Important Veil

Important Veil

Exodus 26: ³¹ “You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim. ³² You shall hang it upon the four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be gold, upon four sockets of silver. ³³ And you shall hang the veil from the clasps. Then you shall bring the ark of the Testimony in there, behind the veil. The veil shall be a divider for you between the holy place and the Most Holy. ³⁴ You shall put the mercy seat upon the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy. ³⁵ You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand across from the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; and you shall put the table on the north side.

 

³⁶ “You shall make a screen for the door of the tabernacle, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver. ³⁷ And you shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold; their hooks shall be gold, and you shall cast five sockets of bronze for them.

 

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GOD provided Moses with the final instructions to build the tabernacle. HE gave the measurements of the veil that would be used to divide the holy place from the most holy place.

 

My Observations:

• GOD established a place and a process of temporarily forgiving sins through a remediator, namely a high priest.
• GOD required a certain amount of formality that HE taught the children of Israel.
• GOD had Moses make a veil to protect other people from HIS glory.

 

Keeping the people safe was GOD’s number one purpose. If HE wanted to harm humans HE would not have gone through the lengths that HE did to have them make the tabernacle in this fashion. GOD was planning to meet with humans to provide guidance and to forgive sins.

 

Humans would be able to listen to GOD and surrender what they were doing to be led by GOD. The ark of the Testimony would be behind the veil. Moses was not given the instructions of the contents of the ark yet. But the ark was supposed to carry remnants of how GOD provided. GOD was building a temporary tent to meet with humans to forgive sins and to be with them.

 

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the veil measurements?
• Has GOD told you to do something and is providing protection in the thing HE told you to do?
• What lengths has GOD taken to show you mercy, forgiveness and love?

Protecting the People

Protecting the People

Exodus 19: ²¹ And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. ²² Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.”

 

²³ But Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it.’ ”

 

²⁴ Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.” ²⁵ So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.

 

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GOD led Moses and the children of Israel, a few months into the journey towards the promised land, to Mount Sinai. HE covered the mountain in a cloud and set it on fire. After calling Moses to the top of the mountain, HE told Moses to go back down the mountain and warn the people not to try to peek at HIM, otherwise they would die.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to only want to speak to Moses to give the people instructions.
• GOD knew the people would try to see HIM, so HE added a sense of urgency to HIS warning.
• GOD called some of the people priests before HE gave the instructions of priesthood.

 

Protection comes to mind when reading this passage. GOD wanted to protect the people from their own curiosity. HE was about to establish the Levitical Priests who would be responsible for carrying the Law. HE did not want them to die before HE gave instructions of how to reverently handle HIS presence.

 

GOD would only speak to Moses and Aaron at this point. Moses had to climb a mountain at age eighty, then climb down a few times. This direct contact with GOD seemed to need the barrier of height so no one would accidentally stumble into HIS presence. GOD burned the mountain. There were no animals, insects or people left. GOD protected the people from inadvertently seeing HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning to the people to not try to look at HIM?
• Are you struggling with how you perceive who GOD is by forcing HIM to act a certain way before you do what HE told you to do through other servants, similar to Moses’s people?
• Have you pondered what level of reverence you treat GOD or other people?

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?

Fifth Plague: Livestock Diseased

 

Fifth Plague: Livestock Diseased

Exodus 9: Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. ² For if you refuse to let them go, and still hold them, ³ behold, the hand of the Lord will be on your cattle in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the oxen, and on the sheep—a very severe pestilence. ⁴ And the Lord will make a difference between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt. So nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.” ’ ” ⁵ Then the Lord appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.”

 

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WAR between Pharaoh and GOD continued. This was a one-sided fight as GOD continued HIS Warning, Action Response (WAR) structure. This time GOD makes a distinction and says HE is the GOD of the Hebrews.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Pharaoh twenty-four hours to let HIS people go.
• GOD told Moses to tell Pharaoh that HE would kill all livestock of the Egyptians and leave the Hebrews livestock alone.
• GOD set a specific time that HE would perform the plague.

