QT, 29 Apr 10

Ex 32:25 (NIV) Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.

NOTE: Leadership bears a great responsibility in standing up for truth. The sheep need shepherds, and the shepherds must place responsibility above popularity. Leadership is a lonely job. It is guaranteed to make people unhappy. There will always be tough decisions that will infuriate some portion of the population, if that was not true, there would be no need for the leader, or for decision making, since all decisions would be self-evident. Aaron failed in his role of leading the people. That does not exclude him from God or cause him to be disciplined, but he still failed as a leader. I think teachers have the same role and responsibility today. We must not shrink back from telling people the truth of God's word, even when it is unpopular or not the common view (either of the world or the church-going crowd). Truth is defined by God alone, and not by culture or opinion.

QT 27 Apr 10

Ex 32:1-6 (NIV) When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him."

2 Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me." 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."

5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord." 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

NOTE: Aaron is the ultimate people pleaser. I'm sure 40 days was a long time for Moses to be gone. And without a vision or a purpose, the people sought the wrong things. Also, most people whose faith is weak want something tangible to put their hat on. It is hard to believe when the object of your faith is unseen and does not answer your prayers the way you want them answered. But then, Aaron's actions get out of hand. The people indulge in revelry during their worship time. It is apparent that Aaron isn't involved, but he is the one who declares the golden calf to be the god who brought them out of Egypt. So false teaching can lead indirectly to gross sin. This is why it is so important that teachers study God's word diligently, and do not neglect the work that is required to accurately handle God's word. Father, protect me from relying on my wisdom or knowledge and not seeking your truth above all.

QT 23 Apr 10

Ex 28:1-2 (NIV) Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. 2 Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor.

NOTE: The garments give dignity and honor, they do not make the person better, holy, or closer to God. The garments are required to serve as Priests in the tabernacle. The garments "cover" the person in a way that God says is acceptable. In that sense, they are holy. But the person is not holy because he wears sacred garments. He has dignity and respect not because he is something special, but because he is called to a special task before God.

But in the new covenant, all believers are priests, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10)." So, we are no different from a Priest in the OT. We should give dignity and honor to other believers, especially those who are serving the Lord well. But they are not better, they are just obedient, and example to all who call themselves by the name of Christ.

QT 22 Apr 10

Ex 21:13 (NIV) However, if he does not do it intentionally, but God lets it happen, he is to flee to a place I will designate.

NOTE: This is an interesting verse from God directly regarding his sovereignty.

Ex 25:40 (NIV) See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

Ex 26:30 (NIV) "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.

NOTE: The word "pattern" is not used very often in scriptures; it shows up nine times, five referring to the tabernacle. The word "plan," while occurring often (31 times), only seems to reference the tabernacle once. Planning is a broad term, while pattern is very specific. Planning assumes that the detail or patterns may differ from one plan to another, even when the plan is the same. But pattern is something that is to be followed specifically. One case of the nine cases, Rom 5:14, refers to Adam as pattern of Jesus who was to come. The three other cases are as follows:

Rom 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Phil 3:17 (NIV) Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

2 Tim 1:13 (NIV) What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

NOTE: So we are not to mimic the world in our thoughts. We are to mimic those who live as Paul taught. And, we are to mimic sound teaching, as Paul did. Beyond that, there is a lot of freedom.

QT 14 Apr 10

Ex 20:18-21, 24-25 (NIV) When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."

20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

24 "'Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it.

NOTE: Two things stand out. One, God does specifically say that the fear of God will keep them from sinning. I think we like to spiritualize that or mollify it by suggesting that the fear of God means respect or awe. But it is very clear from the context that the fear is physical and emotional fear. Actually, we may not like to admit it, but fear can have a very positive effect on our behavior.

Secondly, God wants the altar built out of stones, with no tools of any kind. Now, the tabernacle will have different rules for a different purpose, but I think that the point is that when we come to God, we don't come on our terms or what he have done to deserve his presence. We can't earn a meeting with God. We can't earn an answer to a prayer. We come as we are with nothing to boast about.

QT 13 Apr 10

Ex 20:2-18 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 "You shall have no other gods before me.

4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. . . .

7 "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, . . .

8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. . . .

12 "Honor your father and your mother, . . .

13 "You shall not murder.

