The Presence of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 39:1 - 40:38
  
• Proverbs 9:11 - 12

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Exodus 39:1 - 40:38
At last all the pieces of the Tabernacle were completed and it was time to construct it.  Moses constructed the Tabernacle as told by the Lord in a very specific set of ordered instructions.  Aaron and his sons were ordained as priests to serve from generation to generation.

The most interesting thing to me about this whole process was the end, when the presence of God filled the Tabernacle.  I did not realize that a cloud stayed over the Tabernacle day and night -- cloud by day, filled with fire at night.  It says that when the cloud lifted, the people picked up and journeyed forward, following the Lord.  When the cloud stopped, so did the people.

It really is amazing to think about living with a visible indicator of the Lord's presence as the people of Israel did.  The presence of God can be found in so many places today, but it is something that has to be felt.  I think it would be neat to see it. 

Regardless, I love that the Lord does want a relationship with His people.  He does want us to be close with Him.  I want to be closer to Him.

Proverbs 9:11 - 12
Here we see yet another promise that being wise will lengthen your life.  We are told that we will benefit from being wise, but if we scorn wisdom, we will suffer.  The promise of a longer life is enough for me -- I love reading of anything that promises to increase the length of my life here on Earth.  And right now I am definitely increasing my wisdom by studying this wonderful book that has so much to teach us.

The $62.126 Million Dollar Tabernacle

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 37:1 - 38:31
  
• Proverbs 9:9 - 10

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Exodus 37:1 - 38:31
In an earlier post I did some math to determine the cost of the lamp stand alone, and that price was $2,067,516 in gold.  Well today I have some new numbers to work with.  These appear to be the final numbers for the amount of metals used in the construction of the Tabernacle.

• Gold:      2,193 Pounds
• Silver:    7,545 Pounds
• Bronze:  5,310 Pounds

So let's find out what cost in today's dollar (March 18, 2012 @ 1:30 PM CT).

Price of Gold:  $1,659.42 per Ounce  ($26,550.72 per pound)

Price of Silver: $32.51 per Ounce ($520.16 per pound)

Price of Bronze: Unfortunately, I was unable to find a reliable price per pound.  I will make a guess of $1 per pound, which could be way under, way over or just about right.  So let's say: $5,310 in bronze.

Tallying up the cost:

Gold:  2,193 x $26,550.72 = $58,225,728.96

Silver: 7,545 x $520.16 = $3,924,607.20

Bronze:  5,310 x $1 = $5,310.00

Total Price of the Tabernacle and all in it in today's dollars:  $62,155,646.16

$62.126 MILLION dollars.  It must have been a sight to behold!

Proverbs 9:9 - 10
These verses tell us more about Wisdom and good judgement.  We are told that instructing the wise will make them wiser and teaching the righteous will cause them to learn even more. 

I know these verses talk about teaching, but I can't ignore the reverse of that, which is the learning.  Even if you are wise, even if you are righteous, we are told here that there is always more to learn and more to gain.  More wisdom and life applications are to be had for everyone. So whether you have more to learn or more to teach, you can still be a part of each side of the equation.

Construction of the Tabernacle

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
  
• Proverbs 9:7 - 8

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Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
The construction for all pieces of the tabernacle has begun.  Bezalel was especially gifted by God -- he made all sorts of things for the tabernacle.

 I lovee how everyone whose "hearts were willing" (35:22) brought the offerings for the tabernacle and came to do the work for it.  Soon there were more than enough sacrifices to build all that was required for the tabernacle. 

I just want to point out that your heart can be stirred by the Lord, especially while reading the bible.  This is what makes reading the bible different than reading an ordinary book.  Sure, books can motivate you, they can delight you, they can cause all ranges of emotions -- but the bible is a book that stands out against all other books ever written.  Give it a shot.  Even if you're skeptical, say a little prayer that the bible speak to your heart.  Then sit down and read.  Listen to what the bible says to your spirit.

Proverbs 9:7 - 8
It seems I accidentally read a bit too far in my previous Proverbs reading.  Today's reading are the two verses that tell us those who rebuke mockers will get insults in return, and those who correct the wicked will get hurt.  We are told to share our knowledge and Wisdom with those who embrace it. 

I commented in my last reading that you can see this verse playing out with all the comment boards on the internet.  There are ridiculous comments on there, comments that fill you with fury just to read them.  But a sensible reply does absolutely no good, it just gets insults hurled back at you.  So we should all try to take heed of what these verses are trying to teach us.  Breathe, relax, and save our energies for those who enjoy the benefit of them.

Fickle People, When will God be Great Enough for You?

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 32:1 - 33:23
  
• Exodus 34:1 - 35:9

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Exodus 32:1 - 35:9
While Moses was on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights, the people who had been brought out of Egypt were again disgruntled.  They asked Aaron to make for them an idol to worship.  He then instructed them all to given him their gold jewelry, and he melted it down and formed a calf made out of gold.  They then worshiped the calf, thanking the gods for delivering them from Egypt.

I don't know by what patience Moses managed to put up with those people.  I can hardly stand to read about their complete ungratefulness and lack of faith; I couldn't imagine actually having to deal with it all.  And here they go again, with perhaps their worse sin of all -- attributing the works of God to false gods, all when Moses hadn't even been gone for two months.

Both the Lord and Moses were outraged.  Moses called for those faithful to the Lord to slay those who were not, and we are told that 3,000 people were killed at that time (32:28).  The Lord then called for a plague (though it does not say what kind) to fall among the others who had been unfaithful to Him.

