Review of Exodus Chapter 16

What do you hunger for?

We learn in our study of Exodus the wilderness is not a place of wild terrain, trees, and roaming animals. Instead, the picture is of dry barrenness and scarce resources. It is uninhabitable, with very little water or food.

The estimated million-people march through this territory causes the whole congregation of Israel to grumble against Moses and Aaron.

“Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger. “(16:3)

What Does Hunger Make us Forget?

Does an empty belly and not getting what they want blind them to their past slavery? Is the harsh labor from sunup until sunset so easily forgotten? Losing their newborn sons in the Nile’s murky waters is no longer a threat, but lack of food and water is. But is the past preferable? We’ll never know… until we’re that hungry.

The miracle of the Red Sea parting is fading fast in the presence of fatigue, thirst, and discouragement. As doubt sets in, the evil one whispers convincingly, “He doesn’t really care about you”. The same whisper familiar to our ears in times of spiritual famine.

Oh, but he is wrong, because God does care!

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. (16:4)”

Although, seemingly ungrateful with the grumbling mentioned seven times in this chapter, I feel sorry for the Israelites. Looking back at the known and not-so-comfortable is easier sometimes than floundering in a new kind of difficult and unknown. God is peeling those psychological layers of false identity back like an onion, one layer at a time. It is something I can identify with easily, because he has to do it for me quite often.

It’s a hard concept to accept when they’re hungry and dehydrated. And it’s hard for me when I’m prideful.

What happens next is something they will continue to see, “The glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.” He provides the amazing bread from heaven (manna—what is it?) that tastes like honey and coriander seed. Flocks of quail also begin to encircle their camp to provide meat to eat.

It appears, instead of wrath for ungratefulness and unbelief, they majority of them are shown mercy and grace. However, that does not mean there are no consequences. Numbers chapter eleven describes God’s fury and the punishment of the “rabble” rousers as they consume the quail and a plague falls, killing many.

It is now clear, testing God is a very unwise course of action for the unbelievers of their day; however, may it also be a warning in ours.

What if We Hunger to Be More Like Christ?

It makes me wonder what we as Christians hunger for when our needs are so readily met. There is plenty to eat and drink, and we have choices that are filling and nutritious. But we often choose artificial and man-made items over God’s provision many times. If it’s not a lifestyle of convenience, it is sometimes materialism.

What if we just rested in His care and stopped reaching for things that temporarily satisfy?

I can’t help but think of Jesus telling his disciples when they returned from Samaria with food, after he spoke to the woman at the well. He said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” I have to ask myself sometimes, “When will God be enough?” The world, as you and I know it, is fading fast and freedom is changing dramatically. It’s time to look heavenward more often than earthly for my satisfaction.

Today, may we say together, “You are enough, Lord, and I hunger be more like you, every day.”

Thank you, for joining me on this journey! You can read further posts on our study of Exodus with Jen Wilkin on this site.

Tangy Tuna Balls with Fresh Dill

There is minimal time left for the dill plants here in the Ohio valley, so I’m salvaging what I can for these Tangy Tuna Balls. Although, I’ve tried to bring a few dill plants inside to water and continue to use, they shriveled up and died.

I’ll definitely have to look into freeze drying for next year! In the meantime, I want to use what’s left of the dill to make tuna balls. I call them tangy tuna balls because I want to hide the bland and sometimes fishy taste that turns people off of tuna. It’s easy to add a little Samba Oelek chili sauce to this recipe to hide that unwanted fishy taste.

There are two reasons to be excited to make tuna balls. First, it much healthier than the old sausage ball recipe our moms used to make. Plus, there is no hydrogenated oil from bisquick or nitrates and msg from sausage to pollute our cells.

In addition, celery, onion, and dill, with the chili sauce sounds much better to add to tuna than cheddar and bisquick. I know….there are recipes on Pinterest that do this, and it probably tastes good, so if you prefer that route, go for it! You’ll still get benefits from tuna, even if it’s not tangy.

