My Summary
Here instruction is given concerning the building of the tabernacle. The instructions are very specific and lay out every aspect of the length and materials to be used.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
I have struggled with specific applications from this passage. There have been attempts to draw symbolism from the different materials used or the certain numbers of curtains, however, I do not believe that is profitable or demonstratable. I will instead focus on the meaning of the tabernacle for Israel.
The first part of Hebrew 9 talks about the earthly tabernacle used by Israel. It talks about how the priests would go in and offer sacrifices and informs us that this was an example. It was a image of the future Lamb who would take away the sins of the world. Hebrews 9 says:
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here,he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Hebrew 9:11-15
The Israelites looked forward through their cultic rituals of sarifice to the sacrifice of Jesus. The tabernacle was the place where they could come to meet the presence of God since their sins separated them from Him. However, through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus we have His very presence in our hearts. Instead of a priest, Christ is now our mediator and His sacrifice is continually effective so we do not require continual sacrifices.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Exodus 25: Makers of the Lost Ark
My Summary
Moses is told that they are to build a tabernacle. In the rest of the chapter the furnitue that will adorn the tabernacle is described. The ark, the table and that lampstand are the three things which will be inside the tabernacle.
Random Historical Things
1. All of the things God asked them to donate for the tabernacle were things the Israelites could reasonably be expected to have. The gold, fine linen and animals were all things given to them by the Egyptians. The hides of sea cows could have been either dolphins or some other sea creature common to the Red Sea. Acacia trees were numerous in the Sinai region.
2. For a while scholars doubted the fact that Israel had a "tent shrine" to worship at since no other nations did. However recent scholarly evidence has shown that many groups did have portable worship tents they carried around. Evidence of them has been found in Egypt as early as 3000BC
3. As we saw before the idea of a portable temple was an Egyptian idea. The design of the ark was also very Egyptian. This is another example of God using what the Israelites already knew to form a structure of worship.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. In the 15th century the pope decided to build St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A Dominican preacher named Johann Tetzel went around selling indulgences to raise money for this. Normally indulgences were sold by the Catholic church offering forgiveness of sins for the purchaser. However, Tetzel was selling indulgences specifically for relatives in purgatory. The pope had given special blessing to these indulgences which provided total forgiveness for all sins of one in purgatory. Tetzel asked the commoners why they would not provide their grandmother with instant relief from torment for just a little donation. His mantra was, "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." A certain monk named Martin Luther was driven by these sales to put together his 95 theses and start the Protestant Reformation. How different is the way God asks the Israelites for donations for His tabernacle. He neither commands them nor offers great rewards. He requests the materials from "everyone whose heart compels them to give." Because of tv evangelists and greedy pastors the idea of giving is not popular. God does not take this approach, but asks for our generosity. Everything Israel had (and everything we have) is His anyway, but He still does not demand. He requests. How generous is our heart and are we giving to continue building His church?
2. The tabernacle is going to be the symbol of God's presence among Israel. Here we see three different pieces of furniture that will go into the tabernacle. Each of these have a purpose in reminding Israel of the presence of God in their midst. Although this is symbolic of God's throne in heaven, it is important to remember that it is only symbolic and we should not assume any of the particulars are the same in heaven. The ark contains the particulars of the covenant and has the mercy seat on the top from which God will speak to Moses. This is symbolic, complete with gold angels, of the throne of God where we can approach Him. The table with the bread requires Israel to continually replenish the bread reminding them of the continual presence of God and Israel's responsibility to keep His covenant. The lampstand gives light to the dwelling place of God and may also stand for the gift of life God has given us (because it is in the shape of a tree, but the Bible does not specify all the implications of the symbolism of the lampstand). The important thing to see is that is not idolatry. These things are symbols authorized by God to remind Israel that they belonged to God and that He was with them. While we do not have these physical reminders we have the promise that Jesus has made our bodies His temply and the Holy Spirit resides within us as well whispering to us the surety of our salvation and place as an adopted child of God.
Moses is told that they are to build a tabernacle. In the rest of the chapter the furnitue that will adorn the tabernacle is described. The ark, the table and that lampstand are the three things which will be inside the tabernacle.