People are so fickle and never fail to astonish me.  I read comments on news stories, blogs and opinion articles, and so many of those comments are utterly ridiculous.  Each time I see this I wonder what is wrong with people these days?!  But the more I read the bible, the more I understand that the things going on in the world today and the people of the world today are no worse than the all the people of history.  God literally parted the Red Sea for these people, He delivered them from Egypt with a supernatural display of force, yet so easily they turn -- whining at every bump along the way.

This also goes to show that no matter what is done for other people, no matter what God has helped them to accomplish in their lives, no matter how much we share the gospel and the Lord's love with them -- no matter what, we cannot change another person's heart. 

We can merely pray that their hearts been softened so that they can acknowledge the truth and receive the spirit of Christ into their hearts.  Other than that, people will always be people and there's nothing else that can be done.  After all, we all have free will.

The Joy of Having Wisdom

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
• Proverbs 8:27 - 32

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Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
The Lord gave Moses instructions for entering the alter (priests only -- they must always wash feet and hands first) and instructions for the holy anointing oil and incense.  As I was reading the very precise instructions for making the oil and incense I thought, "I would love to make a small batch, to see what it smells like."  Just then I read the strict instructions to not make any of that for yourself.  Oops.  Guess I'll never know -- in this life anyway.

God also named people whom he bestowed talents upon for making the items to go in the tabernacle.  I was wondering who they would get to make all those intricate, beautiful things.

The reading ends with Moses being given two tablets with the terms of the covenant that had been "written by the finger of God." (31:18).  As always, I have to wonder where these things are today -- the ark, the surviving tablets, etc -- I know they have to exist (or at least pieces of them) somewhere (unless they were destroyed and I haven't read about it yet).  I know I'm hanging on to mere artifacts, but I just want to see some of it; I think it would be an awesome sight to behold.


Proverbs 8:27 - 32
Here we hear more from Wisdom.  We are told that Wisdom was by the Lord's side even as He created the Earth, and the heavens, and the seas, the lands, and the people.  The reading then ends with Wisdom saying that all who listen to her will be joyful.

So far we have seen that seeking Wisdom will lengthen one's life and keep them in favor with the Lord, but now we see that pursing wisdom will also give us joy.  I could use more joy in my life -- what about you?

Power in the Blood

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 29:1 - 30:10
• Proverbs 8:14 - 26

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Exodus 29:1 - 30:10
Today I read about the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests.  It was quite an intricate process and involved seven days of sacrifices and rituals.  The thing I found most interesting was how they were commanded to splash their garments with blood and oil so that they would be notably holy garments.  To think of all the work that went into making those lavish, detailed garments; only to have blood and oil thrown on them immediately after they are put on.

I guess to me I'm trained to think of blood as being a dirty thing.  It stains clothes, not embellishes them.  But I am realizing more and more that there is pure power in blood.  It was the blood of Jesus Christ that cleansed us all. 

I know that for years I have spoke of "the blood of Jesus" and I have sung the hymns -- but truly there is power in the blood.  The Lord requires blood sacrifice for our sins and nothing less.  It's just amazing how I can talk of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for as long as I can remember but not grasp the significance of the blood. 

I know that it was because he was the only truly sinless man to ever walk the earth that the rest of us are cleansed through him.  But the phrase "the power of the blood of Jesus Christ" is finally truly become clearly to me.

Proverbs 8:14 - 26
I have read a lot about Wisdom so far in the Proverbs, but today's passages are quite astounding.  I notice that Wisdom is often referred to as a female entity.  These verses say that Wisdom was there in the beginning with the Lord and that Wisdom was created before anything else.  Before the earth, before the dirt, before the waters, before the heavens -- before anything else on earth. 

We are told that Wisdom holds the key to success and wealth and noble rulers.  It seems like every person should covet to become wise.  The bible says that Wisdom is out of no one's reach because all who search for it will surely find it.  I guess I really should make an effort to seek out Wisdom myself.  Well I think I'm starting in a great place for that!  Where better to look for Wisdom but in the Word of God who formed her for us to seek.

Conclusion
There have been many times in my life that I have tried to read the bible, always starting in Genesis and moving forward.  Then I'd reach all the ceremony and atonement instructions and the detailed descendants lists and I'd just lose interest. 

It truly helps that I am reading both the Old Testament and the New Testament at the same time, because I think I have more patience when reading through parts of the Old Testament like I am in now.  To think that before I skimmed through this relatively uninterested.  Even today I thought that I wouldn't have much to write about.  But it's these passages in the Old Testament that have managed to get through the very important concept of the power of the blood of Jesus Christ.  Who would have thought?  I surely didn't!

Bearing Guilt of an Entire Nation of People

Today's Reading:
• Exodus 28:1 - 43
• Proverbs 8:12 - 13

Exodus 28:1 - 43
Today I read about the priestly clothing of Aaron and that of his sons.  My study bible has a drawing of what the clothing probably looked like.  It all sounds very intricate and very beautiful. 

I thought it was interesting how Aaron was charged with wearing a medallion on his turban so that he always carried the guilt of his people around with him.  I have a hard enough time carrying my own guilt, I could imagine carrying the guilt of an additional 600,000 men plus women and children.  And then there is Christ who carried the guilt of all who lived with him and since his body died on the cross.  What a tremendous burden to bear!

Proverbs 8:12 - 13
Wisdom says that she lives together with good judgement and knows where to find knowledge and discernment.  (8:12).  The next verse goes on to say that all who fear the Lord will hate evil -- pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.  Apparently it's not enough to just avoid those things yourself -- being in the presence of it should upset you. 

Where does the line fall between hating that which is wrong and forgiveness and walking in love?  I know that I work really hard not to hate others and I try to ignore their actions in hopes that one day they will come around.  I try really hard not to judge others.  Of course I fail greatly, but I do try. 

