Exodus 25 - 26

God outlines the details for His dwelling place among His people - the tabernacle. The dimensions, the decorations, every detail was described for them. Nothing was left to chance or open for guessing. God has a definite plan and outlines that specific plan so that He would be honored accurately.

One of the main features was the Ark of the Covenant. This piece of tabernacle furniture was symbolic of God's very presence among His people. It was gold covered and adorned with covering angels representing the beauty and holiness of the God to whom it pointed. Throughout these descriptions, the uniqueness and preciousness of God is highlighted. Worship Him today!

Exxodus 23 - 24

As the laws for Israel are given, God inserts a promise for the land in which His people will dwell. Theirs is the land, yet they would not receive it all at once. There were not yet enough people to sufficiently inhabit the land area. God would allow them enough land to meet their present needs; and bless them with increase of population and territory. Too often, we want the end result, and perhaps we need the reminder that God always gives us what is best - including the proportionate size of what is given!

Moses and the leaders are invited to a mountain top to ratify the covenant. The people swear their intentions to keep God's laws, and Moses approaches the place God has established for meeting Him. Moses leaves Aaron in charge of the nation while he is meeting with God - a meeting that will last for 40 days and nights.

Exodus 21 - 22

God continues outlining the laws by which His people will be governed. Many facets of society are covered; from the borrowing and return of animals and tools, to the social prohibitions against certain behaviors. Overarching the entire discussion are the principles laid out in the Ten Commandments. These chapters are fleshing out in greater detail what it means to live by them.

Exodus 19 - 20

Three months after leaving Egypt, God makes clear His rules for His people. Before giving them the Law, He establishes the ground rules for even approaching Him. God makes it perfectly clear that we do not approach Him in the same manner as anyone else - He is unique and is to be approached like none other. His laws are unique and are to be kept because of His uniqueness. The New Testament makes it clear that the Law is not meant to be a help to approaching God, but actually point out the fact that we are NOT like God, nor can we be. The Law (Torah, 10 Commandments) serves as a reminder that God must provide the solution for man's fallen nature.

Exodus 16 - 18

The nation of Israel leaves Egypt and the Red Sea behind; but soon begins thinking "Life was good back there in Egypt." How soon they forgot all the trouble and hardship from which God had delivered them. The lack of "suitable food" was of concern, and God miraculously provides bread and water for them. Battles are miraculously won due to God's intervention. There is no situation from which God cannot glorify Himself and provide exactly what is needed in the amounts in which it is needed.

Exodus 14 - 15

The children of Israel are headed out of Egypt; but Pharaoh still believes he can pursue, overtake and force them to return to Egypt as his slaves. The people panic, believing that God can deliver them from the country but not from the leader. Moses' advice is to "Not fear. Stand still and see God's deliverance." God's command is slightly different "Move forward and I will deliver you."

Yes there are times we need to stand and watch God deliver. Other times, God's command to proceed is to be followed in spite of the dangers seemingly involved in forward progress.

Israel is delivered; and the nation rejoices by composing a song in commemoration of the event. God is good!

Exodus 12 - 13

Just as God promised through the words of Moses, the firstborn of all who had not marked their doors in the manner prescribed by God were killed. Not a single household was unaffected. This action made the Jews so distasteful to the Egyptians that they were begged to leave "lest all should die." Thus, the Jews gladly departed Egypt and the Egyptians gladly let them leave.

Even in this time, God reminds His people of the special place they hold. Instructions are given about how to remember God's actions at this time and to use those reminders as times of instruction about the God they serve. From this time, all firstborn males of the livestock were to be sacrificed; firstborn sons were to be redeemed - all a sign of what God had done in delivering His people with a mighty hand and outstretched arm.

Exodus 9 - 11

Pharaoh will still not allow God's people to travel into the wilderness to worship. Moses keeps highlighting the power of God to Pharaoh by announcing what God will do to convince the Egyptian leader of His dominance. Locusts, dust, hail, boils, and darkness all befall the nation of Egypt; but those who fear the Lord and listen to Moses' warnings are spared these calamities. Pharaoh finally lays down the ultimatum: You will never leave. You will never come into my presence again.

