First Fight for Freedom

First Fight for Freedom

Exodus 17: ⁸ Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. ⁹ And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” ¹⁰ So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. ¹¹ And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. ¹² But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. ¹³ So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

 

¹⁴ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” ¹⁵ And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; ¹⁶ for he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

 

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After dismantling Egypt, GOD took the people into the desert where they ran into no food, bitter water and now a group of people were coming up against them. The Amalekites came to fight the Israelites. Moses asked Joshua to gather men to fight. Aaron and Hur helped Moses keep his arms up so the Israelites would win the fight.

 

My Observations:

• GOD allowed Amalek to try to fight the Israelites.
• Joshua makes his first appearance in the Bible with Moses asking him to gather some men who could fight.
• GOD seemed to be preparing Israel to get out of the mindset that everything would be handed to them and that they had to fight for the freedom they begged for.

 

Freedom comes with a cost that the Israelites did not want to pay. They begged the LORD to be released from Egypt because of the cruel treatment. But soon after their release, they complained about food, water, and comfort. They wanted a fantasized Utopia rather than to side with GOD.

 

They dreamt of an easy life similar to the garden of Eden. BUT GOD was busy trying to save mankind and knew there would be opposition. I believe GOD allowed this fight and was involved supernaturally to show the Israelites they needed to fight, versus having everything handed to them. When Moses held up his hands, the Israelites would begin to win. When he dropped his hands, the Amalekites would begin to win.

 

GOD could have easily wiped out this army, but seemed to want to show Israel that they needed to be involved. They had to form an army that they had not thought of. They had to help Moses because he could not do this by himself. GOD was changing the mindset of the people. HE helped them fight for freedom. There would be many detours and fights before getting into the promised land.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses of the fight against the Amalekites?
• Is GOD allowing difficulties in your life so you have to fight for something?
• Will you be strong and courageous to fight for what GOD has promised you?

Character Revealed in Hardship

 Character Revealed in Hardship

Exodus 17: Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. ² Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.”

 

So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?”

 

³ And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?”

 

⁴ So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!”

 

⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. ⁶ Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.”

 

And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. ⁷ So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

 

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After GOD provided manna and quail for everyone to eat, the children of Israel were satisfied. GOD then told them to go into a part of the wilderness where there was no water. The people complained so much, that they were ready to stone Moses.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sent the children of Israel to a waterless place, possibly to address their disbelief in HIS power.
• When times got hard, the people turned against Moses and questioned whether the LORD was among them or not.
• GOD told Moses to strike the rock and water will come out.

 

During hard times, humans show their belief in GOD and their character comes out. In this instance, GOD sent them to a waterless place on purpose. The children of Israel were furious when humility was needed. They were ready to used stones as weapons to kill Moses. Instead, GOD told Moses to strike the very weapon they would use to kill him, to bring life preserving water.

 

When times get difficult, our character is tested. GOD gives us opportunities to grow during difficult times. Our character can be adjusted when we realize that GOD is taking us through something to make us more like HIM. Unfortunately, we don’t always make the best use of the difficult time when we complain. GOD still provided, but the people were not thankful.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the complaint from the children of Israel regarding the waterless place?
• Have you ever complained about your situation?
• Have you asked GOD to show you how to respond to your difficult situations?

Manna Remembered

Manna Remembered

Exodus 16: ³¹ And the house of Israel called its name Manna. And it was like white coriander seed, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

 

³² Then Moses said, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: ‘Fill an omer with it, to be kept for your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’ ” ³³ And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot and put an omer of manna in it, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.” ³⁴ As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. ³⁵ And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. ³⁶ Now an omer is one-tenth of an ephah.

 

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GOD provided food from heaven that humans could not understand. The name Manna means “What?” or “What is it?” Moses describes how it tasted. Then Moses obeyed what the LORD told him by laying up a jar full of manna. This sample lasted forty years.

 

My Observations:

• Moses shows us his writing style by mentioning how long they stayed in the desert, but it was done out of sequence.
• GOD preserved the manna in the jar so the children of Israel would remember HIS provision.
• GOD knew how long HE would keep the people out in the desert, but Moses did not know when he had Aaron collect a sample of manna.

 

This passage of scripture shows us that Moses wrote this book well after the events occurred. GOD had to remind Moses of the events and provide the details HE wanted us to remember. This is a great example of how GOD inspired writers of the Bible to record the exact detail that HE wanted to reveal.

 

The manna did not rot for the full forty years that the children of Israel were in the desert. The jar of manna would eventually end up in the ark of the covenant, otherwise known as the Testimony. Moses did not write in a linear chronological fashion, rather he mentions a little of the end of the journey before it happened. Manna was “bread” from heaven. JESUS is the “bread” of life that we need to remember as often as possible.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the jar of manna?
• Has GOD taken you through something and you wrote down the event or kept something to remember what HE brought you through?
• How will you intentionally remember what GOD has done for you during the deliverance?

