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).

January 13–Genesis 43-46

“Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; and the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn to pieces,” and I have not seen him since. If you take this one also from me, and harm befalls him, you will bring my grey hair down to Sheol in sorrow’ “(44:27-29).

The puzzle pieces are fitting together quickly, now! Without revealing his identity, but still searching for answers, Joseph puts his brothers under considerable stress. When he threatens to hold Benjamin (on a trumped-up charge) Judah begins to talk.

Judah begs for Benjamin’s freedom. Doing so, he reveals important information. Jacob, Joseph’s father, was no part of the original plot. In fact, the brothers lied to him. All these years, Jacob thought Joseph was killed by an animal. Years later, he still grieved.

Emotional and liberating moment! Hearing of his father’s love, Joseph found freedom, release from his pain. Sending his Egyptian servants away, with great emotion and many tears, he revealed himself to his brothers. Huge breakthrough! Joseph was a godly and successful man. None of his successes equaled the benefit of this powerful truth.

Not unique to Joseph. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us to call God, “Our Father.” Invisible reality. Like Joseph, when we receive (truly hear) the news that we are LOVED, deeply LOVED by God, healing relief floods into our hearts! In this certainty, we can face the insults and cruelty of the world. Forgiveness and freedom become possible.

Friend, have you, by faith, come to this powerful moment? Do you know this invisible, sorrow-releasing truth? Despite the years and miles and mistakes and sorrows, your Father LOVES you! He grieves for what has happened to you. He sees honestly your sins and the sins of others, but still has plans for you and wants you to come home!

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life. . .nor things present, nor things to come. . .will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38).

“How deep the Father’s love for us, how kind beyond all measure; that He would give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure” (Stuart Townend).

January 12–Genesis 41-42

“Then they said to one another, ‘Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us’. . .They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them” (42:21,23).

Amazing moment! As Joseph (unrecognized by his brothers) listens to their conversation, the puzzle pieces of his life drop into place. His long-asked questions are answered! 

Until this moment, he never knew his brothers felt guilty for their betrayal. He didn’t know that, even after many years, they still thought of him and regretted their actions. It was news to him that Reuben tried to protect him, and that his father and brother were still alive. Such a powerful and emotional moment! When he heard their remorse, Joseph wept, left the room to compose himself.

Friend, do you have similar unanswered questions? Did events happen, even years ago, that still trouble you? Do you carry heart-scars that ache for explanation or justice?

Scripture promises that eventually everything will be revealed. “God will bring to light the things hidden in darkness,” says 1 Corinthians 4:5. All questions, puzzles and confusion will ultimately be chased away in the brilliant light of God’s truth and justice.

We are thankful for the light we have now. In Daniel 9:22, an angel comes to give the prophet “insight and understanding”. Habakkuk had a similar need. Puzzled by the events of his day, he believed that God would help him understand, so he went to a quiet place to ask his question and listen for a response (Habakkuk 2:1).

Even so, in this present hour, our understanding is always partial. We “see through a glass, darkly.” When the Lord comes, He will bring a larger perspective and the missing pieces of the puzzle will be revealed. “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light” (Luke 8:17).

God’s requirement for His children is, therefore, PATIENCE. Like Joseph, we are called to obey and to wait. We trust God’s character AND His calendar!

Does this assurance inspire you? Darkness never has the last word. Ultimately, God will shine light on every heartbreak, every question. Go forward, believing friend! Trust! Obey! Wait! Someday soon all things will be revealed.

“Farther along, we’ll know all about it. Farther along, we’ll understand why. Cheer up, my brother. Live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it all, by and by” (W. B. Stevens).

January 11–Genesis 37-40

“His brothers. . .hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms” (Genesis 37:4).

“The Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it to prosper” (Genesis 39:23).

Joseph is an example of a Spiritual man. His life illustrates for us the trials and the triumph of those who walk by the Spirit.

At an early age, Joseph was aware of God. He dreamed and rightly regarded his dreams as prophesy, communications from God. His brothers resented him for it. They were both jealous and threatened. (Pilate reports the same heart in the enemies of Christ. See Matthew 27:18). From his brother’s animosity came a series of injustices. They assaulted him. Sold him as a slave. “Through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom,” said Paul with both resignation and courage (Acts 14:22). Those who follow Christ will experience opposition.

Despite the dangers, Joseph was blessed. “The Lord was with him.” See 39:2, 21, 23. He flourished in prison. As his dream predicted, his brothers eventually came and bowed down before him. Deep irony of Spiritual life! Our lives will be a strange mix of both conflict and conquest. Difficulty and victory.

It will take time, require patience. Victory will inevitably come to those who walk by the Spirit. “The one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). “The sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow,” are both part of the Spirit’s equation for our lives. (1 Peter 1:11). As a believer, I must never be impatient with the plan of God, nor uncertain of His promises.

Friend, are you willing to follow Christ on these terms? Like Joseph, are you patient in trouble, calm in chaos, certain of victory?

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you. . .as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

“Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is. . .when Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1,4).

January 10–Genesis 34-36

“You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name” (35:10).

Marvelous story! Despite his dysfunction, and that of his family, Jacob continues to take steps forward in sanctification. Grace does not require perfect people or circumstances. Progress is often our best proof of God’s presence.