I'm supposed to hate the things the Lord hates, but hate is a very strong word and it's something that I try really really hard not to do.  I don't know what to think right this moment.  I will just have to read more and self-examine myself on this topic.

Notes (this section written on 3/18/12)
I have fallen behind in managing my blog right now due to sickness and laziness, I guess.  As I have mentioned a few times now, I stay ahead on my blog posts, so a post is written anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more before it is actually published. 

Well right now I am dangerously low on my posts -- only 10 on hand as I write this.  I said a prayer before starting today that the Lord would banish the sickness that has taken over my spirit so that His will be done and shine through me again. 

It has been an entire week since I have sat down to do a study, and right now that feels like ages have gone by.  My studies, because they are so frequent, really feel intimate -- and I like the intimate relationship with God.  But right now it's been an entire week, I've been sick, I've been lazy -- and all that needs to go.  Now.  I have said my prayers and am sitting down once again in my studies.  When you read this, even if it is a month from now, please say a little prayer for me so that I can keep up with my studies and maintain the intimate relationship I am trying to create.  Thank you.

Price of the Lampstand -- More than 2 Million Dollars

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 23:14 - 25:40
  
• Exodus 26:1 - 27:21
  

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Exodus 23:14 - 27:21
Today I read all of God's instructions for the building of the tabernacle, the ark and the robes of the priests.  I will say right now that I am really bad at visualizing these things even though very good descriptions were given throughout the entire reading. 

So instead I did some googling to see some models of what the tabernacle might have looked like.  Of course those are just man made suggestions and not a single one of them could capture the splendor of the tabernacle.  After all it was a place built for God to actually converse with His people.  That alone makes it a glorious place.

I can't imagine all the work that went into building the tabernacle.  Verse 25:39 says that it would take 75 pounds of gold just for the lamp stand and its accessories.  75 pounds!  Let's do some math:

Current price of gold at 2:30 PM CT on Feb 28, 2012:  $1,722.93 / Ounce

Price per pound of gold @ $1,722.93:  $27,566.88

Price for 75 pounds of gold @ $27,566.58 per pound:  $2,067,516

Two million, sixty-seven thousand, five hundred and sixteen dollars worth of gold.  For a lamp stand.  In case you're wondering I did not round or omit the change.  Using the numbers given for the current price of gold at the time I wrote this it came to a completely even number without any change.

I simply cannot imagine how beautiful that place would have been.  Simply amazing.  Now of course I wonder what happened to the tabernacle and to the ark?  I think the answer to the ark is an age old question that many people wonder about.  The rest I will just have to wait and see what else I learn.

Fair Practices for God's People

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 21:22 - 23:13
• Proverbs 7:6 - 23

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Exodus 21:22 - 23:13
Today's reading consisted of a list of laws and fair practices for God's people to follow.  I'd say that these laws and practices are pretty much what we would think of as fair practices.  I like verses 21:23-25:

The punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.

I don't know what I liked so much about that verse except how it narrows the retribution down even to bruises.  There are many passages about how to handle disputes about property, both borrowed and stolen. 

One thing that really stuck out to me was verse 22:19, where it says that anyone who takes part in bestiality must be put to death.  I know it's a really sick thing to do but I guess it really is an abomination to the Lord.  I don't know why that stuck out, I guess just because it obviously needed to be accounted for in the laws. 

Everyone always says how bad the world is getting -- it's not the same place it used to be and the people are worse than they used to be -- but with all my reading so far I'm not sure that's really the truth of the matter. 

The world has suffered the same problems and the same types of crimes since the fall of Adam and Eve.  The Lord has already destroyed the world once and has destroyed towns and populations on numerous occasions.  I think there's just more people to go around than there used to be and that we have more of a global awareness then we ever have before.  The world is a harsh place, but the Lord is just and fair.  Thank God I have God on my side!

Proverbs 7:6 - 23
Here there are more strong warnings about immorality.  This one tells the story of a man who was seduced by a woman and it led to his death.  We can steal and live (as long as we pay retribution), we can hurt another and live (as long as we don't purposely kill them) but there are really strong warnings on the sexual sins. 

From what I have read so far, nothing else will destroy and shame your entire life the way an affair would.  And that's the truth, right?  Some of the biggest scandals are sexual in nature, from public affairs to molestation cases to prostitution.  Don't fall victim to pleasure that is only temporary.

How Can People be so Fickle Towards God?

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 15:19 - 17:7
• Proverbs 6:20 - 26

Looks like I missed posting this reading from Exodus.  Oops, here you go!

Exodus 15:19 - 17:7

The people of Israel continued to celebrate the deliverance of their people from the Egyptians.  This didn't last long because soon enough the people were lacking for water in the desert and complaining to Moses for bringing them out into the wilderness to die of thirst.  The Lord then told Moses to throw a piece of wood into a water hole to make the water drinkable.  

Not long after the Lord provided the Israelites with drinking water, the people were once again complaining to Moses, this time about hunger.  That is when the Lord began to send down the manna in the morning and meat in the evening. As a side note, my bible says that manna means "what is it?" in Hebrew, which I thought was pretty humorous. 

After 40 years of being provided for with manna and meat, the Israelites moved out of the desert.  Soon enough they were complaining again, this time about water.  So Moses followed God's instructions and struck a rock and this brought forward water.

I have to say that the group of people Moses had to deal with were a whiny, faithless bunch!  I know that the Lord will not let me starve to death or die of thirst as long as I have faith in Him.  Even if the Israelites were scared and didn't quite know the Lord, they did at least know that Lord went to great lengths to free them from the Egyptians.

