These 2 chapters go together.....so, I thought I'd over-achieve a little bit since I've been spotty lately.
8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.
I find myself wondering why God gave Moses all these instructions for eating, and how to dress. It seems completely irrelevant to the situation at hand. But, with God there must be a really good reason. Maybe he wanted to see if the Israelites would have enough faith in him, and in Moses to do all of these ridiculous things? I don't know.
I find myself asking similar questions to all the details of this EPIC story. Why did God do it this way? What was his goal, in handling the slave situation this way? Who was really to benefit from it? If God really wanted his people to be free, he could have softened Pharoahs heart, and they would be gone.....right?
I am really curious lately to understand God......to try to see things thru his eyes. I try really hard at work to be a big picture sort of guy. To see the overarching themes in what we are doing. To not get caught up in the minutia of the detail.
In reference to God, I'm hoping this view will do 2 things for me.
1. Give me a heart that cares about the things that God cares about.
2. To see the lessons in the situations, and not just focus on the stories.
what do ya think?
tp
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Exodus 8-9--and 10
34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts.
So I read through a couple chapters and glanced a head, we have a series of plagues yet to go through. But what I see here is a repeated behavior by the Pharaoh of praying for help getting it then moving on in his own way that is pretty easy to relate too.
When I read this the Pharaoh's behavior seems ridiculous probably even stretch a little from the truth right? Well how often when I pray for help because I have a pain or a problem does he deliver me from the situation and I move on my merry way forgetting to thank him or even worse just ignoring him completely until the next time I hit an issue that I can't resolve on my own.
my prayer list is helping me be a little better but still...
Knut...Pharoah out
So I read through a couple chapters and glanced a head, we have a series of plagues yet to go through. But what I see here is a repeated behavior by the Pharaoh of praying for help getting it then moving on in his own way that is pretty easy to relate too.
When I read this the Pharaoh's behavior seems ridiculous probably even stretch a little from the truth right? Well how often when I pray for help because I have a pain or a problem does he deliver me from the situation and I move on my merry way forgetting to thank him or even worse just ignoring him completely until the next time I hit an issue that I can't resolve on my own.
my prayer list is helping me be a little better but still...
Knut...Pharoah out
Monday, October 28, 2013
Exodus 6-7
Exodus 7
23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart.
In chapt 6 we see another list of names. These chapters make me think its demonstrating these are not just stories but capturing history.
Chapter 7 we see the miracles being performed have no impact on Pharaoh in fact its almost the opposite he seems dismissive . How often does God do miracles in the world today or work directly in my life and I am dismissive or oblivious to his works?
I don't think I'm the Pharaoh, but sometimes I may not be much better.
knut
23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart.
In chapt 6 we see another list of names. These chapters make me think its demonstrating these are not just stories but capturing history.
Chapter 7 we see the miracles being performed have no impact on Pharaoh in fact its almost the opposite he seems dismissive . How often does God do miracles in the world today or work directly in my life and I am dismissive or oblivious to his works?
I don't think I'm the Pharaoh, but sometimes I may not be much better.
knut
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Exodus 5
23 Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”
I'm not sure of the take away but its interesting that even Moses doesn't connect the dots some times. The previous chapter God told him that he would harden the Pharaoh's heart and not let the people go, so he shouldn't be so surprised like he is.
there is probably a lesson about listening to God and being patient with his plan. not on our time but on his.
knut
I'm not sure of the take away but its interesting that even Moses doesn't connect the dots some times. The previous chapter God told him that he would harden the Pharaoh's heart and not let the people go, so he shouldn't be so surprised like he is.
there is probably a lesson about listening to God and being patient with his plan. not on our time but on his.
knut
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Exodus 4
13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
continuation on yesterday, maybe sometimes I don't hear his requests maybe other times I would like Him to pick someone else.