Moses announces the final judgment on Egypt: death of all the firstborn. This plague will so revolt the Egyptians that they will plead with Israel to leave. Moses promises that when they leave, not even the Egyptian dogs will growl at them as they pass - another indication of God's intervening in even the laws of nature.

Exodus 7 - 8

Moses and his brother Aaron stand before the Pharaoh and demand the release of God's people to worship. Pharaoh has no intention of letting them leave, so Moses demonstrates the power of God to Pharaoh through many horribly wonderful phenomena. Turning the Nile to blood, calling for frogs to overrun the land, gnats that cover everything and everyone, flies that infest the land (but not the land of the Israelites). In each case, Pharaoh asks for the removal of the plague with the promise of compliance; in each case Pharaoh changes his mind once the trouble is removed and becomes even firmer in his decision to not allow the Israelites to depart.

How often do you and I act like Pharaoh? We beg God for the removal of trouble - trouble that has come as a result of our own stubborn actions - and then do nothing to change our ways, do nothing about the promises we made God during the trouble. Like He did with Pharaoh, God will use increasing amounts of persuasion to convince us that He alone is God.

Exodus 4 - 6

Moses is tasked to lead the Israelis from Egypt. But several barriers stand in the way. First, the people are not willing to listen to him. Second, Pharaoh is unwilling to let the people leave. Is this a problem? Not to God! The increased labor and insistence of Pharaoh all play a part in God's design. He was making Egypt unpalatable for the Israelis and was about to make the Israeli presence unpalatable for Pharaoh. Throughout these chapters, one sees God at work behind the scenes as these folks make their own choices that lead ultimately to the fulfillment of God's intention for each one.

Moses loves to make excuses. He is not eloquent, he is not a leader, he is not prepared. to each of these, God answers "I am God". What excuse are you giving for not following or obeying God. The problem is not who you are; the problem is that you don't understand who God is!

Exodus 1 - 3

Jacob's descendants multiply in the land of Egypt, eventually making them too great a nation in the eyes of a Pharaoh not favorable to Joseph and his family. There follows a time of intense persecution; and yet the nation continues to grow. The male children are put under a death sentence, yet the nation continues to multiply. In the midst of this a son is born and hidden from the authorities. Eventually this child is discovered by the Pharaoh's daughter and taken into the royal household and given the name Moses.

Moses grows and eventually chooses to side with his people rather than his adoptive family. This choice forces him into exile where he marries and begins raising a family. But God has bigger plans for Moses. God calls and commissions him to lead the nation of Israel out of their slavery. Moses is to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. But what if the people are unwilling to follow Moses? He is to relate to them that "I AM " has commissioned him. Moses has received orders from the One Who always is; and the One Who always keeps His promises.

God has not forgotten His people!

Genesis 49 - 50

Jacob is about to die. He calls his sons to his side and pronounces blessings upon them. Even in this, God's goodness is seen; God honors Jacob's blessings of his children and the blessings become prophetic. One of the greatest promises is to Judah: that the One who gives peace will come some day from his progeny.

After Jacob's death, the brothers fear Joseph's retaliation. But in one of the more ironic statements in Scripture, Joseph makes a bold proclamation: what the brothers had intended for evil (his being sold into slavery) God used for great good, in fact for the preservation of their family.

The book of Genesis ends with Joseph's death. The nation of Israel is now in Egypt and every visible means of deliverance is now dead. What would happen to the God-blessed nation of Isael?

Genesis 46 - 48

Jacob takes a trip he never expected to take. He travels to Egypt to be reunited with his long-lost (long-feared dead) son, Joseph. God appears to him prior to his departure and promises that the land he is leaving will not be lost but will be preserved and reserved for him. His progeny will return to this land - God has promised and we have already seen that God is good at keeping His promises.

Jacob and his family enter the land of Egypt and greatly increase the population of that nation. One nation entering into the land of another increases the population by exactly 70 persons. Not exactly an overwhelming nation; but certainly more than Abraham thought possible not too many years prior.

Jacob lives in Egypt for 17 years and prior to his death we are allowed to hear the blessing he pronounces on Joseph's sons. The statement "I did not think to see you again; and here I am beholding your children" is testimony to the faithfulness and graciousness of God!

