pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Moses


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God Will Rescue

Reading: Exodus 14:19-21

Exodus 14:20 – “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

Photo credit: Paul Garaizar

Following the Passover and the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh practically kicks Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites out of Egypt. They left in haste – 600,000 men plus women and children. But soon Pharaoh changed his mind and began to pursue God’s people with his army. The Egyptians caught up with Israel as they were camped alongside the sea. Terror spreads among God’s people. Moses offers words of assurance – God’s rescue is coming. After giving Moses escape instructions, God’s messenger and presence – the column of cloud and fire – moved from leading Israel to standing between Israel and the Egyptians. In the last part of verse 20 we read, “The cloud remained there, and when darkness fell it lit up the night. They didn’t come near each other all night.”

At times in our lives we feel fear and maybe even terror. While it is not caused by a literal army seeking to return us to slavery in Egypt, we’ve had situations rise up that make us feel trapped. Fear, worry, stress… begin to rise up. We have experienced threats against our health, well-being, safety, security… We’ve watched a powerful force approaching from afar, fear and dread growing as our depression or addiction or loneliness or… grows in power. In those moments, we are not alone. God stands between us and that which threatens us or causes us fear. Light grows in the darkness, keeping the enemy at bay.

Moses raises his hands and God parts the waters. Dry land appears as the waters are split in two. Rescue is on the way. When we raise our hands in surrender, humbly acknowledging our need for God and our inability to defeat the “army” on our own, then our God will make a way. Without fear, we can walk right through. Without worry, we can trust where God is leading. God will rescue. God is with us.

Prayer: Lord God, in those hard moments, guide us to a place of surrender. When life feels too big for us, may we give it to you, O Lord. With humility and trust, help us to turn to you, trusting in your power and might. Lead us through, part the sea, make a way. Thank you, God. Amen.


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An Act of Salvation

Reading: Exodus 12:1-10

Exodus 12:2 – “This month will be the first month; it will be the first month of the year for you.”

We begin in Exodus 12 this week. Moses has arrived in Egypt, along with Aaron. To this point in the story, nine plagues have occurred. Pharaoh has pondered letting the Israelites go, but God has hardened his heart. This tenth plague is the climax of the story, the final plague. Our story begins with these words: “This month will be the first month; it will be the first month of the year for you.” So important is the Passover, God reconfigures the calendar. From this time forward, the most important act of salvation in the Old Testament will be tied to the beginning of each new year.

Through Moses, God gives instructions to the Israelites. Each household or small group is to take in a perfect lamb and to keep “close watch” over it for four days. On the fourteenth day of the month, they will all slaughter the lamb and place some of its blood around the doors of their homes. This will be a sign for God. The lamb should be roasted and eaten with “unleavened bread and butter herbs.” There will be no leftovers, nothing left behind. All will be burned up. This meal will prepare the people, strengthening them for the journey ahead.

This first Passover meal had a practical side to it. All elements played a role: the perfect lamb, the careful watch, the sign on the doorframes, the physical sustenance, the communal nature of the celebration. Each had meaning in the moment and each had purposes in God’s plans – present and future. As we continue in the story tomorrow, we will develop these connections and purposes.

Prayer: Lord God, there is no other god. You alone are our God. In days of old you freed your people so that they could worship you and walk in your ways. Free us too from all that binds us and keeps us from loving you with all that we are. Thank you for our salvation. Amen.


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Moses’ Truths -> Our Truths

Reading: Exodus 3:4-15

Exodus 3:10 – “So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

As we continue in Exodus 3, God sees that Moses has noticed the burning bush. “Moses! Moses!” comes from the bush. Moses engages, “I’m here.” A conversation has begun. God establishes the presence of holiness – “take off your sandals” – and of relationship. God is the God of Moses’ father and is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

After introductions, God gets to the matter at hand. God has heard the cries of God’s people. God has seen the oppression and injustice. God feels the Israelites’ pain. Moses can relate to all of this. After all, this is what led him to kill that Egyptian many years ago. It is why he is hiding out in Midian. God promises a return to the Promised Land, to the Israelites’ home. Then the sudden bombshell: “So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” Moses reacts as we would. Say what? Who, me? Are you sure?

Getting to the most important detail, God says, “I’ll be with you.” It is not by Moses’ power that the people will be freed. No, it is by God’s power alone. “I AM” will be with Moses as he responds to God’s call upon his life. That is all that matters.