The Lord led these people straight through the Red Sea as if it were dry land and then swallowed all of the Egyptians that were pursuing them!  He rained plague after plague down upon the Egyptians while excluding the Hebrews from those same plagues.  And okay, so the first time they ran out of water they were frightened.  But then the Lord fed them from the heavens every single day for 40 full years!  

How can people be so fickle?  It's one thing to think that God has excluded you from His protection, like you're wondering around by yourself.  It's quite another to see miracle after miracle performed and then still lose your faith so easily.  Could you imagine being the leader of that group of people?  How disheartening and frustrating it would be?  It certainly wasn't easy being Moses.

Proverbs 6:20 - 26

These verses in Proverbs caution us to take heed of our parent's instructions.  Doing so will keep us safe and on a straight path.

As I raise my own children I see how all the things I do for my children -- advice, love, discipline -- are all aimed at the same set of goals.  I want them to grow well, have faith in the Lord, become well rounded adults, find happiness and keep them safe.

I can't be there every single step to stop them, but I can hope that they will remember and keep to heart all that I try to instill upon them.  So listen to your parents, they want what is best for you.  And always listen to the Lord, for no one has your welfare more in mind than He does.

The Ten Commandments

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 19:16 - 21:21
• Proverbs 7:1 - 5

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Exodus 19:16 - 21:21
God came down from the mountain in the form of fire that billowed smoke while the people trembled in fear.  We then jump into the Ten Commandments as well as crimes and punishment.  I have studied the  Ten Commandments numerous times.  I can't really say that I have gained much enlightenment from reading this time.  The one thing that did catch my attention was a promise given in the fifth commandment:

Honor your father and mother.  Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (20:12)

I don't see that any other commandment carries a promise in the commandment itself.  This one, however, says that we will live a long and full life if we honor our parents. 

I love God and I truly do want to be in Heaven with Him but I do want to live a long and full life on Earth.  I also believe God wants us to live our lives also because this isn't the first time I have seen promises of long lives given in the bible.  The point is that I want to live a long life.  I don't think that in itself means that I am not yet ready to be with the Lord and I love it when the bible tells me how to have a long and fulfilling life.

If I had to point out one commandment that I need the most work on, it would probably be fourth commandment to remember the Sabbath day and to keep it holy.  I do go to church regularly and enjoy doing so.  Sunday is also a great day for me to get in extra bible study and posts for this blog. 

The problem comes with avoiding doing the "ordinary" work.  I would suppose this includes ordinary stuff such as laundry (which is always abundant at my house with three kids), cleaning and organizing.  It's hard to try to set all of that aside, although I wouldn't mind doing so! 

I wonder about cooking.  I LOVE to cook, and Sundays are usually filled with me cooking for a few hours -- dinners, fresh baked goods to serve and to freeze, desserts -- you name it, I'm in the kitchen doing it because Sunday is the best and most relaxed time to do it.  I also know that because I've spent the day worshiping the Lord that I am in a great mood and I want to cook and bake for my family and friends. It's one of the ways I show them that I love them. 

So I have to wonder if I am in violation of this commandment by doing so?  It's not really "ordinary" work for me.  Ordinary work would be planning and making dinner and getting it all out in time and cleaned up so that we can move on with the next thing on our list before bedtime hits.  I don't get to make little mini pies and fresh baked breads and time consuming comfort foods like chicken and dumplings during the middle of the week or even on Saturday.  It really is more of a hobby than it is "ordinary work".  So I really hope it is okay.  Anyone have thoughts on this?  But I guess I do need to make an effort to avoid the regular household chores, the things I do because they need to be done.

 Proverbs 7:1 - 5

 Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.  Obey my commands and live!" (7:1-2)

This verse is a prelude to more caution about the immoral woman and extramarital affairs.  Regardless I do not think those words simply apply to that situation.  Funny how I was just writing about God wanting us to live out our lives.  He wants us to be with Him, but He also wants us to have a long and fulfilling life here on Earth.  Stay true to Him and you will find that fulfillment.

Are All Sins Equal?

Today's Reading:
• Exodus 17:8 - 19:15
• Proverbs 6:27 - 35

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Exodus 17:8 - 19:15
Moses and his people are now in the Sinai wilderness.  The first account of today's reading tells of how they fought the armies of the Amalekites.  The bible states that Moses told Joshua to gather an army to fight the men while Moses, Aaron and Hur climbed a mountain top. 

I'd like to stop briefly here for a quick question: Who is Joshua?  I think this is the first I have seen him mentioned.  I wonder if he is the same Joshua as is written in the book of Joshua?  I imagine he probably is, I just don't yet have a good enough frame of reference of the bible yet.

Moses had the task of raising his staff over his head as the battle raged on.  Whenever he lowered the staff his people would start to lose, and whenever he raised it they would again be winning.  The bible says that Hur and Aaron helped Moses keep his arms up as he became too tired.  Can you imagine?  Try keeping your arms up in the air for 15 minutes with nothing in them -- you would get extremely tired.  But the bible says that Moses held his staff above his head until sunset when the people of Israel won the battle.

Then Jethro (the father in law of Moses) came to visit Moses in the wilderness and to bring Moses his wife and children back.  I don't know at what point they were sent away, I don't recall reading anything about them being sent off. 

It also seems that Moses was trying to handle all the problems of the 600,000 men (plus women and children!) all on his own.  Jethro saw this and suggested to Moses that he teach others the decrees of God and then appoint leaders to groups of 1000, 100, 50 and 10.  Moses implemented that suggestion.  I imagine he was quite relieved after that point!

The story ends as the people of Israel prepare for God's coming to the base of the mountain.  God said that He would let all the people hear Him speak to Moses.  The Israelites were to spend the next three days in preparation. 