Am I ready to both hear Him and listen to his instruction? Am I praying and listening, to your point yesterday about prayer life? My honest answers are probably maybes and sometimes but I believe I am improving, in part through our daily study here.
maybe we can be direct on holding each other accountable in our prayer life somehow--any thoughts or ideas on how we could do that?
knut
continuation on yesterday, maybe sometimes I don't hear his requests maybe other times I would like Him to pick someone else.
Am I ready to both hear Him and listen to his instruction? Am I praying and listening, to your point yesterday about prayer life? My honest answers are probably maybes and sometimes but I believe I am improving, in part through our daily study here.
maybe we can be direct on holding each other accountable in our prayer life somehow--any thoughts or ideas on how we could do that?
knut
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Exodus 3
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
Like you have pointed out many times in our past reading God does remarkable work through ordinary and even lowest on the totem pole people. I think Moses is probably thinking something like that too, I'm just sitting here tending to the flock and now you want me to do what?! Yet he goes on to do it, an of course he received a pretty powerful means of communication that might have aided his faith that God was truly with him.
But how often does God ask meto do something on His behalf that I do not take action or maybe even hear it? I'd like to stand ready to do whatever work God calls me to do and recognize if He calls me to do something that He will provide the way and that I don't have to think I have all the answers myself before beginning to take action and follow His direction.
knut
Like you have pointed out many times in our past reading God does remarkable work through ordinary and even lowest on the totem pole people. I think Moses is probably thinking something like that too, I'm just sitting here tending to the flock and now you want me to do what?! Yet he goes on to do it, an of course he received a pretty powerful means of communication that might have aided his faith that God was truly with him.
But how often does God ask meto do something on His behalf that I do not take action or maybe even hear it? I'd like to stand ready to do whatever work God calls me to do and recognize if He calls me to do something that He will provide the way and that I don't have to think I have all the answers myself before beginning to take action and follow His direction.
knut
Monday, October 21, 2013
Exodus 2
It seems that this entire narrative would make a really good animated movie.......seriously, its hard to read the story without seeing the imagery from the movie. They did a good job of ellaborating on what was written. The entire story isn't much more than a couple of paragraphs. Again, we see a little trickery here, with Moses' sister, and offering to take him to someone that could nurse him.
I still find it hard to believe how fast the Israelites perdicament changed in Egypt. But, if you think it all through....the only reason they are there is due to the famine. This was something that God knew would happen, and it was all a part of his plan. He was setting up his people for a LOAD of adventures that would test their faith and their stamina.
I'm not drawing any great conclusions today, for the application. I guess this should be a re-affirmation that God has a plan for everyone. And, no matter how we try to control circumstances, or what we try to manipulate to our own benefit.....God's plan will win out. We should see this in every character in the story. From Moses' family, to Pharoah, to his daughter.....to the family in Midian that Moses winds up staying with......Sometimes I think God must be chuckling as I try to make things go my way. He's probably thinking, "why does this knucklehead keep wasting his time, doesn't he know that I've got this?"
peace
I still find it hard to believe how fast the Israelites perdicament changed in Egypt. But, if you think it all through....the only reason they are there is due to the famine. This was something that God knew would happen, and it was all a part of his plan. He was setting up his people for a LOAD of adventures that would test their faith and their stamina.
I'm not drawing any great conclusions today, for the application. I guess this should be a re-affirmation that God has a plan for everyone. And, no matter how we try to control circumstances, or what we try to manipulate to our own benefit.....God's plan will win out. We should see this in every character in the story. From Moses' family, to Pharoah, to his daughter.....to the family in Midian that Moses winds up staying with......Sometimes I think God must be chuckling as I try to make things go my way. He's probably thinking, "why does this knucklehead keep wasting his time, doesn't he know that I've got this?"
peace
Friday, October 18, 2013
Exodus 1
This feels a lot like the end of Genesis in its narrative.
I'm fascinated with how the stories of the bible can turn on a dime, and what a HUGE impact that turn can have.
8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”
11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.
In this short sentence, the Israelites became slaves, which sets up the much of the rest of the pentateuch. Some of the greatest stories in the bible come about just because of that one paragraph.
