Monday, January 30, 2012

In Exodus 29-31, much of the worship is described.  As with the Tabernacle, the ordination of the priests, their clothing, and the sacrifices are carefully mapped out.  There is no room for human opinion or change.  I wonder if the specific metals designated for each item or purpose are a practical matter, or if their importance is more symbolic.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Today's reading in Exodus 25-28 describes the construction of the Tabernacle.  The exact way in which each item is to be made and decorated shows how important that design is to God.  I am amazed that this huge, heavy tent will be packed up and moved every time the Israelites move their camp.  It is clear that the Tabernacle had to be constructed in a way to make it moveable.  But, I have been camping.  The only thing more exhausting that setting up camp, is breaking camp and packing up for the trip home.  The size and complicated structure of the Tabernacle clearly requires precise planning and organization.  I wonder if they every lost a tent peg.  It can be a real problem!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

On Saturday, Exodus 19, 20, 23 and 24 are covered.  The Israelites reach Sinai and the covenant is made between them and God.   An angel is given by God to guard and guide them on their journey.  I really do not recall this angel from previous readings.  It always amazes me that I wake up to new truths every time I read God's word.  Also, today it dawns on me that God first speaks the ten commandments to Moses.  Moses is then told by God to summon Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel to worship God.  They are not allowed to approach as closely as Moses.  Finally, Moses is called to 40 days and nights on the mountain, when God gives him the tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments.  Chapters 21 and 22 are reserved for later integration with portions of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, where all the laws will be presented in a single collection arranged by subject.   A lawyer's dream!

Friday, January 27, 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manna
Today's reading from the last of Exodus 15 through chapter 18, tells of the Israelite's grumbling for food and water.  The miraculous provision of manna by God and the rules regarding it's gathering and use are outlined here.  Each person was to gather an omer (2 quarts) of manna each day.  On the 6th day they were to gather a double portion.  The Israelites ate manna for 40 years.  I wonder who among us would not have grumbled after 40 years of manna.  I always like to think, as I read this, that I would be grateful for all that God provided.  But, then I consider all I have been given, and how entitled I still sometimes feel.  It is humbling.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

In today's reading, Exodus13-15, Pharoah's army pursues the Israelites.  The sight of them approaching must have been terifying.  I need to remember that they have been been overpowered by the Egyptians for over 400 years.  They have taken on the identity of slaves -- people dominated and owned by others.  And now, their owners are coming to take them back.  Terrifying!  But, Moses gives them encouraging words which will serve all of us well in many terrifying situations:

  "Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Wednesday, Jauary 25, 2012

Today, in Exodus 12 and part of 11 instructions are given for the Passover preparation.  Its meaning and the continued practice are explained to the people of Israel.  It is impossible for me to imagine the deep anguish of the Egyptian people after losing all of their first born.  I believe I too would give the Hebrews anything they asked for to get them out of my land.  God prepared both peoples for the impending exodus.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Today's reading in Exodus 12 and part of 13, details the last of the plagues.  The first plagues were disgusting, stinky, and downright inconvenient.  But today's plagues became deadly.  It seems that Pharoah's resistance actually builds, the greater the damage done, until he even loses his son and all the first born of the Egyptians.  God is doing this mighty work so that when Pharoah expells the Israelites, the expulsion is complete.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Today the plagues begin.  Exodus 5-8 covers the first of the plagues.  My chronological Bible has an excellent commentary for each day's reading. It is The Daily Bible, by Harvest House Publishers.  Today I would just like to quote a part of it:

"The struggle between God and Pharoah is classic because it demonstrates how all men and women tend to struggle with God.  Pharoah will first reject God altogether, then respond to the initial demonstrations of God's power by believing in the artificial manifestations of power which human trickery can devise.  When even the tricks of his magicians cannot duplicate the plagues brought against his people and property, Pharoah will try to avoid God through procrastination, compromise, and insincere repentance.  With each attempt of resisting God, Pharoah's heart gets harder, until he is unmoved by even the threat of death to his people."

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The first 4 chapters of Exodus introduce Moses.  Everything about him seems miraculous -- his survival of the death edict given by Pharoah; his adoption by Pharoah's daughter; his contact with his own mother during his early years; and his attitude of caring for the Hebrew slaves even though he was privileged to grow up as royalty.  Like most of us, he had doubts about his abilities.  God patiently showed him that he could do what God had appointed him to do. 

But, one of the most amazing statements in today's selection is about the actions of the midwives in defying the orders of Pharoah.  "The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the King of Egypt had told them to do. . . ."  Living life in reverent fear of God, rather than fearing everything else I fear, would keep me out of so much trouble.  That is my prayer for today:  "Let me live every minute of every day in reverent fear of God." 