Proverbs 6:27 - 35
We read here that adultery will not be left unpunished by man.  Verses 31 and 32 say that thieves might sometimes have excuses -- they will have to pay back what they have stolen -- but they still might have an excuse (for example, they were starving).  But the adulterer destroys himself and will be utterly disgraced with shame that will never be erased (6:33).

I would like to note here the comparison between the sins of thieving and the sin of adultery.  I find it highly interesting how a distinction is made between the two, with the adultery being the higher crime. 

I know that other distinctions are made elsewhere in the bible for sins and their punishments; some come with death, others do not.  So there are levels of severity in sin.  This is significant to me because I have come from the thoughts that all sins are the same -- someone who steals is no less bad than someone who murders another.  I am not so sure that is the truth anymore. 

Of course any and all sin keeps us from the Lord and that is why we need the blood of Jesus Christ.  I realize that without question.  But I'll have to decide throughout my reading if sin has tiered severity -- not just in the eyes of humans, but in the eyes of God.

The Real Story of Deliverance from Egypt as Told by Exodus; Seven Things the Lord Hates

Today's Reading:
• Exodus 13:17 - 15:18
• Proverbs 6:16 - 19

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Exodus 13:17 - 15:18
Today I finally got to read the most anticipated part of the Moses story -- the actual deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea.  I thought I knew most of the story as a whole (birth of Moses, plagues and deliverance) because it is one of the most famous stories in the bible.  But what I have come to find out is that there things I didn't yet know, as well as a few discrepancies between what I thought happened and things that actually happened.

The first thing I will note is that Joseph's bones were carried out of Egypt by Moses (13:19).  I knew that Joseph was the reason that the Hebrews were in Egypt and the reason they had grown to be so prolific.  I also recall that Joseph commanded that his bones be taken when the people were delivered from Egypt (Genesis 48:25).  Even then I didn't really connect those things into a contiguous flowing story until today.

I don't remember if I've mentioned this previously or not, but I also didn't realize the involvement Aaron had in this.  I've heard so much of Moses, Moses, Moses for my entire life, but I haven't heard much about Aaron.  I didn't realize that Moses played the more passive role while Aaron did the majority of all the speaking.  It doesn't matter who did the speaking because they were all God's words, but still I always pictured Moses fighting this battle by himself.

The next thing that drew my attention is how the people were actually led out of Egypt.  Verse 13:21 says that the Lord led the people with a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.  Later in the story the following is mentioned:

"the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp.  The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them" (14:19).

I will start by saying I'm a teensy bit confused; was that first verse (13:21) referring to the angel of God?  Verse 14:19 refers to the pillar and the angel as being two separate things -- could the people see this angel? 

The answers to my previous questions don't really matter, I was just a bit intrigued to see the reference to the angel of God leading the people out.  What does matter is that I didn't realize the people were led by God via this supernatural phenomena. 

I also didn't realize that the approaching Egyptian army and the parting of the Red Sea didn't occur simultaneously.  I always thought that the Israelites fled across the Red Sea as soon as the Egyptian army came after them.  Instead the bible says that the cloud/fire pillar moved to be between the Israelites and the Egyptian army, and there it stayed until the Hebrew people got far enough across the Red Sea to outrun the onslaught of the Egyptian army. 

The final thing I want to remark upon is the parting of the sea itself.  I never stopped to picture in my mind how exactly that would look or feel.  I have seen the movie The Prince of Egypt (fabulous movie for kids!) and I know that in that movie you see the people of Israel cross through the sea and there is literally a wall of water on each side.

I guess I always thought of that scene as being a theatrical interpretation.  I never stopped to ask myself how I would picture this event happening, or what would happen with the water -- I guess I just thought a dry path would just appear.  Tonight, however, I have learned that the people of Israel really did walk between two walls of water.  It doesn't say how tall those walls were, but perhaps the Prince of Egypt interpretation wasn't that far off.  Regardless it is pretty incredible when you truly stop to think about it.


Proverbs 6:16 - 19
These verses lay out seven things that the Lord hates:

1. Being haughty (snooty, conceited, superior, arrogant, self-important, pompous, patronizing are just a few of many synonyms of this word)
2. Lying
3. Killing innocent people
4. Plotting evil
5. Jumping at opportunities to do wrong
6. False witness/testimony
7. Provoke discord within one's family

I am happy to say that I don't rush out to do or be any one of those things.  Most of the things on that list I would never do -- such as committing murder, plotting against someone, lying to get someone in trouble or causing or encouraging a riff in my family.

I think a few of those things we all do at some point ("white lies" anyone?) and it's also easy to forget sometimes -- no matter how hard you work to get yourself where you are -- you are nothing without God and it is God who grants you every step you take along the way.  So thank you, Lord!

Death of the Firstborn Sons; Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 12:14 - 13:18
  
• Proverbs 6:12 - 15

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Exodus 12:14 - 13:18
The first thing that I took notice of in my readings today were the annual festivals, namely the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened bread.  First of all I am having a little trouble distinguishing between the two. 

I know that the passover itself was when the Israelites slaughtered their livestock and spread the blood over the door jambs as a blood sacrifice to avoid the death of their firstborn sons.  So I am not sure the celebration of the passover would be relevant today because Jesus Christ is now our blood sacrifice. 

What interests me most is the Feast of Unleavened Bread because the bible states that it is a "law for all time" (12:14), not just a law until the new covenant is formed.  So as a Christian is this something my family and I should be celebrating today?  I will certainly need to do more research into this, but any comments and/or thoughts are greatly appreciated.

The final plague was carried out in Egypt and the bible said "there was not a single house where someone had not died" (12:30).  What a terrible night, I couldn't begin to imagine the grief felt throughout Egypt. 

