Tag Archives: Exodus 13:17-15:18

February 1, 2015 Bible Study

For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

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Proverbs 6:16-19

    The proverb writer lists seven things which God detests. We sometimes think that some of these are worse sins than others, forgetting that the thought process behind the “least” of these is the same as behind the “worst”.

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Psalm 26:1-12

    I cannot speak with the same confidence the psalmist expresses. I have not always acted with integrity and my trust in the Lord has wavered. However, I will still place myself before God and request that He test me and try me. I will not sit with the deceitful and do not associate with hypocrites. I will bring myself before God and throw myself on His mercy.

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Matthew 21:23-46

    When Jesus was confronted about where He got the authority to drive the merchants out of the Temple He responded with a question which showed the unwillingness of the official leadership to take a stand. They claimed the authority to speak for God, yet when challenged to take a stand they were unwilling to either admit their previous failings or stand up to popular opinion. Jesus then told two parables which each condemned them in different ways.
    First Jesus showed us that being righteous requires action, not just lip service. We are asked to compare those who, when asked, refuse to commit to take actions to help others. Yet, when it comes time to action, their actions actually do benefit those less fortunate than themselves. There are others who are constantly telling us how much they desire to help those less fortunate than themselves. Yet their actions, even those they claim are intended to help (maybe even especially those actions), always seem to benefit only themselves and their friends. God is not fooled when we claim to do His will but do our own, nor is He fooled when we make a show of rebellion but do His will anyway.

    Then Jesus shows us that the religious leaders who had confronted Him had been given legitimate authority. However, they had failed to live up to the obligations which went with that authority. As a result, they would be stripped of their authority and God would give it to others. The same will happen to those who have been given authority today if they make the same mistake. God does not give authority to people in order for them to serve their own interests. He gives it to them in order for them to serve others and to serve Him. Are we using whatever authority God has given us to do so?

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Exodus 13:17-15:18

    When the Israelites left Egypt, God did not lead them on a direct path to Canaan. The direct path would have led them into confrontation with armies prepared to face a potential invading Egyptian army. God knew that if the Israelites, at this time, were confronted by organized resistance they would divide and scatter. So, He had Moses lead them in a direction which would allow them to face an armed foe which they could not escape by scattering. How much of their path was determined by divine intervention and how much by Moses’ experience from 40 years tending his father-in-law’s flocks is open to debate (although, to be perfectly honest, I believe that Moses’ forty years tending flocks was part of God’s divine intervention).
    As expected, when the Israelites were confronted by an army (in this case, Pharaoh’s pursuing army), they panicked. However, there was no place to go that offered hope of escape. Moses responded to their panic by telling them to keep calm and watch what God would do. God responded to their panic by telling Moses to raise his staff over the see which was behind them, dividing the sea. The Israelites fled through the division in the sea as if on dry ground. When Pharaoh’s army pursued they became bogged down. It is worth noting that the Israelites would have been on foot. The animals they would have had would have been herds of sheep and goats. They may have had (and probably did) wagons with wide cargo wheels, designed to go over rough ground, drawn by draft animals, which would have had broad hooves. The Egyptians on the other hand were mounted, mostly on chariots. The chariots would have had narrow wheels, optimized for speed. Any riding horses they had would have also been optimized for speed (or at least more so than draft animals) and thus had narrower hooves. Thus the Israelites would have been able to pass over the dried crust of the mud that was on the bottom of the sea as if it was hard, dry ground. The Egyptians, on the other hand, with their narrower wheels and hooves would have broken through the crust to the mud underneath (the fact that the Israelites had crossed ahead of them would have made matters worse). In this case, and in these circumstances, the Israelites were able to cross much faster than the Egyptian army. This was the only circumstance where a large group of mixed civilians could have outpaced an army. It also explains why the Egyptian army was unable to escape when the waters returned.
    When the Israelites reached the other side and witnessed the destruction of the pursuing force, they praised God and sang of His glory. Do we look at our lives and give God credit for “our” victories? Or do we think our success is a product of our brilliance and hard work? When things go well in my life, I will sing this song (or something similar):

I will sing to the Lord,
for he has triumphed gloriously;

This is my God, and I will praise him—
my father’s God, and I will exalt him!

When natural events work so that good things happen to me, I will acknowledge the One who created nature. I have had events recently where I solved a serious dilemma by applying myself and working hard, but I recognize that the key factor occurred through divine intervention. Others might say it was coincidence, or just a matter of banging at the problem until I found the solution, but I know that I had reached the end of my skill and knowledge and had success only because God brought something apparently unrelated that allowed me to see the result. If not for God, I would not have solved the problem.

