pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Moses


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The Work of Our Hands

Reading: Psalm 90:13-17

Verse 17: “Establish the work of our hands for us.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

As the words of Moses continue on from verse 6, he petitions God for right living and for a heart of wisdom. Moses notes that whether we live to 70 or 80, our days “pass quickly.” It is with this quick review that we turn to today’s verses. Moses begins with a plea for compassion coupled with his plea for God to relent. Perhaps these words came after the incident with the golden calf (or some other sin). Moments when we are reminded of our sinful nature and of our mortality tend to lead to somber thoughts and to some good inner reflection.

Continuing, Moses asks for God’s “unfailing love” to satisfy them so that the people can be joyful. Moses then asks God to reveal God’s splendor so that they may be glad. He closes by asking for God’s favor to be upon Israel and then connects this thought to a request to “establish the work of our hands.” Taken all together, Moses is asking for God’s presence to fill them with gladness and joy so that they can live a life that is pleasing to God. Moses modeled this life for the people. Sure, he had his moments. In Deuteronomy we read that he could not enter the Promises Land because of one of these moments. We too have our moments. Yet we are still called to live out a life of joy and gladness – plus hope, love, peace, mercy, grace… – and to bless God and others through the work of our hands. So, what does this look like for us today?

I ask this because Moses lived in a time and situation that was very different from ours. To find a more relevant example, let us turn to Jesus. He lived in a world much like ours. Jesus lived among everyday people, loving and obeying God. This was reflected in how Jesus engaged and ministered to all sorts of folks, meeting them and loving on them right where they were. May this too be the work of our hands.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to model my daily living after Jesus’ example. Establish the work of my hands today. Make it work that is pleasing to you. Make it work that builds the kingdom of heaven here on earth. Fill me with gladness and joy each day. Fill me so that it overflows into the lives of all that I meet today. Amen.


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God Will Show the Way

Reading: Deuteronomy 34:5-12

Verse 9: “Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

Moses comes down from the mountain, having seen the Promised Land. He died there in Moab. Yet this is not the end of Moses’ impact on Israel. Just as he knew that he was a part of God’s unfolding plan during his lifetime, he also understood that his legacy would be part of the continuing plan. His words and actions have shaped and formed the people. He has mentored Joshua. These efforts will go forward with them into the Promised Land. And in his dying, he modeled faith and obedience. Even though 120 years old, Moses was strong and clear-minded. Moses understood that this too was God’s plan. Moses followed God even into death.

After Moses died, Joshua assumed leadership. He was chosen by God and he was trained and blessed by Moses. In verse 9 we read that he “was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.” Joshua was clearly the next leader. Israel followed his lead and they listened to his words. Even though “no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses,” the people will follow Joshua. It will not be the same, yet they will follow Joshua.

In our lives we experience change. We spend time in the wilderness, being shaped and formed into who God desires us to be. As we emerge and recognize that things aren’t exactly the same, may we first seek God’s guidance and direction, discerning the way that we should go. As it was with Israel, God will show the way. You might even play the role of Joshua! May it be for us as it was with Israel as they moved towards the Promised Land.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to faithfully and obediently step forward into your future. Remove our longing for the past and our worry about the present and the future. Give us the courage to look beyond self and to loosen our grip on our stuff. Open our eyes to the plans and purposes that you have for us. Lead us to faithfully join you in the plans that you have for us. Amen.


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A Model of Faith

Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-4

Verse 1: “Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo… There the Lord showed him the whole land.”

We begin this week with a text that closes out Moses’ story. Here, at the very end of Deuteronomy, Moses dies and passes on the leadership of Israel to Joshua. Today there is one last tender exchange between God and Moses.

Our text begins, “Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo… There the Lord showed him the whole land.” This does not sound like a man near to death. Back in chapter 32 God reminded Moses that he would only see the Promised Land. In this same section, God commanded Moses to make this trek. As Moses hiked up this arid mountain, he has time to ponder and think, to consider the scope of his life. This is common as one enters that end-of-life season. As Moses hikes and reflects, I wonder what his highs and lows were.

