~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Exodus 10:1-12:13 ~ Matthew 20:1-28
Psalm 25:1-15 ~ Proverbs 6:6-11
Old Testament - In Exodus chapter 10 today we read about the Plague of Locusts! In ancient times locust plagues were greatly feared and were often considered to be a sign of divine judgment.
Next up is the plague of darkness. Some Biblical commentaries have found Pharaoh's statement to Moses to be quite appropriate and ironic that he said this during the plague of darkness in 10:28: "The day you see my face you will die." Apparently Moses couldn't quite fully see Pharaoh's face during the plague of darkness? Makes sense to me. Commentaries have also suggested that this verse was a death threat to Moses, and that this death threat was responded to with the coming plague on the firstborns of Egypt, including Pharaoh's son. Below is an image of the plague of darkness:
In Exodus chapter 11 we read in verses 4 & 5: "So Moses announced to Pharaoh, "This is what the LORD says: About midnight I will pass through Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest slave. Even the firstborn of the animals will die." And an appropriate image for this announcement might be this - (except for the fact that they were in the midst of the plague of darkness... so this image should have the lights turned off. Oh well... :)
Today we read in Exodus chapter 12 about God giving Moses and Aaron instructions on the First Passover. Verse 2 stands out: "From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you." Here we see that God is actually instituting a new religious calendar for the Hebrews with the month that Passover is in being the first month of the calendar year. This month is in the March-April spring timeframe and is called Abib or Nisan in Hebrew. The feasts that were and are celebrated in this 1st month were - Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits. Here is a very interesting note on the Jewish calendar from the NIV Study Bible - "In the ancient Near East, new year festivals normally coincided with the new season of life in nature. The designation of this month as Israel's religious New Year reminded Israel that its life as the people of God was grounded in God's redemptive act in the Exodus... Israel's agricultural calendar began in the fall, and during the monarchy it dominated the nation's civil calendar. Both calendars (civil and religious) existed side by side until after the exile. Judaism today uses only the calendar that begins in the fall." Below is an image of the Jewish religious calendar:
The significance of Passover was that God was introducing the concept of a sacrifice or a substitute for a life. The lamb was sacrificed as a substitute for the Hebrews first-born sons. The blood of the lamb was placed on the doorposts as a sign that the household had sacrificed an innocent life - the lamb. By the blood of the unblemished/perfect lamb, the household was protected from death. This is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb for us. He was a substitute for us and our sins. He was an innocent unblemished/perfect lamb - sinless. By Jesus' blood, we are protected from eternal death. Do you see the parallels between Passover and Jesus' death on the cross?
Exodus chapter 12 verse 11 is of note: "Wear your traveling clothes as you eat this meal, as though prepared for a long journey. Wear your sandals, and carry your walking sticks in your hands. Eat the food quickly, for this is the LORD's Passover." By wearing their traveling clothes, the Hebrews were faithfully acknowledging God's Word that they would very soon be freed from slavery and bondage in Egypt. The Exodus would soon begin! And the traveling clothes signified that the Hebrews were ready for the journey! How about us today? Do you think that God may still call us on journeys today? Do you think that God might be calling you on a journey here in 2008? If so, will you be ready for the call? Will you wear your "traveling clothes", so that when the "Exodus" comes, you are ready for it? Below is a beautiful piece of contemporary Jewish art showing the Israelites wearing their traveling clothes for the Exodus!
Bible.org's commentary on the plagues of Exodus titled "The Finger of God" is at this link and commentary on "The Passover and the Plague of the Firstborn" is at this link.