Random Historical Things
1. All of the things God asked them to donate for the tabernacle were things the Israelites could reasonably be expected to have. The gold, fine linen and animals were all things given to them by the Egyptians. The hides of sea cows could have been either dolphins or some other sea creature common to the Red Sea. Acacia trees were numerous in the Sinai region.
2. For a while scholars doubted the fact that Israel had a "tent shrine" to worship at since no other nations did. However recent scholarly evidence has shown that many groups did have portable worship tents they carried around. Evidence of them has been found in Egypt as early as 3000BC
3. As we saw before the idea of a portable temple was an Egyptian idea. The design of the ark was also very Egyptian. This is another example of God using what the Israelites already knew to form a structure of worship.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. In the 15th century the pope decided to build St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A Dominican preacher named Johann Tetzel went around selling indulgences to raise money for this. Normally indulgences were sold by the Catholic church offering forgiveness of sins for the purchaser. However, Tetzel was selling indulgences specifically for relatives in purgatory. The pope had given special blessing to these indulgences which provided total forgiveness for all sins of one in purgatory. Tetzel asked the commoners why they would not provide their grandmother with instant relief from torment for just a little donation. His mantra was, "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." A certain monk named Martin Luther was driven by these sales to put together his 95 theses and start the Protestant Reformation. How different is the way God asks the Israelites for donations for His tabernacle. He neither commands them nor offers great rewards. He requests the materials from "everyone whose heart compels them to give." Because of tv evangelists and greedy pastors the idea of giving is not popular. God does not take this approach, but asks for our generosity. Everything Israel had (and everything we have) is His anyway, but He still does not demand. He requests. How generous is our heart and are we giving to continue building His church?
2. The tabernacle is going to be the symbol of God's presence among Israel. Here we see three different pieces of furniture that will go into the tabernacle. Each of these have a purpose in reminding Israel of the presence of God in their midst. Although this is symbolic of God's throne in heaven, it is important to remember that it is only symbolic and we should not assume any of the particulars are the same in heaven. The ark contains the particulars of the covenant and has the mercy seat on the top from which God will speak to Moses. This is symbolic, complete with gold angels, of the throne of God where we can approach Him. The table with the bread requires Israel to continually replenish the bread reminding them of the continual presence of God and Israel's responsibility to keep His covenant. The lampstand gives light to the dwelling place of God and may also stand for the gift of life God has given us (because it is in the shape of a tree, but the Bible does not specify all the implications of the symbolism of the lampstand). The important thing to see is that is not idolatry. These things are symbols authorized by God to remind Israel that they belonged to God and that He was with them. While we do not have these physical reminders we have the promise that Jesus has made our bodies His temply and the Holy Spirit resides within us as well whispering to us the surety of our salvation and place as an adopted child of God.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Exodus 24: The Covenant Ceremony
My Summary
Moses conducts a ceremony to affirm Israel's acceptace of the covenant with God. Later Moses and the elders go up the mountain and have a feast in the presence of God. After the feast Moses continues up to the top of the mountain for 40 days while God speaks to him.
Random Historical Things
1. Often in the Bible the number 70 stands for the totality of something. The fact that 70 elders were chosen shows that they were representing the entire nation of Israel.
2. There were many parts of the covenant ceremony which were similar to other ancient treaty rituals. God was using what they knew to affirm His covenant with them.
3. Nadab and Abihu are the sons of Aaron, however, (spoiler alert) they are going to find themselves in trouble later.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. Moses is often held up as an example of Jesus and this chapter is one of the reasons. Moses went closer to God than the Israelites could and stood between them as a mediator just like Christ is a mediator between us and God. Moses sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice on the people so they would be acceptable to God and Jesus puts His own blood over us to make us acceptable to God. Even in the Old Testament a sacrifice of blood had to be made. Something had to die so the other could live so the sin could be considered punished. Of course, the only reason the animal sacrifices worked is because they looked forward to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. Today take a moment to thank Jesus for His blood and renew in your heart the covenant we have with God through Jesus.