A Leader’s Responsibility

A Leader’s Responsibility

Exodus 16: ²⁷ Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. ²⁸ And the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? ²⁹ See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” ³⁰ So the people rested on the seventh day.

 

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Instead of obeying the LORD, some of the people went out on the Sabbath to look for food. GOD spoke to Moses about the disobedient act.

 

My Observations:

• Some of the people disobeyed GOD and went to look for more food than they needed.
• GOD spoke to Moses versus the individuals who disobeyed.
• JESUS got excited when speaking to Moses.

 

I believe this conversation was between the preincarnate JESUS and Moses. “See!” was the word cried out in passion. I believe JESUS was standing right there, showing Moses how disobedient the people were getting. HE spoke to Moses because Moses was the leader.

 

HE was not blaming Moses for what the people were doing, rather HE was implying, “Handle this.” Once Moses talked with the LORD, then the got the people to settled down and rest. GOD means what HE says.

 

Challenge:

• Why did GOD speak to Moses and not the people who disobeyed?
• Have you made an issue between you and GOD by being disobedient about something?
• Are you ready for leadership responsibility that includes GOD holding you accountable for someone else’s actions?

 

Made to Rest

Made to Rest

Exodus 16: ²² And so it was, on the sixth day, that they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. And all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. ²³ Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” ²⁴ So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. ²⁵ Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. ²⁶ Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

 

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After experiencing the supernatural rotting of their food and seeing the worms, the children of Israel were nervous about following GOD’s commands. On the sixth day of each week they were supposed to gather enough to sit and rest on the seventh day. They obeyed and the food did not rot and worms did not appear.

 

My Observations:

• GOD provided enough food for two days on the sixth day.
• GOD was serious about keeping the Sabbath holy and as a day of rest.
• GOD would withhold food on the seventh day so they should not even try.

 

Rest is important to GOD. HE made humans with limits. The limits require replenishment. I believe GOD wants us to spend time with each other, to talk about GOD and spend time with HIM. This does not mean needing to spend all day in a building, but to be reminded that we need HIM.

 

GOD seems to love spending time with us, but we look for reasons to not spend time with HIM. We go after fame and fortune while depleting our faith. GOD did not provide on the day of rest. HE knew that humans would leave HIM out of their plans. GOD rested on the seventh day as an example to humans to do the same. HE did not need the rest, but humans do. GOD wants us to mimic HIM

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE treated provisions on the sixth day of each week?
• Have you gotten in the habit of not resting?
• Do you intentionally rest to replenish your energy, heal wounds and restore your faith in GOD?

Understanding Enough

Understanding Enough

Exodus 16: ¹⁷ Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. ¹⁸ So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s need. ¹⁹ And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning.” ²⁰ Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. ²¹ So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted.

 

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GOD provided bread from heaven and arranged for quail to show up every day. HE gave specific instructions on the amounts to gather. But there were some who did not heed the instructions and the food rotted the next day and worms appeared.

 

My Observations:

• Some of the children of Israel collected more than they needed.
• GOD seemed to be addressing a mindset of independence that the children of Israel had.
• The children of Israel probably had to tell Moses that they had rotten, stinking food with worms.

 

Following GOD required a change of mindset. When HE gave instructions, it was for protection versus punishment. GOD knew how long the food would last. HE specifically made the food last for the duration HE prescribed. The children of Israel were not used to food from heaven and thought it would keep like earthly food.

 

GOD seemed to be showing the children of Israel that what HE provided was enough. HE also seemed to be telling them that HE was enough to believe in. Unfortunately, they had become self-reliant.  They were so used to gathering food for the Egyptians and for themselves, that they could not believe that GOD would provide what HE said HE would.  GOD tells us that HE is enough.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the disobedience of the children of Israel regarding gathering food daily?
• Are there some things that GOD has said that are difficult for you to surrender to?
• Is there something that you need to surrender that GOD has clearly said for you to let go of?

 

Provision to Know, Believe and Remember

 

Provision to Know, Believe and Remember

Exodus 16: ¹¹ And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹² “I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ”

 

¹³ So it was that quail came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp. ¹⁴ And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground. ¹⁵ So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.

 

And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat. ¹⁶ This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: ‘Let every man gather it according to each one’s need, one omer for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent.’ ”

 

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A couple of weeks into the journey from Egypt, the children of Israel began complaining. GOD heard the complaints and told Moses what HE would do. HE wanted the people to know HE is GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Knowing that GOD is powerful and is loving and caring, seems to be important to HIM.
• Believing that GOD wants humans to succeed seems important to HIM.
• Remembering what GOD did for mankind seems important to HIM.

