February 1st One Year Bible Readings

Exodus 13:17-15:18 ~ Matthew 21:23-46 ~ Psalm 26:1-12 ~ Proverbs 6:16-19
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Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 13 verse 17 we read what I found to be an intriguing verse: "When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."  That last sentence really stood out to me.  It makes sense.  It was wise for God to do this.  But... then I think about our lives today.  What if we are faced with a challenging spiritual battle our lives?  Will we change our minds about God and return to our "Egypts"?  Our Egypts might be the places where we are / were comfortable - enslaved to a sin though we may have been.  As I think more about this, I do believe that God is sensitive in our lives, just as he was in the Israelites lives in this verse, as to what we can handle.  I do not think he will send us a temptation or a trial greater than we can bear.  But I also know that trials do come.  And I pray that as the trials come, that we don't go back to our "Egypts"!  but that we press on toward the "Promised Land".  Below are a couple of maps - both showing the "traditional" routes of the Exodus.  There have been some other routes suggested in recent years - if anyone has thoughts/info on these alternate routes, please post up in the Comments below.

In verse 21 we read: "The LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night." Do you sing in your church the worship song, "Lord you're leading me.  With a cloud by day.  And in the night.  Glow of a burning flame.  Everywhere I go I see you.  Everywhere I go I see you."?  I LOVE this song - and today we read about where this song came from.  (I think this song is on one of Michael W Smith's Worship CD's as well)  God's presence was made manifest among the Israelites in the cloud by day:

And in the pillar of fire by night:

Imagine seeing these pillars of cloud by day or fire by night and being led by God out of Egypt and in the desert!  And then in Exodus chapter 14 we read about the parting of the Red Sea.  Great commentary on Exodus chapter 14 and the Red Sea is at bible.org at this link.

In Exodus chapter 15 we read an amazing song that Moses and the Israelites sing to God after passing safely through the Red Sea!  Some commentaries say that this is the oldest recorded song in the world! Music played an important part in Israel’s celebration and worship. Does music play an important part in your celebration and worship of God? (I know not everyone is musically inclined, so don’t feel bad if this is not a yes.) In what ways does worship music manifest itself in your life? In church, do you really sing the songs to God and God only? And not worry about what your voice sounds like to your neighbors? In your car, do you ever bust out with some loud and true worship singing to God?  How do you typically "sing" your praise to the Lord?  (couldn't resist this photo below... :)

The other comment to make on the song in chapter 15 is that this song seems to be a very significant development in the relationship of the people of Israel and God.  The people of Israel now seem to really embrace and worship God as their God as we see in verse 2: "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father's God, and I will exalt him!" Wow... I love that language.  Is God your strength?  And your song?  Commentary on The Song of the Sea and Exodus chapter 15 is at bible.org at this link.

New Testament - Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 21 verses 31 & 32 is convicting: "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him."  This last sentence is so important for our relationship with Jesus.  Have we turned from our sins?  Do we believe Jesus' teachings are showing us the way to life?  Do we believe that Jesus is who he said he was?  Do we believe that Jesus can heal us now and free us now from what enslaves us today?  And do we believe that Jesus literally gives us the gift of life everlasting?  Below is an image of "The Parable of the Vineyard" by John S. C. Abbott and Jacob Abbott from the Illustrated New Testament (1878):

Verse 42 is so beautiful as Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22-23: "Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? `The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous to see.'" And Jesus - like the son of the farmer in the parable just before this verse - was rejected and murdered.  However, Jesus didn't remain dead - he rose on the third day and today he is the cornerstone of Christianity.  He is the cornerstone of our churches.  And probably the biggest question each of us needs to ask ourselves - Is Jesus the cornerstone of our life?  Is he the foundation in our life which anchors and directs everything else we do?  If Jesus is the cornerstone of our lives, then indeed as this verse closes with, it is marvelous to see!  Commentary on the Story of Two Sons in today's Matthew readings is online at bible.org at this link. 

Psalms - Today in Psalm 26 verse 2 we read: "Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections." What a powerful reflection from David - God, test my motives and affections.  What are your motives?  Why do you do what you do in life?  Whom are you doing it all for?  What are your affections?  Who do you pledge your loyalties to?  Who do you give your heart to?  Where are you investing your time, treasure and talents?   Have you ever asked God to test your motives and affections?

Verse 8 of this Psalm reminds me of my church and I pray it reminds you of your church as well: "I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glory shines."  Wow... the place where God's glory shines!  Yes, I do believe this happens in our churches - even if we maybe don't notice it sometimes.  When we come together as the body of Christ each week, God's glory shines! Will you take a moment to really pay attention to God’s glory shining in your church as you attend a service this upcoming weekend?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 6 verses 16 and 19 stand out to me - "There are six things the LORD hates--no, seven things he detests.....a person who sows discord among brothers."  This last portion of the list reminds me that each day we can either spread courage/love/positivity or fear/hate/negativity in our lives to those around us.  And I realize that we potentially do some/all of these things at various points in our day or lives.  But, I do believe that as followers of Jesus we should be striving to only sow unity among brothers and sisters - and not discord.  We should be sowing courage - love - positivity in Christ to others.  Investing in others.  Building others up.  Being Jesus to others.  And not sowing discord.  What type of seeds are you sowing each day in your life to those around you?

