Skip to main content

January 29 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 29

We're finishing the book of Exodus today.  That's 2 books of the Bible you've completed.  Hopefully, you've noticed how the story of God carries through so far.  We've come a long way since "the beginning."  We have much further to go.  

 In a sense, we are journeying, just like the Israelites.  Their story is ours.  They are our sisters and brothers.  You and I would probably have done some of the same things they did.  So, there's much to learn from them and their walk with God.

I don't have any notes from Exodus today because I think you'll see today's readings don't, necessarily, need any.

DAILY READINGS

Exodus 35-40 & Psalm 29

DAILY NOTES

Psalm 29
  • heavenly beings can also be translated as "sons of gods."  
  • Ascribe, give or prepare 
  • This is a psalm about the "voice" of God.  Yesterday's sermon was based on the passage where God speaks to the people from the mountain.  Remember how the people responded?  Remember the scene?
  • Interestingly, the first place the voice of God appears is over the waters.  Could that be a Genesis creation reference?  Noah and the flood reference? Exodus reference?
  • In all, Creation cannot contain the voice of God.  The only response is for Creation (we're a part of that) to respond with, "Glory!"

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

You may wonder why these final chapters of Exodus are even a part of the Bible.  They're just a repeat of what God told Moses to do.  That's true.  

The colors, the measurements, the material and the arrangements are repeated, for us.  Remember, though, this is the first time the people hear them.  It's important for the text to show that Moses told the people what God had told him.  

I'm convinced these 6 chapters hinge on 2 verses: 

Exodus 39:32 
"...the Israelites had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses."

& Exodus 40:16.

"Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him."  

It seems to me that if you and I could just do what God commands us, we'd notice the things of God get done.

Stay blessed...john

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more

March 27 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 86 Ever notice these books don't end with happily ever afters?   Remember that we are reading an entire story of God told over many years.  The individual books help us follow that story, but we do well in remembering it's still one complete story. Today, we're finishing 1 Samuel.  As we read, we'll see how far Saul has fallen.  Ultimately, what God said would happen, happens. DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 28-31 & Psalm 86 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 28 This chapter is devoted entirely to Saul's encounter with a medium. Notice that Saul had previously expelled mediums and wizards.  This could be a sign of his former faithfulness. Saul's fear overwhelmed him.  He is up against a Philistine army he does not think he can defeat. Since Saul could not hear from God, he seeks a medium to "inquire of her."  What did he want to know (from God or the medium)?  He asks Samuel what he should do.  So, is that asking whether to...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 11 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 101 The great prophet Elijah leaves the scene (He'll appear again later.  Do you remember where?).  Elisha takes his place and immediately begins to act as prophet among the people.   DAILY READINGS 2 Kings 1-3 & Psalm 101 DAILY NOTES 2 Kings 1 King Ahaziah is injured and he wants to know if he'll live.  He seeks input from the prophets of Baal-zebub.  Elijah finds out and interrupts Ahaziah's men from going to the prophets.   Notice that Elijah, that hairy man, is divinely protected by the captain and his men.   Ahazia never hears from the prophets.  Elijah speaks directly to him to tell him that he will surely die. 2 Kings 2 Where did the idea of a whirlwind come from?  Did anyone expect that Elijah would be taken "to heaven by a whirlwind"?  Everyone seems to know that today Elijah will be gone. Elisha's command to the band of prophets seems to indicate his sense of loss but also a vigor...
Post a Comment
Read more