My Summary
Jethro comes and brings Moses' wife and children. Jethro advises Moses to put some other people in leadership to listen to disuputes instead of doing all of the work himself.
Random Historical Things
1. Some ancient Jewish rabbis (and some modern commentators) believe that Moses and Zipporah were divorced. They take the phrase "Moses sent her away," to mean that Moses divorced her. They also point to the fact that Moses has another wife in Deuteronomy. However, the best reading of the original language and context suggest that Moses simply sent his wife and children back to Jethro until his work in Egypt was done. Zipporah may have passed away before Moses remarried or he may have been practicing polygamy which was not unknown among the patriarchs.
2. Jethro uses the personal name "Yahweh" for God and not the generic name for a god. He knew exactly who he was worshipping.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. When Israel was freed from the bondage and tyranny of Egypt they needed to replace the authority structures in their nation. They could not just rejoice in their freedom, but structure and organization was necessary to avoid anarchy. Pure freedom does not mean freedom from authority, but submission to a fair and balanced system of authority. In the same way the church is set free from the authority of Satan and sin, but in our newfound freedom we must have structure and authority to replace the missing structures. Our Christian community is free from sin, but if it left free from authority it will run wild and not be effective.
2. Jethro communicates an important principle to Moses. This is the prinicple of shared leadership. One person can not and should not do it all themselves. The apostles saw the wisdom in this too when they appointed and delegated responsibility to others. In the church we need to have shared leadership and delegate authority to those who can keep the pastor from being the one who does everything. However, there are guidelines for who these leaders should be and Jethro lays them out before Moses. They should be:
a. They should be capable. They must have the ability to do the job given.
b. They should fear God. They must be men who are spiritually mature and live righteous lives evident of a fear of God.
c. They should be trustworthy. Honesty and the ability to follow through with what is promised is foundational to anyone trusted with authority.
d. Finally they should hate dishonest gain. This means they are not in this to gain wealth, influence, power or authority. They should not be men who will use their position to gain for themselves. A godly man will flee using his authority for personal gain.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Exodus 16-17: I'm Hungry and Thirsty! Are We There Yet!
My Summary
Israel goes into the desert of Sin. First they complain about food so God provides manna. Then they complain about water so God brings water out of a rock. Then they are attacked by the Amalekites, but with God's help they defeat them.
Random Historical Things
1. Many have argued against having a day set apart for the Lord as being part of the Mosaic covenant at Sinai. However, we see here as we saw in Genesis that the Sabbath is something that has been around from the beginning. Here we see God introducing it before the Law is given to Israel. It is also interesting because there is not concept of a special day set apart for rest and worship every week in Egyptian or any other Near Eastern culture.
2. An omer is approximately 1/2 gallon.
3. According to Jewish tradition (including the histories of Josephus) the Hur mentioned in the fight with the Amalekites was Miriam's husband.
4. In all likelihood the reason the Israelites were lacking in water is because the Amalekites controlled the local water sources. If they had not complained, God would have allowed them to defeat them and gain access to the water, but they complained. God was patient and provided them another source of water.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. There are so many applications from these two chapters, but I will focus on a few. First it is interesting the way that Israel chooses to view situations. They were unhappy and wanted to complain. So when they looked at Egypt they remembered food and good times, but when they looked at where they were currently they saw the lack of water. They ignored how bad it had really been in Egypt and ignored how God had just miraculously provided food! Before we complain we should look and see if we are exaggerating the circumstances to make them seem worse or better as it suits our purpose.
2. The manna was more than just provision from God. It was a test for Israel to see how well they would obey God. This wilderness time was preparation for Israel. The rescue from Egypt had secured Israel as God's chosen people and now God was going to teach Israel how to act like they were God's chosen people. God said that He was sending manna to test whether or not Israel would obey. Unfortunately, they failed this first test. God was patient and provided for them anyway, but Israel was not off to a good start. Sometimes when things in our lives seem rough God may be testing us. He is our provider and He wants us to trust that He will provide for us.
3. There is a deeper meaning to the manna too, and that meaning is that the manna is a picture of Jesus. Jesus references it in John 6 when He is talking about the Bread of Life. Jesus compares Himself with the manna. The Israelites were physicall hungry and needed food to survive and we were spiritually hungry. God provided the manna and God provided Jesus. The main difference, spoken by Jesus Himself, is that after eating the manna the Israelites would become hungry again. However, those who partake of the Lamb of God will never hunger again. Praise God for the gift of His Son and praise Jesus who satisfied our need for spiritual salvation!
Israel goes into the desert of Sin. First they complain about food so God provides manna. Then they complain about water so God brings water out of a rock. Then they are attacked by the Amalekites, but with God's help they defeat them.
Random Historical Things
1. Many have argued against having a day set apart for the Lord as being part of the Mosaic covenant at Sinai. However, we see here as we saw in Genesis that the Sabbath is something that has been around from the beginning. Here we see God introducing it before the Law is given to Israel. It is also interesting because there is not concept of a special day set apart for rest and worship every week in Egyptian or any other Near Eastern culture.
2. An omer is approximately 1/2 gallon.
3. According to Jewish tradition (including the histories of Josephus) the Hur mentioned in the fight with the Amalekites was Miriam's husband.