Genesis 43 - 45

The food Joseph provided for his brothers eventually ran out. In order to gain further provision, they would need to return to Pharaoh's representative with their youngest brother. Jacob, now well advanced in years, is reluctant to let this last child of Rachel leave his side; but is persuaded when his brothers pledge their lives for his safety.

Joseph arranges for the brothers to be fed, provided with provisions, and brought back on charges of theft. As the brothers plead for Benjamin's life, Joseph realizes that these brothers have been broken of their jealousy and hatred; and reveals himself to them as their brother.

I can only imagine the shock, bewilderment and dread that ran through these men's minds as they realize the one man that can literally decide their life and death is a man they mistreated many years ago. How greatly can a grudge fester over that period of time?

In Joseph's case, not much. There was no grudge. Joseph, we read, was viewing the situation from God's perspective. Joseph recognized that God was using even the evil intentions of his brothers to bring about their ultimate good. Selling their brother into slavery provided the means for them to be rescued from famine.

Now, before you go to indenture your siblings, remember this: their actions were wrong and they rightly faced the repercussions of their wrong actions. However, in spite of their actions, God used the situation to fulfill His promise to Abraham, to provide a continuing people that would reflect on His good name.

Genesis 41 - 42

Pharaoh himself has a dream some 3 years later. When no one can interpret the dream, the cupbearer remembers his promise to a man he met in prison, Joseph. Joseph is summoned and interprets the dream for Pharaoh: seven years of bounty will be followed by seven years of famine. Preparations are made to ensure Egypt's preservation, and Joseph is placed in charge of the food allocation system - in fact, he is made 2nd only to Pharaoh.

The famine comes just as God promised and foretold in Pharaoh's dream. It is so severe that surrounding countries and peoples come to Egypt to purchase food. Among the starving is a band of Hebrews, 10 brothers from one father. They claim that a younger brother is at home and another brother "is no more" and ask for food. Joseph, recognizing these as his brothers, sends them home (all but Simeon) with instructions to return with the youngest brother to prove they are not spies. Father Jacob laments that he has now lost 3 sons; Joseph is gone to the beasts, Simeon is as good as dead in an Egyptian prison, and Benjamin will die if he leaves the safety of home.

What would happen? Can God work even THIS situation for the good of all involved? Read tomorrow's installment to find out (or just read it in your Bible).

Genesis 39 - 40

Joseph, having been sold into slavery by his brothers, is bought from the Ishmaelites and given a place in the home of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. God's presence with Joseph is quickly evident and Potiphar promotes him to chief of the household staff. But not everyone is pleased with Joseph; Potiphar's wife has seduction in mind and tries to establish an illicit affair. Joseph, stating his principles, refuses; but this does not stop Mrs. Potiphar from accusing Joseph of attempted rape. Joseph is thrown in prison.

Even there, Joseph flourishes. Soon, the prison's daily affairs are being conducted under his watchful eye. Two high-profile prisoners are incarcerated: the Pharaoh's baker and cupbearer. These men dream interesting dreams that Joseph interprets to mean that they will be restored (cupbearer) and executed (baker). The only thing Joseph asks is that they bring his case of wrongful imprisonment to Pharaoh. The events unfold exactly as Joseph says they will and yet, the cupbearer forgets to fulfill his promise.

Do you see God's hand of blessing and goodness in this? Even in difficult and unpleasant circumstances, God had not abandoned Joseph; and he was not ready to abandon God either. God is trustworthy! Rely on Him today.

Genesis 36 - 38

Following the deaths of Isaac and Rebekah, the story shifts to Israel (nee Jacob) and his sons. We learn that Joseph, one of the younger sons, is a dreamer of dreams; and that his dreams are usually about being greater than his brothers and rescuing them from great danger. Add to these dreams the unusual favor of his father, and the resulting jealousy / hatred for Joseph is not hard to imagine.

This jealousy / hatred boils over during a trip to the sheep flocks. Joseph is sold into slavery, while Israel is told that Joseph's bloody garments were found along the way. These boys have learned deceit and trickery from their father very well.