Benefits of Tuna

Speaking of benefits, the second reason to be excited about tuna balls is the wonderful amount of omega-3 they provide for our brains. Three ounces can have up to 2.5-2.6 grams for three ounces. Tuna is also rich in protein (40 grams) B vitamins, calcium, zinc, selenium, and choline.

Chili and other All wonderful for cell repair and maintaining muscle mass. God is so thoughtful in placing these creatures in the sea to help us function at our best!

Don’t forget there are also benefits like desensitizing pain receptors in nerve cells from chili peppers, too! (1) Dill, on the other hand, has been made into powder and studied for decreasing insulin levels in Type 2 Diabetes. In the same study, dill powder was found to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) while increasing HDL (High density lipoprotein-aka the good stuff) (2).

Proof positive, God loves you and provides for you in every way!

Devotion

therefore thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

Isaiah 28 ESV – Judgment on Ephraim and Jerusalem – Ah, – Bible Gateway

Isaiah tells about the future “precious cornerstone” that will be a sure foundation. He is talking about Jesus, of course. Believing in him, we cannot go wrong. The assuredness you and I need in our spiritual lives is just as important as the benefits of the provision God provides in the garden. Have a blessed day as you partake of both, my friend!

References:

Chili Peppers, Curcumins, and Prebiotics in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease – PubMed (nih.gov)

Patcharatrakul T, Gonlachanvit S. Chili Peppers, Curcumins, and Prebiotics in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2016 Apr;18(4):19. doi: 10.1007/s11894-016-0494-0. PMID: 26973345.

The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes – PubMed (nih.gov)

Haidari F, Zakerkish M, Borazjani F, Ahmadi Angali K, Amoochi Foroushani G. The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes. Trials. 2020 Jun 5;21(1):483. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-04401-3. PMID: 32503652; PMCID: PMC7275438.

Review of Exodus Chapter 14 & 15

When I study profound passages like this one, I have to wonder, “What is God teaching me in this moment? Of course, He is showing me new things on a biblical level, but even better, a sharper view of Him!

The first part of our Exodus study, chapters 1-18, by Jen Wilken, is wrapping up this week. Israel has survived the ten plagues and a new nation is born. The institution of Passover takes place as the firstborn is delivered from death with the blood of the lamb splayed over the doorpost.  God is faithful and true to his word, not only in the passing over of the death angel, but also in Abraham’s descendants multiplying and becoming a great nation.

Exodus 12:37 says, “And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.”

.” It is reasoned there were about a million people leaving Egypt at the time of the Exodus. As this multitude faces the tremendous Red Sea with Pharaoh and his army in hot pursuit, they feel trapped.  If you want a fresh word on how earthly circumstances look bleak and impossible to us, yet well under control in the hands of God, take a moment to reread Exodus 14, and revel in the glory of God’s power and provision.

We see they are not trapped at all!  I love how the glory of God shines in the darkest of times for them and us!

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to me? Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.’ (vs 15)

I pay close attention to how God works in the darkness at this point, because the Israelites, feeling desolate and defeated with a slave mentality, are terrified.  However, God shows his glory!

“Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night. (vs 19-20).

They survive the night and are led into the wilderness. The Song of Moses in chapter 15 is a beautiful song of worship and thanksgiving for they see The LORD will reign forever.

Unfortunately, three days of traveling without water get to them and they start grumbling. When they do find water at Marah, it is bitter.  We learn from Jen Wilkin in the teaching time, this water is stagnated. The ancient people called it “dead water”.  This is contrary to the twelve springs of Elim that provide “living water.” Anything flowing and abundant is considered alive (Wilken, Lifeway, 2021).

Sound familiar?

Don’t you love how the bible uses the ancient culture’s understanding of their surroundings to bring home the lesson of spiritual renewal? I sure do!

God is testing them and says, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer. (vs 26)

There are times when you and I will be tested too. The question I often ask myself when things don’t go my way is, “What is God teaching me in this moment?” Do I truly trust him to take care of me and love me when I am scared or doubtful?

 I may not understand why someone I love distances themselves from me, because it hurts too much.  But I can take comfort knowing God is working on them, the same as He is working on me. All I must do is keep praying and be watchful as he removes the earthly things (and people) I’ve loved above him all these years, to the status beneath him where they belong.