 

The children of Israel had a mindset that cruel slavery was better than freedom with GOD. “At least we had meat” was their sentiment. Their complaint was probably taken by GOD as an insult to HIS methods and intelligence. As if to say, “YOU obviously don’t know what YOU are doing.”

 

GHOD heard the complaint and did not say if HE liked it or not. HE simply provided and said that HE wanted to be known. Knowing GOD in this instance includes believing in HIS power and trusting that HE knws what HE is doing at all times. Their complaint placed them over GOD. They felt they knew what was best for them and could tell GOD to fix the deficit.

 

GOD made the deficit and needed the children of Israel to change their mindset the Egyptians forced on them. GOD takes free will seriously. HE allows us to complain, sin and walk away from HIS loving protection. To us, it’s strange, to GOD it’s love.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE said about the children of Israel?
• Have you complained and GOD provided for you anyway?
• How will you know, believe and remember that GOD is GOD over your situation?

Complaint Heard

Complaint Heard

Exodus 16: ⁶ Then Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, “At evening you shall know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt. ⁷ And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord; for He hears your complaints against the Lord. But what are we, that you complain against us?” ⁸ Also Moses said, “This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.”

 

⁹ Then Moses spoke to Aaron, “Say to all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘Come near before the Lord, for He has heard your complaints.’ ” ¹⁰ Now it came to pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

 

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Weeks into the journey to the promised land, the children of Israel began to complain about Moses and Aaron. Moses replied to them by sending Aaron to be the spokesperson. The message was, “Come near before the LORD, for HE has heard your complaints.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s hearing of the complaints was not a good thing.
• Moses was given authority by GOD to send Aaron out to speak on his behalf.
• Moses clarified that any complaint against him and Aaron was a complaint against GOD.

 

A complaint is different than a request. It signifies disappointment or a breach of a promise. The children of Israel complained about how they thought things should be going. We do the same with GOD when we complain about HIS timing, or amounts or HIS plan.

 

Every complaint against Moses and Aaron was heard by GOD. And, in usual fashion, HE gracefully allowed the complaints. The children of Israel may have thought they were getting their way when they heard they would get bread and meat. Unfortunately, they were not aligning to GOD’s heart. GOD seems to despise complaints against HIS servants and against HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the complaints from the children of Israel?
• Have you ever thought that GOD is not doing things the way it “should” be done?
• What complaint have you said to GOD that needs HIS forgiveness?

Addressing Internal Struggles – Manna from Heaven

Addressing Internal Struggles – Manna from Heaven

Exodus 16: And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. ² Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. ³ And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

 

⁴ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. ⁵ And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.”

 

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A couple of weeks into the journey, the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron about the lack of food. GOD heard their complaint and told Moses that HE would supply bread from heaven that was supposed to be collected within specified intervals.

 

My Observations:

• The children of Israel cried out to GOD when they were being mistreated by the Egyptians.
• The children of Israel cried out to GOD when they were freed, but pursued by the Egyptian army.
• The children of Israel complained shortly after seeing the Egyptian army destroyed and after having water provided for them.

 

Unfortunately for the children of Israel, GOD was using the same tactic that HE used on the Egyptians, only worse. The spirit of complaining would lead the children of Israel to think they could do this and get their way. When GOD said HE would give them bread from heaven, HE said it in a way that HE knew the complaint was a problem.

 

GOD was gracious to those who complained, but one day HE would stop listening to their complaints. Like the Egyptians, GOD allowed the mindset to prevail. The Egyptians thought they were gods, and GOD allowed it. The children of Israel thought they could complain and GOD allowed it. GOD fed the children of Israel with special bread from heaven, but noted their complaint.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the complaint of the children of Israel?
• Have you ever complained to GOD about the way HE was doing things?
• Is it time to ask GOD if your mindset needs to be aligned to HIS, so HE can guide you away from complaints?

 

Sticks and Water to Change a Mindset

Sticks and Water to Change a Mindset

Exodus 15: ²² So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. ²³ Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. ²⁴ And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” ²⁵ So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.

 

There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, ²⁶ and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

 

²⁷ Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.

 

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After leaving Egypt, the children of Israel camped overnight at the Red Sea. The next morning, they crossed on dry land. GOD closed up the sea and they sang songs from Moses and Miriam. But now they were on their own. They went three days from the crossing, only to find salty, undrinkable water.

 

My Observations:

• The children of Israel were not accustomed to being on their own and expected everything to go as it was when they were slaves.
• The children of Israel complained at the first sign of trouble.
• GOD used a stick to heal the salty, bitter water.

 

Moses seemed to have a lot of encounters with water. His name means he was saved from the water or drawn from the water that his mother place him on in an ark. GOD turned the Egyptian water to blood as the first plague. Frogs came from the water in another plague. Then the children of Israel were led by the preincarnate JESUS to the Red Sea where GOD destroyed the Egyptian army.