14 "You shall not commit adultery.

15 "You shall not steal.

16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 "You shall not covet . . . anything that belongs to your neighbor."

NOTE: So much is written about the Ten Commandments that it is almost hard to make any comment. The first four commands separated Israel from all the other nations around them. They worshipped one God who is unseen and above all other ideas of God. One day was set aside to rest following the example of their creator. These four commands delineated Israel from everyone else at the time. But, the latter six are written on the hearts of every human being. They cross cultures around the world with no exceptions. We know deep down that they are the right things to do. Jesus repeated all of these commands, except the Sabbath, while he was on earth. So, even in the New Covenant which is not ruled by laws written on stone, nine of these laws still apply to us -- the Sabbath is debatable (of course, the Sabbath still stands as a wise principle -- even Jesus said it was for man not for God -- even God the Father said it was for man when he gave the manna).

QT 12 Apr 10

Ex 19:9-14 (NIV) The Lord said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you." Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.

10 And the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, 'Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 He shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on him. Whether man or animal, he shall not be permitted to live.' Only when the ram's horn sounds a long blast may they go up to the mountain."

14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.

NOTE: This is the ultimate guest for dinner. The people take three days to prepare themselves for the Lord's visit. I'm sure they cleaned up the tents, buried the trash, and washed everything. They took baths and they put on clean clothes. We do somewhat similar things when people visit our home -- well not everyone, but most people do. Why? We want to make a good impression. We want the person to feel comfortable (although one can argue if a dirty house makes someone more comfortable). It does convey importance to the visiting party. But in reality, we now meet with God every day. We can approach the throne of grace with confidence. Worship is, or at least should be, a part of our everyday life. How do we prepare ourselves when the experience is routine? Obviously, confession comes to mind. We need to confess our sins, our attitudes, our failures prior as we come to God. Jesus also suggested making wrongs, right as well. I need to remember that my meeting with God should never be so commonplace as to miss the significance and the importance of it. He is still my creator, my king, my Lord, my ruler, my father, my friend, and my savior.

QT 11 Apr 20

Ex 19:1-6 (NIV) In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt — on the very day — they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.

3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."

NOTE: God was looking for a kingdom of priests, a holy (set apart) nation. He was looking for His representatives on earth. Israel failed to obey the covenant, and failed to fulfill God's desire for them. The new covenant has a similar hope and promise. God is looking for ambassadors, a kingdom of priests, a people set apart. He is calling them from every nation, tribe, tongue, and people to represent Him to the world. What kind of representative am I? Am I priest? Do I help people to reach God? Do I bring peace and balm to the hurting? Do I tell them of God's word? Do I give hope?

Father, I pray that as I travel to Bulgaria to share your word, that my Bulgaria, my mission field would be every place I walk. Give my eyes to see the needs and to respond with your power and goodness.

QT 9 Apr 10

Ex 18:18 (NIV) You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.

NOTE: This is good counsel for any man for a number of reasons. One, people business is very wearing. Two, not only can't one person handle it alone, it usually is not good. When one person becomes the supreme voice of justice and reason, it time, it perverts into something very ugly. There is protection in wise counsel of many wise individuals. Unfortunately, too many people prefer to tune themselves in to the voices they want to hear, or tickle their fancy, than to really listen to godly counsel.

Ex 18:19-23 (NIV) Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain — and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied."

NOTE: Jethro gives many point of wise counsel. First, we need to take things to God. They are not brought to us, but are for God to decide. Even when someone asks me for advice, I need to remember to add the quick prayer for wisdom. Two, we should be always teaching people decrees, laws, and, I would add, principles. Three, we should always have application in our teaching, showing people how to live and the duties they are to perform. Fourth, we must raise up "capable men (and women)" who are honest to lighten the load, and (now I will spiritualize this to my time and culture) to make disciples in the church. Too few people in the body of Christ take their role as a member of the body seriously. Consequently, the body is often not able to stand the strain, nor is the body satisfied.

QT 8 Apr 10

Ex 18:14 (NIV) When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?"

Ex 18:17 (NIV) Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good.