The Pharaoh finally ordered Moses and his people to leave Egypt.  I found a few things interesting, first that there were 600,000 Israeli men in addition to all the women and children (12:37).  I knew that the Israelites had a very large population in Egypt but I didn't realize there were so many! 

The second thing I noticed was that the Israelites fled Egypt on the very last day of their 430th year in Egypt (12:40).  I didn't realize they had been in Egypt for so long.  That is a long time to wait for deliverance.  Of course I know that they weren't always as oppressed as they were in the days nearing the deliverance, but no wonder they had built up such a large population.  I look forward to reading the rest of the story with these new perspectives in mind. 

Proverbs 6:12 - 15
These three verses in Proverbs say that wicked people are constant liars with perverted hearts that plot evil and continually stir up trouble.  Thank God I'm not that wicked!  Even though I know I am a sinner at least I don't have a deceptive mind that continuously plots to harm.  There might be hope for me yet!

The 10 Plagues of Egypt; Laziness is Bad for the Soul

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 10:1 - 12:13
  
• Proverbs 6:6 - 11
  

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Exodus 10:1 - 12:13
The plagues continue.  These were the plagues I previously read about:

1. A Plague of Blood
2. A Plague of Frogs
3. A Plague of Gnats (or some insect that was not a fly or a locust)
4. A Plague of Flies
5. A Plague Against Livestock
6. A Plague of Boils
7. A Plague of Hail

Today I read about the remaining three:

     8.    Plague of Locusts
     9.    Plague of Darkness
     10.  Death of the Firstborn Son

The reading stopped before the tenth plague was actually carried through. The Israelites were making the preparation by slaughtering the young male animals and smearing the blood over the door jambs. 

I knew animal sacrifices were required to cleanse the people from their sins.  What I'm just putting together is the fact that it truly does take blood to cleanse people of sins.  In the Old Testament that was the blood of animals but it was never really sufficient.  The people had to slaughter animals all of the time to atone for their sins. 

It wasn't until the blood of a sinless man -- Jesus Christ, Son of God Himself -- was shed that there could truly be salvation for the people.  For the sins of the Egyptians and the Israelites (because they had been living with the Egyptians for 400 years and didn't really know the Lord either) the Lord required a blood sacrifice.  The Lord had shielded the Israelites from the plagues of animals and insects and weather and darkness, but only blood could satisfy the Lord when it came time to take the firstborn sons.  

Proverbs 6:6 - 11
These verses from Proverbs talk about lazy people.  It says that we must work if we don't want to live in poverty.  God truly means for us to work.  It does our bodies and our souls no good to sit around and be idle all the time.  I enjoy my rest and my time off -- we all need R&R -- but I do know that if I spend too many days doing nothing but lying around I really begin to feel bad about myself.  I don't like being so busy that I don't have time for myself, but I enjoy the fulfillment of knowing that I did something productive with my day.  When I feel good about myself, I aspire to do better.  I aspire to lead a fulfilling life and the most fulfilling life I can live is a life for Jesus Christ.

The First Seven Plagues of Egypt; Save Yourself from the Debts of Others

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 8:1 - 9:35
• Proverbs 6:1-5

Exodus 8:1 - 9:35
Today's reading covers a portion of the plagues.  In the last Exodus reading we saw the first plague which was all water from the Nile river turned to blood.  The next six plagues were covered today.  Here is a list of the plagues that I have so far read about:

1. A Plague of Blood
2. A Plague of Frogs
3. A Plague of Gnats (or some insect that was not a fly or a locust)
4. A Plague of Flies
5. A Plague Against Livestock
6. A Plague of Boils
7. A Plague of Hail

It's hard to comment on such a tremendous display of power against the Egyptian people as they were washed by plague after plague while the people of Israel remained untouched.  I certainly wouldn't want to be an Egyptian who was suffering for the Pharaoh's sins.  Not that the Egyptians were anywhere close to innocent; they did not know the Lord.  I imagine quite a few were ready to turn and follow the Lord long before the plagues were done being rolled out. 

The important thing -- the point of the entire set of plagues -- was for God to show the Egyptian people who the real God is.  These people had been worshiping the Pharaoh and had no knowledge of the real God until the Lord came in an showed the Egyptian people that He was mightier than anything they had ever known before. 

In verse 9:20 we are told that some of Pharaoh's officials headed the warning against the seventh plague and brought their household and livestock to safety, so I believe that is some indication that part of the Egyptian people were paying heed to this Lord whose power they were learning.

The Pharaoh kept relenting and saying that he would let the people go but then he would recant his promise each time the Lord lifted the plague from the land.  At the end of the seventh plague the Pharaoh finally comes out and admits that he was wrong and that he had sinned (9:27).  As soon as that plague was lifted, the Pharaoh once again changed his mind. The Pharaoh didn't keep his promises, but the Lord always keeps His, and so the plagues were sure to continue.

Proverbs 6:1-5
These first few verses of Proverbs 6 talks about saving yourselves from the debts of others.  It says that if you are trapped by an agreement of another then you are at that person's mercy and you need to have yourself removed from that situation as quickly as possible.

We are lucky that we live in the United States.  Here you don't get jailed for having debts you cannot pay, but that is not true elsewhere.  I don't really know when or where this particular Proverb was written and what the laws of the time were, but I am pretty sure that debt was usually a sin punishable by imprisonment until paid off completely. 

These days you can ruin your financial life by securing another person's debt.  I don't think these verses are telling us that we should never help another person out, but I do think that we are being told to be weary when we do so.  There's a difference between helping others and ruining yourself to do so.  If you ruin yourself to help someone, how will you then be able to be a blessing to more people?