 

But now this water was different. The expectation of the children of Israel was that they would leave Egypt and immediately enter the promised land without needing to change their mindset. They were pleased with seeing the Egyptians suffer and die, but immediately murmured when they ran into a problem. GOD had Moses take a piece of the tree and toss it into the water to make it sweet.

 

This miracle was done to preserve the children of Israel and to show them GOD’s power. GOD then told them that HE is the Healer. HE healed the water and HE would heal them if they obeyed HIS commands and heed HIS voice. HE then led them to twelve wells. One for each tribe. This was yet another miracle. GOD used sticks and water to change the mindset of HIS people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the bitter water miracle?
• Have you ever expected GOD to do something in a certain time and became disappointed when it did not happen as you expected?
• What mindset do you need to give to GOD so HE can change it for the better?

 

Another Song of Triumph – Unheard People Sing

Another Song of Triumph – Unheard People Sing

Exodus 15: ¹⁹ For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

The Song of Miriam

²⁰ Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. ²¹ And Miriam answered them:

“Sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!”

 

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After Moses sang, Miriam got up and sang a short song.

 

My Observations:

• The women possibly were not singing but wanted to sing.
• Miriam may have noticed the women were not singing, so she got her tambourine out and sang a short song.
• Miriam gave the reason why everyone should sing, namely they were rescued by the LORD.

 

GOD used Miriam as a leader. She is called a prophetess. Very few women in the Bible were called this title, so it shows she had a special anointing by GOD as a leader. Miriam seemed to be gifted to help out where there was a gap in the execution of a plan.

 

Jochebed, Miriam’s mother, made an ark to save Moses, Miriam's’ brother. Miriam watched over Moses and made sure he stayed safe. Miriam jumped into action again by seeing the women and making them join in on the celebration of GOD’s triumph. Her song may seem simple, but it symbolizes a leader who sees those who are unheard. GOD was praised by everyone.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Miriam’s song?
• Have you ever seen someone who wanted to join in, but were afraid to?
• Can you take a moment to help those who are unheard by guiding them in praise to the LORD?

Song of Triumph Part 4 – GOD has Won the Next Battle

Song of Triumph Part 4 – GOD has Won the Next Battle

Exodus 15 ¹⁴ “The people will hear and be afraid;
Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
¹⁵ Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed;
The mighty men of Moab,
Trembling will take hold of them;
All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.
¹⁶ Fear and dread will fall on them;
By the greatness of Your arm
They will be as still as a stone,
Till Your people pass over, O Lord,
Till the people pass over
Whom You have purchased.
¹⁷ You will bring them in and plant them
In the mountain of Your inheritance,
In the place, O Lord, which You have made
For Your own dwelling,
The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.

¹⁸ “The Lord shall reign forever and ever.”

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Moses ends the song with encouragement that GOD is more powerful than the enemies the children of Israel will face.

 

My Observations:

• Even though GOD wiped out the Egyptians, the children of Israel knew there were other groups who were similar to their recent defeated enemy.
• Moses mentioned that GOD’s demonstration of power would put fear in all the surrounding enemies.
• Moses sung about GOD “purchasing” the people as a reference to what JESUS would do to redeem humanity.

 

As the promised land was to the children of Israel, heaven is to you and me. The mountain of GOD’s inheritance could represent HIS eternal rewards for those who cling to their faith and persevere through tribulation.

 

GOD inspired Moses to sing about facing the immediate near future opposition from all sides. The promised land was heavily guarded and was supernatural. It produced fruit larger and more plentiful than anywhere else. Very strong people found this treasure on earth and would fight anyone who wanted to take the land. GOD had already defeated this enemy before the battle began. HE shall reign forever and ever. amen

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about other enemies of the children of Israel?
• Have you ever faced victory and then immediately faced fear because of the existence of other enemies?
• Are you replaying fear of the future in your mind, or remembering GOD’s powerful performance?

Song of Triumph Part 3 – No One like GOD

Song of Triumph Part 3 – No One like GOD

Exodus 15: ¹¹ “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
¹² You stretched out Your right hand;
The earth swallowed them.
¹³ You in Your mercy have led forth
The people whom You have redeemed;
You have guided them in Your strength
To Your holy habitation.

 

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After the Egyptian army was destroyed by GOD closing up the Red Sea, Moses and the children of Israel sang. This third stanza was about GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Moses recognized that humans try to be gods but they cannot compare to the true GOD.
• Moses points out GOD’s holiness, HIS deserving of healthy praiseworthy fear, and HIS power to do wonders.
• Moses ends the stanza with GOD dismantling the mindset of humans thinking they can do anything above HIM.

 

There is no one like GOD! HE is worthy of all praise! Only HE is holy and HE can do anything, anytime, anywhere. GOD takes down enemies who try to place themselves over one another with the pride of the Enemy. This song speaks about GOD’s triumphant power.