Moses conducts a ceremony to affirm Israel's acceptace of the covenant with God. Later Moses and the elders go up the mountain and have a feast in the presence of God. After the feast Moses continues up to the top of the mountain for 40 days while God speaks to him.
Random Historical Things
1. Often in the Bible the number 70 stands for the totality of something. The fact that 70 elders were chosen shows that they were representing the entire nation of Israel.
2. There were many parts of the covenant ceremony which were similar to other ancient treaty rituals. God was using what they knew to affirm His covenant with them.
3. Nadab and Abihu are the sons of Aaron, however, (spoiler alert) they are going to find themselves in trouble later.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. Moses is often held up as an example of Jesus and this chapter is one of the reasons. Moses went closer to God than the Israelites could and stood between them as a mediator just like Christ is a mediator between us and God. Moses sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice on the people so they would be acceptable to God and Jesus puts His own blood over us to make us acceptable to God. Even in the Old Testament a sacrifice of blood had to be made. Something had to die so the other could live so the sin could be considered punished. Of course, the only reason the animal sacrifices worked is because they looked forward to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. Today take a moment to thank Jesus for His blood and renew in your heart the covenant we have with God through Jesus.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Exodus 21-23: The Book of the Covenant
My Summary
This section contains the laws of the Book of the Covenant. These are specific social and cultic laws governing life and religion in Israel. Many of these laws look forward to when Israel will be in the Promised Land and most of them expound upon the general principles given in the Ten Commandments.
Random Historical Things
1. The Hebrew word translated slave, servant, manservant and maidservant is the same word. The word can serve across a wide range of meanings. It can mean anything from a household servant to an actual slave. Slavery is a difficult topic in the Bible especially because of the experience of racial slavery in the United States. Slavery in Israel was different in that it was almost always voluntary and not permanent. One could sell themselves into slavery if they owed a debt. All Hebrew slaves were freed after seven years. Even the provisions given for a family to sell their daughter into debt was with the understanding that she would eventually become the wife either of her master or his son. These verses specifically forbid kidnapping someone and forcing them into slavery. Also the laws in these verses give rights to slaves which were unheard of it other cultures of the time. Other cultures were only concerned about slaves because of the financial loss of the master while God provided protections for the slaves as people. So God worked within this cultural institution and placed boundaries around it to make it as just as possible. There is much else that could be set about this subject, but for the space of time I will leave it at that.
2. If a master gave his slave a wife who was also a slave, the slave was not allowed to take her with him like he could if she had been his wife before he became a slave (may have to read that sentence twice). However, this did not mean that he was separated from them for life. Now that he was free it would not take long for an industrious worker to save enough to purchase the freedom of his family.
3. It may seem strange to mention bestiality in the midst of warnings about idolatry, however, often bestiality was practiced in order to gain favor with the gods in other cultures.
4. Ancient law codes like this were common among many ancient cultures. The most famous is the Law Code of Hammurabi. Many Sinai laws are similar to laws in the Code of Hammurabi. Women and poor people, however, were given many more rights in the Sinai Law. The Code of Hammurabi also provided different sentences depending on what social class had committed the crime while Sinai law provided the same sentences for rich and poor.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
What I am going to do for the application is split up the verses into each section and talk about what we can learn for today. Although these specific laws and penalties do not apply, we can learn a lot about what is important to God and how seriously He takes certain things.
Laws on Slaves: 21:1-11
These laws set important rules concerning those who work and the ones who they work for. Today this would be equivalent to employers and employees. These verse affirm the rights and responsibilities of both. Workers should labor well for their masters and masters should treat their employees well and honor the terms of their contract.
Laws on Injuries to People and Animals: 21:12-36
These laws show the consequences for harming those whom God has breathed life into. This section contains the infamous "eye for and eye" and "tooth for a tooth" statements which Jesus seemed to repudiate. However, Jesus was repudiated the lack of grace shown by the Pharisees to their community. Jesus was not abdicating the right of civil government to punish murder. All of these cases required a court to be involved, God was not giving the Israelites permission for personal revenge. Personally we should practice grace and mercy and return good for evil. The government does have a special decree from God, however, to punish evil and that may include punishment up to and including death.