It has likely been ten years since Jacob returned from Haran. He has not yet paid the vows he promised the Lord at Bethel. See Genesis 28.

His family still has idols. To this moment, Jacob has been too weak to give leadership on this matter. At the call and command of God, however, Jacob challenges his family to, “put away foreign gods,” and journey with him to a place of worship. Powerful moment! A father begins to lead his family toward righteousness.

At Bethel, God bestows on him (again) his new name and the covenant-promises. Jacob means “supplanter, cheater”. Israel means “he fights with God in prevailing prayer”. See Genesis 32. A new name! A strong name!

When we come to Jesus in faith, the Lord has a new name for all of us. This powerful new identity is not something we immediately grasp. Even now, I struggle to fully appreciate who I am in Christ. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when he appears, we will be like Him”(1 John 3:2). What a WONDER! A new me already exists! A new you, as well! Conformed to the image of His Son! We barely know our dignity or standing or purpose, but God does!

Friend, as you walk with the Lord today are you learning the new you or clinging to the old? One of God’s sweetest gifts for His children is a new name, the call to live into a new identity. Even if your understanding is only partial, can you answer? What is your new name? Who are you in Christ that you were not before?

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it”(Revelation 2:17).

January 9–Genesis 31-33

“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak”(32:24).

Dealing with God is painful. Not dealing with Him is even more. There is no easy option.

Over years, Jacob’s understanding of God had gradually grown. “A breath of a higher life is stirring in the shifty schemer who has all his life lived by his own wits” (Alexander Maclaren). On a particular night, he came to a crisis of faith, and after hours of wrestling with God, he experienced a breakthrough. He became a new man with a new name.

It was an intense moment. His brother Esau was heading toward him with four hundred men. Given the bitterness of the past, Jacob had huge (and understandable) fears for himself and his family. In great distress, Jacob prayed. See 32:9. After he prayed, he schemed and sent gifts. Nothing, however, calmed his anxious heart. Have you ever been restless, dear reader? Searched for peace, without success?

In the dark, as Jacob worried, a man came and began to wrestle with him. No words were spoken. Mysterious adversary. An attempt to throw Jacob down, to conquer him. Intuitively, desperately, Jacob resisted. Hour after long hour, the dark and wordless contest continued.

Eventually, it became apparent to Jacob that his opponent was God. “I have striven with God,” he said later. In a moment of insight, he realized that this struggle was a symbol and summary of his life-long resistance to God. Maybe your heart and story is like Jacob’s. Mine certainly is. My default is a need to control. Trust is hard.

As daybreak approached, the “man” commanded Jacob to release Him, so as not to be seen. Weakened by the struggle and changed by God’s grace, Jacob finally understood what needed to be said. Surrendering his old ideas of what is truly valuable, he turned his stubbornness in the direction of God! He refused to let go, except on the condition that, “God bless him.” On these terms, the God who scripted this encounter was glad to be conquered.

It is a picture of prayer. Not the kind that gets us what we want. Rather the kind that teaches us a stubborn surrender that gains for us what God intends. It is hard work! Was for Jacob. Will be for us, too. Even so, a breakthrough for all who desire God and refuse anything else.

In Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of woman who persevered in prayer. As the sun rose over the Jabbok, that morning so long ago, Jacob had a similar story. He was a new man with a new heart and a new name. He prevailed in prayer and was never the same.

May his story be ours, as well.

January 8–Genesis 28-30

“He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (28:12).

In the ancient world, your family was your protection. From harm. From hunger. There were no police forces, no fire and rescue units, no EMTs. Without a family (tribe), a person was vulnerable. As Jacob traveled away from family, he was anxious. With good reason.

As he slept that night, he had a dream. He saw a ladder (perhaps, “a stairway”) set on earth, connecting to heaven. On the ladder, moving up and down in purposeful traffic, were the angels of God. As Jacob observed this wonder, the Lord stood above Him and spoke promises. Promises of grace. Promises like those given to Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham. A revelation for Jacob. God is near. Heaven and earth are connected. Constant traffic between the two worlds.

When he woke, Jacob took steps of genuine, if immature, faith. He decided to “deal” with God. Perhaps, he thought, God could be the protection I need! Even if his words seem like bartering to us, it is a first positive step! Jacob is learning of a God who guides and protects. Are you dealing with God, dear one?

In John 1, Jesus referenced this story. (It is one of many examples of our Lord’s regard for Scripture, the authority He gave it.) In conversation with Nathanael, Jesus claimed that He (Christ) was(is) the ladder upon which the traffic between heaven and earth moves. Do you want to be a part of God’s realm? God’s world? Jesus is the ladder. The Son is your way up to the Father and His way down to you.

The old spiritual song imagines us “climbing Jacob’s ladder”. Genesis actually describes the reality in slightly different terms. In Christ, we are connected to Heaven. Our eyes are opened to the reality of the supernatural. We are invited into God’s activity and protection. Sweet gift from God! For the first time, maybe ever, we feel safe. We learn that the way forward is not scheming self-reliance but trust!

Do you feel insecure? Alone? Anxious? Jacob did, too, until He saw the ladder.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17).