So… What is God’s call upon your life? Into what ministry, into whose life, into what situation? While we seldom have “burning bush” moments, God definitely calls, most often through the nudges and whispers of the Holy Spirit. And Moses’ truths are our truths. It is God’s plan. God will go with us. God will equip us for the mission ahead. God’s power will do the heavy lifting. With these truths in mind, may we be willing to hear and accept God’s call upon our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, first, remind us of your faithfulness in the scriptures and in our lives. You call, you show up, you remain present. You equip and lead and guide. Second, help us to trust in these truths and in the things we’ve experienced ourselves. Lastly, lead us into your call, using us to free people from all that entangles them. Amen.


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Practicing Presence

Reading: Exodus 3:1-3

Exodus 3:3 – “Then Moses said to himself, Let me check out this amazing sight and find out why the bush isn’t burning up.”

Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki

As we join Moses’ story today, we find out that he is no longer living in Egypt, enjoying life in Pharaoh’s palace. He’s just about on the opposite end of life. In chapter 2, Moses kills an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew, “one of his own people.” As the story becomes public knowledge, Moses flees Egypt and ends up in Midian. He marries and starts a family. He goes to work tending sheep for Jethro, his father-in-law. Time passes. Back in Egypt, God hears the Israelites’ cries and God remembers the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This sets the stage for today’s reading.

Moses is out on the edge of the desert, tending someone else’s sheep. He is on Mount Horeb when God’s messenger (or God?) appears as a flame of fire in a bush. Although likely not connecting this to God at this point, Moses is intrigued. There is fire, yes, but the bush is not being consumed. Moses thinks, “Let me check out this amazing sight and find out why the bush isn’t burning up.” He paused what he was doing and chose to be present to that which was before him. As I think about this choice and about how well Jesus practiced being present, I am convicted by the choices I too frequentlymake. More than once I’ve chosen busyness or a felt need to get something done over pausing and being present. How about you?

Sometimes the one present is like a burning bush – on “fire” over their circumstances or some situation. But this is their norm, so my temptation is to placate quickly – slow down, it’ll be okay – so I can get back to work. Sometimes it is just the opposite. The one in need is reluctant to share. They hang around on the edge of the conversation or just outside the group. It is “easy” to not notice them, to wrap up the current conversation so that my pressing busyness can resume. And there are many opportunities in between these two examples. To be present. That is the call and the challenge. Lord, make me more like Jesus!

Prayer: Lord God, yes, there is important work to be done. But our vocational tasks are very, very seldom more important than the one that you place in our path. Help us to slow down, to focus on the other, and to love them more than we love ourselves. Give us the right words to speak and guide us in the helpful actions to take. Use us as you will. Amen.


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A Confessing Faith

Reading: Romans 10:5-9

Romans 10:9 – “Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

As we step into Romans 10 today and tomorrow, Paul begins with Moses and the Law. For Moses and for the Jews, righteousness comes through keeping the Law. Do all these things and you will live. Except no one can keep all of the Law. It is not possible. Therefore, if we cannot keep the Law, then it cannot bring life. The greatest effort to keep the Law still leaves one dead in their sin.

In verses 6 and 7 Paul removes the responsibility for finding or earning eternal life from our hands. In a very roundabout way, Paul reminds us that we don’t need to go to heaven or hell – either figuratively or literally – to find Jesus. No, he writes, “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” Jesus in Spirit is right here with us. We don’t need to go on a search for Jesus. God has already done the work. It’s not about us doing anything. The Spirit of Christ is here, available to us.

Verse 9 confesses faith in the work that has already been done on our behalf. Here we read, “Because if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and in your heart have faith that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Faith in Jesus is the way to salvation. If we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we receive grace, the gift that defeats the power of sin and death. Freed from the power of sin and death, we are able to live as light and love in the world, inviting others to know the source of light and love and grace: Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Lord God, we first thank you for the gift of salvation received through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We thank you for doing the hard work that defeated the power of sin and death. We thank you for the grace that flows from Christ’s sacrifice, the grace that removes our sin and makes us new again. We ask that you would use us to reveal these things to the world, so that others can come to a confessing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Amen.


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Our Chosen Walk

Reading: Genesis 37:1-4

Genesis 37:4 – “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him.”