 

Having the illusion of control versus really having control are two very different things. Pharaoh had the title and humans followed him will all their hearts, BUT GOD was truly in control. HE said what HE would do to the livestock of the Egyptians and what time HE was going to do it.

 

GOD also made sure that Pharaoh knew HE was making a distinction between Egyptian livestock and those of the Israelites. This way they could not chalk it up to something that happened to everyone. GOD was specifically doing this plague to the Egyptians. They had to choose to follow GOD or gat a plague. GOD was tearing down a mindset of following Pharaoh.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the warning HE gave to Pharaoh?
• Has there ever been a time in your life where you refused to follow GOD’s way?
• When GOD has a plan for you that opposes your plan, do you surrender or keep going on your own plan?

Fourth Plague: Flies

Fourth Plague: Flies

Exodus 8: ²⁰ And the Lord said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. ²¹ Or else, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. ²² And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. ²³ I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.” ’ ” 

 

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GOD returns to HIS Warning Action Response (WAR) structure by giving Pharaoh another warning through Moses. HE told Moses to meet Pharaoh early in the morning when he comes out to the water and warn him to let HIS people go that they may serve HIM. If Pharaoh would not comply, GOD would send swarms of flies.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Pharaoh the fourth warning to let HIS people go to serve HIM.
• GOD gave Pharaoh twenty-four hours to comply.
• GOD told Pharaoh what would happen if he did not comply.

 

Flies were not worshiped by the Egyptians, but they were revered as tenacious. This is similar to a sports team being named after an animal. One fly would be admired for its bothersome nature. But what would happen when billions of flies would be released.

 

GOD wanted HIS people to serve HIM versus Pharaoh. The plague of the flies was not lethal. GOD never said, “Or you will die.” HE was warning Pharaoh that HE would use what they revered as tenacious to show how stubborn they were being. There is a difference between tenacity and stubbornness. The WAR against GOD would prove futile.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the warning HE gave Pharaoh?
• Have you ever refused to do something GOD wanted you to do or surrender?
• Is GOD lovingly changing your mindset by allowing the same trial to repeat in your life?

Ark of Salvation for Moses

 

Ark of Salvation for Moses

Exodus 2: And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. ² So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. ³ But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. ⁴ And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

 

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Moses begins his autobiography with the words given to him by GOD. He starts of with the tribe he is from. He then talks about his salvation:

 

My Observations:

• Moses was from the Tribe of Levi, which would later become the Levitical Priests.
• Amram is Moses’ father and Jochebed is his mother who made an ark to save Moses from being killed.
• Miriam is Moses’ sister who watched over him to make sure he was safe.

 

GOD made an ark to save Noah and his family. HE wanted to save the world by saving one family. GOD did the same for Moses. An ark was built by his mother to save him from being found. She had no idea what would happen to him, but I am sure she prayed to GOD about this.

 

The midwives were followers of GOD and so was his mother. They would not obey Pharaoh’s order to kill all males because they feared the LORD. Jochebed was no exception. She feared the LORD and wanted to protect her son. Miriam followed GOD as well. GOD placed two women in Moses life who would pray and watch over HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD inspire Moses to write his autobiography, starting with his tribe and his ark ride?
• Has there ever been a time in your life that you knew you were being watched over?
• What is your ark of salvation that sustained you from trouble?

Life Preserver

Life Preserver

Genesis 45: Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. ² And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.

 

³ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. ⁴ And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. ⁵ But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. ⁶ For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. ⁷ And God sent me before you to preserve a ^[a]posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. ⁸ So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

 

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After Judah’s appeal to take the place of Benjamin, Joseph could no longer restrain himself. Joseph had his house steward place his cup in Benjamin’s sack along with the food that he purchased. When all of his brothers were told to return to Egypt, they were terrified. But Joseph had a big reveal for them.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph could no longer pretend to be an Egyptian to his brothers.
• Joseph was so overcome with emotions, that he wept aloud and sent the Egyptians away.
• Joseph explained to his brothers that what they meant for evil, GOD meant for good.

