This month we will be reading in the book of Exodus. The narrative begins approximately 400 years after the events of Genesis. By now, the descendents of Abraham have multiplied in Egypt to number about a million. Because of this unprecedented population growth among the Hebrews, the king (the pharaoh) of Egypt has enslaved them. God comes to the rescue by sending Moses and miracles.
In the New Testament, we will read the historical book of the early church, Acts. Both Exodus and Acts are filled with miraculous events. This weekend is the time to catch up... if you are behind.
In the New Testament, we will read the historical book of the early church, Acts. Both Exodus and Acts are filled with miraculous events. This weekend is the time to catch up... if you are behind.
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Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.
This is Moses first close encounter with God. God communicates volumes about Himself and Moses presumptions and the broken relationship between man and God.
First, God calls Moses by his name. He knew Moses before Moses knew Him. Next, God warns Moses to keep his distance. Moses was not ready to draw close to God yet. Later he will draw very close.
Moses is instructed to take off his shoes because the ground is holy. I have noticed that we, in western culture, are beginning to adopt the practice of removing our shoes when we enter someone home. This is done, I think, because we don’t want to soil our neighbors carpet for we recognize it is clean.
Here what God is saying to Moses don’t get to close to Me or the goodness in Me will consume the sin in you and you will be consumed in the process. Second, show respect for My purity. At this point Moses is afraid to look at God later he will speak to Him face to face.
Contrast this with the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost when the holy fire of God rested on each of them. This shows how much the cleansing power of the cross did to remove sin. This is why Jesus said that even though John the Baptist was greatest among those born of women up until that point those who are least in the kingdom of Heaven are greater. Matt 11:11
Exodus and Acts together. I am loving every minute of it. To read again about how God shows us his power and how he thinks is so exciting. To read about the eyewitnesses of this awesome power and the boldness of the Apostles. How I pray that I won't miss a single miracle no matter how small and to have to boldness to tell others what Christ has done!
Hello. It has been a while but I am caught up.
A couple of things I notice but am unsure of. Why should we fear God? I understand that he can squash me and everyone I know but he is a fair and just God. All he wants is a relationship with each of us. Why fear that? Shouldn't we embrace it? Afterall, I have never feared any of my friends and none of them are as trustworthy as God.
Psalm 18 expresses so well how much God truly cares for us. When the psalmist cries out in distress, the Lord hears and His response is mighty and powerful. Reading this passage renews my faith that God IS on my side, He DOES care for me and he WILL give me the strength to overcome
To me Romans 14 is a great chapter against legalism. Let us as Christians do what we do and let other Christians do what they do, without one trying to force "right" on each other. In the end we should all worship and we all will answer to God. Who has is exactly right? No one. I am sure we come very close! If I didn't think we are pretty close to right, why would I be here?!
Culture, enviornment and past relationships all create differences in believers. Our purpose in Gods plan is as individual as we are. That is why I think there are so many different denominations and ways Christians do things. I don't think God cares as long as we don't cause any to stumble and as long as we don't judge each other
Fear God. To me is not a "quake in your boots" type of fear." But, it can be. I think it is a respectful fear. Example, if you know God, you know you should do what He tells you to do. It is for your own good. If you don't you could end up in the belly of a fish or turning into a pillar of salt. God always forgives, when we ask, but we always have consequences for our actions. I think anyone can fear God. But the kind of fear I think the Bible is referring to is the kind that can only be understood if we have relationship with Him.
I had this kind of fear of my Mom and Dad. That fear and unconditional love made me strive always to please them. To me it is like a Father Child relationship. Except in this case "Father Knows Best" every time!
Just my thoughts.
Love ya'll
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