain places, environments. There are sacred places. As we gather to Him in the places of His choosing, the eternal, infinite and invisible God promises to meet with us there. Is God only at the gathered church house? No, but He is most effectively there. “Where two or three are gathered together, there I will be” (Matthew 18:20).

This being so, Moses is carefully warned not to insert his own wisdom or creativity into the building of the sanctuary. “He was schooled in Egypt, but his wisdom was intellectual and earthly and would not work for him here” (F. B. Meyer). “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit, because they are Spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Moses is commanded to construct the tabernacle “after the pattern.”

Spiritual people are wise to heed this lesson. No pastor should lead the church of God without waiting on the Lord’s word or fully obeying it when it comes. The church needs a pattern. God’s pattern! No believer should be arrogant enough to believe that having received life by the Spirit, he can now accomplish the will of God without God’s wisdom. “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,” says James 1:5.

Churches, Christians and nations are weak to the extent we forget this principle. God has a plan. It is beautiful and wise and deeper than we understand. As sons and soldiers in an invisible kingdom, our task and privilege is to do all things, “after the pattern.”

“The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19).

“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you’ ” (John 2:5).

January 21–Exodus 21-24

“These are the ordinances which you are to set before them” (Exodus 21:1).

Along with the Ten Commandments, God also gave His people civil and ceremonial laws. These laws reveal His commitment to a just society, guided by religious integrity.

While we, people of a new covenant, are not necessarily bound by these ancient civil and ceremonial laws, we ARE instructed by the wisdom reflected in them and by the influence that they have on our own legal system.

Notice, as you read today’s passage, the emphasis placed on the sanctity of life. Notice the provision of capital punishment as a deterrent. “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death” (v. 21:12). God gives this fearful duty to government. “The sword,” Paul calls it in the New Testament.

Notice the respect for family and marriage. The honor required from children for parents.

So many similarities to our day. Property rights. Negligence (including criminal negligence). Laws against theft and trespass. All these still echo in current legal conscience.

Note also the laws protecting virgins, strangers (immigrants), widows and orphans and the poor. All of these were remarkable steps of justice (protection for the most vulnerable) in the ancient world! They are also remarkably relevant instructions for our nation in this moment in time.

Slavery was not prohibited. Regulated but not forbidden. A cause of concern for some. Why did God not speak more directly to this evil? God’s revelation of Himself and His will came gradually. “Progressive revelation,” theologians call it. “It is the New Testament that will finally make the system (slavery) impossible. Not only because of the evil, which is almost inevitable, but because. . .all men are created by one God, redeemed by one blood, and intended for one great family” (F.B. Meyer).

As you read today, will you think deeply about a just society and its benefits? Despite our national cynicism toward government, and the government’s frequent rebellion against the will of God, will you also remember that governmental authority is ordained by God? He tasks government to achieve/maintain a society of justice for all.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

“This book of the LAW shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night. . .then you will make your way prosperous, then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8).

January 20–Exodus 17-20

“Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently” (Exodus 19:18).

Three months after leaving Egypt, the tribes of Israel reached Sinai. At this mountain, months earlier, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3).

At Sinai, the people experienced fear. Don’t miss this. It is intentional on God’s part. Thick smoke! Dark clouds and flashing lightning! Loud trumpet sounds! Repeated warnings not to come too close! The people trembled, and wisely so.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” says Psalm 111:10. An accurate perception of God’s holiness and power causes fear, and becomes the first motivation for human obedience. No one knows the true God nonchalantly. Those who are casual toward Him don’t know Him at all. Godly fear is a necessary concession to reality. It is a synonym for humility.

“Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin” (20:20). Careful readers will notice the apparent contradiction in this verse, and the deep truth. God calls us to reject the fear that would cause us to avoid Him. At the same time, He calls us to embrace the fear that would cause us to avoid sin.

At Sinai the people also experienced love. It was (is) gracious of God to speak His law. His law tells us His expectations. His law communicates the path of blessing and national strength. The Ten Commandments were for our welfare. His law and His love are inseparable. “To prepare the hearts of the people for obedience, God first communicates His love for them”(John Calvin). “I brought you out of Egypt,” the Lord says in 20:2. We obey God because we fear Him. We also obey God because we love Him. We are tied to Him with two strong cords!

At Sinai, a great and holy God called Israel to Himself in both fear and love. The same God calls us today.

“I am governed by higher considerations than either the favor or fear of man. I am impelled to the course I have taken because I fear God” (Elijah Parish Lovejoy).

“When men don’t fear God, they give themselves to evil” (Ray Comfort).

January 19–Exodus 14-16

“This is my God, and I will praise Him. . .the Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name. . .In your lovingkindness, You have led the people who You have redeemed; in your strength, You have guided them to Your holy habitation”(15:2-3,13).