Laws on Property: 22:1-17
This section affirms the right of private property. Those who steal not only must return what they took, but they must return double or even triple what they took. This section also affirms the right of people to defend their home, however, it does not give the right to kill an intruder if it is obvious that they are just stealing and intend no harm. Even thieves have the right to life. This section also shows the responsibility to care for the things we borrow from others. Finally we see the importance of abstaining from sex until marriage.
Social and Religious Laws: 22:18-23:9
This section contains many principles. The first principle is to not serve anything but the Lord. However, one of the main points in this section is difficult to swallow for upper middle class conservative capitalist Americans. Because we are afraid of being a church that helps the poor and has no gospel or theology, often we become churches with lots of theology but ignore the poor. There is no doubt that God desires us to assist the poor and needy even to the point of not charging interest for the loans we offer them. Included in the category of the needy are immigrants, poor people, widows and orphans. Yes God does name immigrants in this category. Perhaps we need to do some soul searching about the way we view the poor and needy since God took it so seriously with Israel. One caveat God gives is not to take the side of the poor in a dispute simply because they are poor. Do not show favoritism to rich or poor. Finally God commands not to take bribes, not to go with the crowd agaisnt what is right and to help even those you dislike.
Laws for Religious Feasts: 23:10-19
These festivals were meant to help Israel remember what God had done for them and to celebrate what God was continuing to do for them.
Instruction to Obey God: 23:20-33
God implores Israel to remain faithful to Him and promises that He will be with them and they will be succesful if they keep the laws of this covenant He is making with them. Many commentators believe that the angel talked about in this passage is Jesus Christ because of there are divine attributes ascribed to Him yet He is clearly a separate person from God. In the next chapter God is going to ratify this covenant with Israel.
This section contains the laws of the Book of the Covenant. These are specific social and cultic laws governing life and religion in Israel. Many of these laws look forward to when Israel will be in the Promised Land and most of them expound upon the general principles given in the Ten Commandments.
Random Historical Things
1. The Hebrew word translated slave, servant, manservant and maidservant is the same word. The word can serve across a wide range of meanings. It can mean anything from a household servant to an actual slave. Slavery is a difficult topic in the Bible especially because of the experience of racial slavery in the United States. Slavery in Israel was different in that it was almost always voluntary and not permanent. One could sell themselves into slavery if they owed a debt. All Hebrew slaves were freed after seven years. Even the provisions given for a family to sell their daughter into debt was with the understanding that she would eventually become the wife either of her master or his son. These verses specifically forbid kidnapping someone and forcing them into slavery. Also the laws in these verses give rights to slaves which were unheard of it other cultures of the time. Other cultures were only concerned about slaves because of the financial loss of the master while God provided protections for the slaves as people. So God worked within this cultural institution and placed boundaries around it to make it as just as possible. There is much else that could be set about this subject, but for the space of time I will leave it at that.
2. If a master gave his slave a wife who was also a slave, the slave was not allowed to take her with him like he could if she had been his wife before he became a slave (may have to read that sentence twice). However, this did not mean that he was separated from them for life. Now that he was free it would not take long for an industrious worker to save enough to purchase the freedom of his family.
3. It may seem strange to mention bestiality in the midst of warnings about idolatry, however, often bestiality was practiced in order to gain favor with the gods in other cultures.
4. Ancient law codes like this were common among many ancient cultures. The most famous is the Law Code of Hammurabi. Many Sinai laws are similar to laws in the Code of Hammurabi. Women and poor people, however, were given many more rights in the Sinai Law. The Code of Hammurabi also provided different sentences depending on what social class had committed the crime while Sinai law provided the same sentences for rich and poor.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
What I am going to do for the application is split up the verses into each section and talk about what we can learn for today. Although these specific laws and penalties do not apply, we can learn a lot about what is important to God and how seriously He takes certain things.
Laws on Slaves: 21:1-11
These laws set important rules concerning those who work and the ones who they work for. Today this would be equivalent to employers and employees. These verse affirm the rights and responsibilities of both. Workers should labor well for their masters and masters should treat their employees well and honor the terms of their contract.