What do I take from this one? hhhhhhmmmmmmmm not sure. I suppose there is something to be gleaned from the way the mid-wives didn't obey the king.....but, they had to lie to do it. I will try to remember this story the next time I'm on the "birthing stool"
I'm fascinated with how the stories of the bible can turn on a dime, and what a HUGE impact that turn can have.
8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”
11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.
In this short sentence, the Israelites became slaves, which sets up the much of the rest of the pentateuch. Some of the greatest stories in the bible come about just because of that one paragraph.
What do I take from this one? hhhhhhmmmmmmmm not sure. I suppose there is something to be gleaned from the way the mid-wives didn't obey the king.....but, they had to lie to do it. I will try to remember this story the next time I'm on the "birthing stool"
Exodus 1
17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.
Another interesting historical type read. I didn't get much to discuss but did note that there must have been something obviously different about the Israelites that causes the midwives to fear God and go against the King's orders.
your turn show me that way
knut
Another interesting historical type read. I didn't get much to discuss but did note that there must have been something obviously different about the Israelites that causes the midwives to fear God and go against the King's orders.
your turn show me that way
knut
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Genesis 49-50
again more story and detail about both Jacob and Joseph's final days but I do not take away any specific idea or thought to learn from--do you?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Genesis 48
7 As I was returning from Paddan,[b] to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan while we were still on the way, a little distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).
Another chapter that I didn't get any specific point from but like seeing the linkage to what will ultimately be a place that is well known even today.
if you want to see some serious deep thoughts someone else got out of this chapter and the symbolic nature of Israel's crossing of hands read this quick link.
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1768900-Ephraim-and-Manasseh-Picture-of-Jesus
not sure how he draws all these conclusions but interesting none the less.
knut
Another chapter that I didn't get any specific point from but like seeing the linkage to what will ultimately be a place that is well known even today.
if you want to see some serious deep thoughts someone else got out of this chapter and the symbolic nature of Israel's crossing of hands read this quick link.
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1768900-Ephraim-and-Manasseh-Picture-of-Jesus
not sure how he draws all these conclusions but interesting none the less.
knut
Monday, October 14, 2013
Genesis 46-47
These read a bit like a documentary, I'm not picking up a lot of teachable points out of this section.
16 “Then bring your livestock,” said Joseph. “I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock, since your money is gone.”
Looks like Joseph is a capitalist not a socialist. He is willing to help out the needy but if you have the means at all it doesn't look like people expect a complete handout.
curious to see if you get anything a bit deeper out of these chapters.
knut
16 “Then bring your livestock,” said Joseph. “I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock, since your money is gone.”
Looks like Joseph is a capitalist not a socialist. He is willing to help out the needy but if you have the means at all it doesn't look like people expect a complete handout.
curious to see if you get anything a bit deeper out of these chapters.
knut
Friday, October 11, 2013
Genesis 43-45
I just kept reading this one. Its a fun read. I kept going until Joseph finally broke down and told his brother who he was.
2 things hit me on this one. Nothing very noteworthy, just interesting.
1. I've never read the story and realized that Benjamin is Josephs only brother, from the same mother. The other brothers were from different wives, or others.....that's key to why Joseph makes them bring him. He feels more of a connection with Benjamin than the others.
2. I can't believe how magnanamous Joseph is with his brothers. Not only does he not put it in their face that he is the ruler of Egypt, or that his dream came true about bowing down to the stalks of grain....but, he takes the exact opposite approach with them. He tells them that is was God's plan to provide for them!
I think there is something HUGE to be learned in that. Because we are so selfish in nature, its hard for us not to gloat when we are right and someone else around us is wrong, or when someone wrongs us.....but, to look at the situation and see that it was God's doing for the benefit of both of us? hhhhhhmmmmmmm. That is not how what pops into my head when I feel dissed......AT ALL!!
nothing major, just observations today.
have a great weekend!
may God be with you and the fam.
