Idol Hands

Exodus 20:22- 21:1

So God clears up His use of the word "god" in the beginning of this section. He seems to mean lowercase "g" god- not almighty being God. He tells Moses to tell the Israelites. You've seen me firsthand- I've spoken to you directly from heaven- no doubt that I'm real- so don't create gods to put alongside of Me. Don't make silver and golden gods- you've got the real one- you don't need those cheap knock-off gods.

Then He tells Moses to have the Israelites build an altar out of earth for Him- and to scarifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings (or peace offerings) to Him on it. He specifically mentions sheep, goat and cattle as sacrificial items. He says that if you build it out of stones- don't use dressed stones. The only sense I can make out of this phrase is maybe don't decorate it- don't chisel a cool design in the stones. If a tool is used on it, it will be defiled.

Why would a tool defile it? Maybe it's "I made the earth- you made the tool." Although technically, God made the tool too- but perhaps in a sense the tool is a defilement of what God initially made. It's puzzling to me that sinful man could touch the earth- but not tools.

And don't go up the altar steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it. I guess if they are up higher than others, people could look up their garments. I would assume this happened in other settings, but God says here- this place will be holy- we have no room for any chance of lewdness going on.

One of the most interesting parts of this section is a statement tucked in the middle of the altar instructions. "Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you." God doesn't say when you honor Me- I will bless you, He causes His name to be honored.

Yet another reminder that we aren't in control. Not having this control is in some ways frightening- but if our trust is in God, it should be comforting.

May You cause Your name to be honored.

God's Top 10 List

Exodus 20: 1-21

So here it comes- God lays down the law to Moses. Ten fairly succinct rules to govern their lives. While the laws themselves aren't very wordy- the principles are far encompassing- and on occasion, even ambiguous.

As a prelude God tells Moses or the people- the logistics are a bit hard to ascertain- I'm your God- I brought you out of slavery in Egypt...

Then He gets to the nuts and bolts.
From the top: 1) You shall have no other gods before me. Interesting he doesn't say don't worship false gods- He says, don't put them first. Is he simply staving off an argument irrelevant to his current message? You and I know there aren't any other gods- but just in case you wonder...don't worship the gods you imagine are there. Why not just make it plain?...there's Me- and that's it.

2)Those idol things? Not so much. What I find interesting here is that he says don't make any idols. And then he says- don't bow down to them. If I don't make them, how can I bow down to them? Maybe he realizes that people will still make them despite His proclamation- so if you stumble across renegade idol-makers and their illegal sculptures- don't bow down to them. Or maybe he knew that there were some in existence among the people already. Don't make them- and don't bow down to the ones that are already there.

On this one He explains Himself. I'm jealous. If I'm sinned against by people that hate Me- I'll punish three/four generations down the line - but if you love me and keep my commandments- I'll show love to thousands of generations. It's easy to focus on the harrowing first half of this statement- God's wrath- but compare the level of punishment to the level of affection and in many ways- God's jealousy expresses His love for us. I love you- please love Me back.

3) Don't misuse the Lord's name. This reads differently in the NIV. Does it mean don't misrepresent the Lord's will. Don't say "God commands this" when He really doesn't? Don't say your suffering is because of your sin, Job, when it really isn't? I think it has more to do with the idea expressed more clearly in other translations. The Message reads "No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter." Even this is ambiguous- does that mean expressions like "Oh my God" or "G-damn" are out of bounds? How about "Lordy, Lordy"? Or would misusing His name deal specifically with "Jehovah"? Some would even argue (I believe foolishly) that this would even prohibit things like "Gosh, golly, gee-whiz," and the like. Whatever the specifics- God's name is not something to be trifled with. He specifies that no one who misuses His name will be found guiltless.

4) Don't forget the Sabbath- keep it holy. I like this law. Relax! I tend to have several sabbath's a week- after all, you can't obey God's law too much...right?

Actually they're told to labor for six days and take a day off- but that day off is a day off for everyone- servants, animals, children- aliens within your gates-no work allowed. He explains that this mimics the creation of the world. Be God-like, rest on the 7th day.

5) Honor Mom and Dad. Why? So that you may live long in the land God is giving you. Would that be because if you honor them you'll get their wisdom and you'll live longer? Or maybe, if you don't, I'll strike you down? Or- I won't give you the land if you don't obey me?

6-9) straightforward and brief- No murder, no adultery, no stealing, no false testimony against your neighbor.

Interesting wording on this last one- not don't lie- but no false testimony. So in court be honest? Once again- The Message is a little clearer- Don't tell lies about your neighbor. So it seems to incorporate both lying and gossipping.

10) Ix-nay on the coveting. Not your neighbor's house, wife, servant, ox, donkey, or anything your neighbor owns. In short, be satisfied with your own blessings.

The people saw the smoke and thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet- and they freaked out a bit. We'll listen to you Moses- but please don't have God talk to us directly- we'll die.

Moses speaks two sentences that seem to make no sense together. 1) "Do not be afraid. 2) God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." So don't be afraid- God is giving you fear?

But maybe the idea is- God's testing you- here's the plan- He's given you 10 commands- follow them and it all be ok- and the anxiety you feel will keep you on the right path.