Laws on Injuries to People and Animals: 21:12-36
These laws show the consequences for harming those whom God has breathed life into. This section contains the infamous "eye for and eye" and "tooth for a tooth" statements which Jesus seemed to repudiate. However, Jesus was repudiated the lack of grace shown by the Pharisees to their community. Jesus was not abdicating the right of civil government to punish murder. All of these cases required a court to be involved, God was not giving the Israelites permission for personal revenge. Personally we should practice grace and mercy and return good for evil. The government does have a special decree from God, however, to punish evil and that may include punishment up to and including death.
Laws on Property: 22:1-17
This section affirms the right of private property. Those who steal not only must return what they took, but they must return double or even triple what they took. This section also affirms the right of people to defend their home, however, it does not give the right to kill an intruder if it is obvious that they are just stealing and intend no harm. Even thieves have the right to life. This section also shows the responsibility to care for the things we borrow from others. Finally we see the importance of abstaining from sex until marriage.
Social and Religious Laws: 22:18-23:9
This section contains many principles. The first principle is to not serve anything but the Lord. However, one of the main points in this section is difficult to swallow for upper middle class conservative capitalist Americans. Because we are afraid of being a church that helps the poor and has no gospel or theology, often we become churches with lots of theology but ignore the poor. There is no doubt that God desires us to assist the poor and needy even to the point of not charging interest for the loans we offer them. Included in the category of the needy are immigrants, poor people, widows and orphans. Yes God does name immigrants in this category. Perhaps we need to do some soul searching about the way we view the poor and needy since God took it so seriously with Israel. One caveat God gives is not to take the side of the poor in a dispute simply because they are poor. Do not show favoritism to rich or poor. Finally God commands not to take bribes, not to go with the crowd agaisnt what is right and to help even those you dislike.
Laws for Religious Feasts: 23:10-19
These festivals were meant to help Israel remember what God had done for them and to celebrate what God was continuing to do for them.
Instruction to Obey God: 23:20-33
God implores Israel to remain faithful to Him and promises that He will be with them and they will be succesful if they keep the laws of this covenant He is making with them. Many commentators believe that the angel talked about in this passage is Jesus Christ because of there are divine attributes ascribed to Him yet He is clearly a separate person from God. In the next chapter God is going to ratify this covenant with Israel.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Exodus 20: Thou Shaltest Not...
My Summary
God gives Moses the commandments which will distinguish Israel as His chosen people. The first four commandments are verticle and govern our relationship with God. The final six are horizontal and govern our relationship with each other. Finally God gives instruction on how He is to be worshipped.
Random Historical Things
1. The way many ancient law codes were formulated was different from modern times. In modern times laws are created and codified for every possible offense leaving us with thousands of pages of laws. Many ancient law codes simply set down general laws which covered the general sense of justice. Thus one of the law is "do not kill." God does not specify which type of death is wrong, and this makes the law timeless.
2. Exodus 20:22 starts a separate section called "The Book of the Covenant." This section runs through Exodus 23:23. These are separate from the Ten Commandments and are written on parchment not stone. These are more specific economic and community laws while the Ten Commandments were more universal natural laws.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. Instead of discussing each individual commandment I would like to just talk about some general thoughts about the commandments. The first question a lot of people have is whether or not the Ten Commandments apply today since they are part of the Law. It is important to understand the difference in content and purposes between the Ten Commandments and the legal and cultic law given to Israel. The many community laws were given by God to Israel to distinguish them from the other countries, as a symbol of Israel's priesthood and election by God, as a method of cleansing and circumcision to distance sin and as a religious ritual to remind them of God and what He meant to them. The Ten Commandments are separate from that legal code and are composed of natural laws that reflect the very nature of God and are universal in nature. Many of the commandments (murder, adultery, Sabbath, idolatry and others) are mentioned earlier in the Old Testament before the Law and in the New Testament after Christ. These are laws which represent God's nature and apply to all people of all nations where the Law applied only to Israel in the context of their relationship with God. So yes, the Ten Commandments are for today.
2. I fear that since many of the commandments are phrased in the negative sense that we will miss the positive side of the command. For example, the negative commandment "Do not kill" also has the positive side which is "value life." Or the commandment 'Do not make any images" has the positive side of "Focus your attention on Me not images of me." One more example would be the commandment to "not take the Lord's name in vain" would encourage us to cherish and revere the Lord's name. The commandments do not just teach us what not to do, but they teach us what to do.