 

Moses also speaks about redemption. GOD rescued HIS people out of Egypt and does the same for you and me. HE rescues us out of a mindset that keeps us as slaves to the world, blinding us from GOD’s tremendous power. GOD was leading them to HIS holy habitation.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about this part of the song?
• Have you marveled over GOD’s incredible power over your life lately?
• What amazes you about GOD’s power, holiness and redemption?

Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

 

Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

Exodus 15: ⁶ “Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
⁷ And in the greatness of Your excellence
You have overthrown those who rose against You;
You sent forth Your wrath;
It consumed them like stubble.
⁸ And with the blast of Your nostrils
The waters were gathered together;
The floods stood upright like a heap;
The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
⁹ The enemy said, ‘I will pursue,
I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil;
My desire shall be satisfied on them.
I will draw my sword,
My hand shall destroy them.’
¹⁰ You blew with Your wind,
The sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

 

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Moses continues to lead the children of Israel in song after they saw the Egyptians defeated by GOD. This stanza seems to pay tribute to how easy it was for GOD to take down the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• Moses used many human attributes like “right hand,” “nostrils,” and “heart” to invoke human understanding and excitement.
• Moses remembered how stubborn and cruel the Egyptians were and placed their futile attempts of being gods in the song.
• Moses points out how easy it was for GOD to overthrow the Egyptians.

 

Scripture uses the “right hand” as a statement of true, right and just. I believe Moses was speaking about GOD’s power and sovereignty. Would you blow up a balloon with your nose? No. Moses may have simply been excited and used the weakest form of wind a human can produce to show how strong GOD is.

 

The “heart” of things is usually the center, but in humans, it represents the connection to GOD. The enemy is anything or anyone who opposes GOD. In this case the Egyptians were going against a promise GOD made when HE said HE would make Abraham a great nation. By trying to be the nation above GOD’s decree, they became HIS enemy. Their “hearts” became hardened by their belief that they could be above GOD. It was easy for GOD to wipe them out, according to the song.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song he sang regarding the greatness of GOD?
• Have you ever praised GOD for HIS might and HIS timing?
• Will you praise GOD even if your expectations are being met in a different way then you expect?

Song of Triumph Part 1

Song of Triumph Part 1

Exodus 15: Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying:

 

“I will sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!
² The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
³ The Lord is a man of war;
The Lord is His name.
⁴ Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.
⁵ The depths have covered them;
They sank to the bottom like a stone.

 

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Wow! GOD kept HIS word! Moses and the children of Israel were so elated that they broke out in song. They started the first chorus with what GOD did.

 

My Observations:

• Moses and the children of Israel were relieved and excited.
• Moses probably sang first and the children of Israel repeated his words.
• Moses mentioned what GOD did and who HE was.

 

From the time Moses was born, he had a special relationship with GOD that he could not quite figure out. He tried to do things for GOD with deadly disastrous results. BUT GOD saw his heart. GOD told Moses that HE would save the people from the Egyptians. They thought this was impossible. Even when the plagues were poured out by GOD, they may have thought the Egyptians had it coming, but did not believe.

 

But when GOD performed the biggest miracle they had ever seen, they cheered and sang! The Red Sea fell on the Egyptian army. They knew this was the last thing standing in the way of their true freedom. Pharaoh had no army, no servants, no crops, no gold or silver. They were free and GOD was recognized as their “strength,” their “song,” and their “salvation.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song they sang?
• Have you ever been so elated that you just had to sing or praise?
• Can you sing praises to GOD for being your strength, song and salvation?

Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Exodus 14: ²⁶ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” ²⁷ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. ²⁸ Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. ²⁹ But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

 

³⁰ So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.

 

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When GOD took the wheels off of their chariots, the Egyptians were filled with fear and tried to turn around from their pursuit of the children of Israel. They may have gotten close to them but fear made them turn around. Moses held up his hand again and the sea returned to its full depth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wiped out the last thing the Egyptians had, namely a mindset of power.
• The Egyptian mindset of believing in humans as gods was wiped out by GOD.
• The children of Israel heard Moses before the plagues, saw the miracles that would be performed, saw the actual plagues happen, but did not believe until they saw the Egyptian army killed by the Red Sea.

 

Mindsets can help our free will or attack it. The children of Israel were so used to being slaves, that they could not see GOD for who HE was. They cried for help and GOD came. They watched GOD take down Egypt. They left. But it wasn’t until the sea swallowed up the army that they believed in the LORD and they believed in Moses. We treat GOD the same.

 

Our limiting beliefs can limit what GOD can do in our lives. HE does not force HIMSELF on us, rather stands back and knocks on our hearts. If we let HIM in, then HE can do amazing things. GOD allowed Pharaoh to think he was a god. GOD hardened Pharaoh’s heart by simply letting him think he was in charge. All of Egypt fell because GOD saw that his heart would not change. GOD did just as HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE wiped out the Egyptian army?
• How many times has GOD rescued you and yet you may still be operating with limiting beliefs of HIM?
• Is there a limiting belief that makes you tentative that GOD can do what HE said HE would do?

