Joshua Succeeds Moses – Joshua 1:1-18

Joshua Succeeds Moses – Joshua 1:1-18 It’s amazing to realize that God uses individuals to accomplish His plan, but He never is dependent upon those individuals.  In other words, God chose Moses… God used Moses… but God was able to use someone else to replace Moses. Yesterday we read about the danger of idolatry as…

The Golden Calf – Exodus 32:1 – 34:35

The Golden Calf – Exodus 32:1 – 34:35 “They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them…” An idol can be anything that takes the rightful place of God in our lives.  For the ancient Hebrews, they wanted something tangible they could worship, an idol they could carry with them. What they…

The Ten Commandments – Exodus 19:1-20:21

The Ten Commandments – Exodus 19:1-20:21 Whether in courthouses, town halls, or on the front lawns of public buildings; in the last century there has been plenty of debate and discussion about the public display of the Ten Commandments.  Along with nativity scenes and “Christmas” trees, it’s easy to get the soldiers riled up and…

Crossing the Red Sea – Exodus 13:17-14:31

Crossing the Red Sea – Exodus 13:17-14:31 “…though that way was shorter…” I’m struck by these words, early on in today’s reading.  Even though it would have been shorter to go through Philistine territory, God chose to take the Israelites by the scenic (desert) route.  He takes them the long-way-round! Why?  Certainly not because God…

Passover and Exodus – Exodus 12:1-42

Passover and Exodus – Exodus 12:1-42 “Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.”    The Exodus account is the central event of Old Testament history.   It is the event that defines Israel as a nation, and the series of events that demonstrates God’s unfailing faithfulness to His children.  The Israelites…

The Ten Plagues – Exodus 6:28-11:10

The Ten Plagues – Exodus 6:28-11:10 Saying “no” to God Yesterday we read about Moses, and although he was reluctant, Moses eventually said “Yes, Lord, Yes.” Today, we learn about Pharaoh, who not only consistently said “no” to God, but whose heart became increasingly hardened through the process.  In addition, we discover that though Pharaoh…

The Burning Bush – Exodus 3:1-4:17

The Burning Bush – Exodus 3:1-4:17 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”  – Genesis 4:13 If we’re not careful, we read the story of Moses, glossing over these words.  We jump to the exciting parts: snakes in Pharaoh’s court, the Nile turning to blood, repeated confrontations with Pharaoh, and…

Birth of Moses – Exodus 1:1-2:25

Birth of Moses – Exodus 1:1-2:25 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread – Exodus 1:12a If you didn’t know that this verse was found in the Old Testament, you might assume that it was from the book of Acts, describing the spread of the Early (yet persecuted) Church.  Indeed,…

E100 #4: Higher Ways – June 24, 2012

E100 #4: “Higher Ways”Text: Genesis 45:3-8; 50:15-21The story of Joseph reminds us that God will keep his promise to his people, and that He watches over those of integrity and faithfulness.  At the same time, we’re reminded that our current situations may not make much sense until we can look back and see God’s hand…