NOTE: It is always a dangerous thing when one man sits as judge for all others. While the one man may do well at the start, the temptations of pride are great. Jethro's words are correct, (it) is not good. Leadership, good leadership, relies on others. It uses sounding boards and honest men to discuss issues and decisions. Even in a small ministry, it is important to have one or two others to share aspects of the ministry. Pride is a deceptive thing. It builds a person up to the point where the individual does not think he needs any help, and that he knows better anyway. It does not allow a sane estimate of self. Father help me to always rely on others for help in my work and my ministry.

QT 7 Apr 10

Ex 17:10-13 (NIV) So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up — one on one side, one on the other — so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Note: There are two ways one could view this verse. One way is that Moses was only holding up his arms and the staff of God (17:9), and the second way is that the hands lifted up were combined with prayer (17:16). Since verse 16a says, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord…," I will take the view that Moses was also praying. In which case we have a nice picture. We have men fighting, physically, and we have a supporter praying, spiritually and physically (since it was difficult to continue in prayer the whole time). If either failed in the part, the whole venture fails. The only issue remaining, is that "many words" do not impress God. So, in some sort of way, Moses was praying, but he was not repeating redundant words, but words specific to exactly what was happening at the moment. Now that is an interesting way of praying. To look around and pray for exactly what you see happening before you. In that way, the prayer is active and does not consist of a bunch of words. It is real, not flowery. And hopefully, it does not repeat God's name every other word. One would think God knows his own name. I wonder how we would feel if a friend repeated our name to us every sentence of a discussion. Yet, we treat God that way. Why do we do that?

QT 5 Apr 10

Ex 17:1-7 (NIV) The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink."

Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?"

3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?"

4 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me."

5 The Lord answered Moses, "Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?"

NOTE: Grumble number four. This is actually the second time that water becomes an issue. Verse 7 gives a key to the real issue "Is the Lord among us or not?" or in other words, does God really understand what I am going through, and more importantly, does he care? They don't doubt the power of God, but rather the love and care of God. That is always the issue in understanding suffering and pain. Some discount God's power to intervene, others discount God's awareness, and some discount whether God is truly loving. The argument is that He cannot be all three and allow evil and suffering. What is missing in the line of argument are two key points. One, evil and suffering is a result of the fall and a consequence of our rebellion -- it didn't have to be that way. Two, this life is not the end of existence, and any temporal pain in this life will never overshadow the joy of eternity. We put too much stock in our earthly existence, even believing that it is our reward for right living, or a right that we can demand from God--but that is not true.

QT 2 Apr 10

Ex 16:19, 20, 26-30 (NIV) Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning."

20 However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

. . . . 26 Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any."

27 Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28 Then the Lord said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 29 Bear in mind that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

NOTE: Twice the people test God. The first time is to save some until the next day. The second time is to gather when they are not supposed to gather. Why do we behave so? Normally, I would probably be the person saving some for the next day. But if God specifically said not to -- I hope I would be sensible enough to obey. My struggle with these verses is that while they are amazingly specific, most of my obedience is not to such specific commands or at least it doesn't seem that way. I know I am to trust in God for my needs, but how much do I save, prepare for the future, etc? When do I follow-up on something, when do I wait upon God? I don't want to be like the Israelites and test God because of my lack of faith. But I do want to act prudently and rationally, for God has given me a mind to think. I suppose I will just have to struggle with this concept all my life, and in that sense, my obedience may be more difficult than the Israelites.

QT 1 Apr 10

Ex 16:1-5 (NIV) The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. 2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days."

NOTE: This is the third grumbling. At least now, they attribute life and death to God. It is interesting how they view the days of slavery. Now, the old days were so much better than today. They had all the food the could eat or wanted. Somehow, that just doesn't fit with the way Pharaoh treated them, especially after the first request to leave. If they did have all the food they wanted, they sure didn't have time to eat it. Why is it that we respond in this manner when things aren't going the way we want them to? Do we really believe ourselves? Or are we just naturally unsatisfied with life--all the time? Paul once said, ". . . I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Paul specifically suggest that not being satisfied is not restricted to being "in want" but also occurs "in plenty." What was Paul's secret? I'm not sure he explains it exactly, except he does say, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." So, real living is through God's lens and not mine. He can give me the strength to live through any and every situation, but, do I bother to try to see things through His lens or is my focus (pun intended) from my point of view? Father, help me to view life through your lens.