2 things hit me on this one. Nothing very noteworthy, just interesting.
1. I've never read the story and realized that Benjamin is Josephs only brother, from the same mother. The other brothers were from different wives, or others.....that's key to why Joseph makes them bring him. He feels more of a connection with Benjamin than the others.
2. I can't believe how magnanamous Joseph is with his brothers. Not only does he not put it in their face that he is the ruler of Egypt, or that his dream came true about bowing down to the stalks of grain....but, he takes the exact opposite approach with them. He tells them that is was God's plan to provide for them!
I think there is something HUGE to be learned in that. Because we are so selfish in nature, its hard for us not to gloat when we are right and someone else around us is wrong, or when someone wrongs us.....but, to look at the situation and see that it was God's doing for the benefit of both of us? hhhhhhmmmmmmm. That is not how what pops into my head when I feel dissed......AT ALL!!
nothing major, just observations today.
have a great weekend!
may God be with you and the fam.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Genesis 42
24 He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.
I love this story but don't have a specific point to take away yet--probably during tomorrow's chapter. Theis verse though just makes me think of how God has built us to have emotion and memory. So much must be flooding through his head remembering 20 years ago being sold off. But hearing Ruebens words maybe sparked his love for his brother and moved him to put some silver in their bag. God made us in his image, the idea of emotion is something he experiences too. i should think about that when i do something that may hurt him.
kinda of random today
knut
I love this story but don't have a specific point to take away yet--probably during tomorrow's chapter. Theis verse though just makes me think of how God has built us to have emotion and memory. So much must be flooding through his head remembering 20 years ago being sold off. But hearing Ruebens words maybe sparked his love for his brother and moved him to put some silver in their bag. God made us in his image, the idea of emotion is something he experiences too. i should think about that when i do something that may hurt him.
kinda of random today
knut
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Genesis 40-41
Gen 40:23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Gen 41
1 When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: ...
9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.
16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”
This past Sunday our pastor used some Greek interpretations of the Bible to point out differences that may not be apparent in the NIV. He spoke of chronos and kairos time. Chronos being things happening in order through the passage of time, kairos being in the right time or God's time.
I read two chapters today because I didn't know what to say about ch40. Then looking at it I thought about kairos time for Joseph. How he must have been frustrated to get stuck in the jail for two more years. But how well God's plan worked to position the cupbearer to enlighten the Pharaoh at just the right time that ultimately resulted in Joseph being put in charge of Egypt.
just a little reminder for us to both pray for God to do his will through us and then be willing to trust that He is and though the plan may not make sense to us it is perfect in the end.
knut
Gen 41
1 When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: ...
9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.
16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”
This past Sunday our pastor used some Greek interpretations of the Bible to point out differences that may not be apparent in the NIV. He spoke of chronos and kairos time. Chronos being things happening in order through the passage of time, kairos being in the right time or God's time.
I read two chapters today because I didn't know what to say about ch40. Then looking at it I thought about kairos time for Joseph. How he must have been frustrated to get stuck in the jail for two more years. But how well God's plan worked to position the cupbearer to enlighten the Pharaoh at just the right time that ultimately resulted in Joseph being put in charge of Egypt.
just a little reminder for us to both pray for God to do his will through us and then be willing to trust that He is and though the plan may not make sense to us it is perfect in the end.
knut
Monday, October 7, 2013
Genesis 39
I'm gonna take this one really far off the beat and path......reading thru all of these stories in Genesis has made me take a look at sexual depravity in society a little bit differently. I find myself thinking that society is sinking further and further down this path of sexual immorality.....and I still think that is true. But, there are so many stories in here that speak that same language, that its shocking. The way these stories read, it doesn't seem like its a very big deal that Potiphers wife is trying to seduce Joseph. It says, Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”
This sounds as if it was almost expected. Like, how could she resist him. He was well built and handsome.