One son, Judah, has learned deceit very well. The account is given of how he tried to renege on a promise to his daughter-in-law; and how she forced him to act favorably on her behalf.

Genesis 33 - 35

Jacob continues along his journey to meet his brother. He shows his bravado by putting the women and children at the front of the troop; hoping to gain sympathy (?) from the brother whom he has cheated.

Jacob is not the only one who can "pull a fast one" and his daughter is soon placed in the position of needing to be married - but not to one of whom Jacob approves. Jacob's sons take advantage of the love-sick suitor and wipe out the beau in what could best be spun as 'defending the family honor'. What a family!

Yet, God proves Himself to be faithful! In the midst of all this, Jacob is given a more suitable name. God changes 'the cheater' to 'the prince' and gives him the name Israel - prince of God.

The passage ends with the death of Jacob's beloved wife, Rachel. And yet in death there is life as the youngest member of Israel's tribe - a man destined to father a tribe himself - Benjamin is born.

Genesis 31 - 32

Jacob cannot seem to stay out of trouble. He attempts to leave the land of his father-in-law and botches that; then attempts to reconcile with his brother Esau. Afraid of what his brother may do to him, he sends out a peace delegation which fails to impress Esau. Before the day can dawn when Jacob and Esau will reunite, Jacob spends the evening wrestling with an angel - demanding a blessing from him. Only at the end of the match - early the next morning - does Jacob learn that he spent the match wrestling with God Himself.

How often do I do that - spend all my energy fighting against that which cannot be defeated or changed, a holy God?

Genesis 29 - 30

On his wedding day, Jacob is thrilled to marry the girl of his dreams. The next day, his dreams turn to a nighmare when he finds his father-in-law gave him the wrong daughter as a bride. Seven years later, Jacob marries the 'right' girl - the one he loves. God blesses him with a family and he begins to amass wealth and possessions to support his growing brood.

There is only one problem: his father-in-law. Jacob wants to put some distance between himself and his father-in-law; but Laban doesn't want to part with the man who has brought him great wealth just yet. They establish a procedure to divide the flocks; and Jacob begins breeding his animals in such a way that he receives a strong herd.

The lesson I see in this is that God gifts us with incredible talents that He then uses to bring us blessing. What has God brought into your life that you can use to provide not only for yourself, but use in a way that demonstrates the goodness of God upon you?

Genesis 27 - 28

Isaac, now an old man, is preparing to leave this earth; but not before blessing his children. He asks for one last taste of his favorite dish - roast venison (a man after my own heart!). Esau, the woodsman, is dispatched to find and prepare this meal and the blessing will be given him afterwards. Jacob, with the help of his mother, prepares the meal and disguises himself to pass as Esau to his aged father's eyes. Isaac eats, blesses and is totally deceived by his younger son. Esau returns to find that not only does his brother have his birthright, but his blessing as well. The hostility is so great that Jacob is forced to leave to avoid bloodshed.

Even in this, God is accomplishing His purposes. While on the run, Jacob encounters God one evening and is reminded of the blessings promised to his father and grandfather. He is privileged to take his place in this line of family blessing; and names the place of the encounter Bethel (house of God). He promises that if God will allow him to return to this place, he will sacrifice and offer 1/10 of his possessions as an expression of love and thankfulness.

Genesis 25 - 26

After Sarah's death, the next major event is the death of Ishmael. His descendants and their favored living spaces are detailed - again highlighting God's keeping His promise to this man and his mother so many years in the past.

Isaac, whom we left with his new bride last time, is now having children (there is a 20 year time lapse, too). Twins are born to this promised son of Abraham; and he receives the promise that they will be two great nations. The older makes many poor choices, much to the consternation of his parents; the younger is always looking for ways to turn events to his own advantage. Isaac himself has forgotten the lessons learned by father and almost causes an international incident by claiming his wife as his sister. In spite of this family's failings, God promises to bless them - - - and does!

Back in Real Time

For those who care (and you do, right?), the internet problems at my office are now solved. Thank you for your patience. It was amazing how productive I was when the 'Net was unavailable to me!