February 1, 2014 Bible Study — What Sort of Son Am I?

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Exodus 13:17-15:18

     This passage is such a great metaphor for the way in which God often leads us to the ministry He has planned for us. He led the Israelites out of Egypt, but in order to keep them from facing opposition they were not yet mentally or spiritually prepared for He led them by a circuitous path. In addition, He led them in such a manner as to make it seem that they were helpless and could be easily recaptured by the Egyptians. How often do we react the way the Israelites did when the path on which God has led us has brought us to a place where we can see no way out?
     I just realized that I am often like Moses in that situation, but not because my faith is so strong. No, I call out to those around me to not be afraid, but to stand and watch what God will do because I am scared to the core of my being and doing that is the only way I can avoid curling up in a ball and crying in fear. I wonder if that was what Moses was doing, covering his fear? I will say this from my experience, loudly telling those around you to stay calm and trust in God is a wonderful way to actually feel calm and to trust in God for deliverance. This story gives a great illustration of God’s deliverance when all seems lost. No matter what situation you find yourself in, remember, it is not possible for it to be more desperate than the situation the children of Israel found themselves in here. They were a collection of untrained rabble, with their women and children and all of their possessions weighing them down facing what was one of the finest fighting forces of the day. Yet they emerged victorious with no casualties while their enemies were wiped out for all practical purposes, without ever exchanging a blow with their enemies. God did indeed fight for them, and He will fight for you.

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Matthew 21:23-46

     The leading priests and religious elders confronted Jesus and wanted Him to tell them where He got the authority to throw the merchants and money changers out of the Temple. In response, Jesus asked them to first tell Him where John the Baptist’s authority to baptize came from. Now I have often heard this as a clever move by Jesus to reveal the nature of their question as a trap and to get out of answering it (since it was a trap). And that is not wrong. However, there is more to it than that. Jesus’ question actually reveals something about the source of authority. The religious leaders refused to answer Jesus’ question because to say John’s authority came from God raised the question of why they did not follow John’s teachings, which would have thus also been from God. On the other hand if they said that John’s authority was merely human, they were afraid that the crowds would tear them apart. This demonstrated their own unwillingness to stand up for what they believed was right in the face of human opposition. Jesus on the other hand had just stood up for what He believed was right in the face of the clear opposition of the political authorities.
     Jesus then tells a story about two brothers. Their father approached each of them in turn and asked them to go work in the fields. The first brother told his father that he would not go, but later changed his mind and went to work. The other brother eagerly agreed to do as his father asked, but then did not actually do so. This is quite a direct commentary on so many of those who consider themselves Christians. They are quick to say they will act according to God’s will, but are often hesitant to actually go out to proclaim God’s forgiveness to sinners and to show God’s love to the needy. Which son am I?

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Psalm 26:1-12

     I read this psalm and realize how much I have fallen short, but this psalm inspires me to strive to do better going forward.

  • I have not always acted with integrity
  • Forgive me, Lord

  • I sometimes waver in my trust in God
  • Forgive me, Lord

  • I sometimes forget your unfailing love
  • Forgive me, Lord

  • I do not always live according to your truth
  • Forgive me, Lord

  • I spend time with liars
  • …and sometimes go along with hypocrites
  • Forgive me, Lord

  • I wash my hands to declare my innocence
  • Forgive me, Lord

But now I stand on solid ground because I put my trust in the blood of Jesus Christ and not myself. I will publicly praise the Lord

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Proverbs 6:16-19

     I never noticed how the seven things in this passage all feed into each other. All of these sins grow out of the sin of pride. Those who think they are more important than others lie, steal, and kill without compunction because they believe that others do not deserve to be treated with respect.

