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 Rich Mullins' 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 Video:  Today's readings in Exodus remind me of Rich Mullins' song "I See You" sung here by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-siEmwSB4sQ

Have you seen the Lord? Click here and see Him!

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

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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

[Anita McCollam]

I have been a rock and roller as long as I can remember. All secular music seems to sing about the depravity of our broken world. Country music does too! I have never felt convicted about listening to rock music, but one must listen to what God is saying to them! God know our hearts and our thoughts. People don’t! God knows I like rock and roll and always have. Of course I watch what I listen to. He’ll let me know if I need to get away from it. He will for you too!

[mitch]

Music: Child of the 60’s-70’s : Beatles, The Who, zeppelin, etc. atheist until 48, and always enjoyed listening to oldie stations. But was not obsessed by them. Could not tell you more than two lines from any song. So it was music (instruments) that I enjoyed. Now, while I might occasionally go old school on SiriusXM, most days I listen to “the Message” on Sirius, and Contemporary Christian music channel on Cox. Transformation at salvation is interesting and the process of sanctification varies with individuals. God does not use a cookie cutter on His children.

Moses to people - “Stand firm”. Yes, we are to flee temptation, but spiritual battles we are to stand firm (don the armory of God(Ephesians)) in our faith. I have run or avoided in the past at times, but our command is to stand firm.

Matt: two sons parable is exactly what happened to me. I prayed for the truth to be revealed. God did so, and I said “no thank you”. But three weeks later in a fetal position bawling mess I begged him to take charge of my life and bent my knee to Christ. So I get, what Jesus is saying here in this parable.

Proverbs: ?: notice no sexual sins are mentioned on seven detestable things (although some of the elements can lead to sexual sins). Any thoughts?