Genesis 23 - 24

Sarah lives to the ripe age of 127. Her death signifies a new chapter in Abraham's life. For the first time, he is concerned about property - and the only property he is concerned to own is a place to lay his dear wife's body to rest. How touching to read the care and love in Abraham's life as he tends to this last item for his mate.

Speaking of a mate, Abraham's son, Isaac, is ready for a bride. Eliezer, the servant, goes in search of a spouse for Isaac. God leads him to just the right gal. The rest, as they say, is history. Isaac loves her. A new family is begun and the family we have seen reach a milestone at the death of its matriarch begins another generation.

Another late post as the internet issue is still unresolved at the office. God willing, tomorrow is installation day.

Genesis 20 - 22

Tests, tests, tests. Abraham faces his share in these chapters. He hadn't learned the lessons of honesty previously and once again finds himself on the verge of causing an international scene by trying to pass his wife as his sister to avoid problems with a national leader. Isaac is born, just as God said he would be, Ishmael and his mother are dismissed yet cared for by God, Abraham forms a treaty with Abimelech (the leader he just tried to cause a scene with regarding his wife), and is tested by being asked to sacrifice his son - the newly born heir to his family fortune. What a group of tests!

Yet, in all these, God proves Himself to be more than capable of providing what is needed for each situation. He provides safety and security for Sarah, a son for Abraham, protection and provision for Ishmael and Hagar, blessing for Abraham and Abimelech, and a ram for Abraham's sacrifice. What a God of provision!

p.s. Sorry for the late posting. The Internet connection was lost at the office today. But still God provides. Tomorrow we install a wireless router that will allow for greater productivity and greater range of access. God is good.

Genesis 18 - 19

Abraham is visited by 3 men, one of whom the Bible states is the LORD Himself. These visitors share a meal with Abraham and promise him that in less a year he and Sarah will be parents of a son. The elderly couple are amused at this news; and the child's name is revealed to be Isaac - a name that means laughter. Two of the three depart for the valley city of Sodom where they encounter Abraham's nephew Lot. Warning him of impending disaster, Lot and his family flee before God destroys the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's daughters incorrectly conclude that they are left alone in the world, and decide to commit incest with their father to continue perpetuating the race.

Lessons from these chapters? God keeps His promises. He brought a son to Abraham and Sarah; He destroyed Sodom; He preserved Lot and His family (and would have in a more favorable matter had they not taken that responsibility upon themselves). Even in times of disaster and mayhem, God is faithful to His promises.

Genesis 16 - 17

Abram is a bit impatient. As an 85 year-old man, the time for raising a family, much less siring a nation seems to be past. A plan is developed by Sarai, his wife, to bring a descendant into the family. Sarai's maidservant, Hagar, is offered as a surrogate mother. Abram decides to side-step God's timing and impregnates Hagar. Sarai's contempt for Hagar is so great that she banishes her servant to the elements. God, even in this dark circumstance, proves Himself faithful by protecting Hagar and the young child Ishmael. Ishmael was never intended to be the promised heir of Abram; but God provides for his safety and future nonetheless. How great is His mercy!

God reiterates His promise to Abram and puts the stipulation to Abram that his responsibility is to bear in his body a mark of his dedication to God - circumcision. We read of the great circumcision that takes place in Abram's household. Also in this passage we learn that Abram's name is changed to Abraham. He goes from being a prince to being the father of many nations - and yet has no legitimate offspring. Sarai's name is changed to Sarah.

Throughout these chapters God is at work brining His plan to fulfillment.

Genesis 13 - 15

God gives two great promises to Abram in these chapters. First, God promises to give Abram a great inheritance of land. Secondly, and more importantly, God promises to give Abram descendants to inhabit the land. These promises were ultimately fulfilled later, after Abram's death, but at the point of their making Abram believed - and God credited him with righteousness (doing the right thing).

Nestled between these promises is the account of Abram's warfare against a consortium of kings who kidnapped his nephew, Lot. What a man Abram must have been. A man of faith, to be sure, but also a man to never back down from opposition.

Genesis 10 - 12

Noah and his family repopulate the earth. Not long afterwards (several generations) the people came together to construct a monument to their abilities and talents. Their fear was that they would be scattered and have to leave their comfortable surroundings. God interrupted their efforts and confused their languages by instantly creating language barriers where none had previously existed. The result? Scattering around the world. Even in this God is seen to be good, for His plan for man to subdue the whole earth is accomplished.