Worship God:  Today's readings in Exodus remind me of Sara Groves song "Painting Pictures of Egypt:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUYAmVYnC-Y

Have you been painting pictures of Egypt?  Click here and paint no more!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would not want to return to your "Egypt" - whatever that might be. Pray that you would keep your eyes, mind and heart fully on Jesus and His Promised Land ahead.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Back to my reflections above on music from the song in Exodus 15 - One thing I personally struggle with is listening to worship / Christian music versus secular music. I grew up listening to all the 80’s / early 90’s bands you could think of. And I have come to realize that many of the lyrics from these bands are really full of hopelessness, existentialism, sexuality, addiction, narcissism, etc. And yet, for some reason I typically still like the tunes... I had one friend tell me that after he became a Christian he literally threw away most of his CD collection - which was all secular CD's. I guess I still sometimes struggle with being in the world and not of the world. What do you think is the line of listening to / enjoying secular music, versus it literally being bad for you?  Please let me know your thoughts on secular music - do you listen to it?  Do you avoid it?  Are you cautious about it in any way?  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

Comments

[Ramona]

Exodus 13:17-15:18

I decided on the first of the year to make Ecclesiastes 7:13, as it read in the NLT be my focal point this year. It reads: Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don't fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?

Because of that resolute, this year it seems that without even actively looking those key verses or ideas, finding out how God does things, I am drawn to His examples and so it is with the following verse,

When Pharaoh let the people go, God led them not by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God said, Lest the people change their purpose when they see war and return to Egypt. (Exodus 13:17 AMP)

So often, I fight against doing things God’s way because it doesn’t make sense, but God’s ways are not our ways. When it seems like that which I’m trying to escape from is breathing down my neck and I think I am about to fail because of some unknown sin or missed direction, and or even think God has left me, I am just being used as a set-up for God to defeat that which has threatened me and desires to take me back into captivity.

There are so many things in this reading that I’ve never really studied that can tell me, show me just how God does things so I can fall into line and I will try to study them throughout the day and post back tonight.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Raeann]

18 The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
I take music with a grain of salt and once I have heard a song after turning off the radio completely forget what I heard.

[Janice]

Thank you so much for your blog it has really transformed the way I read and worship on my own.

We had a member of our church who had been in a rock band before becoming a christian and I always remember him answering your question about secular music. He asked if we would be able to stop in the middle of the song and worship God. If you can't (and if you think of some secular songs it would be hard) you shouldn't be listening to it, but as long as you could (and some songs might actually go along with your worship) he felt it was o.k.

I really agreed with that and try to follow that. Some songs I can actually take as worship songs and I don't think God would have a problem with that. Others I know I just need to change the station.

[Jen Bantamoi]

Gosh that's a great question. For me personally, I avoid it. I have realized that music is very powerful and that no matter what it feeds into your spirit. For me it is just another opportunity for my flesh to be indulged and my mind not to be renewed. "Do not be conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Rom. 12:2 1Jn: 2:15
Jen

[Jen]

I appreciate this blog very much. Thank you

[John A.]

Matthew 21:23-46

In today's readings the Pharisees understood Jesus was talking about them. They had not understood parables in the past, but whether through Jesus' explanations or being allowed to see - they understood Jesus was not referring to them kindly.
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32For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness,.....

What was John's message? John had the same message that all the OT prophets proclaimed at one time or another:

TURN BACK TO THE LORD AND REPENT

Don't go your own way. Don't ignore the Lord. Face Him, Acknowledge Him, and repent..... John was preparing the way for the ?Lord by proclaiming the above message, which would prepare one's heart to receive the Messiah. You cannot receive the Messiah based on worldly perceptions, you must be seeking and be broken...

Why broken??? see below.
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44He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."....

The OT scripture here is also from Psalm 118. The same Psalm the crowd was quoting praising Jesus as King.

In OT two foreshadowings of Christ were Moses getting water from the rock (Christ), and Daniel 2 the stone not hewn by human hands.

You must come to Christ and fall on (depend on Him) in a broken state. The broken state comes from quitting your rejection of the Lord (Turn back to Him), and repenting - realizing you are a sinner, and you do not have the answers. Being broken does not necessarily mean you are a quivering, sobbing mass of flesh (although I was at my salvation). It can be as simple as being like breaking a bucking bronco. Just coming to that realization inside that you are not in charge. Walking away from your pride and admitting and submitting to another way. The Way of the Lord...

You do have a choice. You can fall on the stone, or it will fall on you. You can accept God's offer of salvation, or you can be crushed (separated from Him forever.)
======================================================
What did the Pharisees choose?

The Pharisees could have used this place to start asking a lot of questions of themselves and the Lord. They could have turned back to the Lord...

