The Bible Project @ Kelsey

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 th...

DAY 28 If you thought Adam and Eve messed up a good thing, wait until you finish reading today. There's a lot going on in these 3 chapters of Exodus.  Moses is going up and down the mountain of God.  Aaron is making idols.  The people are worshiping other gods.  3,000 people die.  God doesn't even want to be with the people anymore. Oh, those stiff-necked people.  I'm glad we don't ever act like them. DAILY READINGS Exodus 32-34 & Psalm 28 DAILY NOTES Exodus 32:1 We were told that Moses was on the mountain 40 days and nights, but the people were not told how long he would be there. Their first response to the delay is to give worship/offering to something else other than God. Exodus 32:4-5 Jewish commentary suggests that Aaron is trying to stall the people.  The call for "tomorrow" is in hopes Moses might return before they follow through with what they want to do. The people immediately give credit/glory to the molded calf fo...

DAY 26 DAILY READINGS Exodus 28-29 & Psalm 26 DAILY NOTES Exodus 28:1-4 God is making preparations for Aaron and his sons to become priests. God incorporates others into the preparations.  Those who have skill to make vestments are a part of God's order. A breastpiece, ephod, robe, tunic, turban and sash. Exodus 28:30 We're not quite sure what the Urim and Thummim were made of, but they were used to determine God's will for a decision.  It might not be a good illustration, but think of the idea of flipping a coin to make a decision. Exodus 28:35 The vestments become more than a sign.  They keep Aaron alive as he ministers! Exodus 29:18 If it smells good, God accepts it. Exodus 29:25 Being ordained took 7 days.  Priestly orders were passed from generation to generation.   Exodus 29:43 What makes all the offerings holy is God's glory that will be there with the people.   Psalm 26 The Exod...

DAY 25 In today's reading, Moses receives the plan for the tabernacle.  God has led the people through the pillars.  Now, this new sanctuary will be for the Lord to "dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8).   Practically speaking, today's reading is fairly easy.  You may end of googling what a cubit is (or you may get the urge to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark).  But you'll notice how easily you can follow the design of the tabernacle.   For today's notes, I'm providing pictures of the different items mentioned.  Of course, these are all artists' renditions because we don't know exactly what they looked like.  I'm offering them here as a way to help shape what you're reading.  If you were to do research, you'd find differences in the way these times are drawn or imagined by different people. DAILY READINGS Exodus 25-27 & Psalm 25 DAILY NOTES The ark of the covenant: The Table for the Bread of the Presence ...

DAY 23 Today's reading introduces the Mosaic law. DAILY READINGS Exodus 19-21 & Psalm 23 DAILY NOTES Exodus 19:3 Moses ascending the mountain of God will become a familiar scene.   Exodus 19:4 It's been said that God chose the illustration of an eagle because no other bird flies higher than an eagle.  Its young are carried on the wings so that they are protected from danger that may come from below. Exodus 19:6-9 The people were brought from Egypt to become a new nation.  They would have equality together as "princes" and have access to God as a "holy nation."   Moses becomes/remains God's messenger and the one that receives the holy law of God. Moses also relays what the people have spoken to God.  Is there a need to do that?   This surely elevates Moses' role as the leader of the people.  Exodus 19:16 After the people have prepared themselves, they are ready to meet the Lord.  God app...

DAY 21 DAILY READINGS Exodus 13-15 & Psalm 21 DAILY NOTES Exodus 13:2 Consecrate, sanctify, hallow. The people belong to God.  Now, they know it.  What is to be described in the coming verses is the way they would remember it.   Exodus 13:8 Telling our children is a recurring theme. 19If the sign is on your hand and, as the text reads, "between the eyes of you,"  you're going to remember it.  It will be on your lips so that you are always prepared to share it.   Exodus 13:13-15 Donkeys are considered unclean. To be clear, to "sacrifice to the Lord every male that first opens the womb" refers to animals. Exodus 13:17-18 This is ironic because the people will consider returning because of far less things than war. Why were they prepared for battle?  Were they thinking Pharaoh was going to follow them?  Were they ready for a fight?  If so, in Exodus 14:11, at the first sign of trouble, they're r...

DAY 20 We're reading about the last 2 plagues against Egypt today.  What is about to happen is something that will talked about for generations.  It's celebrated even today! Notice what the purpose of all these events is about.  Pay attention to why God says these things are happening.  Happy reading! DAILY READINGS Exodus 10-12 & Psalm 20 DAILY NOTES Exodus 10:2 What is to transpire, and everything that has led up to it, is to be shared with every generation.  There will be a specific way in the coming chapters to do that.  How important is it to intentionally pass on our faith to the next generations? I'm not sure where the NRSV gets the notion of "fool." Exodus 10:7 It seems that everyone has had enough except Pharaoh.   Moses is trapping the people in their own land.  And nothing is left because of it.  We have fell right into it. Exodus 10:10-11 What could be more "evil" than what they have already ...

DAY 19 Today's video explains the concept of the Bible's idea of Heaven and Earth.  If you're wondering how this ties into what we're reading in Exodus, just think of one word: Redemption. DAILY READINGS Exodus 7-9 & Psalm 19 DAILY NOTES Exodus 7:1 This reminds us of God's call to Moses in Chapter 4.  Aaron is the voice and Moses is as God to Aaron and now to Pharaoh.  That is, the one who is leading. Exodus 7:3-4 The effects of the signs will be multiplied.   God calls them signs here, but Pharaoh will later call them wonders. The signs are also an act of judgement. Exodus 7:8 God knows Pharaoh is going to want to see something as proof of who God is.  Remember when the people asked Jesus for a sign (John 6:30)?  Since Pharaoh has no knowledge of God, he will want/need to see a sign of who/what God is.  This is how Pharaoh's gods work; they have a power/sign. Exodus 7:11 Even though the priests (magician...

DAY 18 Today's video  gives an overview of the first portion of the book of Exodus.  Look for the 2 words that are given for the first time. May the Lord add his blessing to your reading today! DAILY READINGS Exodus 4-6 & Psalm 18 DAILY NOTES Exodus 4:1 Maybe, Moses thought, they would listen to me, but they won't believe me.  That is, perhaps they would give him a chance to speak, but then wouldn't not believe what he had to tell them. Exodus 4:10 Moses has questioned both the call of God and his calling from God.   Exodus 4:14 The Lord's anger was kindled.  The text reads that God's anger was "being hot."  That's ironic because God has appeared in a burning bush that is not being consumed.   Exodus 4:15 God tells Moses that his brother Aaron is coming to meet him.  Is this God's sign to Moses? Exodus 4:16 God gives Aaron's and Moses' roles in God's plan.  Aaron is Moses' mouthpiece....

DAY 17 Welcome to Exodus! How does God get your attention?  For Moses it was in the form of a bush that was burning but not being consumed.  Truthfully, that'd probably get anyone's attention.  What began as a normal day in his "new" life, Moses began a journey toward redemption.  It's a powerful story of God's power and mercy. And don't think God chooses the people who think they have it all together and are ready to go.  Where's the fun in that? Here's an introduction video to the book of Exodus to make a part of your reading: DAILY READINGS Exodus 1-3 & Psalm 17 DAILY NOTES Exodus 1:1-7 Exodus begins with a clear connection to Genesis.  Knowing that the people multiplied and grew exceedingly is an important element of promise.  Even though the patriarchs have passed away, the promise of God continues with the continuation of the Hebrew people Exodus 1:8-14 The new king is not connected to any old promises of the ...