Generations pass. Perhaps those with an inclination to seek God's direction were wondering if He had stepped away from His creation and abandoned it. Nothing could be further from the truth. God reveals Himself to Abram; calling him away from his native land of the Chaldees to a place unknown to him at the time of his departure. Abram wisely and obediently follows God's direction. But don't get the picture in your mind that Abram was some super-religious man without flaw. The next paragraphs detail the trouble Abram faced when he tried to pass his wife as his sister to avoid conflict with Pharaoh.

Lessons from these chapters? God is always at work accomplishing His purposes. He uses ways we cannot anticipate or imagine. He is always at work - even when we don't recognize His handiwork. He uses flawed materials to create a masterpiece of perfection.

Genesis 7 -9

Noah and his family entered the ark he had built at God's command. All the animals were brought to him to take as well. It is incredible to think of all that took place in the space of one week from the time God said "Get in the boat" and the flood rains began.

And the rain came. The highest mountains were covered to a depth of roughly 22 feet - that's a lot of water! And the Bible says it quite plainly "everything on land died". After the waters receded, Noah, his sons and their wives comprised the entire global population.

Even in a global tragedy, God is good. He prepared for Noah's deliverance, even though He was not obligated to do so. Noah invited all who would to enter with him; but none were willing. Anyone could have taken advantage of God's provision, but none were forced to. Eight souls were willing to obey and were preserved.

But even a global tragedy did not eliminate sin. Soon after the flood, Noah is found passed out in a drunken stupor and one of his sons takes the opportunity to mock him for it. Sadly, even when God grabs our attention in a big way, we too soon drift back into our own ways and forsake His design for life.

Today, thank God for preparing deliverance out of every tragedy. Don't believe it? Look for the rainbow next time it rains - it's God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood.

Genesis 4 - 6

It does not take long for mankind to make a mess of things. Banished from the Garden of Eden, it takes 10 generations before God is so thoroughly disgusted with mankind that He is ready to destroy His creation. Yet, even in this, His glory is seen. He outlines plans for preservation to Noah - a just man - and gives him a task to accomplish. Unlike Adam (who would not follow the task given him), Noah obediently begins building an ark.

One interesting facet I saw today was the names given to those first 10 generations of man. Many of the names recorded are given along with a rough translation. It was encouraging to note how many were names meant as reminders of God's promises. Even in a corrupt society "filled with violence," God was remembered as One Who Keeps Promises.

Genesis 1 - 3

Today's reading starts at the beginning (pretty obvious, eh?). We are immediately introduced to the central character of the Bible, God. Contrary to popular opinion, man is not the center of attention. Oh, you could argue (maybe debate is a better term) that man was created lastly, proving his dominance and prominence in creation. OK, then I guess by that logic you would also agree that woman is much more prominent than man, as she was created after man. I hold that they were created as equals, but man was given responsibility for their actions jointly.

It doesn't take long before Trouble enters Paradise. By the end of chapter 3, the perfect, God-declared good creation lies in ruins due to man's choice of sin rather than obedience. I was struck by noticing how God calls each party to individual responsibility; asking them "What have YOU done?" and then rewarding them for their actions. This reward was negative, to be sure; but God allows us our choices and the consequences of them.

On this first day of the year, it may not take me long before I ruin the pristine year that lies before me. Yet God remain faithful and rewards me for obedience and corrects me for disobedience. He is faithfully concerned with His glory.

Happy New Year!

As 2007 closes and 2008 begins, my prayer for you is that God would demonstrate Himself to you in a palpable understandable way in the coming months, weeks and days.

I finished 2007 by completing my annual trip through the Bible. It is very moving to reach the end of the year at the same time one is reading of the end of time and the beginning of eternity. This morning, I began reading in the book of Genesis - the first book in the Bible. It is my goal to read through the Old Testament this year. The underpinnings of the New Testament are found in the Old; so the theological impact will be incredible, I am sure. Join me, won't you? Find a daily Bible reading schedule and work your way systematically and purposefully through God's written Word.