Instead whether through pride or a hardened heart, they looked for a way to arrest Jesus.

NOTE: I wonder if like Pharaoh the Pharisees had their hearts hardened by God. Or perhaps the Lord just did not soften the Pharisees hearts. God letting the Pharisees be the Pharisees for the purposes of His Glory????? Just some speculation - have no clue.

[John A.]

Exodus 13:17-15:18

Crossing the Sea

Skeptics revel in the fact that there is nothing recorded in Egypt about this crossing. True (at least I have not heard of this discovery), however it does not mean it was not recorded. Those records could have been destroyed or just not found (yet).

Speculation: I wonder???? When we are redeemed (saved) there is no record in History of our individual salvation. Since this is a picture of redemption (saving Israel) is it not the same?Redemption is something that is taken on faith.

The Bible however does record it, and the question is:
If you believe the Bible is the Word of God, and God is all powerful - is there any reason this could not have happened?

There are testimonies by the Israelites. Exodus 18 says Jethro (Moses' father-in-law) knew, Rahab had heard of it along with the "ites", Gideonites had heard in Joshua 9, and Philistines had heard in 1Sam4. These people came to Canaan from somehwere. There were millions of them. It would make sense that not a whole lot of history would be writtne about an enslaved people in Egypt.

Guess it goes back to Christ: 'Blessed are those that believe but have not seen'.
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13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Reminds me of Paul's armour of God in Ephesians. You are asked to put it on and STAND FIRM. The only weapon we have is the sword (The Word of God).

God's people are not asked to do anything - then or today - but to stand still and trust in and believe in the Lord. In the face of extreme difficulties this is the answer, and it is the same thing Jesus was talking about when removing mountains - trust in God and have persistent faith, and let God be God.

These people wavered (ex 14:12), but Moses answer was the same as Christ's. The message never wavers: Stand still, stand firm, and trust in the Lord your God.

[NOTE ON STAND STILL 2010: Re-reading this post I may need to clarify something. By standing still as a believer today - I am not saying do nothing. I think the implication is we stand still in our spirit, and try not to outthink God. We go about our daily actions, but always in submission to the Lord and asking Him to guide our steps with His solution.],
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13 "In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.

Is this not a picture of our Christian walk. God will lead, God will guide. It is not about what we want to do (even if that is serving the Lord). It begins and ends with God - the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. We just have to submit in our hearts during our walk (the same attitude we had at salvation) and let God run the show.

[John A.]

Exodus Documentation

I have read some interesting theories. One is that due to volcanic eruptions carbon levels may have been higher at some time in Egypt's past. Thus making the carbon dating in need of an adjustment. Some Egyptologists suggest that a movement of as much as 2 and half dynasties worth of dating. If so, this would coincide with some Egyptian writings that mention an invasion for which there was no defense. Why? Army was at bottom of Red Sea. Also the Pharaoh at that time has never had his mummy found. Why? He was on the bottom of the Red Sea. All much in debate, and if I ever get a reliable link I will put it on the blog.

For now if you want to read about the Exodus date see this link:
http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2009/10/19/Recent-Research-on-the-Date-and-Setting-of-the-Exodus.aspx

[John A.]

The End Result

Exodus 14:31
And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

The Israelites were in awe of God, and trusted in Him. They believed. Well, they believed back in Exodus4. Yes, but now they have a deeper belief. We have to trust in (believe and receive) in God to be saved, and then as we start our Christian walk some (or most of us) falter. We need to keep trusting in the Lord, believing in Him, and as we develop a heart for God (on a consistent basis) as we watch and listen to how the Lord works in our lives - we develop a deeper faith. This is how we develop Christian maturity.

[John A.]

test

[Christina Simms]

Hi Mike, I stopped listening to secular music back in the early 80's. What stands out in my mind is a quote from Intgrity Music, "And who do you sing to?" Sometimes I'll catch a secular song in the store,etc. and can't get it out of my head. That really disturbs me. They are everything you said they are. I was a teen in the 70's and now find out that most of the music I so loved was demonically based. I only listen to worship music now. I know Who I want to sing to!

[bajo]

Yup, I'm a Jabal al Lawz guy ...

RR

[Dave]

Listening now, to the secular music I used to listen to, brings back a flood of memories. Just like the Psalms, secular artists write songs filled with anger, fear, joy and hope. Every song has its time and place. I suppose I stopped listening to most secular music when I found much more meaning and strength in worship music. Although, I have to admit, there's a lot of worship music out there that feels just as "empty" as secular music. Those songs focus more on the sound than the meaning.

[Michol]

I liked your comment on the topic of how we dress for church; Are we to casual ? I just remember in my childhood there were two "sacred" clothes to be always prepared and in the best conditions; the school uniform and the church clothes. It was a matter of importace and respect for the meaning of the institution. It didn't have to be expensive or fancy clothes, but the best and appropiate for the occasion.I think we have lost something here. Thanks for your Blog, God Bless you All !