4. In all likelihood the reason the Israelites were lacking in water is because the Amalekites controlled the local water sources. If they had not complained, God would have allowed them to defeat them and gain access to the water, but they complained. God was patient and provided them another source of water.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. There are so many applications from these two chapters, but I will focus on a few. First it is interesting the way that Israel chooses to view situations. They were unhappy and wanted to complain. So when they looked at Egypt they remembered food and good times, but when they looked at where they were currently they saw the lack of water. They ignored how bad it had really been in Egypt and ignored how God had just miraculously provided food! Before we complain we should look and see if we are exaggerating the circumstances to make them seem worse or better as it suits our purpose.
2. The manna was more than just provision from God. It was a test for Israel to see how well they would obey God. This wilderness time was preparation for Israel. The rescue from Egypt had secured Israel as God's chosen people and now God was going to teach Israel how to act like they were God's chosen people. God said that He was sending manna to test whether or not Israel would obey. Unfortunately, they failed this first test. God was patient and provided for them anyway, but Israel was not off to a good start. Sometimes when things in our lives seem rough God may be testing us. He is our provider and He wants us to trust that He will provide for us.
3. There is a deeper meaning to the manna too, and that meaning is that the manna is a picture of Jesus. Jesus references it in John 6 when He is talking about the Bread of Life. Jesus compares Himself with the manna. The Israelites were physicall hungry and needed food to survive and we were spiritually hungry. God provided the manna and God provided Jesus. The main difference, spoken by Jesus Himself, is that after eating the manna the Israelites would become hungry again. However, those who partake of the Lamb of God will never hunger again. Praise God for the gift of His Son and praise Jesus who satisfied our need for spiritual salvation!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Exodus 14-15:
My Summary
God leads Israel to the banks of the Red Sea. The Egyptians chase them with the intention of bringing them back. God parts the Red Sea and puts His could in between the Egyptians and the Israelites enabling Israel to cross the Red Sea unmolested. When the Egyptians tried to follow God released the Red Sea drowing the cream of the Egyptian army. Israel sang a victory song to God.
Random Historical Things
1. How could Pharaoh and the Egyptians have forgotten so quickly what God had done? Why would they try to chase Israel again? It is possible that Pharaoh was still thinking of God like one of the false gods of the land. To the Egyptian mind, a god could be on your side one day and not the next day. Perhaps when Pharaoh saw Israel wandering the wrong direction he though that God had abandoned them. He was to discover that he was wrong and that God never abandons His people.
2. It is an interesting connection that Pharaoh had ordered all of the Hebrew boys drowned, and now God drowned Pharaoh's army.
3. Historical and contemporary studies have shown that an experienced, talented storyteller can improvise a song (such as the one sung by Israel) in a very short amount of time.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. "The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still." While it is true that we are in an intense spiritual battle, it is important to remember that it is not us versus the forces of darkness. In this entire narrative of Israel in Egypt it has never been Israel versus Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. It has always been God versus Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. God is a warrior as they say in the song. Let me say it again, we are not responsible for defeating demonic forces or Satan. We must stand firm, but it is the Lord Who fights and it is Him who will win the victory!
2. I love the song that Israel sings in praise to God. If you look at the song, they connect abstract attributes of God with His specific actions. It is appropiate to praise God for both, but it is best when done together I think. For instance they say, "The Lord is a warrior," and then follow that with, "Pharaoh's chariots and army He has thrown into the sea." They talk about the greatness of His majesty and then follow that with talking about how He defeated His enemies. So not only are they praising God for His attributes, but they are connecting those attributes with something He has recently done for them. For example, we can praise God for His mercy and then think about the cross and our salvation. We can praise God for His power and then think of a recent time where He showed that power in our lives. For me, it helps make God real to me.
God leads Israel to the banks of the Red Sea. The Egyptians chase them with the intention of bringing them back. God parts the Red Sea and puts His could in between the Egyptians and the Israelites enabling Israel to cross the Red Sea unmolested. When the Egyptians tried to follow God released the Red Sea drowing the cream of the Egyptian army. Israel sang a victory song to God.
Random Historical Things
1. How could Pharaoh and the Egyptians have forgotten so quickly what God had done? Why would they try to chase Israel again? It is possible that Pharaoh was still thinking of God like one of the false gods of the land. To the Egyptian mind, a god could be on your side one day and not the next day. Perhaps when Pharaoh saw Israel wandering the wrong direction he though that God had abandoned them. He was to discover that he was wrong and that God never abandons His people.
2. It is an interesting connection that Pharaoh had ordered all of the Hebrew boys drowned, and now God drowned Pharaoh's army.
3. Historical and contemporary studies have shown that an experienced, talented storyteller can improvise a song (such as the one sung by Israel) in a very short amount of time.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. "The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still." While it is true that we are in an intense spiritual battle, it is important to remember that it is not us versus the forces of darkness. In this entire narrative of Israel in Egypt it has never been Israel versus Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. It has always been God versus Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. God is a warrior as they say in the song. Let me say it again, we are not responsible for defeating demonic forces or Satan. We must stand firm, but it is the Lord Who fights and it is Him who will win the victory!
2. I love the song that Israel sings in praise to God. If you look at the song, they connect abstract attributes of God with His specific actions. It is appropiate to praise God for both, but it is best when done together I think. For instance they say, "The Lord is a warrior," and then follow that with, "Pharaoh's chariots and army He has thrown into the sea." They talk about the greatness of His majesty and then follow that with talking about how He defeated His enemies. So not only are they praising God for His attributes, but they are connecting those attributes with something He has recently done for them. For example, we can praise God for His mercy and then think about the cross and our salvation. We can praise God for His power and then think of a recent time where He showed that power in our lives. For me, it helps make God real to me.
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