February 1, 2013 Bible Study

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

Amaryllis Begins To Bloom
Amaryllis Begins To Bloom

Exodus 13:17-15:18

     When Pharaoh let the Israelites go God did not lead them by the shortest route to the promised land because He did not think they were ready to face war. Instead He led them by a more roundabout route. As a matter of fact, God instructed Moses to turn back at one point and camp between the desert and the sea. God explained to Moses that by doing this He would entice Pharaoh to pursue the Israelites giving God an opportunity to display His power for the entire world to see.
     Pharaoh did indeed change his mind about letting the Israelites go. He mustered his chariot forces and set off in pursuit. When the Israelites saw the Egyptian forces approaching they panicked. Moses told them not to be afraid and to stand firm. God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea to divide the sea so that the Israelites can pass through on dry ground. Moses did as God commanded and the Israelites crossed the sea on dry ground. When the Egyptian forces attempted to follow their chariot wheels got caught in the mud. When I read this passage I imagine the Israelites on foot or with carts with big thick wheels. The Egyptian chariots on the other hand would have had narrow wheels in order to allow them to move faster. I don’t know if you have ever seen the muddy bed of a river or lake shortly after the water has dried up off of it. The mud on the bottom tends to dry out and develop a hard, brittle crust on the surface, especially if a strong wind is blowing as is described in the passage. So, as the Israelites crossed over it would have been hard and would have supported their weight since it was well distributed by their feet and even by the thick wheels of any carts they may have had. The other thing about the dried mud on a river or lake bed that has recently dried out is that underneath it is still wet. When you intermittently apply pressure to the dry, hard surface of the mud (such as, say when a large number of people and animals walk across it) the moisture works its way to the surface and the surface becomes soft. When I read this passage, I imagine a scene which appears as if someone intentionally planned a trap for a more mobile, superior military force pursuing one which they completely overlooked as a potential threat…oh, yeah, Someone did.
     Once the Israelites had crossed and the waters had returned to trap and drown most of Pharaoh’s chariot forces, they sang a song of praise. The song covers so many aspects of God. Our enemies may boast of their prowess and power, but God will stand by our side. God reigns over all and our success is due to Him, not our own power or worthiness.

Plants In The Window
Plants In The Window

Matthew 21:23-46

     Jesus returned to the Temple the day after driving out the merchants. The chief priests and other religious leaders demanded to know by what authority He did these things. Jesus answered them by saying that He would answer their question if they would answer His question. He then asks them whether John’s baptism was from heaven or merely of human origin. The religious leaders view the question as a trap. On the one hand, if they said that it was from heaven, Jesus could then ask them why they did not believe and follow John. On the other hand they were afraid of the people’s reaction if they said it was merely human, since the people all thought John was a prophet. As a result they chose to tell Jesus that they did not know. Jesus then tells them that since they did not answer His question He would not answer theirs. I have heard several commenters on this passage say that Jesus was very clever here. He knew that the religious leaders asked their question as a trap for Jesus. Any way He answered the question the religious leaders could use it as an excuse to have Him arrested. So, He asked them a question that He knew they would not answer.
     I am sure there is some truth to that. However, I see another element at work as well. If the religious leaders had been willing to answer Jesus’ question about John, it would have given Him a basis to start making His case for His authority to chase the merchants out of the Temple. By refusing to answer His question, the religious leaders revealed that they were playing a game of “Gotcha”, rather than entering into an honest debate about righteousness. Jesus then tells two parables directed at the religious leaders, but with much more applicability than just them.
     The first parable is about two sons. A father goes to one son and tells him to go work in the vineyard. The son rebelliously tells his father that he will not. However, later he changes his mind and goes and does as his father asked. The father goes to the other son and gives him the same instructions. The second son quickly and respectfully agrees to do as his father asked, but he did not actually do it. Jesus asks the religious leaders which of the two sons did what his father wanted. They answered with the obvious answer, the first son did as his father wanted. Jesus then points out to the religious leaders that tax collectors and prostitutes were more responsive to John’s calls to behave righteously than were those who claimed to be religious.
     Jesus then tells a parable about a landowner who leased a vineyard out to to some farmers. When harvest time approached the landowner sent servants to collect his share of the harvest. The farmers mistreated the servants and failed to send to the landowner his share of the harvest. Finally the landowner sends his own son, figuring that the farmers would respect him. When the farmers saw the son, rather than respect him, they killed him. Jesus asked them what the landowner would do to those farmers. the religious leaders replied that he would bring them to a wretched end and find new tenants who would give him his share at harvest time. Both of these parables have a common theme that just because we pay lip service to righteous living does not mean that we are actually doing so.

Wheel Chandelier
Wheel Chandelier

Psalm 26:1-12

     I see today’s psalm as a challenge for me, that I should strive to live up to its call. I know that God will test me and try me. I know that I do not meet His standard. I will strive to not lend my support to those who deceive others (or deceive them myself). I will do my best to hold myself to a higher standard than I hold others. I will resist the urge to plot evil with those who gather to do so. I will seek to always be mindful of God’s unfailing love and to express that love to those around me.

Magrat Stalks
Magrat Stalks

Proverbs 6:16-19

     Today’s passage from proverbs lists seven things that God detests and that destroy all whom they touch. Those seven things all tie together. Arrogance, lying, the killing of innocents, contriving schemes to bring harm to others, hurrying to take advantage of other’s misfortune, telling lies about others in order to cause them trouble and doing things to get others to be in conflict. These are all things that lead one to another. Doing any one of them increases the likelihood that one will do the others and all are reprehensible.