 

Hatred was the motive behind the brother’s actions. They hated Joseph so much, that they wanted to kill him but settled for selling him into slavery. When Joseph revealed he was alive and in charge of Egypt, the brothers got scared.

 

Joseph assured the brothers by explaining that GOD put him in the situations he had gone through. Being thrown in a pit by his brothers, and being accused of attempted rape by Potiphar’s wife and being thrown in prison were all part of GOD’s mysterious plan. Joseph was placed in the highest position because GOD wanted him there. GOD sent Joseph to Egypt to be a life preserver.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s big reveal to his brothers?
• What difficulties are you facing?
• Could GOD be using the difficulties in your life as a way to help many other people in the future?

Unrecognized Rescue

Unrecognized Rescue

Genesis 37: ²³ So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. ²⁴ Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.

 

²⁵ And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. ²⁶ So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? ²⁷ Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened. ²⁸ Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

 

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Joseph’s brothers were filled with jealousy and rage. When Joseph came up to them, they ripped off his coat that Israel had carefully created. They threw Joseph in a pit, and then sat down to eat a meal.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made the pit dry way before Joseph’s brothers came up with their plan.
• Reuben and Judah were Leah’s children and seemed to be different than the other enraged brothers.
• GOD orchestrated the situation where the Ishmaelites just happened to be passing by, almost at the exact moment Joseph was pushed into the pit.

 

Joseph did not have to spend a long time in the pit. I believe his brothers threw him in and the next thing they did was to sit down and eat a meal. This detail tells me that not much time had passed. While they were eating, the Ishmaelites came by.

 

GOD’s protection over Joseph seemed to be implied because the same brothers who wanted to kill him, were now rescuing him out of the pit for their own personal gain. They did not want Joseph’s blood to be on their hands and they could make a quick buck. GOD used their evil for HIS good.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the timing of these events?
• Have you ever been thrown into the pit of life?
• Do you believe that GOD can use your enemies to raise you out of the same pit they threw you in?

Preparing for Change

Preparing for Change

Genesis 35: ² And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. ³ Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” ⁴ So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.

 

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Jacob was told to go to Bethel, the place where GOD showed him a great ladder where angels were descending and ascending. Over the years, Jacob picked up many people as servants, who had varying beliefs. He told everyone, including Rachel, to get rid of the foreign gods.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had finally placed all of his trust in the LORD.
• Jacob saw the power of GOD’s protection in the past and did not want to do anything to upset the balance.
• Jacob finally saw value in purifying, getting rid of foreign gods and cleaning up to see GOD.

 

As if to say “You can’t just show up any old way,” Jacob told everyone to prepare to meet GOD. He did not want a single person to show any kind of opposition to GOD. He had been in distress before and was facing a larger problem.

 

He ran from one person before. He ran from Esau and ran from Laban, but this time he could not run from a reputation of being a murderer and a thief of an entire city. This label would need GOD’s intervention. He prepared his group to be as reverent, outwardly, as possible.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s instructions to his entire household?
• What preparation have you done to turn to GOD?
• Is this a time that you should purify yourself to hear GOD’s pending instructions for your next steps?

 

Time to Go

Time to Go

Genesis 31: Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” ² And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before. ³ Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

 

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After decades of serving Laban, Jacob made a deal to leave with wages. He had Laban agree to giving him all of the spotted, blemished animals. He made sure that breeding would work in his favor, even though he was not in control of the outcome. After all those years, GOD spoke to Jacob.

 

My Observations:

• GOD could have told Jacob to leave after he was tricked into marrying Leah.
• Judah, the tribe of JESUS, was born through Leah and Jacob, so the other tribes have a purpose.
• After Joseph was born, GOD spoke to Jacob telling him to leave Laban.

