Author: Aaron Hufty

Aaron Hufty is the Associate Pastor for Worship and Music at FBCSA.

Who Will You Follow?

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 24 (day two)

When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” vs. 3

When was the last time that you believed so strongly about something that you were willing to make a statement like that? Whatever _____ asks of me, I will happily do it. That requires much trust on our part. Consider the reasons someone would make a statement like that. Perhaps a track record of honesty and integrity engendered that kind of devotion. Personal connection always makes a difference too, doesn’t it? If you know the individual or organization intimately you are more likely to follow without reservation. Perhaps it has more to do with a strong belief in where they are going that develops trust. While some of us trust more easily than others, making a claim to obey every word or command is a bold one.

Now look back over that list and put Jesus’ name. Above any other organization or individual Jesus will fulfill every requirement of trust. His track record, his desire to have a close relationship with him, and his future is a bright as they come. If you are looking to follow anyone or anything…consider Jesus.

Rule of Law

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 21:1-2, 7-17, 22-27; 22:21-31; 23:1-12 (day two)

We are a nation of laws. We believe and affirm them as guides to a civil society. Most organizations from the largest corporations to the smallest club have some type of regulations, rules, or laws that people are expected to follow if they want the rights and privileges that come from belonging to that organization. Although much of the language and spirit of the laws we are reading about today refer to a culture that is no longer around, they do inform us that God understands our bent to structure. We need guidelines and parameters to function well. In order to know where we can go, we must also know where we cannot. Beyond the do’s and don’ts how can obeying the laws of the land, and more importantly God’s laws bring honor to him? Law need not be a burden, but an opportunity to show obedience and commitment to our calling.

Barriers and Views

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 20:1-17 (day two)

What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. Romans 7:7

So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. Romans 7:12

If you heard Pastor Don’s children’s sermon this week you will remember the picture of a boy looking over a cliff at the ocean waves crashing against the rocks hundreds of feet below. You will also remember the gate that was put up to protect people from going over the edge. If you have been to many monuments or parks like these you know these barriers exist. If done well they will protect you, but not hinder the majesty of the view. You are aware of their presence by the way the guard you from danger or intrusion. God’s law is like this. By it we know where sin is, and what we ought to be wary of, but it does not hinder our view of God. Like any warning or barrier, they serve to articulate what is not good for us and how we should monitor our choices. In the end our view is spectacular and we are safe.

Preparation

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 19:1-12, 16-22 (day two) 

The Lord also said to Moses,“Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people”. Exodus 19:10-11

The Lord was on the move and about to establish his law for the nation of Israel, but before he spoke to Moses he commanded that all the people should prepare themselves to hear from him. Preparation for anything like a sports season (Go Cardinals) or an event (wedding, birth, meetings, etc.) helps to minimize surprises and make ready for contingencies. This doesn’t mean things always go to plan, but being ready helps to focus on the event itself. It also helps to bring greater satisfaction. When you are prepared you are able to receive a greater blessing.

How much do we prepare ourselves when we meet each week? What is your expectation for bible study or worship? Spend time consecrating your focus on the Lord and expect to meet him. The blessing will be worth the preparation.

Short-term Memory

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 15:22-27; 16:1-18 (day two) 

So the people grumbled…vs 24. This word of complaint is just three verses removed from Miriam’s song “Sing to the Lord, for is highly exalted.” What were they expecting? Why so quick to turn to grumbling? Later in the chapter God provides bread from heaven. BREAD FROM HEAVEN! That’s pretty incredible provision. That too, however, will become tiresome to the Israelites. Just days removed from Egyptian captivity, with empty bellies all they could think about was how well they ate while they were slaves. Do you become myopic when it comes to the Lord’s call? The call to obedience may indeed require you to make uncomfortable sacrifices, but a bit of perspective is also required. Fixating on the Egyptian buffet made the Israelites forget 400 years of oppression. Are we short-sighted when it comes to the call of the Lord? Do we forget just how much he has already done for us? His provision is more than enough, it always has been.