On top of Pisgah, the highest point, God shows Moses all of the land that he will not get to enter. It is a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Relative to the desert that they have been trekking through for 40 years, this land is lush and green. God reminds Moses that this is the land “promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Moses could’ve been disappointed or even angry that he’s led these people for so long or that he’s come this close only to be denied entry. Disappointment could’ve welled up and put him in a deep funk. Perhaps it would do so to me if I stood in his shoes. It is not so with Moses. He has faithfully walked the path that God has placed him on. He has been obedient and steadfast to the Lord. And he is grateful for his time and place with Israel. Moses is content and at peace because of his relationship with God. Moses is a model of faithful servant leadership. Thanks be to God for his example.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for helping me today to better understand my role in service to you. Help me to keep this right perspective. This is your plan, your will, your way. I am but a humble servant. Continue to lead and guide me. Use me as you will. Amen.


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Interceding

Reading: Exodus 32:11-14

Verse 13: “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel…”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As we continue in the Exodus passage for this week Moses seeks God’s favor, interceding on behalf of the people. This is not the first or last time that Moses will do this. Nor is he the first prophet to do this. This practice is not limited to prophets either. The practice of interceding on behalf of one another is at the core of the community of faith.

Using the same language as God, Moses doubles down, asking, “Why should your anger burn against your people?” Moses reminds God that it was actually God who brought the people out of Egypt. This is a type of prayer that we pray too. We remind God of what God has done in the belief that God will do it again. Moses wants God to rescue them not from Egypt but from their sin this time. Moses also reminds God of the relationship and its foundations. First, Moses says, “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel…” Moses then reminds God of the promises. Yes, we too pray both of these prayer types too. We invoke our relationship (or another’s relationship with God) and we recall the promises found in the scriptures both as a reminder to ourselves and to God as well.

Can we change God’s mind with our prayers? Perhaps? Is God just using such prayers to reinforce our faith and trust? Maybe? While we do not know the answers to these questions, we do know that we are brought before God regularly and divinely. The Spirit interceded for us, often in groans and always in ways aligned with God’s will (Romans 8:26.) Christ himself also intercedes for us as he sits at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34.) I believe the content of these prayers comes from his time on earth.

May we too choose to stand in this long line of faith, interceding for one another, lifting one another before the throne of God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being for us. Thank you for the ways that you, the three-in-one, intercede on our behalf – evidence of your great love for us. We know that you have good plans for us and that you seek to work these out. Help us to be a part of this today. Empower us to be a part of this great prayer effort today, both for ourselves and for one another. Amen.


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Resisting the Urge

Reading: Exodus 32:1-10

Verse 7: “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.”

Moses was the Israelite’s connection to God. God spoke to Moses and he spoke to the people. The people spoke to Moses and he spoke to God. The speaking sometimes was crying out; it was sometimes grumbling; it was sometimes quarreling. The relationships between God and Moses, between Moses and the people, and between God and the people all had their ups and downs.

Way back in chapter 24 God calls Moses up the mountain after leaving Aaron and Hur in charge. Moses spends 40 days on the mountain, receiving instructions and the Ten Commandments from God. In today’s passage the people approach Aaron. They wonder what has happened to Moses. He has been gone a really long time. Without Moses, the people’s relationship with God has a missing part. So they take matters into their own hands, saying to Aaron, “Come, make us gods who will go before us.” Aaron collects jewelry and makes an idol shaped like a calf. The people worship this idol. Looking down upon the scene, God says to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.” The Israelites are now “your people.” If they were truly God’s people, there would be no idol, right?

When I’ve gone to God asking for some guidance on a project or for relief from some situation or for healing for a loved one and the answer seems like a long time coming, I want to take matters into my own hands. I want to just fashion my own solution. I can be tempted to think that I know best. I can ponder becoming my own person, not God’s person. In these moments, may we remember today’s lesson. Even though it may not feel like it, God is right there. May we hold onto the relationship, resisting the urge to quickly abandon our God. And may we trust into our relationship with God, leaning even deeper into God’s love and care.