 

It was time for Jacob and his massive family to leave. GOD seemed to wait for a particular time to tell Jacob to leave. HIS plan was not finished when the tribe of Judah was born. HIS plan was far greater than anyone could imagine. Jacob heard his cousins speaking against him and saw that Laban was not pleased.

 

The situation turned unfavorable fast. GOD knew Jacob needed protection. HE sent Jacob back to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau would also be there, waiting on Jacob. GOD had to tell Jacob that HE would be with him because Jacob had deceived many people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about how Laban was reacting to Jacob’s actions?
• Is there something you are afraid of right now?
• Do you need GOD’s protection from a specific situation today, but have not asked HIM yet?

 

Blessings Upon Blessings

Blessings Upon Blessings

Genesis 26: ¹² Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. ¹³ The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; ¹⁴ for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. ¹⁵ Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. ¹⁶ And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”

 

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Isaac stayed in the area that had a famine which was in the land of the Philistines in Gerar. There he was able to plant in fields. Supernaturally, his fields grew faster and more plentiful than anyone else’s.

 

My Observations:

• GOD blessed Isaac because HE promised HE would.
• Isaac did not do anything special, BUT GOD did.
• Abimelech became a hater because Isaac was blessed.

 

Seeing Isaac prosper made the Philistines jealous. Isaac followed in his father’s footsteps by believing and trusting in the LORD. I believe it was JESUS who met Isaac and told him to “Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you.”  HE did as HE said.

 

Blessings kept coming towards Isaac. Crowds flocked to him and soon he was growing stronger than the Philistines. Following GOD was attractive to people. Abimelech knew that the way of the Philistines was being threatened. He sent Isaac away before war broke out. GOD blessed Isaac tremendously!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about blessing Isaac?
• Has GOD kept you all these years?
• Will you praise GOD for all the blessings HE has given you and will continue to give you?

Protected Anyway

Protected Anyway

Genesis 26: ⁶ So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. ⁷ And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” ⁸ Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, ^[a]showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. ⁹ Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?”

 

Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

 

¹⁰ And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” ¹¹ So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

 

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Abimelech was older. He had the same conversation with Abraham about men lurking around his wife. Now Isaac was having the same problem. The men or Gerar wanted to take Rebekah. Traditionally they would kill the husband but leave the brother alive. I

 

My Observations:

• Isaac lied about Rebekah being his sister because he was afraid.
• Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah that was not like a brother.
• Abimelech saw through the lie and protected Rebekah despite the deception.

 

Isaac was put in a difficult spot. He wanted to find a solution to the famine so he went to the king. He was told not to go to Egypt, but Gerar was just as bad. He lied about his relationship to Rebekah, probably to keep her and him alive. Whatever the case, it was a lie.

 

Abimelech knew Isaac was related to Abraham. He may have remembered what happened when Sarah showed up. All the women became barren. He did not want something like that to happen again. He ordered every man to stay away from Rebekah. They were protected anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD explain this lie to Moses?
• Have you ever lied out of fear or insecurity?
• Can you begin your day with praising GOD for forgiving you of all your sins?

Prayer of Prosperity and Protection

Prayer of Prosperity and Protection

Genesis 24: ⁵⁹ So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men. ⁶⁰ And they blessed Rebekah and said to her:

 

“Our sister, may you become
The mother of thousands of ten thousands;
And may your descendants possess
The gates of those who hate them.”

 

⁶¹ Then Rebekah and her maids arose, and they rode on the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and departed.

 

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Nervous and saddened to see Rebekah leave, Laban and his mother wished her farewell. Her departure plans came up quickly and they had no time to prepare. They offered up a prayer of prosperity and protection.