I pray he does the same for you! Stay tuned as my small group finishes the first part of Exodus with Wilken, through chapter 18. Then we will finish chapter 19-40 as her second part of the Exodus study is released in January 2022.

Do you find yourself wondering why it is so hard to change?

Is change worth the challenge?

I think it depends on what we want to see improve. It may be our health, our attitude, or our relationships. In this series I want to address why change is so challenging, and why it’s worthwhile. Here are some examples for you and I to think about in regard to relationship:

1. Response to Adversity/Offense
   It may be helpful to ask ourselves, “How do I respond to an offense?” Am I the type of person who retaliates with a quick retort, ignores it and moves on, or internalizes the offense as a judgment on my character?

   Retaliating gives us a sense of power and control. However dialing down the drama queen and pumping up the grace is a more self-controlled, and biblical response.

   Changing this habitual pattern is difficult. Our flesh values taking charge and not being taken advantage of.

   In his book, Feelings and Faith, Cultivating Godly Emotions in the Christian Life, Brian S. Borgman states, “Emotions are more than feelings; they are the expression of our values and evaluations that affect motive and conduct.”

   Although the person’s comment may seem misdirected or mean-spirited, it could just be an oversight. Regardless, as a follower of Christ, it should never disrupt relationship to the point of holding our self-esteem above the value of the person.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6

2. Succumbing to Temptation
Succumbing to temptation means I retaliate with equal animosity and venom or stop talking to the person all together. Again, self-focused behavior that destroys relationship instead of building up. Although we see it time and again, how do we change it?

For instance, my husband thinks it’s funny to blow the horn in my ear as I walk in front of the vehicle to go into the store. Instead of taking a couple of minutes to pick up my items, I leisurely browse to make him wait longer.

Childish, right?

Little digs occur with the intent to tease and get reactions from those we love in playful and not-so-playful ways. Anger gets us nowhere but more hurt. Jesus says, we can change it my turning the other cheek.

Borgman asks this powerful question in his book, “What am I not getting that I am elevating to idol-status and willing to go to war over?” Maybe the anger journal, suggested by Lou Priolo, would be helpful in tracking deceptive thinking that leads to the temptation of retaliation.

3. Realizing the Current Pattern of Behavior is Draining
Change may also be more appealing when we realize how draining the behavior can be. For instance, replaying the scene over and over again makes the muscles tight through our shoulders and neck. Not to mention, the silly thoughts that spiral out of control and don’t even really exist as truth. Patterns of thinking the evil one teases us with to destroy relationship.

Jesus says, referring to Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 8:43

Letting go can be a challenging, but necessary component to change. Why do we think we need to be in control of every situation or comment that comes our way? If we truly believe we are loved by our Father in Heaven, offenses should bounce off that seal of protected love and not pierce our hearts so easily.

Personally, I believe the root of not letting go of offenses could be one of two things:

a. It pierces because we have invested all our time, love, and attention on the offender, and feel like they don’t care. So, we’re a little insecure.

OR…

b. Our pride is pricked and we believe the offender does not appreciate our gifts, talents, or abilities.

Paul tells the Ephesians, “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Ephesians 3 ESV – The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed – Bible Gateway

What a relief to know we are so dearly loved by our Father in Heaven. We can tattle to Him in prayer on those who don’t appreciate us. In addition, we can ask Him what He wants to show us through the challenge. Are we experiencing insecurity or pride? How is difficulty in our relationships drawing us closer to Him and away from self?

It may not be clear to us at the time, but we can trust God’s purpose for it all the more. He wants us growing in the likeness of His son.

Although our way of responding to adversity is not always perfect, we can learn to apply a new template for change to better our relationships. In the end we’ll find the people we love are worth it!

God bless you as you take the challenge too!

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE to make scones! So, I consider fall the perfect time to adapt my favorite biscuit recipe to make some belly pleasing pumpkin pecan scones.

These slightly sweet biscuit-like treats are perfect for a brunch or taking to a neighbor when they are mourning the loss of a loved one. A perfect way to show you care and are there for them! The also have a few health benefits.

