Sunday and Monday Readings: Exodus 1-6; Matthew 14
I drifted off to sleep before I could do my Sunday readings, so I’ve done Sunday and Monday today.
Ex 1
'The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.' There's something to be said for hard times.
The importance of having your own relationship with God and not trying to ride on the coattails of the relationship of previous generations: A king who did not know Joseph came into power. But wasn’t there any other Israelite that could’ve been groomed all those years before Joseph died? Someone to fill in the gap ever before he died so that the Egyptians would not completely forget Joseph’s God? Joseph was only known because of the God he served and the favor he showed him. Grace to groom our children effectively, Lord. Draw them to you, O Holy Spirit.
My reading is that the Israelites paid dearly for this lapse in the spiritual mentoring of the next generation. With Joseph and the previous generation gone, they lost all the favor they’d been enjoying and Egypt became hell. They forgot that God works through people. God then had to identify someone and prepare him - preparation that men could have done long ago. Moses was the perfect candidate because he was the only one actually raised in Pharaoh’s house as a grandson, rather than raised as a slave. So he could engage with Egyptian royalty. Moreover, he spent years shepherding flocks in Midian, under a Hebrew father in law and with a Hebrew wife. So he had the multicultural skill that no one else had. Despite the cries of the Israelites, God wasn’t going to send an angel. He needed to send a man, and that man had to be prepared. That man turned out to be Moses. God of process! Always working, even when silent. Never without a plan. Human beings (including me), wake up!
Matt 14
Jesus gave thanks before having the food distributed. I’m just reminded of the importance of this practice. Without God, we can do nothing. If Jesus can take the time to give thanks to the Father before a meal, who am I??
Ex 4
‘What is that in your hand?’ Deep question. Don’t wait for God to create the unnecessary. He will use what you have for your deliverance and blessing, so make sure you have something. Or rather, make sure you know what you have, because we all have something!
‘Who gave human beings their mouths? ... Is it not I, the Lord?’ Whoa!! Yes, Lord - you are the Lord!
Matt 14
‘But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’
The winds of life are so distracting. When it’s windy (like right now), Jesus expects me to maintain my focus on him.
Show me how to use my mustard seed faith effectively, Lord!
Jesus said to Peter: ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ Little faith??? After Peter walked steadily on water? Then how puny my own faith must be! Still, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you shall say ...
Despite the current wind, I look to you, Lord Jesus. Build my faith and help me not to lose focus.
Ex 1
'The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.' There's something to be said for hard times.
The importance of having your own relationship with God and not trying to ride on the coattails of the relationship of previous generations: A king who did not know Joseph came into power. But wasn’t there any other Israelite that could’ve been groomed all those years before Joseph died? Someone to fill in the gap ever before he died so that the Egyptians would not completely forget Joseph’s God? Joseph was only known because of the God he served and the favor he showed him. Grace to groom our children effectively, Lord. Draw them to you, O Holy Spirit.
My reading is that the Israelites paid dearly for this lapse in the spiritual mentoring of the next generation. With Joseph and the previous generation gone, they lost all the favor they’d been enjoying and Egypt became hell. They forgot that God works through people. God then had to identify someone and prepare him - preparation that men could have done long ago. Moses was the perfect candidate because he was the only one actually raised in Pharaoh’s house as a grandson, rather than raised as a slave. So he could engage with Egyptian royalty. Moreover, he spent years shepherding flocks in Midian, under a Hebrew father in law and with a Hebrew wife. So he had the multicultural skill that no one else had. Despite the cries of the Israelites, God wasn’t going to send an angel. He needed to send a man, and that man had to be prepared. That man turned out to be Moses. God of process! Always working, even when silent. Never without a plan. Human beings (including me), wake up!
Matt 14
Jesus gave thanks before having the food distributed. I’m just reminded of the importance of this practice. Without God, we can do nothing. If Jesus can take the time to give thanks to the Father before a meal, who am I??
Ex 4
‘What is that in your hand?’ Deep question. Don’t wait for God to create the unnecessary. He will use what you have for your deliverance and blessing, so make sure you have something. Or rather, make sure you know what you have, because we all have something!
‘Who gave human beings their mouths? ... Is it not I, the Lord?’ Whoa!! Yes, Lord - you are the Lord!
Matt 14
‘But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’
The winds of life are so distracting. When it’s windy (like right now), Jesus expects me to maintain my focus on him.
Show me how to use my mustard seed faith effectively, Lord!
Jesus said to Peter: ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ Little faith??? After Peter walked steadily on water? Then how puny my own faith must be! Still, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you shall say ...
Despite the current wind, I look to you, Lord Jesus. Build my faith and help me not to lose focus.
Comments
Post a Comment