 

My Observations:

• Laban and his mother placed Rebekah in GOD’s hands by saying a prayer over her.
• Laban and his mother agreed with Abraham’s prophecy and prayed that she fulfills it.
• Laban and his mother may have followed GOD all their lives, so they gave Rebekah their best, namely prayer.

 

Speaking prosperity and protection over someone is not a bad thing, but the enemy tries to mix in greed and lust for power into it, confusing followers of CHRIST. Laban and his mother simply agreed with the prophecy of Abraham as told by GOD. Rebekah would become the mother of many nations, just like Sarah.

 

I believe it was JESUS who told Abraham this prophecy and in it, HE promised blessings. But Laban and his mother knew the enemy would attack. They prayed for protection against those who hate people who follow CHRIST, not in a political way, but in a relationship way.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this prayer?
• Has GOD promised you something that has not come to fruition yet?
• Instead of giving up, will you look at the situation differently, renewing your trust that GOD keeps HIS promises?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with the plan you have for him or her. Plans to “prosper” and not to harm. Plans to give a “Hope” and a “future.” Pleas protect this reader from themselves and those who a purposefully trying to cause harm. amen

Recognized Relationship

Recognized Relationship

Genesis 21: ²² And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. ²³ Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.”

 

²⁴ And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

 

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After GOD’s promise had been delivered, Abimelech and Phichol realized that Abraham had some help. They saw the women become barren because of Sarah’s captivity and healed when she was released. Instead of turning to GOD, they made a deal with Abraham.

 

My Observations:

• Abimelech recognized Abraham’s relationship with GOD, but in the context of human power.
• Abimelech thought long-term by making a covenant with Abraham.
• Abimelech probably heard about what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and wanted to make sure that it did not happen to his city.

 

Leaders recognize power and Abimelech was no exception. He saw Abraham’s relationship with GOD and probably wanted to keep his kingdom intact, regardless of the belief. He made Abraham swear to GOD that he would not deal falsely with him or anyone related to him. Abimelech probably was used to dealing with lying political leaders, so he brought his guard with him to show that he was willing to use force if necessary.

 

Abraham agreed easily to not lying to Abimelech. He followed GOD so he had nothing to lose. Abraham was blessed by his relationship with GOD and people could see the protection. GOD watched over Abraham and his family.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include this conversation between Abimelech and Abraham to Moses?
• Have you ever seen someone who had a close relationship with GOD get blessed and protected, even through difficulties?
• Do people see your relationship with GOD and recognize HIS power through your life?

 

Because of You

 

Because of You

Genesis 21: ⁸ So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned.

 

⁹ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing. ¹⁰ Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.” ¹¹ And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son.

 

¹² But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. ¹³ Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman, because he is your seed.”

 

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After the miracle of birth, Sarah was elated, but reminded that her plan of Abraham having a child through Hagar was a mistake. She wanted Hagar and her son thrown out to keep them from getting an inheritance. This was very disturbing to Abraham. GOD had to intervene.

 

My Observations:

• GOD had a plan for Isaac and a plan for Ismael.
• GOD had to talk to Abraham to let him know that Ishmael was still part of HIS plan.
• GOD let Abraham know that “because of your seed” Ishmael would become a great nation.

 

Through the bickering, and dysfunction, GOD had a plan for this family. Because of Abraham’s walk with the LORD, many nations would be born. GOD kept HIS promise with Abraham simply because of HIS relationship with him.

 

It seemed like mistakes were made. Sarah convinced Abraham to have a child with Hagar, then turned around and had them thrown out. You would think GOD would be angry. BUT GOD took the difficult situation as a factor in HIS complex plan that no human can understand. HE then mentioned that through Isaac, JESUS would be born as a human, even though HE existed as GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Sarah’s feelings towards Ishmael?
• Have you ever thought you made a mistake with GOD?
• Do you know that the mistake you thought you made is being used for good through GOD?