Returning to the opening verses of our Genesis 37 passage, we focus today on the larger picture. Overall, the Old Testament is the story of God’s chosen people – the descendants of Abraham, the Israelites, the Jews. Within this story, Joseph is like many others: the chosen among the chosen. Others also suffered at times because of their chosen status: Moses, David, Elijah… Whether an individual or the nation, at times each could relate to verse 4: “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him.” When the people grumbled against Moses, when Saul hunted David like an animal, when Elijah fled into the wilderness, when Edom attacked Israel, when Joseph was sold into slavery or was thrown into prison – the chosen suffered on God’s behalf.

This story line continued into the New Testament. The Christians were singled out, harassed, stoned, beheaded, crucified. It begins in the story with John the Baptist losing his life. Then Jesus suffers the cross. Stephen was the first of many followers to die for their faith in Jesus. This story line has continued down through the ages. The chosen people of God, whether Jew or Christian, are still persecuted, targeted, and even killed for their faith. To be the Father’s favorite can be a hard path to walk – individually and as a nation.

We are invited to walk this path. We’ve chosen to be called a Christian, to live a life of following Jesus’ words and example, picking up a cross at times. Now and then, we will be hated by the world and by people living in the ways of the world. In these moments, may the Holy Spirit give us the strength, faith, and hope to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Prayer: Lord God, “chosen” has always carried a weight with it – whether in faith or in athletics or politics or family. In our chosen walk of faith, O Lord, be close to us in the difficult moments, when that weight becomes a cost. And when we need it, please shoulder some of that weight. Amen.


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If Only!

Reading: Numbers 11:24-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his spirit on them.”

As we lead up to Pentecost Sunday we turn to Numbers 11. A little context first, though. Moses led the people out of slavery in Egypt and they have been wandering in the desert. Not too long after God provided manna – an amazing miracle that came in response to the people’s grumbling – the “riffraff” stir up more complaining, this time about a lack of meat. This is not the first or second or even third time they’ve grumbled against Moses’ leadership and against God’s provision. The weight of leading crashes down on Moses. The grumbling angers God. A depleted and frustrated Moses cannot bear the burden any longer. If things are going to be like this, he says to God, “please kill me.” Moses is done.

We’ve all been in situations where we’ve been doing what God asks of us, walking faithfully, and the road gets bumpy. If the bumps don’t level out but instead get worse, we can feel defeated and frustrated. We can cry out to God in desperation as the weight begins to feel too heavy to bear. We want to give up. As with Moses, God has a plan. We are not left alone in the valley. For Moses, God passes some of Moses’ leadership spirit on to seventy elders. They will help him lead, guided by the spirit. In our valleys, God walks with us in Spirit and often sends a friend to walk with us to lift our burdens.

Two men outside the gathering at the tent of meeting also receive the spirit and start to prophesy. A concerned Joshua alerts Moses, concerned for Moses’ power. Moses does not see it this way. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Moses pines, “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his spirit on them.” Indeed, if only all of God’s people were filled with the Spirit. Indeed, indeed. May it be so, O God. Fill us all with your Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Lord God, first, thank you for never leaving us alone in the valley or in other times of trial. Thank you for your loving faithfulness. Second, Lord, fill us with your Spirit – both so we can walk faithfully as we bear one another’s burdens and so we turn to you, our ultimate companion, in our times of need. Be with us all of our days, O God. Amen.


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Turn to the Lord

Reading: Exodus 17:1-4

Exodus 17:3 – “But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'”

Moses is the leader of the people of God, the conduit of God’s presence with the people. He is the one who went before Pharaoh again and again, bringing plague after plague to gain their freedom from slavery in Egypt. Moses led them out of Egypt and parted the sea when Pharaoh’s army was closing in on them. Through Moses, the bitter water became good. Moses went to God twice and the manna and then the quail satisfied the people’s hungers. As their journey in the wilderness brings them to Rephidim, there was no water for them or their livestock. To whom might they turn to provide water for this multitude in the middle of the desert?

Moses’ response is interesting. He retorts, “Why are you arguing with me? Why are you testing the Lord?” Think back to when your children were young or maybe to a time with a little brother or sister came to you if you’re still young. Can you remember the times when they came to you when they were hungry or thirsty or when they wanted something? They came to us because they trusted us. They knew that we loved them and would help them.