New Testament - Matthew chapter 20's parable of the vineyard workers is one that I have at times had challenges with. I, like the workers who labored all day, would think - "that's not fair!" Well.... but then I came to realize that I believe this story is a parable of Grace. God's grace. And you know what - God's grace is not "fair." And thank God for this being so! God's grace is so powerful and all-encompassing and life-giving and healing and saving. And God's grace is offered to me. And to you. And to our neighbors. And to everyone. God's grace is offered to people that have sinned against God. Me. You. Our Neighbors. Everyone. God's grace is offered to people who become Christians early in their lives and live wonderfully giving lives. And God's grace is offered to people who become Christians on their deathbed after living destructive lives, but who finally repent and surrender to God. God's grace is given freely. Like these workers in this story, we may accept God's grace at different points in the "day" of our life. Though, of course, some never do ultimately accept God's grace and there is grave risk as the day grows longer... How about you? What part of the "day" are you in? Have you accepted God's gift of grace? Will you do so today? While it is still "today" for you? Below is an oil painting by Rembrandt from 1637 of "The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard":
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20 verse 16 has always been convicting to me: "And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then." I see the wisdom in this verse... but yet, I still think that I try to be "first" in many ways in my life. I don't like being "last". I like being honored. I like being the star. I don't like being the servant. I don't like to be the guy supporting the star. And yet, Jesus is calling us to be last. To serve others. To let others go first. How about you? Are you trying to be "first" in your life? Or do you see the eternal wisdom in being "last"? Continuing this thought of serving others - below is a painting from 1856 by British painter Ford Maddox Brown of "Christ Washing St. Peter's Feet":
As this chapter proceeds we read about Jesus prophesying his own death and resurrection. And then, we see Jesus prophesy about the end of James & John's life when their mother and they ask to sit at Jesus' right & left in heaven. Check out verses 22 & 23: ""You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink?" "Oh yes," they replied, "we are able!" "You will indeed drink from it," he told them." You will indeed drink from it... James ended his life being martyred for his faith in Jesus. And John ended his life in exile on the island of Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation. And I wonder again about us today... sometimes we hear about the "health, wealth and prosperity gospel", and think that's what we've signed up for as Christians. But... do you think that it might be possible that at some point in your life that you might be called to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow that Jesus drank from? If you are called to drink from that bitter cup, will you indeed drink from it? Below is a painting by Flemish artist Pieter van Mol from the early 17th century of "Jesus with the cup":
The last 10 words of verse 28 remind me of the Passover Lamb / Jesus parallels discussed above in this post: "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many. Do you believe that Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for you?
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 20 titled "Workers in the Vineyard" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 25 has some amazing verses today! I think I could write some reflections and questions on each of the verses today... Maybe a good thing for each of us to do is to re-read this Psalm today and really reflect on what the verses are saying to our hearts. David wrote this Psalm as a prayer for God's mercies when he was suffering affliction for his sins and when enemies were seizing this occasion to attack him. It's a very penitential Psalm. One that we might need to pray to God from time to time as David did. I do like verse 5 a lot and I believe it will speak to each of you going through the One Year Bible this year - "Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." Do you believe that reading God's Word each day is allowing you to be led by God's truth? Are you being taught each day? Then - that last sentence in verse 5 is amazing. I cannot honestly say that all day long I put my hope in God. I pray that I do... but I think sometimes I drift away from putting my hope in God and I put my hope in myself - or maybe even sometimes I lose hope! I get discouraged about a situation. I get stressed. I worry. If we put our hope all day long in God, do you think we would get discouraged, stressed, or worried? I don't think we would...
Psalm 25 verse 15 really stood out to me today - "My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help, for he alone can rescue me from the traps of my enemies." I have come to realize more and more lately that the Enemy is indeed constantly setting traps for us. I don't mean to scare anyone here - but I think this is something very important for us to realize. It has been said that the greatest trick the Devil can play on us is to make us think that he does not exist. If we don't think the Devil exists, then we logically won't think that he's setting any traps for us. Let me assure you - this is clearly Biblical - the Devil exists. Evil exists in this world. Temptation exists. And evil does not rest. However - the good news - God is so much bigger and stronger and brighter (and this list can go on) than the Devil - the Enemy. David says in this Psalm that his eyes are ALWAYS looking to the Lord for help. Why? Because God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit alone can rescue us from the traps of the Enemy. Again, the traps are out there for us in this modern world. The temptations and dark alleys and wrong turns call to us unceasingly. But - again, great news here - we can be saved from all of that nonsense; all of that darkness; indeed all of that death, through a relationship with Jesus. Jesus saves. Jesus saves us from ourselves. From our sin. And from the Enemy that sets traps for us. Like David in this Psalm, are your eyes always looking to the Lord for help? Please don't ever take your eyes off God and His mercies, power, and strength.
Proverbs - Okay, Proverbs chapter 6 verses 9 through 11 make me smile. I do absolutely see the wisdom in these verses... but reading the word lazybones makes me smile. Is this a New Living Translation thing?? I honestly wondered for a split second if I was getting The Message translation on this Proverb somehow today! :) These are powerful words of wisdom I think for each of us to consider: "But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? I want you to learn this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." It is pretty amazing to consider that this Proverb also tells us to take a lesson from the ant! The seemingly lowly ant! We're told to emulate. I love that... and it's so true. The ant works hard for its keep! What lesson can you learn from the ant today?