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Today we finish the book of Genesis.  As Israel comes near the end of his life, he calls Joseph and requests burial back in Canaan.  He also blesses Joseph's sons, giving Ephraim, the younger, the first blessing.  He then blesses each of his sons individually.  Again, it is important to pay attention to the blessing for Judah.  It is amazing that after the burial, once again Joseph's brothers express their concern over his possible revenge.  I have always wondered if Israel (Jacob) ever got the details of the disappearance of Joseph.  I am almost certain that, in his shoes, I would have demanded a full account.   "What were you thinking?  Go to your rooms and don't come out until I call you!"  But there is no detail given to this possibility.  Joseph weeps when he receives their message and then reassures them that he fully accepts God's will in the unfolding of events.  He was certainly a model of forgiveness.  Finally at the age of 110 Joseph dies.  He lives to enjoy his greatgrandchildren.

 It has taken three full weeks to read the first book of the Bible.  We have gone from creation of all things to the destruction of all but a handful through the flood.  We have seen the establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel through their father Abraham.  We leave them in Egypt where they have grown greatly in number since 70 members of Jacob's clan traveled there during the famine.

Friday, January 20, 2012

"And they all lived happily. . ." for awhile anyway.  Today's reading in Genesis 45 and 46 tells of the happy reunion between Joseph and his father, Jacob (Israel).  It is a beautiful picture -- ". . .he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time."  The extreme sorrow each of them felt when separated is now obliterated by their intense joy!  The family tree of Israel is explained in detail here.  One of the details raised a question for me.  All 12 of Israel's sons are listed, along with the sons of the 12 sons, and with distinction as to the mothers of each.  However, in only two cases are the grandsons of the 12 sons listed.  The two cases are for Judah's son, Perez, and Perez' two sons, Hezron and Hamul; and Asher's son, Beriah, along with his two sons, Heber and Malkiel.  I thought that Judah's grandsons were listed because of the lineage of Jesus.  But, if that is the case, then why list Asher's?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

In Genesis 42-45, the story of Joseph's reuniting with his brothers is told.  Although Joseph recognizes them, he hides his identity from them.  And then he toys with them.  Or maybe he is just trying to find out what kind of people they were.  Of course, he could have revealed himself immediately and asked questions, but I think his methods were much more accurate in disclosing their character and intent.  I find this story to be such a page turner and am drawn into the emotion of his reunion when he actually reveals his identity. 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Today's reading in Genesis 39-41 begins the story of Joseph in Egypt.  "When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant."  Potiphar was basking in the glory of Joseph's favor with God.  Joseph's strong faith and moral uprightness were fine with Potiphar as long as they benefited him.  Now, enter Potiphar's wife.  Pride would not let her listen to Joseph's arguments.  She was a woman scorned, and she wanted revenge.  Potiphar was also full of pride and anger when he sent his faithful servant to jail.  Even in prison, the Lord is with Joseph, where he is soon in charge of all the prisoners.  His response to Pharoah is consistent with his character:  "I cannot do it.  God will give Pharoah the answer. . . ."

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

In Genesis 37 and 38, Tuesday's reading, the story of Joseph begins.  Joseph is my second favorite old testament character.  (Daniel is undoubtedly my favorite.)  Joseph starts out as a spoiled, arrogant teenager.  His father makes no secret of his favor, which only makes things worse with the other brothers.  Speaking from the point-of-view of a wife, I would think that too many women in the household would be a cause of constant irritation as well.  The treachery of the brothers towards Joseph is terrible, but as he later attests, it was what needed to be.  Even more evil, perhaps, is the brothers' willingness to allow their father to mourn the loss of his beloved son unnecessarily.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Monday's reading in Genesis 36 lists the descendents of Esau.  The names do start to sound familiar after awhile.  I thought I found one of Job's friends.  But, Job's friend was Eliphaz the Temanite.  Esau's son by his wife Adah, the daughter of Elon the Hittite, was also Eliphaz (the Hittite?)  So close. 

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sunday's reading is in Genesis 34 and 35.  This horrifying sequence of events involves both rape and murder.  I can't help but think that Simeon and Levi acted at least partly out of pride.  Jacob's stated fear that their greater forces put the whole family in jeopardy is answered with ". . . but we couldn't let them get away with that. ."  That thinking has gotten a lot of us in trouble.  As Jacob takes his family and moves away, it makes you wonder if God doesn't want some distance between Jacob's family and these people who worship false gods.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Today's reading in Genesis 31-33 tells of Jacob's departure from Rachel and Leah's family.  This account is an epic tale by itself.  Drama, trickery and thievery are all there.  Commentators like to point out the fact that God is able to achieve His glory even through flawed humans.  I am all for that!  The reunion of Esau and Jacob has me on the edge of my seat every time I read it!  I love these lines:  Esau said, "Then let me leave some of my men with you."  "But why do that?" Jacob asked. "Just let me find favor in the eyes of my lord."  So polite!  But read between those lines. . .