Conclusion
Reading the bible is like reading a self help book, a history book, a biography, a horror story (think about living during those plagues) a drama and a soap opera (think Rachel and Leah and Jacob) all at the same time.  People who think that the bible is an old stuffy boring book obviously haven't read enough of it.  I can't wait to see what unfolds next.

Nile Turns to Blood; Held Captive by Our Own Sins

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 5:22 - 7:25
• Proverbs 5:22 - 23

Exodus 5:22 - 7:25
Moses no longer had the support of his own people whom he was fighting for.  Moses complained to the Lord but the Lord promised Moses that He will avenge the people, and by the time He was done all of Egypt will also know the one true God. 

Moses and Aaron went to the Pharaoh and turned the staff into a serpent.  The Pharaoh's magicians were able to do the same thing but the Lord's staff swallowed the staff of the magicians.  The Pharaoh still refused to believe so next Aaron turned the entire Nile river into blood.  It also says that all water from the Nile -- even that which was stored in pots (7:19) was turned into blood.  Once again, however, the magicians were able to do the same thing and they also turned water into blood.  The reading ends by remarking that it had been seven days since the Nile had been turned to blood.

I have to wonder about the Pharaoh's magicians.  Their power obviously doesn't come from the Lord, and we know that Satan is quite powerful, but we also know that he's not a fraction as powerful as God is.  When the sorcerers turned their staffs to serpents, their serpents were quickly swallowed whole. 

It also says that the sorcerers managed to turn water to blood, but it doesn't say to what extent.  I know they weren't able to turn the mighty Nile and all water anywhere that came from it into blood.  I know that the Pharaoh's heart was hardened, for God said quite a few times that he hardened the Pharaoh's heart (7:3 is just one example). 

It's still hard for me to imagine that people can see what they see, know what they know, yet still stubbornly insist that God does not exist, or, if He does exist, it doesn't matter or apply to them.  Oh well.  It's not my job to understand these other people.  I know what I know, and I am learning what I can, and sharing with others the things I am learning.  But I certainly will never be able to help someone find God whose heart has been hardened! 

I guess that I would first need to pray that the person's heart been softened so that they might feel the truths of the words spoken to them.  I will start with a prayer in the name of Jesus Christ for anyone who runs across my blog that their hearts will be softened, and that, at the very least, a small fire of longing to know the truth will be light inside of them, so that they might seek these truths for themselves.  Amen.


Proverbs 5:22 - 23
These two short verses in Proverbs tell us that we will be held captive by our own sins like ropes that tie us down, and if we have no self control then we will be lost because of foolishness.  These verses were in reference to extramarital affairs but the application goes far beyond just that. 

I know that every time I sin I feel myself distanced further from God.  If I keep sinning then I keep distancing myself further and further, and eventually I will become lost.  Take heed not to become lost, but if you are, just remember that it is never too late to cut those ropes that are holding you down.  And you don't have to do that by yourself -- you have the power of the Almighty Lord to help you.

Moses and Aaron Confront Pharoh

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 4:1 - 5:21
• Proverbs 5:15 - 21

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Exodus 4:1 - 5:21
At the close of the last Exodus reading Moses was protesting his ability to do God's will and lead the people out of Egypt. The Lord had equipped Moses with his special staff, the one that turned into a serpent when thrown to the ground.  God also showed Moses how to cover his hand with disease and then make it whole again.  The Lord told Moses that if he dumped water from the Nile onto the ground that it would turn into blood.  Still, Moses continued to object to the task the Lord have given him until the Lord decided to name Aaron as the speaker for Moses.  Finally Moses had no more excuses and had to undergo his mission to speak to the leaders of Israel and to the Pharaoh.

Moses had no problem convincing the elders of his people.  They rejoiced in the fact that God was finally going to lift them up out of the suffering.  The Pharaoh, on the other hand, was outraged -- after all, who could this "God" be that was greater than he?  As a result of his anger the Pharaoh punished the people of Israel by having them work even harder than before.  This greatly angered the Israelites and turned them against Moses and Aaron.  This is where the reading stops for the day.

In the middle of this reading there was a small passage that really baffled me.  It was during Moses's return to Egypt with his family.  Seemingly out of the blue it says that the Lord confronted Moses and was about to kill him.  Then Moses's wife Zipporah immediately circumcised their son, and the Lord left Moses alone (5:24-26). 

I am wondering if I overlooked something earlier in this book, or if maybe there's more information elsewhere in the scripture that explains this?  I guess my assumption would be that the Lord had commanded Moses to circumcise his son at some point, yet Moses refused or delayed it?  It just seems odd because I didn't see that there was any reason given for God's sudden anger at Moses, and the very first reaction of Moses's wife was to circumcise their son.  Perhaps I'll find another piece of scripture at some point that clears this up for me.  I just felt like it came out of nowhere.

Proverbs 5:15 - 21
This is a continuation of the last reading from Proverbs (5:7 -14) where we were warned that extramarital affairs will destroy our lives.  In today's reading we are strongly cautioned to keep sex within our own marriage.  The man is told to let his wife be enough for her, to enjoy the sanctity of marital relations and not to share that with anyone else.

The Life of Moses, Extramarital Affairs

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 2:11 - 3:22
• Proverbs 5:7 - 14

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Exodus 2:11 - 3:22
In my last reading of Exodus I met Moses -- first as an infant and then as a child (undisclosed age) when he was handed back to be raised by the princess.  Today I met Moses as an adult.  Again the age is undisclosed, but the study notes in my bible estimate (based on other bible references I have yet to read) that Moses was about 40 years old. 