Worship God: Yesterday I tried to post up Chris Tomlin's song "King of Glory" and John pointed out Third Day has a better known song by this same title, which I love as well. So, today, here's Third Day's "King of Glory!" Thanks John for this reminder! :) Watch this video to the 2:15 remaining mark to hear Mac Powell leading an awesome reflection/prayer on the power of Jesus' name.
Do you know the King of Glory? Click here for Glory!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." Colossians 3:15 NIV
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on the lesson from the ant in today's Proverbs, how do you balance working hard in your life with getting proper rest and relaxation? How do you find the balance? I think balance in our life is a challenging thing to find in almost all areas of our life. We have to be vigilant about balance in all things, or else we'll lose our balance. I know there is the modern day adage of "Work Hard and Play Hard." But I'm not so sure about this adage... seems to me like you could end up being a selfish workaholic weekend warrior who spends money and time only on your own gratification with this adage. I hope that wasn't too harsh?... :) I do agree that we need to work and play - but I'm just not sure about playing hard. I'm thinking the adage should maybe be "Work Well and Play Well" or "Work Smart and Play Smart." Or something along those lines. Please post up in the Comments below how you balance work and play and rest in your life? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
Mike,
You are the man... I am the deacon at my home church that is the "go to" deacon for help with bible reading and so glad to be in that role...
I have pointed lots of people towards your wonderful daily sight and blog and have enjoyed being a part of the Reading thru the Word for lots of years now, with different plans... This plan is by far the "BEST PLAN out there, and just had a chance this past January to usher 4 new people at my church on to the plan.... Glad to be associated with someone that respects the Word like you do and with someone that respects the Church, like you do... You are "right on track" keep up the great work for the LORD
jb
Posted by: john b | January 30, 2008 at 06:25 AM
also be aware Mike was certainly right also, just finished watching a young praise band on YOU TUBE do a nice job with Chris Tomlins song... "King of Glory" also....
Glory!
jb
Posted by: john b | January 30, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Finding the balance between work, play and rest is surely not easy. I like your new adage "Work Smart and Play Smart."
I think I need to think about the ant more from now on :)
Posted by: Kitty | January 30, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Psalm 25
A plea for Forgiveness and Deliverance
David had a heart for God. Yes, David sinned and was flawed, but no one seems to repent and come back to God as strongly as David. This Psalm is David's plea, but it is also instruction on how we (as Christians) are to go to God when we are in distress and are in sin. David has it right on the mark, and he professes it with great love and a heart for God.
======================================================
Verse 1-3
Is about David's trust in God.
You cannot lift up your soul to God, if your back is to God. If you are turned to God, or have returned to God - you can lift yourself and give yourself to God.
If you trust in, rely on, and depend on the Lord you will never be put to shame. Lots of bad things (persecution, ridicule) can happen here on earth, but ultimately we will be with God in heaven.
======================================================
Verse 4-7
An attitude of surrender
This life is not about us. It is not about what we want to do, or how we want to do things. David , and we as Christians, surrenders and says - show me your ways - guide me and teach me. I give - let me do it your way.
David pleas:
Psalm 25:7
Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.
I like the KJV translation in this context as "according to your mercy..". Don't see us as we are, but see us through the eyes of mercy (for Christians see us as covered by the blood of Christ.) when God sees us in this manner, then we are acceptable to be in His presence at death.
======================================================
Verses 8-11
An attitude of Humility
Literal translation of "Good and upright" is "Merciful and just". At the cross God's mercy was extended and when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior - God can with a sense of being "just" embrace us as children and teach us as a Father His ways.
"He guides the humble..." Remember what Jesus has been saying in Matthew readings. It is the ones with a humble atitude - they are the ones that are in the kingdom of heaven. When we have humbled ourselves and accepted God's plan and Christ - then God begins teaching and guiding us.
All the ways of the Lord are faithful and loving for those who keep the demands of the covenant. The over-riding demand of the "new" covenant is simple: Just believe and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Do all this Lord and forgive my sin - not because I have done anything to earn your forgiveness, but do it for your name's sake - for your Glory.
======================================================
Verse 12-15
An attitude of fear (in Hebrew - awe/reverance)
"The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them."
When you revere and are in awe of God - you acknowledge who He is and what He does for us. Then you can turn to Him, trust Him, and depend on Him for your life. Not just for salvation, but for giving you life now and in abundance through walking the righteous path. We do not get eternal life at death - it starts now when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.