Prayer: Lord God, when I am tempted to elevate self or some other idol above you, remind me of the lesson learned in this Exodus story. Use that to remind me of your constant love and your sure care. Guide me to turn once again to you. Amen.


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In Moses’ Place

Reading: Exodus 17:4-7

Verse 4: “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Continuing in Exodus 17 we see that the Israelites continue their grumbling. They ask Moses if he really led them into the wilderness just to die of thirst. Did they really think that this was the plan? They are frustrated. Step after step has required going to God for some kind of intervention. And that step requires working through Moses. The people aren’t the only ones frustrated – and afraid and unsure. Moses cries out to God, saying, “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.”

God responds but doesn’t directly address any of the frustration. There isn’t any reaction to the grumbling, quarreling, or crying out. God simply meets the need, this time for water. In doing so God also provides reassurance and evidence that God is with Moses, the chosen leader, and that God is with the Israelites. With elders along in witness roles, Moses strikes the rock at Horeb with his staff, providing water for all to drink. In this action, God gives answer to the question, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

At times we find ourselves in the place of Moses, responsible for making a decision or for taking action. Many will be looking to us. Our choice will affect others – maybe many others. In these places may we follow Moses’ example: go to God, gather trusted leaders, lead as God directs. Following these steps we too will show that, yes, God is among us.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide me in the decisions, actions, and choices that come before me. Draw me first to you, seeking your wisdom and direction, wanting to know your will and way. Bring around me good and trustworthy leaders, people who also have a heart for you. Together lead us forward in faith. Amen.


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Without These Things

Reading: Exodus 17:1-3

Verse 2: “So they quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’”

Photo credit: Mukund Nair

As the Israelites wilderness journey continues they come to a place with no water. You’d think that after witnessing the 10 plagued – oh the Passover! – and the parting of the sea – oh the Egyptian army! – after all this you’d think they knew a God who could provide water. But wait – God did that at Marah and again at Elim. And… God provided manna and quail when they ran out of food and became hungry. After all of this, you’d think they’d trust God and Moses at least a little bit. But have you ever lived in scarcity?

The Israelites are living with a scarcity mindset. They have no crops, no place to call home, no money in the bank. They are relying on God and Moses for absolutely everything. It’s a lot of faith and trust to hold in just one source. When you’re wondering if you’ll ever eat again, when you’re worried about where you’ll sleep that night, when you are dying of thirst – it’s hard to see anything but that one thing. Logic often goes out the window. Faith and trust usually aren’t far behind. So the people quarrel with Moses (and they test God), demanding, “Give us water to drink.” In such moments of want and desperation it can be hard to see or to believe that God has a plan.

For the Israelites, their relationship with God runs through Moses. He is their one intermediary. We have a personal relationship with God. We have the constant indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. We can turn to the Bible and remind ourselves of God’s love and promises. Imagine trying to live out your faith without any of these things. That’s where the Israelites were. That’s where people without faith are today.

Prayer: Lord God, I cannot imagine life without you. You’ve provided so many ways to connect, to lean in, to hold on. Thank you. And, Lord, take my gratitude and turn it into fuel to lead others into a saving relationship with you, into faith and trust and hope. Use me today to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Holy Ground

Reading: Exodus 3:1-9

Verse 5: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Moses is living in a foreign land. He is an exile. Something is stirring in Moses so he travels with his flock to a place known for God’s presence. Moses is definitely not the first person to go to Mount Horeb. At times perhaps this has happened to you. Maybe that unease drove you to delve into the Bible. Maybe that unsettling circumstance brought you to a place of prayer – perhaps the sanctuary or chapel at your church. Or maybe it was a special place at the beach, in the woods…

When he arrives, Moses is alert, seeking, and probably a bit anxious. How and where will God show up? What will be the outcome of this encounter? It feels like Moses expects God to show up. In those times and places that I have earnestly sought God, the presence has come. Has that been your experience too?