It seems that people that are really important in the history of Christianity, were also dealing with this sexual craziness. Sleeping with their daughter-in-law, sleeping with their wives hand-maid, getting drunk and sleeping with their daughters.....are you remembering all of these? Its nuts.
Here's where I try to bring this back around to the application part of it. If one of my friends got caught sleeping with someone elses wife; it would be a HUGE scandal.....and earth shattering event. The kind of news that makes you feel sick to your stomach when you first hear of it. But, why don't I react the same way when someone goes 10 miles an hour over the speed limit, or spreads a bit of juicy gossip, or makes fun of the guy with the funny shaped nose? I don't know. Both cases are the same in God's eyes. They are both turning you back on him, and the way he wants us to act. I know my point to all of this is bit nutty. But, I want to try to look at every situation in terms of how God sees it, and not to put my own scale of "bad behaviour" on life.
enough rambling
have a good week
This sounds as if it was almost expected. Like, how could she resist him. He was well built and handsome.
It seems that people that are really important in the history of Christianity, were also dealing with this sexual craziness. Sleeping with their daughter-in-law, sleeping with their wives hand-maid, getting drunk and sleeping with their daughters.....are you remembering all of these? Its nuts.
Here's where I try to bring this back around to the application part of it. If one of my friends got caught sleeping with someone elses wife; it would be a HUGE scandal.....and earth shattering event. The kind of news that makes you feel sick to your stomach when you first hear of it. But, why don't I react the same way when someone goes 10 miles an hour over the speed limit, or spreads a bit of juicy gossip, or makes fun of the guy with the funny shaped nose? I don't know. Both cases are the same in God's eyes. They are both turning you back on him, and the way he wants us to act. I know my point to all of this is bit nutty. But, I want to try to look at every situation in terms of how God sees it, and not to put my own scale of "bad behaviour" on life.
enough rambling
have a good week
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Genesis 38
I struggled with this one. There's too many unfamiliar names, and places. It makes it really hard to keep it straight in my head. Here's what I keep coming back to on this one. The line of Judah is where Jesus comes from. So, reading it in that mindset does shed a unique light on it.
This is a complete mess. Kim and I were walking last night, and she was lamenting over how families can bring drama. Its always an intertwined mess that families get themselves into. This reads just like that. Who is sleeping with who......prosititution.....deceit........disguises. Its CRAZY! It seems unbelievable that Jesus come from a family with this much underhandedness, and dishonest behavior. I read thru a couple of commentaries on this, just to make sure I was understanding the story correctly. Here's the jist of what I read
We have, in this chapter, I. Judah's marriage and issue, and the untimely death of his two eldest sons. II. Judah's incest with his daughter-in-law Tamar, without his knowing it. III. His confusion, when it was discovered. IV. The birth of his twin sons, in whom his family was built up. This family includes the Jesus Christ.
You can't make this stuff up.
So, what's my take on all of this as an application for my life?
God can use anybody, and any situation for his benefit. The comparatively small things that bring drama in my life should never bring me to the conclusion that God can't use me or my family. There is nothing beyond his power and grace.
peace
This is a complete mess. Kim and I were walking last night, and she was lamenting over how families can bring drama. Its always an intertwined mess that families get themselves into. This reads just like that. Who is sleeping with who......prosititution.....deceit........disguises. Its CRAZY! It seems unbelievable that Jesus come from a family with this much underhandedness, and dishonest behavior. I read thru a couple of commentaries on this, just to make sure I was understanding the story correctly. Here's the jist of what I read
We have, in this chapter, I. Judah's marriage and issue, and the untimely death of his two eldest sons. II. Judah's incest with his daughter-in-law Tamar, without his knowing it. III. His confusion, when it was discovered. IV. The birth of his twin sons, in whom his family was built up. This family includes the Jesus Christ.
You can't make this stuff up.
So, what's my take on all of this as an application for my life?
God can use anybody, and any situation for his benefit. The comparatively small things that bring drama in my life should never bring me to the conclusion that God can't use me or my family. There is nothing beyond his power and grace.
peace
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