[email protected]
2008
Posted by: John | January 30, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Hey Mike, I just had a thought: you set an excellent example of what 'an ant' is like - diligent in studying the Word of God, and inspiring others to do the same!
Thank you for your faithfulness in the ministry of one year bible blog. You are a blessing to many!!
Posted by: Kitty | January 30, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Proverbs 6
The Folly of Laziness
Fourteen times in Proverbs Solomon warns about falling into "laziness".
Four things characterize a "sluggard":
- Procrastination
- Will not finish things
- Full of excuses
- Dissatisifed - he needs and wants things, but because of laziness things aren't done.
Sluggard should look to ant who needs no supervision, no prodding, and knows the time and what things need to be done for down the road.
======================================================
Application
You may say - 'that is not me'. I work hard and diligently at my job, for my family, take care of my children. This is great advice, but I am on top of things".
That is great. When I think of lazines in my life, it reminds me of the times when I have been a "sluggard" in my spiritual life.
Procrastinate: Have you ever put off reading God's Word? Oh, I'll just catch up tomorrow, or the next day, or the next.... Knowing a Christian brother or sister is hurting put off giving them a call? Too tired, too inconveniant, to exhausting to talk to THAT person,.....Do you ever put off getting involved in your church in a ministry? I am too new, nothing seems right for me, they already have plenty of people in what I want to do....Put off prayer? I am too tired, I'll just pray laying down and then you fall asleep, I prayed once today already, God doesn't answer my prayers anyway, I prayed at church this week....
- Excuses - see above
- Ever not finish anything? Just can't seem to get through the whole Bible. Give up on a ministry because of other stuff. Stop going to a study provided by your church because of inconveniance or time. Stop sharing with a non-believer because it just isn't working.
- Dissatisfied. Because of our belief and receiving of Christ - we have spiritual needs. God can and will provide us with these needs through the Holy Spirit. Satan does everything in his power to provide excuses on why we could put off God's instruction in us. When we listen to Satan, the Holy Spirit convicts us. When we ignore the Holy Spirit - we have a sense of dissatisfaction in our Christian walk. How we react to that dissatisfaction is everything. go back to Psalm 25. Return to God, trust in God, surrender to God, ask God for forgiveness for your "laziness" and then get up and go about your Christian walk.
I have been guilty of spiritual "laziness", and I pray that God will forgive and restore me on His righteous path, and enable me to do the things He has predestined for me to do since before time began.
Posted by: John | January 30, 2008 at 07:38 AM
(Lesson from the ant)
Persevere regardless of obstacles.
Enjoying this experience for the second year.
Many thanks to all.
Ann.
Posted by: Ann | January 30, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Matthew 20
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
This parable is bookended by the verses below:
Matt 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
Matt20:16 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
I think it is safe to assume that this parable illustrates this concept. I have struggled with these verses in the past as I tried to apply them to myself. Thinking because I came late in life to Christ, that I may be better off in heaven then those who came early in life. Thought this for a variety of reasons, but now I realize that this was just pride rearing its ugly head.
What God is saying is that in the race for salvation. For those that cross the finish line accepting salvation. It does not matter when you accept Christ - early or late in life. The last will be first, and the first will be last. It is a TIE. We are all the same, no one is greater than another that is a Christian. We all got there. We all will have glorified bodies and will be perfect. We are all the same.
This is reinforced by reading a few days ago that whoever is humble as a child is greatest. You have to be humble and repentant to accept God's gift of salvation, and when you do you get there (heaven) - you have eternal life. Everyone does - it is a tie. The same thing applies in "mother's request" in today's reading. You must be a servant and slave to other Christians. Not just fill up your head with knowledge of the Bible, but have a Christ-like attitude. One can only have that attitude if they have believed and received Christ. Then you are great in heaven - because you made it. Period.
======================================================
The Parable
It is God's vineyard, people are saved all day long, we all will be working for God as a Christian but of varying lengths of earthly time, the payoff is heaven and it is the same for everyone - perfect and glorified bodies.
The important application that I see today is: Don't grumble. In the Greek - don't disontentedly complain because you have worked all your life for God, and this guy on death row who believes gets to heaven, or some rotten guy who all his life rejected God is saved in his later years. Don't think - this is not fair. I have worked all my life for God, and this guy gets to be in heaven - this johnny-come-lately. Don't be like the other son in the Parable of the Prodigal son. Don't be standing outside the banquet hall complaining and being sullen. Rejoice in God's work that another sheep has been brought into the fold. Embrace them, work with them, and be glad for them.