God uses a burning bush to draw Moses closer. It is burning but not being consumed. God calls out to Moses. Here is his response: “Here I am.” There is purpose in these words – I came seeking you, you showed up, here I am. I love God’s first instruction: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Yes, Moses, God is here to meet you. But God is still God. This is holy ground.

God speaks to Moses about connection: “I am the God of your father…” God speaks about relationship: “I have indeed seen the misery… heard them crying.” And then God speaks of mission: “So now go. I am sending you…” And if we read on a bit further, as Moses questions and frets, we meet the God who goes with us: “I will be with you.”

As we seek God, may we seek the God who met Moses. As we enter that holy or sacred place, may we expect God to meet us there, to connect with us personally, to understand the need, and to go with us as we are sent out to minister to others. May it be so.

Prayer: God, may we enter these sacred and holy places and spaces confident of your arrival. As we seek you out, may you be found. Give us the courage and strength not only to seek you, but to leave these encounters with willing hands and hearts. Amen.


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Roles

Reading: Exodus 2:1-10

Verse 3: “But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch.”

Today we continue in the exodus story. We are yet many years from Pharaoh letting the people go. In today’s passage, though, God begins to work that plan. A Hebrew baby is born and the mother cannot bring herself to obey Pharaoh’s law that says to kill the baby boy. After 3 months she is led to a plan: “But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch.” The basket is strategically placed in the reeds right by where the Egyptian women bathe. The older sister keeps watch from a distance. As the basket and baby are found, she swoops in to offer to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Just like that the baby is back at home, where he will remain until weaned. At that time he is given to Pharaoh’s daughter to raise as her own. She names the baby Moses. He will grow up and one day liberate his people from slavery.

The three main women in this story all play important roles. Each follows their hearts and allows love to guide their actions. The prompting of their hearts is God at work. Moses is a pretty big name in the storyline of the Bible. Yes, the three women play a much smaller role in comparison to Moses. But without any of their roles we wouldn’t have a Moses. We all can also play relatively small roles in God’s unfolding plan. Like these three women, what we do and say also impacts the kingdom of God. We too have the power to change lives. Following God’s promptings, may we choose to love as we are led out into the world and into people’s lives.

Prayer: Lord God, guide me today to step into the plans that you have for me. Give me a confidence to go where you lead. Help me to trust into your plans for building a kingdom here on earth. Amen.


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Patience, Love, Mercy

Reading: Exodus 17:3-7

Verse 6: “I will stand there before you… Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.”

Continuing in Exodus 17 today, the people are thirsty – parched. They grumble at Moses who grumbles to God. At this point, God demonstrates patience, love, and mercy. I imagine God first drawing a deep breath and then counting to 10. As God exhales slowly, I imagine God looking down in love upon this quarrelsome, doubting lot. As God looks upon these children panicking in the desert, God’s heart is once again moved to mercy. We don’t have to imagine this part. In verses 6 God tells Moses, “I will stand there before you… Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” God goes before Moses, leading the way to water, to life, to joy.

First, a lesson from Moses: lead using the example you want others to follow. After receiving the peoples’ complaint, Moses should’ve gone to God in prayer. Moses should’ve first sought God’s direction, strength, guidance – and patience, love, and mercy. This is how God led. That’s our second lesson, this one from God. When seeking to help or care for someone in distress, practice patience, love, and mercy. See the person as they are, try to understand where they are, feel what it is like to be in their shoes. Then allow first love and then mercy to guide your efforts and your response.

We are now in our own season in the wilderness. We are journeying towards the cross during Lent. This season of introspection invites us to look within, to honestly see ourselves as we are. Maybe we’ll find some grumbling and a bit of quarreling. Maybe we’ll find anger or lust or pride or doubt or something else that needs to go. As we seek to root out these sinful behaviors as we prepare ourselves to stand at the foot of the cross in the presence of the one who surrendered all for us, may we too practice patience, love, and mercy with ourselves. The roots of our sin are deep and the journey is long and difficult. May God be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, today I ask that you pour out your patience, love, and mercy. Fill me with these so that I too can be generous with them – both with myself and with others. Lead me to look deeply within this day; guide me to that which I need to surrender to your will and way. Amen.