LORD Fights for Them

 

LORD Fights for Them

Exodus 14: ²⁴ Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. ²⁵ And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

 

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After Moses held up his rod, GOD parted the Red Sea. The children of Israel crossed on dry ground. The Egyptians tried to use the same path that GOD was using to protect HIS people. They pursued inside the parted sea only to find that GOD took their wheels off their chariots. They got scared.

 

My Observations:

• GOD saw the evil of the Egyptians.
• GOD fought the Egyptians in a way that was very calculated.
• The Egyptians recognized that it was GOD who was fighting against them.

 

Doing anything evil against the children of GOD was unacceptable to HIM. The pursuit to pull the children of Israel back into slavery was seen by GOD and HE used their positioning against them. HE allowed them to get close enough to the children of Israel before HE took their chariot wheels off.

 

GOD gave the children of Israel enough of a head start that they could cross the Red Sea in safety. But the Egyptians had troubles and decided to flee from their pursuit. They were in the middle of the Sea with broken chariots. They may have remembered the plagues and felt that it was no longer worth trying to fight against the children of Israel. GOD was setting them up for HIS final blow.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE did to the chariots?
• Have you ever been pursued by an enemy or the Enemy?
• Can you rest assured knowing that GOD is fighting the battle you think you need to fight?

Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Exodus 14: ²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

 

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After the preincarnate JESUS went behind them and the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT did the same, Moses held up his hand with his rod and the Red Sea parted. GOD caused a wind to part the sea and the children of Israel walked on dry land.

 

My Observations:

• GOD dried up the ground so the children of Israel and their carts and cattle could easily cross.
• The Egyptians saw the Red Sea open and thought they could use GOD’s powerful miracle for their evil plan.
• Moses was obedient to GOD by holding up his rod.

 

The parting of the Red Sea is significant because it shows us that GOD is in control of impossible situations. Whether it was a mountain or a deep sea, GOD can make a way where it seems impossible.

 

Moses holding up his hand was a sign of total alignment with GOD. It was not his power that parted the sea, BUT GOD’s power. GOD made it easy for the children of Israel. HE dried up the ocean floor overnight. I believe GOD can do the same for impossible situations today. HE can change something that seems impossible overnight. GOD’s power is unstoppable!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE did with the Red Sea?
• Are you facing an impossible situation?
• Do you believe that GOD is in control of the impossible and HE can easily deliver you when you obey HIS plan?

Protective Leadership

Protective Leadership

Exodus 14: ¹⁹ And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. ²⁰ So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.

 

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Stuck at the Red Sea with no way out, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. The Angel of the LORD moved from leading them to protecting them from the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was leading the children of Israel and moved behind them to protect them.
• The cloud that contained the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT, also moved behind them.
• The Egyptians remembered the eerie darkness they experienced during the plagues and refused to sneak through to the children of Israel’s camp.

 

GOD could have easily wiped out the Egyptians in Egypt before they left. BUT HE had another plan. HE was addressing a mindset withing the Egyptians and the children of Israel. The mindset that appalled GOD was that of a human being considered to be a god. HE led the children of Israel to a place where HIS power could be shown.

 

HE had to protect the children of Israel as HE prepared to rescue them in a very memorable way that would be spoken about for centuries. GOD allows you and me to have free will. Unfortunately, free will can be taken too far. GOD had to address the mindset that humans can abuse other humans for their own gain. GOD protected the children of Israel as part of HIS leadership.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS protection?
• Has GOD stood between you and danger before?
• How can you mimic the LORD’s leadership by protecting those HE has given you?

Assurance from GOD

Assurance from GOD

Exodus 14: ¹⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ¹⁷ And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

 

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Seeing the Egyptian army pursuing them, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD in fear. GOD spoke to Moses and said what HE would do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew the people were scared and did not scold them for it.
• GOD asks Moses a leadership building question to grow him beyond fear.
• GOD told Moses what HE was about to do through him.

 

“Lift up your rod” is symbolic for what GOD was going to do. GOD was raising Moses up to continue to be their leader. GOD would part the sea, but HE wanted the people to witness a human holding up a rod so they would believe that HE listens to Moses.

 

GOD also wanted the Egyptians to believe there is no other GOD. HE promised that after this encounter with HIM, the Egyptians would no longer be a threat. No military force can withstand GOD. The Egyptian hearts would solidify in thinking they could defeat GOD’s people. GOD reassured HIS people by telling them what HE would do.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him concerning HIS promise?
• Has GOD made you a promise that needs reassurance?
• Will you ask GOD for reassurance, knowing HE does not mind if you are afraid right now?