Friday, January 13, 2012

Today's reading is in Genesis 29 and 30.   Apparently family ties are of great importance to Jacob, maybe because of the emphasis placed on it by his parents.  When he locates his relatives in Haran it is a very emotional meeting.  They welcome him without question.  Apparently, that is where the good will ends and deception begins.  The betrothal and marriage of Jacob to, first Leah, and a week later, her sister, Rachel, would make any soap opera producer proud.   The struggle over the division of the flocks is always a little baffling to me.  Is this a miracle of God in order to bless Jacob?  What is the significance of the spotted or blemished stock which Jacob receives?  Would these have been acceptable as a sacrifice to God?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Today in Genesis 26-28 Jacob's deception of his father Isaac wins him the blessing over his brother Esau.  So much for brotherly love.  First Cain and Abel and now Esau and Jacob.  Sibling rivalry in our my family was nothing compared to this!  And Rebekah was quite the deceiver herself.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

In Genesis 25 and 26, Wednesday's reading, the offspring of Abraham and his new wife, Keturah, are listed.  It is specifically noted that he gave them gifts while he was alive, but then sent them away from Isaac.  All of his wealth and belonging went to his son Isaac at his death.  Events in the life of Isaac are similar in a number of ways to his father's.  They both had beautiful, barren wives.  They both lied about their relationships to these women to save themselves from perceived harm.  Their prayers were answered and they were given children. In the case of Isaac and Rebekah, the wait was "only" 20 years. They prospered under God's protection and blessing.  And now, I think it gets very interesting!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Today's reading should be Genesis 24.  Somehow I have gotten a day ahead of the reading schedule.  I am not sure how that happened, but I hope I have not thoroughly confused anyone.  I looked back over what I read and I don't think I have skipped anything, so I must have read two days in one.  Thank you to everyone reading and following the blog.  I pray that God will bless your reading of his Holy Word.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Today's reading is the 24th chapter of Genesis.  In his old age, and after Sarah's death, Abraham sends his servant to return to his country and relatives to get a wife for his son, Isaac.  The servant is very careful to understand exactly what Abraham expects of him.  Before he swears the oath requested of him, he asks clarifying questions of Abraham.  Only after assuring himself that he understands his assignment, he swears a solemn oath, which he faithfully carries out.  Following God's direction, he finds Rebekah, God's intended wife for Isaac.  It is always a good idea to be sure we understand what we are committing before we seal the deal!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Today's reading in Genesis 20 and 21 begins with another deception by Abraham and Sarah regarding their relationship.  Here is another example of how withholding important information, or giving a partial answer, can be a lie.  This lie had serious consequences for Sarah, Abraham, Abimelech and his household!  God's intervention, as pointed out in my commentary, eliminates any doubt as to the father of the son soon to be born to Sarah.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Today's reading covers Genesis 18 and 19.  It begins with Abraham being visited by God and two angels.  He is given the news that in a year's time he will have a son with his wife Sarah.  I think it is interesting to compare the laughter of Abraham in yesterday's passage, and the laughter of Sarah in today's passage.  Again, I see the importance of attitude in pleasing God. 
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is always chilling because of the level of evil taking place there.  I have heard people use the dialogue between God and Abraham over the saving of these two cities as an argument for being able to change God's mind.  It seems to me that God's purpose for allowing the discussion was to allow Abraham to finally "get it" just how evil they were.  God's decision had already been made.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Today's reading in Genesis 15-17 is about God's covenant with Abram.  To me it is a reminder to wait on God for the fulfillment of His promises.  When Abram and Sarai set out to "help" God they made quite a mess of things.  That has certainly happened to me a few times.  And yet, even when their "help" caused all kinds of drama, God kept his promise in exactly the way He said He would! 

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Today's reading spans Genesis 12, 13 and 14.  It begins with the story of Abram and his journeys as directed by God.  His behavior toward his wife in Egypt is disappointing.  It shows me how I can sin greatly when I fail to trust God's promises and decide to take on life's problems in my own way.  Abram shows much more admirable behavior in dealing with Lot over the choosing of land.  He certainly displays bravery in rescuing Lot and others from the invading kings.  My question for today is, who is Melchizedek? 

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Today's reading begins with people deciding to build a tower reaching to the heavens.   God is displeased with their attitude.  I think they have this in common with Cain -- an attitude problem.  The passage begins in Genesis 11 and continues to the end of the chapter, all the way to Abram.  It is amazing to me that we have come all the way from creation to Abram in 4 days of reading.  The span of time from creation until the flood (according to my commentary) is 1,656 years.  That was all in 3 days of reading!  Compared to the relatively brief history of the United States (235 years) and the volumes that have been written of its history, it makes sense that much is not revealed in Genesis. 

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Today's reading in Genesis follows man's deterioration into wickedness; Noah and the flood; and the post-flood sin of man.  One point to ponder in today's reading is, how many years have passed since creation?  My commentary gave me the answer, which I will post tomorrow.  Two other points of interest for me today were the saving of seven pairs of each clean animal.  The other is God's changing of the dietary rules for Noah and his family at the end of the flood.

January 2, 2012

This is only the second day of the year and already questions are coming up for me.  Share your thoughts on the other people, such as Cain's wife.  Where did they come from.  I have read commentaries on this, but would like to hear what others have learned.  Also, when you comment, please mention which schedule you are following.

In The Beginning

On this first day of the new year, I am excited to begin my 14th journey through the Bible.  I am amazed to be writing my first ever blog post!  I hope this journey will be a blessing for you.  It will certainly be a learning process for me!  Happy reading!