3. Finally I would like to encourage you as you study these commandments to think about how they apply to our current lives. For example, you may not covet your neighbor's oxen, but what about his television? How does the command not to kill apply to the issue of abortion? How does the command not to committ adultery apply to pornography? Especially since Jesus said if you lust you have already committed adultery. The point is that while the principles are the same through all ages, the application is going to change. That requires thinking, prayer and active participation on our part to study the commandments and try to shape our lives in accordance with God's never changing nature
God gives Moses the commandments which will distinguish Israel as His chosen people. The first four commandments are verticle and govern our relationship with God. The final six are horizontal and govern our relationship with each other. Finally God gives instruction on how He is to be worshipped.
Random Historical Things
1. The way many ancient law codes were formulated was different from modern times. In modern times laws are created and codified for every possible offense leaving us with thousands of pages of laws. Many ancient law codes simply set down general laws which covered the general sense of justice. Thus one of the law is "do not kill." God does not specify which type of death is wrong, and this makes the law timeless.
2. Exodus 20:22 starts a separate section called "The Book of the Covenant." This section runs through Exodus 23:23. These are separate from the Ten Commandments and are written on parchment not stone. These are more specific economic and community laws while the Ten Commandments were more universal natural laws.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. Instead of discussing each individual commandment I would like to just talk about some general thoughts about the commandments. The first question a lot of people have is whether or not the Ten Commandments apply today since they are part of the Law. It is important to understand the difference in content and purposes between the Ten Commandments and the legal and cultic law given to Israel. The many community laws were given by God to Israel to distinguish them from the other countries, as a symbol of Israel's priesthood and election by God, as a method of cleansing and circumcision to distance sin and as a religious ritual to remind them of God and what He meant to them. The Ten Commandments are separate from that legal code and are composed of natural laws that reflect the very nature of God and are universal in nature. Many of the commandments (murder, adultery, Sabbath, idolatry and others) are mentioned earlier in the Old Testament before the Law and in the New Testament after Christ. These are laws which represent God's nature and apply to all people of all nations where the Law applied only to Israel in the context of their relationship with God. So yes, the Ten Commandments are for today.
2. I fear that since many of the commandments are phrased in the negative sense that we will miss the positive side of the command. For example, the negative commandment "Do not kill" also has the positive side which is "value life." Or the commandment 'Do not make any images" has the positive side of "Focus your attention on Me not images of me." One more example would be the commandment to "not take the Lord's name in vain" would encourage us to cherish and revere the Lord's name. The commandments do not just teach us what not to do, but they teach us what to do.
3. Finally I would like to encourage you as you study these commandments to think about how they apply to our current lives. For example, you may not covet your neighbor's oxen, but what about his television? How does the command not to kill apply to the issue of abortion? How does the command not to committ adultery apply to pornography? Especially since Jesus said if you lust you have already committed adultery. The point is that while the principles are the same through all ages, the application is going to change. That requires thinking, prayer and active participation on our part to study the commandments and try to shape our lives in accordance with God's never changing nature
Exodus 19: Welcome to Sinai
My Summary
Israel arrives at Sinai and God tells them they have a special call to holiness and covenant with Him. God gives special instructions for the people to prepare themselves to meet God. The people gather around the mountain and Moses goes up to meet God.
Random Historical Things
1. One who touched the mountain was to be killed by arrows and stoning. The person who had sinned was not to be touched even in the process of killing them. That person would be considered unclean because they showed the lack of reverence to God to approach His Presence in disobedience.
2. Often in the Bible when God reveals Himself in a storm an earthquake is included as well. This probably added to the terror of Israel and their awe of God's majesty.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. God calls Israel a kingdom of priests, a holy nation and His very own possession. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we also are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own posession." We do not belong to ourselves, but we belong to God. We are chosen by Him to be His possession. Since we belong to God we are not free live as we please. We are a priesthood who is intended to show God to the world. God is about to give Israel the laws and moral behavior which are the sign of Israel belonging to God. This is what sets them apart. In the same way, God has guidelines on the ways we are to live our lives. Let us make sure that we are living like we are a people set apart for God's purposes.