Benefits

1. Pumpkins are rich in antioxidant and vitamins that help us maintain function at the cellular level. For instance, according to twenty two meta analysis studies, vitamin A and beta-carotene found in pumpkin may help ward off cataracts (1).
2. Whole grain freshly milled wheat will provide B vitamins and protein.
3. Pecans are a good source of monosaturated fat—the GOOD fat—to help with skin and brain function. Moreover, pecans contain a decent amount of magnesium, copper, manganese. Minerals that are necessary to decrease inflammation and repair cells (2).

So, enjoy this low sugar, antioxidant rich Pumpkin Pecan Scone Recipe to add a little disease fighting power to your day.

Devotion

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:10-12 ESV – For this reason I write these things – Bible Gateway

It’s hard to think of rejoicing for my friends who are losing loved ones daily. However, we can comfort one another in hope of being reunited some day. For we know the God of love and peace will be with us and these ole earthly bodies will be restored on the day of redemption.

In the meantime, my friend, enjoy what God puts in the garden to give you energy and strength…it is so good!

Enjoy!

Association of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis – PubMed (nih.gov)

Wang A, Han J, Jiang Y, Zhang D. Association of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis. Nutrition. 2014 Oct;30(10):1113-21. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.02.025. Epub 2014 Mar 12. PMID: 25194611.

Review of nut phytochemicals, fat-soluble bioactives, antioxidant components and health effects | British Journal of Nutrition | Cambridge Core

Alasalvar, C., & Bolling, B. (2015). Review of nut phytochemicals, fat-soluble bioactives, antioxidant components and health effects. British Journal of Nutrition, 113(S2), S68-S78. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003729

Week 4 Exodus God of Deliverance

The Patience of God

Proverbs 16:32 says, “Patience is better than power and controlling one’s temper than capturing a city” (HCSB). When I read this week’s passage of Exodus 5:1-6:27, I realize the patience of God is long-lasting. He knows the wicked heart of Pharaoh will not bend to His will. But He also knows the hearts of the Egyptian and Israelite people need a thorough cleansing from idolatry.

Therefore, stubbornness and holding onto ingrained ideas is no surprise to God…, and He controls his temper.  

As we will see in later chapters, people of both cultures are open to following the One true God. However, convincing people to die to self is something God knows is done layer by layer and trial by trial. The Egyptians who turn to Him do so in awe of His mighty hand, while the Israelites see the fulfilled promise of their heritage.

Although Israel is eager to be rid of their bondage, the process of tearing down the cultural influence ingrained in them is going to be painful. Would you please read Exodus chapter five to see how this process begins to take place?

Moses approaches the proud Pharaoh as he begins the bargaining with, “Thus says the LORD, let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness (vs1). Pharaoh responds, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I don’t know the LORD.”

When Things Don’t Go as planned

Pharaoh accuses Moses and Aaron of distracting the slaves from their work. So, he makes the arduous task of the brick makers even harder. They must begin to gather their own straw to make the bricks and continue the same quotas. Call me stretching the concept a little bit here, but do we not see this same principle infiltrating our own economic state?

After all, the average workweek now is fifty-sixty hours with half the workforce and resources. However, the same amount of work and outcomes are expected. The underlying evil behind this is Satan. He resists God and every attempt to put Him first and puts more tasks on people to distract them from seeking Him. Pharaoh’s refuses to allow his grip on Israel’s loyalty to be tested. We see, instead, any attempt to alter their dedication crushed. He scatters them so they cannot talk about worshiping the One true God.

Israel cries out from their increased burdens, and their Hebrew foremen (taskmasters) are beaten when the quotas are not met. A situation making everyone mad at everyone else! The foremen blame Moses and Aaron, as Moses approaches God to say, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you send me? (vs22)

When things get hard and don’t go the way we plan, we blame others and God too, don’t we?

