January 26, 2014
God revealed His Name to Moses at the burning bush. The Name was so holy to the Jews that they didn’t say it aloud. In the Hebrew Bible it was written YHWH but they said “Adonai” (Lord) when reading. The four-letter Name was called the “tetragrammaton” and was probably pronounced “Yahweh.” English speaking Jews today will often write the Name like “G-d” to continue their tradition of respect. Notice that God’s Name is “I AM,” not “I WAS,” or “I WILL BE.” His Name reveals that He is eternally present, outside of time, and self-existent. God introduced Himself to Moses through a burning bush. Today, He introduces Himself to us through His Son, Jesus.
February 15, 2013
As soon as the tabernacle was finished, the cloud of the Lord filled it. From that day on, the people of Israel moved out when God’s glory moved out of the tabernacle. And stayed put as long as the glory remained. God taught them to depend on Him for daily direction. Where is the glory of God staying or moving in your life today?
February 11, 2013
God agreed to show Moses His glory, but had to hide him in the cleft of a rock so he wouldn’t die. Whenever I read this passage, I always find myself singing, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in Thee.” Whatever Moses saw, it must have been amazing because even those who saw Moses’ face later were struck with awe and fear. The mere residual reflection of God’s glory on Moses’ face was so terrible that he had to wear a veil.
February 9, 2013
This chapter describes God’s instructions to Moses for consecrating and ordaining Aaron and his sons as priests. The detail is somewhat overwhelming to read, but it leaves us with a few lasting impressions: 1) Worship is work. 2) Worship is for God, not us. 3) Making unholy things holy is hard, bloody work. And 4) I’m glad that Jesus came to fulfill and replace this temple worship. Jesus is our Passover Lamb and our High Priest. He has done all the work. Now, we can offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” to Him (Rom.12:1) in true worship that pleases God.
February 7, 2013
This oil was used to keep the 7 light, golden candle stand ever-burning in front of the table with the 12 loaves of bread (testimony). An Aaronic priest had to work the night-shift to keep it burning. Jesus is the fulfillment of this temple worship. He is both Light of the World and Bread of Life. And we are to keep the light shining on His Testimony in a dark world.
February 1, 2013
The Red Sea crossing showed God’s miraculous saving power to both the Israelites and the Egyptians. News of the crossing also struck fear into the peoples of Canaan. It represents the moment of Israel’s believing and salvation. They will continue to struggle with wanting to go back to their old way of life, but they have been brought out by God and He will not let them turn back. God was preparing a people to recognize and receive His true salvation through His Son, Jesus the Christ.
January 30, 2013
The Lord instructed Moses to have the people kill a male lamb without blemish and spread its blood on their doorposts, so that the angel of death would pass-over them. The Passover was to be a on-going remembrance and reminder of how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. The Passover clearly prepared them for its fulfillment in Christ, who is the Lamb of God without blemish and whose blood was shed, so that we might be delivered from sin’s slavery and from death unto eternal life. The Passover pointed forward to Christ, as the Lord’s Supper now points back to Him. Jesus is our Passover Lamb.
January 27, 2013
How many have felt like Moses, having no self-confidence to speak or witness for God? Yet, God cares not about our ability, but our availability. If we give him our mouth, He will fill it. If we answer His call, He will empower us and fulfill His calling in us. God is not looking for the confident and gifted. He is looking for those who will say as Isaiah did, “Here am I, send me.” When we are willing to answer God’s call we cannot fail, for God Himself is our success. Today, Christ commands: “Be My witnesses.” Are you available?
February 15, 2012
What gets inspected doesn’t get neglected. Good leaders know that delegated tasks aren’t complete until inspected. And wise leaders know how to give out a blessing to those who have served well. Leader tip: Inspect and bless.
February 12, 2012
May we all on this Lord’s Day gather together with unveiled faces reflecting God’s glory as we worship and hear His Word. Lord, make our faces radiant with your glory (2 Cor. 3:18).