2. All believers should have a healthy fear of God. I know what people are trying to say when they talk about "approaching the throne with confidence" or "we are friends of God now." They are trying to get away from dry moralism or from a view of a wrathful God with no love who just zaps people from the sky. However, we must be careful not to believe that we may simply frolic into the presence of God saying, "What's up buddy!" God, even to a forgiven believer, is still the sovereign Lord of the universe. The angels and seraphim in heaven are not playing Scrabble with God, but they are bowing down and worshipping him. See how Isaiah and John acted when they were ushered before the Lord. God is a great God Who can not even be seen directly by man without the immediate death of that man. Israel saw a taste of the glory of God at Sinai and they were terrified to the point of being paralized with fear. Don't let your view of God shrink to the view of a friend who is like you other friends. He is still the powerful, sovereign Lord who is filled with glory and to approach Him is never a light thing.
3. In accordance with the previous point, God commanded Israel to prepare themselves to enter His presence. The point is not the specific process by which the prepared themselves, but that preparation is necessary. We need to prepare our minds, cleanse ourselves and focus ourselves when we are going to approach God. Whether it be before prayer, Scripture study or church services it is something that we should not take lightly. Do not let your church service be so familiar to you that you do not appreciate the gravity of gathering to worship our Lord. It does not mean the church can not celebrate and have fun! However, it does mean that we should always search ourselves to ensure we are prepared to appear before God.
Israel arrives at Sinai and God tells them they have a special call to holiness and covenant with Him. God gives special instructions for the people to prepare themselves to meet God. The people gather around the mountain and Moses goes up to meet God.
Random Historical Things
1. One who touched the mountain was to be killed by arrows and stoning. The person who had sinned was not to be touched even in the process of killing them. That person would be considered unclean because they showed the lack of reverence to God to approach His Presence in disobedience.
2. Often in the Bible when God reveals Himself in a storm an earthquake is included as well. This probably added to the terror of Israel and their awe of God's majesty.
And So What We Have Learned Applies to Our Lives Today...
1. God calls Israel a kingdom of priests, a holy nation and His very own possession. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we also are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own posession." We do not belong to ourselves, but we belong to God. We are chosen by Him to be His possession. Since we belong to God we are not free live as we please. We are a priesthood who is intended to show God to the world. God is about to give Israel the laws and moral behavior which are the sign of Israel belonging to God. This is what sets them apart. In the same way, God has guidelines on the ways we are to live our lives. Let us make sure that we are living like we are a people set apart for God's purposes.
2. All believers should have a healthy fear of God. I know what people are trying to say when they talk about "approaching the throne with confidence" or "we are friends of God now." They are trying to get away from dry moralism or from a view of a wrathful God with no love who just zaps people from the sky. However, we must be careful not to believe that we may simply frolic into the presence of God saying, "What's up buddy!" God, even to a forgiven believer, is still the sovereign Lord of the universe. The angels and seraphim in heaven are not playing Scrabble with God, but they are bowing down and worshipping him. See how Isaiah and John acted when they were ushered before the Lord. God is a great God Who can not even be seen directly by man without the immediate death of that man. Israel saw a taste of the glory of God at Sinai and they were terrified to the point of being paralized with fear. Don't let your view of God shrink to the view of a friend who is like you other friends. He is still the powerful, sovereign Lord who is filled with glory and to approach Him is never a light thing.
3. In accordance with the previous point, God commanded Israel to prepare themselves to enter His presence. The point is not the specific process by which the prepared themselves, but that preparation is necessary. We need to prepare our minds, cleanse ourselves and focus ourselves when we are going to approach God. Whether it be before prayer, Scripture study or church services it is something that we should not take lightly. Do not let your church service be so familiar to you that you do not appreciate the gravity of gathering to worship our Lord. It does not mean the church can not celebrate and have fun! However, it does mean that we should always search ourselves to ensure we are prepared to appear before God.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Exodus 18: Everybody Loves Moses
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.
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.
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