God Moves Outside of Comfort

Please don’t miss this interaction, especially in our time of ease and comfort. We turn on our faucets in the morning and bathe with clean water. The clean water fills our showers for bathing, pots for cooking, and our glasses for drinking, sometimes without a thought to thank God above for providing us with such blessings.  The lights come on at the touch of a switch. There is no gathering wood for a fire, finding kindling, and keeping it stoked to light candles at night. Physically, for most of us, life, in general, is ten times easier than previous generations. Therefore, we tend to mistake inconvenience for a trial.

But what if God begins to show us what he can do through discomfort, just as he begins to show Israel?

He says to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand, he will send them out” (6:1a). In chapter six, God reminds Moses of the promise and the covenant made with Abraham. We are also given the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. His response to, “Why did you send me?” is answered clearly by God.

We may question, why me, God? Do you really want to send me to these people suffering from physical discomfort? Or share the gospel with people digging deep into their stubborn idolatry? The answer is YES! He sure does. And we are to do it with patience while also controlling our temper. God gives us the perfect example, doesn’t he? He lets history unfold in a manner that will create lasting change rather than swooping in and making an exit from slavery as easy as turning on a switch.

The one sure way to endear the people’s hearts to follow Him and let go of their idolatry.

For More Bible Study check out the bible study page:

Have you ever tried a fall soup swap? It’s easy and so much fun! Especially if you live alone or if there are only one or two of you in the house. After all, an entire pot of soup seems like a lot to eat for one or two people!

But, what if you get a couple of singles on your street to make a pot of soup too? No neighbors? Easy fix, ask your Sunday School class or bible study group. If you’re not doing that either what about co-workers?

The only stipulation is, they have to be CLEAN and good cooks, LOL!

You may think I’m kidding, but I’m not. So, once you’ve selected your lovely group of people, follow these steps:

Simple Steps

1. Pick your group of four people with whom to exchange a soup. Four is an easy number, you can choose less, but I wouldn’t do more.
2. Decide what soup each of you will make and what day you will prepare and exchange.
3. Gather your storage bowls. There are sets of ten in various sizes throughout all retail stores.
4. Make your soup. I’m giving you plenty of nutritious ideas in the links below.
5. Gather together with your chosen friends, bring your soup and divide the soup between your bowls.
6. You’ve successfully participated in a Fall Soup Swap, enjoyed one another, and have enough variety of delicious, and hopefully healthy, portions for the rest of the week!

God bless you and enjoy what he placed in the garden for us to harvest this season!

 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Here are some ideas to get you started!

Simply Wholesome Potato Soup – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Harvest Vegetable Soup – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Tortilla Soup-Autoimmune Style – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Butternut Squash! Amazing! – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Quinoa Black Bean Chili – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

What is your favorite soup to share? Leave me a comment and let me know!

The weather is changing with cooler nights and breezy no humid days! It’s time to do my happy dance. Fall weather is also the time to make soups. A creamy asparagus and squash soup is on my mind so I can load up on some nutrition and antioxidants.

Benefits of Asparagus & Squash Soup

Asparagus helps fight the big buzz word INFLMATION, it’s rich in anthocyanins that reduce this pesky irritant to our cells. It also protects the lining of our blood vessels, and our joints. Asparagus protects liver cells from toxic substances too. (1) It’s also carrying some significant anti-cancer properties! (2) I’ll take all the protection I can get in this battle for life in our environment of pesticides, fertilizers, irritants, pollutants, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.

All the more reason to avoid the canned and boxed soup mixes and make your own. We are harvesting potatoes and a few summer squash this week too. So, I came up with a no dairy, simply creamy asparagus and squash soup from our garden to you. The best part is, it can be ready in 30 minutes.

You’ll have over 40% of your RDA of B6, natural folate, and Vitamin K1, over 20% of your vitamin C, E, and B1, while getting a good start to over 15% of RDA for magnesium, selenium, and calcium. Therefore, I hope you enjoy it alongside your cool fall weather this week!