Blessed Up Plan

Blessed Up Plan

Genesis 16: ⁷ Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. ⁸ And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

 

She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

 

⁹ The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” ¹⁰ Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” ¹¹ And the Angel of the Lord said to her:

 

“Behold, you are with child,
And you shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the Lord has heard your affliction.
¹² He shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man’s hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”

 

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Hagar fled into the wilderness from Sarai. Abram heard from the LORD that he would have countless descendants. Sarai was barren and made Abram marry her maid Hagar so she would confiscate her child. But she got jealous and began to abuse Hagar.  Having nowhere to go, Hagar sat by a spring.

 

JESUS came to her and asked her questions HE knew the answers to. She did not tell HIM the full story, rather an abbreviated version. HE told her to go back. HE then said HE would make her have countless descendants.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS knew the mess Sarai made and blessed the plan anyway.
• JESUS saw Hagar, who never bowed to HIM before, and came to her because she was part of a larger plan.
• JESUS sent her back to a hostile place, but gave her a new spark of life, knowing she would be the mother of a great multitude of people.

 

What a messed-up plan. Sarai introduced dysfunction that would remain for years. Hagar may have feared for her life. BUT GOD told her HIS plan of protection. She could then, go back and face the harsh treatment. Despite the trouble, Hagar would become the mother of countless people.

 

Challenge

• Why does JESUS tell Moses about HIS conversation with Hagar?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wanted to escape?
• Even if it is difficult, will you continue on the journey with JESUS as your teacher and guide?

Because of Her

Because of Her

Genesis 12: ¹⁴ So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. ¹⁵ The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. ¹⁶ He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

 

¹⁷ But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. ¹⁸ And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? ¹⁹ Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’? I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore, here is your wife; take her and go your way.” ²⁰ So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they sent him away, with his wife and all that he had.

 

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Nervously planning, Abram asked his wife, Sarai, to lie and say she was his sister. GOD had caused a famine in the land HE promised to Abram, forcing them to seek food in Egypt. But when they got there, the Egyptians did as Abram suspected. They took Sarai to Pharaoh’s house. He treated Abram well, probably trying to win her heart.

 

My Observations:

• GOD protected Sarai from Abram’s broken plan.
• GOD protected Sarai from the Egyptians.
• GOD had a special plan for Sarai and wanted her preserved.

 

Pharaoh may have given Abram luxuries of the day because of Sarai. BUT GOD intervened. HE plagued Pharaoh and his house with extraordinary plagues that people could not say were coincidences. Maybe everyone who tried to bring Sarai to Pharaoh, fell deathly ill or perhaps the same plagues Moses would perform, happened to this Pharaoh. Whatever the case, GOD protected Sarai despite Abram’s broken plan.

 

GOD is multifaceted. While he was protecting Sarai, HE was starting to tear down a kingdom that enslaved people. Because of the plagues, Pharaoh sent Abram, Sarai and all their people and all their stuff away. This was a precursor to Moses.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Moses felt when hearing about Abram and Sarai’s encounter with Pharaoh?
• How has GOD protected you in the past?
• Have you thought about GOD’s plan for you and how HE wants to make sure the plan goes as HE expects by protecting you?

Faith to Blessing

Faith to Blessing

Genesis 12: Now the Lord had said to Abram:

 

“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
² I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
³ I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

 

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After years of being in Haran, Terah, Abram’s father, died. Teran had learned many things from the Chaldeans and had possibly amassed great wealth. He may have taught Abram how to take care of this vast empire. But now Abram saw his father pass away. He may have remembered how sad his father got when thinking about the son he lost.

 

Before Abram had time to think about sadness of the loss of his father, GOD spoke to him.

 

My Observations:

• Abram seemed to be following GOD from his youth.
• GOD had a plan that would be fulfilled through Abram, so HE promised to protect him.
• GOD had to tell Abram not to settle for what he had, where he had it, but to leave and focus on HIS blessing.

