Tag: Jesus

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.

Eye for an eye

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

“If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman. . .[and] there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”–v 21:22, 24.

It sounds vengeful to a society  that has grown soft on consequences, like permission to “get even”.  And probably it has been misused in the past.  Originally, however, it was an expression of accountability and consequence.  Men who fought and injured the innocent by doing so (even if unintentionally) were to be held accountable.  The response was to be measured.  Eye for eye.  Tooth for tooth.  No escalation, but no confusion or avoidance of consequence either.  Jesus will later prohibit us from using this law in personal revenge.  See Matthew 5:38.  I do not think Jesus was removing the principle from courts of law.  Wouldn’t we all make better decisions if we knew that this law (or something like it) would be impartially applied to our choices and actions?

Messy

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

Exodus 21-23
We would have no need for the Law if there was no sin. The law is detailed and cumbersome. There is no part of the human existence that they do not touch. This reality teaches us a lot about ourselves and the affects of our own brokenness. Our sin has made life messy; it entangles us in every possible way, enslaving us only to perpetuate deceit and murder. The intent of the Law was not only to help us see ourselves for who we are, but also to make provisions for our sinful messes; providing a civil means to untangle that which we have entangled.

The irony is that we often believe that our rebellion against God is an expression of freedom. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth; the further we run from God the more enslaved we become. We have the messes to prove it. Lives are destroyed and relationships shattered all because the sin in us and all around us. We can look often at the Law and think “how cumbersome!” I imagine the response of God is “Well, look at the mess you’ve made.”

True freedom is when we have no need for the Law-and glory to God that day is coming thanks to Jesus who fulfilled the Law!

Our [g]ods

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

Exodus 20:4
Our gods are of our own making. Even when we think on God we tend to “make him in our own image.” We keep the things we like and cast off the things we don’t. Every culture and every generation does it. A new way of thinking about God began anew when God told Moses His name, “I AM.” The name was a clear statement of His holiness; that he was distinct and separate from humanity, that He had a character and nature all of his own that wasn’t dependent on human invention.

That’s why the Law was so good, because it was God revealing to the Hebrew people (and humanity) that you can’t make gods in your image anymore, because I AM your God. The giving of the Law exposed our god-making nature. The Law takes us back to the earliest days in the garden when the Serpent tempted Eve with the notion that she would become like God if she ate of the fruit. Ever since we have been exalting ourselves by fashioning our own gods. The Law says, to be like God you must lay down your god-making ways and worship God only, and then will you clearly see that you were made in the very image of God. The Law reveals our tarnished God-like image; it did back then and it does today.

The Law, and then ultimately Jesus (he alone fulfilled the Law on our behalf) is a God ordained means to restore His image in humanity. Which is why Paul wrote in Romans 8:29, “those who he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of the Son.”

 

Be thankful for the Law; it is good!

The Ten (der) Commandments

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

It is our privilege, this week, to reflect on the 10 Commandments.  It is not unusual for moderns to claim that the law is no longer binding on believers,  an “Old Testament thing”.  I disagree.  Jesus said, “Whoever shall break one of the least of these commandments, and shall teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven.”–Matthew 5:17.  God’s law and God’s love are not separate things.  Over and over, God makes the point that they are given “that it might go well with you.” (Deuteronomy 12:28, Ephesians 6:3)  God is not arbitrary.  He is not power hungry.  Why should He be?  He gives laws to live by, because, in the very nature of things, our lives will be better for the following.  None of us can say WE LOVE HIM if we ignore His laws.  All of us can say that HE HAS LOVED US by giving His Ten (der) Commandments.

Bible Togetherness

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

His nation was in spiritual tatters, the Temple in disrepair, and young king Josiah did not follow in his father’s footsteps. Rather he began initiatives to restore his people. In the process of restoring the Temple the high priest stumbled upon the Book of the Law and brought it to Josiah’s secretary. When Josiah’s secretary began to read to him from the Book of the Law, “he tore his clothes (2 Kings 22:11).” He grieved at the thought of he and his people disobeying God for generations, and he was fearful of God’s wrath. The Book of the Law broke the heart of Josiah.

It was that Law that was about to be delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai. Save for the incarnation their might not be a greater event in human history; God’s inaugural written revelation delivered to humanity. We find the people in Exodus 19 instructed to “consecrate” themselves as they prepare to act as over-hearers at the base of the mountain. This was no small thing; this was not life in the mundane.

When we posture ourselves to listen to God’s revelation; when we yield to the voice of God we can’t help but be transformed. We can’t help but see ourselves for who we are in light of His revealed Word, and that is grace to us. The thunder and lighting, smoke and fire, and the written Law was an extraordinary work of grace that day on Mount Sinai. Even the slightest glimpses of God lay us bare, exposing all our deepest and darkest frailties, and that kind of self-knowledge is the beginning of restoration. Let us expose ourselves to the majesty and glory of the Gospel, that Jesus may lead us in ongoing restoration in all of our life; even the most broken and shameful parts he can redeem! Will you “consecrate” yourselves this week? Will you remove yourself out of the mundane in order to be ready to see glimpses a glorious and majestic God who redeems?

Praying for multitudes of “Josiah” moments in the FBCSA family! Pray with me!

God’s Economy

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

Exodus 16:  4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction”.

God continues to be faithful in providing provision and protection to the Israelites.  God demonstrates His generosity and kindness to His People.  Yet, He “measures” it out on a daily basis.  Needs are met and obedience is required.  What lessons and insights could be gained by collecting manna each and every morning?  Perhaps God is teaching them (and us), faith and trust marked with daily discipline and determination is His recommended pattern for growth and grace.

The focus shifts from victory (centered more on man) to obedience (centered directly on God).  Sounds like Jesus’ prayer, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

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.

Saved for Worship

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 12:1-14, 24-27, 13:8-9 (day six)

Does your heart sing? Years ago as a college student in Hattiesburg, MS I went to worship at FBC Hattiesburg with one of my closest friends. During the sermon the pastor was speaking on the extravagant love of God in our justification through Jesus, and being unable to contain himself my friend erupted with a loud fist pumping holler (like one you would hear at a football game). Needless to say he frightened many people, and probably left many scratching their heads. He was overcome with inexplicable joy! Isn’t this how it should be for us? Full of joy and erupting in song!

This week in Re:Verse we encountered the spontaneous praise of Moses and the Hebrew people following their salvation out from the Egyptians (Exodus 15). This is both beautiful to behold and compelling. Should not our praise erupt out of our joy of God’s salvation?! Yes, and again I say yes!

In fact the root of our joy rests in the saving work of God. In that work we see God for who he is as loving redeemer and mighty warrior. When we see God, we can’t help but worship. King David’s sin (and ours) was born out of dysfunctional worship. In Psalm 51:8 he wrote, “return to me the joy of my salvation.” Let’s pray like David that we never lose sight of our God who is mighty to save, so that our praise will always be loud and true!

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.