Devotion/ Spiritual Food

I am forever impressed with God’s goodness and provision for us in the garden! Every time I look at the amazing benefits of what He placed in food I think about His mighty love and thoughtfulness. He also provided a way for us spiritually in the presence of his son, Jesus. He says,

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

John 6:63-64 ESV

The metaphor in John chapter six that Jesus is describing to his disciples is the one of himself being the bread and body coming down from heaven. He will offer himself as a living sacrifice for all mankind. Of course, they are not partaking physically of his flesh, but understanding and internalizing the concepts of believing He is fully God and fully man. It was hard for the people of Jesus’ day and in ours. I pray all doubt is erased as we are encouraged by the amazing proof of His love through the properties of food. Moreover, the evidence of Him in creation and through His Son, Jesus.

Click here for more recipe ideas:

References:

1. Effects of Asparagus officinalis extracts on liver cell toxicity and ethanol metabolism – PubMed (nih.gov)
   Kim BY, Cui ZG, Lee SR, Kim SJ, Kang HK, Lee YK, Park DB. Effects of Asparagus officinalis extracts on liver cell toxicity and ethanol metabolism. J Food Sci. 2009 Sep;74(7):H204-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01263.x. PMID: 19895471.
2. Antiproliferative effects of extracts from Salvia officinalis L. and Saliva miltiorrhiza Bunge on hepatocellular carcinoma cells – PubMed (nih.gov)
   Jiang Y, Zhang L, Rupasinghe HP. Antiproliferative effects of extracts from Salvia officinalis L. and Saliva miltiorrhiza Bunge on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Jan;85:57-67. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.11.113. Epub 2016 Dec 5. PMID: 27930987.

Exodus Week Four

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be your mouth and teach you what you shall speak?

Exodus 4:11-12

Exodus Chapter 4

Today’s reading for our text is Exodus chapter 4, we will see God’s patience with Moses and the signs he is to preform. Moses is still in the presence of God before the burning bush. Please take a moment to read this chapter before it is discussed in the post below.

Last week we learned about covenant and how Abraham’s descendants would never be able to fulfill their end of this powerful agreement between God and man. The penalty of which eventually falls on God in flesh, Jesus.

However, this week we see the loving patience of God giving signs to Moses as proof He will be by his side as he presents the plan to the elders of Israel with his brother Aaron. Moses’ response in verse one is classic of us as we hesitate to present truth to the skeptical, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The Lord did not appear to you.”

God Will Teach Him to Speak

The Lord is such a masterful teacher, isn’t he? He says to Moses what is that in your hand?  Moses replies the obvious, it is a staff. He is commanded to throw it on the ground as it becomes a serpent. We learn in the teaching time, that the snake represents “Wadjet” the snake God and protector of Pharaoh. God is showing He has power over the natural order and all other false gods.

God proceeds to show Moses His power over diseases as he places his hand in and out of his robe; normal to leprous, to normal again. Lastly, God tells Moses to take some water from the life-supporting Nile River and pour it on the ground as it becomes blood. Proof to Moses and Israel God is in control of life and death.  

Poor Moses, he tries to wiggle out of this commitment three different times in this chapter alone. His next objection is that he is not eloquent of speech. God assures him, “Who made the mouth?  It is not I? He promises to be Moses’ mouth and teach him what he will speak. (vs. 11-12).   Finally, Moses just says, “’Oh my Lord, please send someone else.”

Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. I wonder if the bush, at this point, shoots a billow of fire above as the Lord convinces Moses he is the chosen deliverer. Aaron, his brother, is on his way to be his mouthpiece. Therefore, Moses is convinced and asks Jethro’s permission to take his family and leave for Egypt because all those seeking his life are dead.  We get a glimpse of how difficult this plan will be as God warns him about the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart. Keep in mind, Pharaoh’s heart is already hard because he thinks he is a god.

The Risk of Not Taking God Seriously

The historical account takes a sudden turn in verses 24-26 at a lodging place along the way back to Egypt. The Lord met Moses and sought to put him to death (vs. 24). We understand from last week’s study Moses was born in a Hebrew home, nursed there until he was weaned, then sent to Pharaoh’s daughter to be raised in the palace. Although he understood he was a Hebrew, when he became a father in his forties in the land of Midian, he failed to adhere to the covenant of circumcision ascribed to his people (See Genesis 17:1-14).