As an adult Moses decided to visit his people and witnessed the brutality of their slavery firsthand.  Moses then took matters into his own hands and killed a guard that had beaten a Hebrew man.  When Moses later tried to socialize with some fellow Hebrews they responded quite poorly.  They accused him of trying to be their prince and their judge (2:14).  I guess their response was understandable; after all, Moses had led a life of privilege even though he was a Hebrew.  What did he really know of their suffering?  And who was he to just come down, kill a guard, and think that he can make it all better?

Pharaoh learned that Moses had killed the guard and tried to kill Moses.  Moses then became a fugitive and fled to Midian.  There he rescued some girls who were trying to water their father's flocks.  Moses settled with that family, married one of the girls, and had children of his own.  Moses lived that life for around 40 years (again, estimate from my study bible and I have not read enough to back it up).

When Moses was approximately 80 years old he saw the burning bush.  There he was told what his mission would be -- first to meet with the Israelite elders, then to meet with Pharaoh and demonstrate God's hand, and finally to lead the people out of Egypt. 

Moses was understandably baffled at this revelation.  It was a huge endeavor and a great responsibility.  The Pharaoh who tried to kill Moses had died but that didn't mean the new Pharaoh was any more favorable toward Moses.  The new Pharaoh hadn't changed the brutal slavery policies, so why would there be any reason to believe that Moses wouldn't still be a fugitive when he returned?  I also don't think there was any indication that Moses would be any better received by his own people.  He was a Hebrew, but he had lived apart his entire life, even after he fled the palace.

The reading leaves off before Moses actually accepts and undergoes the mission, but of course I know the ending to this story.  Even if I didn't know, Moses was a rescuer, that was easy to see.  The problem was that he went about it via his own devices, first by killing the guard and then by rescuing the girls.  Each of those actions had life changing implications -- for the first he became a fugitive and lost his life of privilege, for the second he gained a new home and new life.  Regardless, the true power to rescue his people, a power he arguably craved, could only come from God.  Finally, Moses was about to embark on the God-led mission to deliver his people out of the brutal slavery in Egypt. 

Proverbs 5:7 -14
This reading continues the topic of having an affair.  The bible strictly warns that you have much to lose -- you will lose your wealth and the fruit of your labors (a divorce would immediately result in a loss of much of your wealth) and the things you have achieved (how many public scandals have ruined people's careers?).  The bible even says you will suffer diseases (sexually transmitted diseases, I assume). 

The last verse tells of the public disgrace that will be suffered.  All of what was said here is true today -- even in our day and age when sexual relationships before or instead of marriage are quite common.  So heed the warnings! 

The bible doesn't say that it's a crime to be tempted, because how could you help the occasional thought that passes through your mind?  But it does say to stay far away from temptation's door (5:8).  In other words, keep yourself out of those situations.  If you actively keep yourself away from it then you won't succumb to it.  But if you keep putting yourself in that situation, how long do you think you will be able to resist it?  When is it ever worth what you're going to lose?

Baby Moses is Sent Down the River, Beware Immorality

Today’s Reading:
• Exodus 1 - 2:10
• Proverbs 5: 1-6

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Exodus 1 - 2:10
At the end of Genesis the Israelites moved to Egypt where Joseph was second in command the entire nation.  Pharaoh knew what Joseph had done for him and was good to him.  In time, however, that Pharaoh died and a new Pharaoh came to power.  He realized that the Israelites were dangerously prolific and soon outnumbered the Egyptians.  He ordered the Israelites to be slaves and worked them very hard.  That only backfired as the Israelites multiplied even more quickly.  So the Pharaoh gave his famous order to kill all sons born to the Israelites.

The Pharaoh first ordered the midwives to kill the sons but they refused out of fear of God.  He then sent the order that all of the sons of Israelites should be thrown into the Nile River.  Forget the fact that the Pharaoh does not know God -- but where is that man's conscience?  How can someone order such a thing and then later live with themselves?  I know that we as a people have a sinful nature, but I don't think the majority of those who never did and never will know God could do such a thing as that.

I would be interested to know how many people followed the Pharaoh's orders, and the measures they took to hide their babies.  Was there a safe age for a boy child to reach?  Let's say they managed to hide a boy for 2-3 years, was he safe at that point if they brought him out?  How long was this order under effect?

The final section of the reading is one of my favorite parts of the story of Moses.  Moses's mother left him in a basket on the banks of the river in hopes that he would survive.  Not only did he survive, but the princess herself found him and then paid the mother of Moses to raise and nurse the child for awhile.  It says that Moses was brought back when he was older to be adopted by the princess.

How old was Moses when his mother brought him back to the princess?  How old was the sister, who watched in the weeds and suggested to the princess a woman to nurse the child?  I know it was all God's work, but did the princess suspect or know that the woman was Moses's own mother?  Regardless, the bottom line is God is GREAT and through him all things are possible, and these passages contain but one small example of His great works.

Proverbs 5: 1- 6
These first few verses of the fifth Proverb warn men to stay away from immoral women.  The immoral woman has lips as sweet as honey and a mouth that is smoother than oil (5:3), but in the end she is poison, she is dangerous,  and her feet lead to death (5:4-5).  Of course this verse is written to the men, but it certainly applies to women as well.  It applies to the women who are tempted to have an extramarital affair as well as those who are doing the tempting.

In those days a person really could be put to death for adultery.  These days, in the United States, that doesn't happen as often, although crimes of passion do occur.  In some countries it's not uncommon for a woman to be put to death (by her own family even!) if it is found that she isn't a virgin when she gets married.  Regardless of whether or not one will actually be put to death for having immoral sex, in the end it's still your relationship with God that winds up tarnished.  You can be forgiven and you can be cleansed, but each and every sin keeps you from becoming as close to God as you could and should be.  In the end, it's you who loses out.