Like we too have experienced in scenarios with children, the people persisted. In verse 3 we read, But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.'” So great was their need, so desperate their situation, they would not give up. The people trusted in God’s love and care. They turned to the only one who could bring water in the desert. God was their only hope and Moses was the conduit. During our water-in-the-desert or hope-in-despair or comfort-in-sorrow or guidance-in-the-wilderness or peace-in-the-storm moments, may we too turn to the Lord our God, the one who is always present, the one who loves us completely, the one who will provide.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your love, care, and provision in the past. Because of this, we trust you to watch over us, to lead and guide us. But when we forget and complain or doubt or feel like worry is about to win the day, gently remind us of your constant presence and abiding love. Guide us to turn to you once again. You are our only hope. Amen.


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God Moments

Reading: 2nd Peter 1:16-18

2nd Peter 1:16b – “We witnessed his majesty with our own eyes.”

Photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon

Reading part of this week’s Epistle passage today, we are reminded of our transfiguration reading from yesterday and of our mountaintop experience of Moses from our Exodus reading on Monday. Peter proclaims that they are not using “crafty myths” to tell the story of the good news of Jesus Christ. He then professes, “We witnessed his majesty with our own eyes.” Personal witness is powerful. Yes, it is good to be able to explain Jesus’ teachings and to help others understand how Jesus died and rose again, all to save us from our sin and to open the way to eternal life. Our most powerful witness, however, comes when we personally share what Jesus has done and is doing for us and in our life. That story preaches.

Peter recalls the voice that came from the cloud, from the “magnificent glory.” He remembers the words that he heard: “dearly loved Son… well-pleased.” It all happened, there on that holy mountain. If one listens and looks closely, one can imagine the light of Christ that shines in Peter as he recalls this God moment. It was similar with Moses each time he came down the mountain, equipped with a word from God. He was literally aglow with God’s presence. When we share our own God stories, we too begin to shine with the light of Christ. When we tell our own story, whether visible or felt, the intensity of the light of Christ within us grows.

Like the prophets of old, when we enter into God’s presence – whether on a holy mountaintop, deep in a dark valley, or in the ordinary of life – we are given something to share: a story, a prayer, a word of God. In these moments of glory revealed, we are being equipped and empowered to be a light for others. May we use our God moments to build our faith and to help others along in their walks of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the moments of grace – in a balcony in high school, in the cemetery in college, in the Promise Keepers prayer room, in the moment after death, in the random Sunday when tears of joy flow… Thank you for the moments that you’ve blessed others with too. Lord, guide these moments to be moments shared with others seeking you. Use us to witness to your glorious presence in our own lives, opening windows for others to see and experience you through. Amen.


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Love, Love, Love

Reading: Matthew 17:1-6

Matthew 17:3 – “Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Six days after Peter’s highest high and lowest low to date as a disciple, Jesus takes him and James and John up the mountain. Six days ago Peter had declared Jesus to be “the Christ” and then heard Jesus tell him that he’d be the rock upon which Jesus would build the church. Jesus then told the disciples of his coming death and raising on the third day. Peter spoke boldly, forbidding this to happen. That’s when Jesus called him “Satan” and a stumbling block. The high did not last long for Peter.

At the top of the mountain, Jesus is transformed or transfigured, depending on your translation. Calling to mind the words of Daniel 7, Jesus’ face shines like the sun and his clothes become dazzlingly white. Then we read, “Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.” Moses was the giver of the Law, the guide in the wilderness. Elijah was the greatest of the prophets – so great that he was taken up into heaven in the chariot of fire. In talking with these two, God is affirming the importance of both the Law and the prophets. Jesus held both of these traditions together in his ministry and witness.

In the middle of some fumbling words from Peter, God becomes part of the conversation, declaring God’s love for Jesus and God’s pleasure in Jesus. Speaking to Peter, James, and John, God gives this clear instruction: “Listen to him!” Jesus holds together the two core commands of the Law (to love God and neighbor) with the prophetic call to live out these commands in all areas of our lives. In Jesus we see that the law of love goes beyond just hearing its call to really living it out in the world. As we receive and live out our instructions to listen to Jesus, loving as he loved, may all that we do, say, and think be rooted in our love of God and neighbor.

Prayer: Lord God, we’ve heard that all written in the Law and told by the prophets hang on our ability to love you with all that we are and to love neighbor as Jesus first loved us. We ask that you would enable us to love first and foremost. We ask that you would empower us to love even and especially when it is hard to love. Through love, O God, may we be pleasing in your sight. Amen.