The Red Sea is a picture of salvation. Through God’s power, the believer wakes up on the other side of a formerly impossible barrier. A new life stretches in front of him. Circumstances and people who formerly enslaved him are now defeated.

On the morning after the Red Sea crossing, the people of Israel sang a song of praise. Profitable exercise for God’s people! Praise lifts our eyes to God, causes us to reflect on His goodness, to rejoice in it and declare it to others. Have you been rescued, dear one? Will you sing?

HE is WARRIOR (15:3). The words of Moses’ song emphasized the power of God. Imagine the supernatural force displayed by God’s hand holding back a restless wall of water! Imagine the holy wrath involved in releasing the weight of that water on His enemies. Human armies are like match sticks. Assertive. Competent. Strong. Successful. Our God is.

HE is GUIDE (15:13). God is also tender in His care. The cloud by day and fire by night demonstrated this truth. God knows where we need to go, the right path and schedule to get us there. Our Savior is our Shepherd. “You have guided them to Your holy habitation.”

Warning! Moses taught the people to sing because he knew the danger of a fleshly heart. Despite the goodness of God, many in the camp would soon slip into grumbling unbelief. Unchecked and uncrucified, the old nature will always assert itself and cause trouble. Praise is a daily discipline in the denial of our flesh.

Are you singing, this morning, dear one? Will you?

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God. . .and suddenly there came a great earthquake. . .and immediately all the doors were opened” (Acts 16:25-26).

“O worship the King, all-glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love: our Shield and Defender; the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise. . . Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend!” (Robert Grant).

January 18–Exodus 11-13

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you” (Exodus 12:13).

Passover. What did it mean to Israel? What does it teach us?

It was a Plague. The last of ten destructive events, the death of the first-born forced Pharaoh to release Israel from slavery. Scripture speaks of the terrible wrath of God’s toward men who oppose Him. This world still belongs to Him. He has not surrendered His right to act in power.

It was a Prophecy. A clear foretelling of the death of Christ, in the Passover we see our Savior, the perfect lamb. The blood of an innocent sacrifice marked homes and people safe from judgement. Rich symbolism! In this event, the Author God writes the story of His son into history.

It was a Perpetual obligation. From this moment forward, families were instructed to annually gather and reenact the story. God commands us to remember and retell the heritage of faith to our children. He values family and calls every parent to Spiritual responsibility.

It pointed a Path forward. “You shall eat it. . .with your sandals on”(12:11). From the start, God made it clear that Passover was only the beginning of the required journey. Salvation is both moment in time, and movement over time. Every kindness is God’s call for further growth. True faith is faithful. It continues and moves forward, deepens and matures.

To trust Christ is a pledge to continue to trust Christ. Don’t stop, dear one! Don’t look back or slow your progress! You have miles to go. All of us do. The Passover was the beginning of a path. The Spirit calls us forward.

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promised to keep, And miles to go before I sleep” (Robert Frost).

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

January 17–Exodus 8-10

“How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let my people go!”(10:3).

Pharaoh is an example and picture of un-surrendered man. Even in the face of increasingly costly consequences, He refused to humble himself before God.

Man’s struggle with God is always Spiritual before it is intellectual. We know, subconsciously, what it will mean to our autonomy if we admit that God exists and deserves our allegiance. Like Pharaoh, we refuse to even entertain the idea. The sinful heart resists early and long.

The issue is pride. We insist on being in control, and no amount of pressure or pain can make a person surrender who is unwilling to do so. Humility is a voluntary concession to truth. It embraces a place lower than God, with obligations to God.

Please note, at times the text says, “God hardened his heart.” At others it says, “Pharaoh hardened his heart.” Both. Always, both. It is a dangerous dance. Those who resist God, gradually become hardened. The opportunity for humility is lost, one stubborn response after another. In a progressive and cumulative process, the heart becomes calloused.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). The first step toward life with God is admit His size and significance, His power and standing. Don’t pretend that you are larger than He is. Don’t resist or demand your own way. It is not demeaning to admit the glory of God. It is life-saving.

Pharoah’s pride cost him dearly. Do you see the danger, friend?

“Turn away tonight from your first duty; make postponements. . .raise objections; make conditions. . .Put it on God and upon His servants to wait for you and to make terms with you. . .And your heart will harden like Pharaoh’s heart, till your end is like his” (Alexander Whyte).

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

January 16–Exodus 4-7

” The LORD said, ‘What is that in your hand?’ and he said, ‘A staff’ ” (4:2). “You shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs” (4:17).

Our text today, as we read through the Bible (three pages per day, for a full year), narrates the beginning of Moses’ mission. Will you please pause and read these chapters? The purpose of this blog is to complement/guide your reading of scripture, not to substitute for it.