 

It would have been easy for Abram to stay where he was and to fall into sadness like his father did. BUT GOD had a plan for Abram that would bless “all families: that were “in” him. He had to leave his father’s house without worrying about where he would live.

 

He may have been comfortable with settling with being unknown, BUT GOD wanted him known for HIS purpose. Other people sought greatness, BUT GOD sought Abram and made him great. Because of Abram’s belief in GOD’s ways from the passed down stories of Shem through Terah; Abram had greater faith than his ancestors. GOD clearly saw something different and blessed him.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the blessing HE bestowed on Abram?
• Have you gotten settled where you are, doing the same thing that you have been doing?
• Are you open to GOD moving you to do something different, so HIS plan can be fulfilled through you?

Break in Tradition

Break in Tradition

Genesis 11: ²⁴ Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and begot Terah. ²⁵ After he begot Terah, Nahor lived one hundred and nineteen years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

²⁶ Now Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

 

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Up to this point, the descendants of Shem had unique names. But Terah did something different and named one of his sons after his father Nahor. Terah may have been close to his father Nahor and possibly listened to the stories of Shem together with him.

 

Terah waited until he was older before having children. This was different from his ancestors who traditionally had kids in their thirties. Terah only had three kids, which was also another break in tradition.

 

My Observations:

• Lifespans were getting shorter which may have been a cause for concern for Terah.
• Terah was the father of Abram and may have taught him about the LORD.
• Terah may have learned about the LORD from his father Nahor and from Shem.

 

It seemed like Terah was different than his ancestors. Family seemed to mean a lot to him, but tradition may not have been his thing. Terah seemed to be growing restless living in the same traditional place as we will see in upcoming scripture. He wanted to see the world.

 

But the world was possibly getting meaner and sicker. Violence, that GOD mentioned to Noah, was in the hearts of humans. Ailments may have been introduced possibly due to a lack of contact with GOD. Greed was possibly growing and the desire for pieces of the Garden of Eden were in high demand. Gold was a precious rock people sought after. GOD saw and protected the descendants of Shem.

 

Challenge

• Why does it seem that Terah breaks tradition as GOD explains Shem’s descendants to Moses?
• Has GOD ever made you restless, wanting to do something different, specifically for HIM?
• Are you able to break traditions, yet keep your walk with the LORD solid?

Mercy

Mercy

Genesis 9: ¹² And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: ¹³ I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. ¹⁴ It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; ¹⁵ and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. ¹⁶ The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” ¹⁷ And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

 

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After wiping out all living things, only eight people remained. Noah, his wife, his sons and their wives were given the blessing to be fruitful and multiply for the purpose of GOD. BUT GOD knew this blessing would not last very long. HE saw the sins of humans and knew they would turn from HIM. HE created a reminder for HIMSELF that HE placed at the end of storms. HE created a rainbow.

 

My Observations:

• GOD shows incredible restraint when it comes to how HE handles human sin.
• GOD gave HIMSELF a reminder that HE would not wipe out humans, rather save them.
• GOD showed us mercy that is beyond all understanding.

 

Officially, GOD turned over the earth to humans. HE would no longer have a Garden on earth that would grow itself. Animals would fear humans and sometimes attack. Humans were given control and would need help guiding each other to listen to GOD. But culture would get in the way.

 

Culture tries to steal rainbows and give it a false meaning to fit their agenda. BUT GOD uses it for an entirely different purpose. HE is using the rainbow like a set of brakes on a car. HE stops HIMSELF from wrath and shows mercy instead.

 

JESUS, in a sense, can be that rainbow. The HOLY SPIRIT, who lives inside believers, may see and experience the hurt of sin. HE begs to JESUS in utterances we do not understand. JESUS stands before the FATHER on our behalf. Mercy is granted. GOD remembers and provides mercy!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the promise HE made to HIMSELF?
• Have you ever needed mercy?
• Have you taken time to consider how much mercy GOD has shown you over your life?