Fear Introduced to Salvation

Fear Introduced to Salvation

Exodus 14: ¹⁰ And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. ¹¹ Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? ¹² Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

 

¹³ And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

 

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When the millions of people saw the hundreds of chariots coming in the distance, they panicked. First they cried out to the LORD. Then they turned to Moses and blamed him for bringing them out of Egypt. Moses calmly told the people to “Stand still.”

 

My Observations:

• The children of Israel had a slave mindset that kept them from dreaming, solving problems for themselves or fighting.
• The children of Israel wanted complacent, controlled pain versus facing the unknown with GOD.
• Moses did not rebuke the children of Israel for being afraid.

 

Before the plagues, Moses and Aaron showed the children of Israel what GOD was going to do to the Egyptians. They all believed and praised GOD. But when Pharaoh took away their straw and kept the quota of bricks, they complained about Moses and GOD’s desire to free them. Their expectations of what GOD was going to do were not being met.

 

After the plagues, they were driven out of Egypt. They left excited. But when Pharaoh pursued them, they immediately were filled with fear. Six hundred thousand men were afraid of six hundred men. Moses did not yell. He calmly told them to “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,.” He also said GOD would fight the battle and the problem would not happen again. GOD would take care of their fear.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the reaction of the children of Israel to Pharaoh’s pursuit?
• Have you ever blamed GOD for how he is delivering you?
• Can you stand still and see the salvation of the LORD that will happen today so you can hold your peace?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for helping us slow down, sit down and lay down. GOD the battle is YOURS. Please fight the battle that tries to rob us of our peace. Please go before us as we place our fragile trust before YOUR throne. amen

Arrogant Mindset with a Tiny Army

 

Arrogant Mindset with a Tiny Army

Exodus 14: ⁵ Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” ⁶ So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him. ⁷ Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them. ⁸ And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. ⁹ So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

 

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Seeing the empty fields and empty houses, Pharaoh realized that he lost his entire workforce and no one was available to do the work. He immediately forgot the horrors Egypt had just experienced. He believed he was a god who could fix this problem by bringing the children of Israel back as slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh’s arrogance blinded him into thinking he could force Israel back into slavery with his tiny army.
• Pharaoh possibly stole the best animals from the Israelites before they left, giving the Egyptians only a tiny army.
• Since Pharaoh did not believe that GOD was greater than him, he went to get the children of Israel with boldness.

 

Arrogant, power hungry people boldly lead people into destruction. This godlike figure was revered, talked about and honored by his nation’s followers. No matter how bad it got, his followers would obey his commands and never turn to the one and only true GOD.

 

Millions of people were up against hundreds of soldiers. They had herds of cattle, gold, silver and plenty of strong men who could fight the Egyptians. But Pharaoh had instilled the one thing that he felt could make people bow down to him, namely fear.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s change of mind?
• Have you self-examined the roots of your fears?
• Do you have limiting beliefs that GOD is not working in your favor?

True Deliverance from Danger

 

True Deliverance from Danger

Exodus 14: Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. ³ For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ ⁴ Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

 

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GOD was leading. HE told Moses where to camp and told him that HE was going to let Pharaoh pursue the children of Israel. GOD had the children of Israel move to a dead end that looked like Pharaoh would have a strategic advantage.

 

My Observations:

• The triune GOD led the children of Israel into a place that looked dangerous.
• GOD told Moses that HE was about to wipe out the Egyptians.
• Pharaoh let the people go, but wanted to bring the people back.

 

GOD seems to allow people to think they are in charge. This limiting belief hardens the heart, or solidifies a way of thinking that GOD is not necessary. GOD was setting Pharaoh up to be wiped out. GOD warned the children of Israel what HE was about to do.

 

I always believed that the children of Israel ended up at a bad place that GOD needed to provide rescue. This clearly shows that the camp at the Red Sea was part of GOD’s plan. I believe the same goes for the situation you are in. GOD has a victorious plan that.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS bold statement regarding Pharaoh?
• Are you in a situation that looks like your back is up against the wall and there seems to be no escape?
• Do you believe that GOD’s escape plan is to provide you with eagle’s wings so you can soar and your strength be renewed?

Led by GOD

Led by GOD

Exodus 13: ¹⁷ Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” ¹⁸ So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

 

¹⁹ And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.”

 

²⁰ So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. ²¹ And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. ²² He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

 

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After Pharaoh finally agreed to let the people go, GOD led them out in the wilderness. HE avoided the land of the Philistines and took the people through the wilderness. Joseph’s bones were taken with them. GOD appeared as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of cloud by night.

 

My Observations:

• GOD needed to lead the people away from danger so their hearts would not yearn for Egypt.
• Joseph never accepted the Egyptian ways and wanted his bones to be moved to disassociate himself fully from them for all times.
• GOD made sure the children of Israel could see HIM day and night.