You Have a Reason to Sing

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 14:1-4, 10-31; 15:1-2, 20-21 (day two) 

“Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today.” 14:13

I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. 15:1

Been chased by any armies or chariots lately? Probably not. Remember the last time that San Antonians were told to stay indoors, told what to eat, and then told to grab what they could and leave their homes? No? Me neither. But what has the Lord delivered you from? Have you struggled with doubt, depression, addiction? Perhaps the Lord has brought you from a place of hopelessness to one of great hope in him. What about prayers answered? Can you look back and see the work of the Lord through your life and marvel at how his hand is clearly evident throughout. God is still parting the sea. He is still in the business of delivering people from bondage to freedom. You don’t need an Exodus story like the Israelites, all you need is your story that is filled with the mercy and love of Jesus. Then you have as much reason as Moses to sing of how the Lord continues to deliver his people.

This is Something Special

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 12:1-14, 24-27, 13:8-9 (day two)
“Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance.” vs. 14

The details are incredible. What to sacrifice, and how to account for everyone even if they didn’t have a lamb. How to prepare the meat, what to wear, and how to eat (in haste). Have you ever been in a moment or at an event when you turn to someone and say “This is really special, people are going to talk about this for a long time.”? You know what I mean, we all have those special moments in our own lives like weddings, births, deaths, but what about those moments that shape history? God had told Moses that this event (Passover) would be remembered for generations. It was the time of Passover when Jesus was crucified and the true atonement for all. Jesus has now paid the price for all, but the work is not done. Can we pray that our kingdom work will be the foundation that will change this city? Can we act in a way that we can tell our children that we were a part of something special? God still moves among us, and is still leading us home.

Stubbornness

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 5:1-2; 6:1-8; 7:1-5, 14-18; 8:1-3, 16, 20-21; 9:1-4, 8-9, 13-18, 25-26; 10:3-11, 21-22, 28-29; 11:1-5 (day two) 

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn; he refuses to let the people go.” 7:14

Several weeks ago I came across an internet meme which pictured a billboard which stated  “This year thousands of men will die of stubbornness.” Then, spray-painted just below this was a defiant response…“No we won’t.” The Pharaoh of the Exodus story could certainly relate to the graffiti on that billboard. Defiant and unyielding, he was willing to watch his people, the land, and the livestock suffer greatly rather than relent and show compassion, humility, or even a trace of humanity towards the Israelites. We can be instruments of God’s glory of objects of his wrath. What is he sending your way to get your attention? Do not let your own pride and stubbornness put you in the same category as the Pharaoh. Take off your sandals, find Holy Ground and yield to God’s great plan.

Who Am I?

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 3:1-14; 4:1-15  (day two)
“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you.” vs. 11-12a

Notice God’s reply to Moses? He doesn’t answer the question that was posed, does he? Perhaps in a nod to how Jesus will counter the seeming unending questions from believers and non-believers alike, God carefully focuses Moses attention on what really mattered. There is a tremendous amount of hope in these two verses. God unequivocally states that who you are makes no difference to him. It’s not about you. Alone, you will not accomplish this task. But…GOD WILL BE WITH YOU! The task he is assigning to you is one that will happen with God’s help. Not of your design, skill, or effort, but by his grace and power through you. Has he called you to action? Rest assured he will not leave you alone to see it through.

Growing

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 1:8-22, 2:1-10 (day two) But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread…1:12

Some of us do our best work when we face a deadline or some kind of pressure to finish. There is some kind of inborn fire that ignites when our back is to the wall and we must either succeed or fail. It is interesting that we don’t always use the same zeal when it comes to our faith. Consider the Israelites, brought from starvation to plenty through Joseph’s position and the Lord’s provision, they were now a large people group that caused Egyptian leadership to worry. As a result they were forced into slavery, forced labor. From plenty to hardship within a few generation. But rather than fade into obscurity, the people of Israel thrived and grew. Oppression brought courage, faith, and growth. They were a still a long way from the promised land, and had much to endure before their journey’s end, but they did not allow hardship to overcome them. May the same be said of us.