Do you notice the emphasis on Moses’ staff? A rough wooden stick with a crooked end, the tool of a shepherd, Moses’ staff figured significantly in his life and ministry. God made it significant. When the Red Sea parted, it was the staff that Moses held over the water. When victory came in the battle with Amalek, it was the staff that Moses held up as an inspiration and reminder. Will you circle the times the word appears in today’s reading?

There is a message here. Clearly. Discernible symbolism.

The staff was a reminder to Moses of his former life and failure. Self-sufficiency was a disaster for Moses! (It is for everyone.) His attempts to manage life in his own power took him from privilege in Pharaoh’s house to exile as a shepherd. It was a very low moment. Shepherds were despised by the Egyptian elite. The staff was a reminder to Moses of this painful humiliation and the Spiritual lesson implied.

The Bible says God “forgets” our sin. True in the sense of full forgiveness, protection from condemnation. Not true, I think, in the sense that He doesn’t remember (or want us to) what life was like when “self” was in charge. “For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13). Paul NEVER forgot what it was like to be unsaved and stubborn and proud. Like Moses, Paul’s memories of past failure helped him stay humble.

Sometimes, a gracious God gives us a reminder, a “limp”, a “thorn in the flesh”. See Genesis 32 and 2 Corinthians 12. For Moses, his staff was the physical symbol of a Spiritual lesson, a gracious reminder to walk in humility, to place his confidence in God alone. Ironically, humility became Moses’s strength. “The man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).

Do you remember your former life, dear one? When the Lord reminds you of those days, do you go with him into the memory without resistance? Even if painful, God’s purpose is to teach/reteach you to fully and joyfully depend on Him. When He wounds our pride, it is because He loves us and knows the way to strength!

“When I am weak, then I am strong” ( 2 Corinthians 12:10).

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Readers Notes: If Genesis is the book of beginnings, Exodus is the book of rescue and redemption, a metaphor of our own salvation. As you read Exodus, will you see yourself and your Savior? God bless you as you begin this wonderful book.

January 15– Exodus 1-3

“The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire. . .the bush was burning with fire yet the bush was not consumed” (Ex 3:2, italics mine).

The Bible says that God is eternal. The word literally means “of the ages”. Years come and go, but God remains unchanged. Undiminished. Unspent.

In Exodus 3, God communicates this truth (and His call) to Moses in a fascinating, mysterious, meaning-rich symbol. He appears to Moses in a bush that is on fire (burning) but is not consumed by the experience. Despite the flame, the bush’s life and energy remain full and strong!

The miracle spoke HOPE to Moses’ discouraged heart. Midian was a very low point in his life. He must have felt “burned-out”. Like Israel in slavery, he felt like a victim rather than a victor. The burning bush declared God’s promise of grace. “In Me,” said the All-Mighty, “nothing can destroy you.” “I am unconquerable LIFE, infinitely renewable! From My supernatural supply, I will pour LIFE into you! No matter the intensity or duration of the suffering, I will give you strength to keep going.”

History underscores this truth. Israel’s history, Moses’ experience, the testimony of the church across the ages, all reveal miraculous resilience. God”s people are unconquered because God is unconquerable.

Eternal life does NOT mean that circumstances will never be unfair or disappointing. It means that despite the difficulties, we will be continually renewed in Christ! “Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Have courage, weary saint! The Eternal One comes near with the assurance He gave Moses. The bush was not destroyed because GOD was in it. The same infinitely resilient life is yours in Christ.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

“Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer” (Romans 12:12).

January 14–Genesis 47-50

“Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result. . .I will provide for you and your little ones” (50:19-21).

After years of life, many sorrows and many blessings, Joseph has come to some clear convictions. About people. About God. About himself and his duties. Deep lessons learned.

Men are prone to sin. “You meant evil against me,” he says to his brothers, without any attempt to sugarcoat their behavior. Some propose that all people are “basically good”. Joseph declares the opposite. “There is none righteous, not even one,” says the Scripture. God has reached and pronounced the verdict on the human heart. We cannot be naive regarding the sin. Joseph wasn’t.

God is good. If the Holy One allows painful events, (and He does), He never surrenders the outcomes. He is not conquered by evil. Even in our heartbreaks, a good God is present and active. “Only God is good,” said our Savior to the Rich Young Ruler. See Mark 18. Have you learned the truth of God’s GOODNESS, dear one? Despite the evil around you, your Father intends your welfare and has the power to bring it about.

Love is required. “I will provide for you and your little ones,” said Joseph to his undeserving brothers. Joseph knew. To put himself in God’s place (assuming the role of judge) would be sinful. His duty was to love. No revenge. No retaliation. No grudges. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. . .by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head” (Romans 12:20). Amazing moment! Even before Leviticus commanded it, Joseph discerned the truth. LOVE for God and others is the duty for every believer.

Friend, is the Father teaching you? It is the very goal of discipleship. Over time, through much pain, are you reaching convictions regarding man’s sin and God’s goodness and the obligation of love?

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you” (Zig Ziglar).