We do not know if Zipporah was for it or against it at the time of her son’s birth. Nor do we see circumcision as a custom her priestly father practiced with his own family. All we see is that Zipporah, took a knife to her son’s foreskin to save the life of her husband. The inference here is understood, she did not do it happily.

God’s command to circumcise every male on the eighth day as a sign of the everlasting covenant in the flesh of his offspring is to be obeyed! However, when not obeyed, they shall be cut off from his people for breaking the covenant (Gen. 17:14).  We see the seriousness for Moses, and us for that matter, of obeying God’s commands. When he calls us to follow Him and carry out his plans, it’s time to listen.

Reunited and Ready to Deliver

As Moses’ life is spared, and Aaron arrives to meet him at the mountain of God. They leave to gather all the elders of Israel to speak the words that the Lord spoke to Moses. “And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshipped (Exodus 4:31).

The beauty of trusting God is stepping forward in what he calls us to do, despite our lack of eloquence, or ability. When we submit to Him, He will teach us what we are to speak. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and patience in our hesitancy and doubt. May we overcome the fear and trepidation in such a volatile culture and speak the truth as we remember your signs of wonder and glory through Moses, and later Jesus. 

Get your workbook for our Exodus Study, God of Deliverance by Jen Wilkin at Lifeway.com/deliverance.

A Prince Becomes a Fugitive

The passage of scripture for this week’s study is Exodus 2:11-3:22.

I pray our hearts and minds are open to what God wants to show us this week as He establishes a leader for Israel. To begin with, we see an adopted son show a particular affiliation with the people of his birth. Although Moses grew up in the house of Pharaoh, he knows he’s a Hebrew.

He comes to the defense of a Hebrew slave being beaten by an Egyptian.  However, his efforts are rejected, and he flees the country. The corresponding next we read alongside Exodus this week is Stephan’s account of Moses’ history in Acts 7:17-36. Please take a moment to relish the extra details he offers.

Meanwhile, Moses camps out by a well in a land far away and meets his future wife, Zipporah. We learn from Acts that he is around 40 when he arrives, and he stays there to shepherd Jethro’s flocks for around forty years. The text says,

After a long time, the king of Egypt died, and the Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out; and their cry for help ascended to God because of their difficult labor.

A Covenant Perfected

The God of Deliverance heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Wilkin has us look up definitions throughout her studies. I love to do this because it takes me down a delightful rabbit trail and into a deeper understanding of God and His word!

So, according to ancient Hebrew sources, the covenant was an agreement that worked like a Suzerain/Vassal treaty. The lesser/weaker vassal pledges fidelity to the more powerful Suzerain. The vassal shows his loyalty through giving part of his crops and lending his services, while the Suzerain offers his protection. The ancient Hebrews established this covenant with the sacrifice of animals and dividing them into halves. The two parties walked together between the divided animals to seal the treaty. If the parties failed in their part of the agreement, the understanding was, what was done to the animals would happen to them.

Now, take another rabbit trail with me to Genesis chapter 15. Please read the entire chapter—-I promise it will be worth your time!  God, Himself, makes the covenant with Abram! But, in this covenant, Abram is asleep; only God, in the form of the smoking fire pot and flaming torch, appears between the divided animals. Therefore, the price of not meeting the demands of the covenant fall on God. The beauty of a better covenant is fulfilled when the Word became flesh and dwelt among men in the form of Jesus!

The Promise is for Us Too!

Yes, my sweet friend, God hears, he remembers, and he has delivered a way. Not only for oppressed Israel but for you and me. We have no way of meeting the requirements of righteousness in our flesh. However, all we must do is place our faith in Jesus, and his righteous blood covers us. He walked through that covenant long ago as Abram slept. He also perfected it years later when he took the wrath of God upon himself for all eternity. Praise and glory to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray you have a wonderful week studying our Mighty God of Deliverance! Please don’t forget, it is in your workbook and personal time with God that you grow spiritually. Look for the link in Week 1 to get your book, written by Jen Wilkin and offered through Lifeway. God bless you!

You can find more encouragement for your week with Bold Faith!