Posted by: John | January 30, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Exodus 12
The Passover
The foreshadowing of Christ is everywhere in the Old Testament. Perhaps nowhere more prominent and obvious than in the description of the first Passover in Exodus 12.
======================================================
Passover and Foreshadowing of Christ: Exodus12:1-12
Hebrews were given a new calender. This month, when the sacrifice of Passover is done, is to be the first month of your (Hebrew) year. It is your beginning in me.
Lamb must be year old male - mature - Christ was 33 and in prime of life at the cross.
Without defect - Christ was spotless, blameless, perfect.
Bring them inside until the sacrifice - Christ was in the temple and in prison until the cross.
Slaughter them at twilight - Christ expired at 3:00 pm - the Jewish day ends at 6:00 pm - 3;00 pm is twilight.
The meat must be eaten and any leftovers burned in fire. It must be totally consumed. Christ was totally consumed on the cross. He gave everything for us.
Eat bread without yeast - leaven symbolizes sin. Christ was the bread of life that was spotless.
Bitter herbs are eaten - not because of the Hebrews bitter times in Egypt, but because of the anguish experianced by Christ and the Father, and the harshness of the execution.
Why blood on the door? An angel can see inside, he would know who had sacrificed and eaten the Passover meal. So why an external symbol?
Doors in ancient times represented security. Jesus is the door - the secure entranceway to God. This sacrifice would be an abomination to the Egyptians (Exodus 8) done under their very noses. God is saying it is time to make a choice. Do you choose God or do you choose Egypt (symbol of the World)? I want you to advertise whose side are you on - will you submit and show yourselves marked by the blood of the Lamb.
Will you humble yourselves and admit that you cannot save yourself, will you acknowledge me and my plan, will you believe in me, will you accept the covering of blood that the lamb provides you and yours.
If so, then I will take you to the Promised Land (heaven), and I will guide eyour steps on the way, and I will never foresake you.
It was true then and it is true now.
Posted by: John | January 30, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I once worked for a boss who was caring and kindly but not a Christian who applied the Parable of the Workers to us who worked for him. We received an hourly wage paid out of his pocket. If anyone was a slaggert, carelessly coming to work late or leaving early, they would not qualify for his generousity. But, if you were a dedicated worker, one that he could rely upon day in and day out, then this benefit would apply to you whenever you needed it. There were times that my child was sick, or some family member needed my assistance. After calling in I might arrive at work in late afternoon, or there were times that I needed to leave even before lunch. No matter how few hours I worked that day, this man would quietly credit me for a full days work. When I pointed out to him that I didn't work the full shift and didn't qualify for the full days pay, he gently put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Art, you just concentrate on working. I'll handle the payroll.
It's not that I was merely a favorite. Others in the group benefitted the same as myself. Sure, there were complainers, a few who worked all day for the same wage that we received. Funny about that...they were the same ones who tried their best not to give this man their best days work on a regular basis. And when their turn came, there was nothing there for them.
Posted by: art | January 30, 2008 at 02:04 PM
It’s been a few days since I’ve posted, but I’ve been here. Thanks Mike for keeping me stead fast in at least reading the daily readings.
I don’t think I found the balance between work and play. I put very long hours in at work and then I’m too tired to play. I make commitments to myself that I’m going to leave work at my prescribed quitting time and go home. I’m single and I feel that I should also be out socializing with people, but the commitment doesn’t last long and I’m right back into my old habits of focusing on work. One of the problems that I have is that I’ve been blessed with a job and career path that I truly enjoy. When I go to work it’s not like going to work. I really do enjoy my job. So maybe I’m trying to find balance where there doesn’t need to be any. I don’t know? I like your analogy, “Work well and play well” and “Work smart and play smart”. I actually like the later best. We should be smart about how much time we spend working and how much time we spend playing. For me that’s easier said than done.
Psalm 25:7 stood out to me today. “7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of our unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.” (NLT) I am so thankful for Gods mercy and for the fact that he does not remember our sins once we’ve confessed them and repented from them. Knowing that He does not remember my rebellious, alcohol soaked youth and grants mercy to me is sooooo very comforting! Praise to you Lord for your mercy and unfailing love!
Yours in Christ
Skip
Posted by: Skip | January 30, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Work "as unto the Lord" and play will be a refreshing to your mind, soul and body
Posted by: Lisa | January 31, 2008 at 06:02 AM