 

It was important to GOD for the people to give up the Egyptian ways. For four hundred thirty years, a slavery mindset grew solidly within the children of Israel. They had no idea what freedom looked like. GOD led the people away from the place Abraham stopped off.

 

Abraham and Isaac stayed in the land of the Philistines for a while. This was a battle-driven group of people who could care less about GOD’s ways. Strangely, GOD led the people by way of the Red Sea. HE knew this was a dead end. GOD was also dealing with the mindset of HIS people who did not believe in HIS power. HE did all of this to keep HIS promise of providing a Savior. But the people did not know this.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE went in front of the people to lead the way?
• Are you in a period of your life where all you have is questions for GOD?
• Is GOD preparing you for a tremendous blessing by taking you through the wilderness?

Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Exodus 13: ¹¹ “And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, ¹² that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. ¹³ But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. ¹⁴ So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ¹⁵ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ ¹⁶ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”

 

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Moses continues speaking to the people in preparation to leave Egypt. He reiterates what GOD told him about the firstborn male. But this time he mentions redemption.

 

My Observations:

• Moses tells a group of slave-minded people that they are to remember how GOD was restoring them.
• Moses attempted to tell slave-minded people about Pharaoh’s stubbornness.
• Moses spoke figuratively about the sacrifice of the firstborn being a sign to be worn on their hands and on their foreheads.

 

GOD’s firstborn is JESUS. HIS sacrifice redeemed all of mankind who believe in HIM. This was the announcement of restoration for mankind. Unfortunately, the Pharisees would take the act of wearing scriptures on their arms and foreheads as a sign of how holy they were. They may have screamed, “Hey, look at how holy I am” by wearing the law as they judged the people harshly.

 

Satan and the beast also will twist what Moses said. In Revelation, they force people to wear the mark of the beast on their hand and forehead, marking humans as theirs. GOD sees through the false acts of holiness and the attempts to steal humans away from HIM. Redemption means everything to GOD. HE wants to restore HIS humans to live in harmony with them. GOD’s redemption must be remembered not only in ceremony, but in truth and spirit.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses that he emphasized redemption annually?
• Are you looking to feel restored when GOD told you that you are restored?
• Who have you told about your being restored by GOD?

A Feast to Remember (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

A Feast to Remember (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

Exodus 13: ³ And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. ⁴ On this day you are going out, in the month Abib. ⁵ And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. ⁶ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord. ⁷ Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters. ⁸ And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt.’ ⁹ It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. ¹⁰ You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.

 

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After speaking to GOD, Moses spoke to the people. “Remember this day” was his statement as they were preparing to exit Egypt. Moses reiterated GOD’s promise and provided instructions to stay away from leaven for a week annually. On the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD.

 

My Observations:

• Humans forget GOD easily.
• GOD’s deliverance requires remembrance.
• GOD keeps HIS promises, no matter how different our expectations of HIM really are.

 

Imagine listening to Moses speak as everyone was packed up and chased out of Egypt. This speech would fill up even the most discouraged person. Moses had no idea how long it would take to get in the promised land. He was simply being obedient.

 

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was supposed to happen annually. I am sure the first year was exciting. But what about the second? How about the nineteenth? What about the thirty ninth celebration without being in the promised land? GOD kept HIS promise while dealing with mindsets.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what Moses said to the people about the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
• Has GOD promised you something that has not come to fruition?
• Does your expectation of GOD need to be reset because HIS promise for you has not happened yet?

Firstborn Recognition of Adam’s Seed

Firstborn Recognition of Adam’s Seed

Exodus 13:¹ Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”

 

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GOD spoke to Moses telling him to “consecrate” the firstborn. To consecrate means to officially make something holy or to dedicate it entirely to a sacred purpose. Whether it was an animal or male, the firstborn was supposed to be dedicated to GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Adam’s seed passes down the curse of GOD, therefore no human is worthy of opening up the scrolls mentioned in Revelation.
• GOD is setting up a ceremonial redemption by having the firstborn males remember they need GOD.
• As a reminder of the curse, GOD told Moses to have every family set aside the firstborn male, making him surrender to following HIM.

 

Women are off the hook when it came to the consecration of the firstborn. When Adam refused to follow GOD’s statement of not eating from the Tree of Knowledge, GOD placed a curse on his seed. BUT GOD also made a way to redeem humans.

 

JESUS volunteered to become the human who would be perfect. Instead of the seed coming from a man, an immaculate conception would be needed. Meanwhile, the men had to symbolically recognize the need for redemption. All firstborn males would need to point to the first human, namely Adam. GOD would not be forgotten.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation concerning the firstborn males?
• How often do you ponder the need for GOD’s salvation?
• Are you willing to throw away belief and remembrance of JESUS for any limiting belief that opposes HIM?