And I think it's easy to approach God the same way now. Scared of Hell? Keep doing what's right. Wrath of God keep you at night? It wouldn't if you followed the commandments. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time. What I take from this though is how different this approach is with what Jesus does.

Jesus doesn't give us a checklist with fear paperclipped to it. He died because he knew that we couldn't check all the boxes off- and because of the sacrifice - because God knew that just like the Israelites WE couldn't pass the test- we don't have to live in fear- Jesus already suffered the consequences of for all the horrible things I've done.

I long for a list sometimes- just tell me exactly what to do - remove the ambiguity. But it's impossible to keep. The plan of grace is so much better.

The people remained at a distance- they were scared. God wants us to be close. And we can be if we realize that we go to Him as a loving father- not a fierce overlord.

Mountain Don't

Exodus 19

Three months have passed since our wanderers began their sojourn- and now they find themselves in the desert of Sinai- beside a large mountain. God calls to Moses and tells him to tell the people- "You have all witnessed what I did to Egypt- and you saw me put you on eagles' wings to get you out of there. So- if you'll keep all of My commandments you're going to be my treasured possession. You'll be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

Moses tells the people and they consent- we'll do it!

For some reason, God seems to doubt the people's trust in Moses, so He tells him- I'm going to come to you in a dense cloud- the people will see us talking directly and put their faith in you.

After Moses reported this news to the people, God tells him- now consecrate the people- have them wash their clothes and get ready. On the third day I'm coming down and they'll see Me. Moses is supposed to "put limits for the people around the mountain" and tell them not to go up the mountain or even touch the foot of it. In fact if you touch it, you die. Even animals will be killed if they touch it. The "put limits" thing is kind of odd- but maybe it simply means- rope off the mountain- make it obvious how close you can get before you're in danger.

And the whole death thing won't be a striking from God- the people are supposed to kill those who violate this rule. Only they won't be allowed to touch them. Their deaths will come from either stones or arrows. I don't know if they could touch the dead bodies afterwards.

When a ram's horn sounded a long blast, they could go up the mountain.

So Moses consecrated them. This is a verb I don't use often...or ever, but it seems to mean to set apart as holy. So basically, it seems like there was a ceremony of sorts where these folks committed themselves to serving God. They washed their clothes- and Moses told them to abstain from sex until the third day (when the big event was to take place).

So the big morning came with fanfare. There was thunder and lightning and a blasting trumpet. The whole camp trembled. Moses led them to the foot of the mountain where it was smokey- God had descended on the mountain in fire. The smoke billowed up "like smoke from a furnace"- and the mountain itself trembled. And Moses and God had a conversation in the presence of all the people.

God called Moses to the top of the mountain- and told him go down and tell them not to force their way up here- we don't want them to have to be killed. This is funny to me- God calls Moses to the top of the mountain- and the message is...go back down the mountain and tell the people not to come up here. OK God, but why didn't you have me tell them before I got all the way up here? You don't have a ski lift on this thing do you?

God says that even the priests who approach must be consecrated.

The logistics are fuzzy for me. It seems like God is saying- don't force your way up-wait for the ram's horn and you have to be consecrated. A horn blew- Moses consecrated the people...what's the issue?

And maybe Moses is a little confused too. God..they're not supposed to come up, right? You told us to put limits on the mountain. You don't really want them overturning the barricades do you?

God replies- go get Aaron and bring him up with you- but not the priests and the people (were the priests not people? :) ), if they force their way up, he will break out against them.

And Moses reports the news.

This is an odd section- and not just because the Lord refers to Himself in third person. It seems like God is taking a fairly simple proposition and making it really complicated. Why not just a loud voice from heaven for all to hear "You know that guy Moses? You should all listen to him."

Is God telling us that we need to do to prepare to be in His presence? Clean clothes and three days of abstinence before every church meeting? If God is always with us- our clothes should be perpetually clean?

I think maybe we get a glimpse into God's occasional desire for pageantry. I've always scoffed at that part of organized religion. Don't really need the robes, they're silly. Can we dispense with the showy? It doesn't seem too sincere. Do you really need to raise your hands when you sing? Are you doing that for my benefit or God's?

But maybe from time to time He likes us to make a big deal about approaching Him. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad choice once in a while to physically kneel when I pray. Maybe a fast here or there would please Him. Maybe a showy worship service for a special occasion, if done with the right heart and spirit would be a show not just for us, but for our creator too.

I don't know that any of that's mandated- but it's certainly not forbidden, or even discouraged. Here, God wants a big deal made about His presence. And yes, it's a different kind of "in His presence" than we experience on a regular basis, but how different I'm not sure.

Maybe on a smaller level this chapter can instill the glory of nature around us. Watch a lightning storm- you're in God's presence. If you can ignore the horror and fear of a fire- and see it's fascinating beauty- you can again see the wonder of our Lord.

And maybe these Israelites so close to God at this moment never viewed a thunderstorm the same way again.

Midian Hillbillies

Exodus 18

Moses' father-in-law Jethro hears about all God has done for Moses and the Israelites and he comes to visit him in the desert. This is interestng to me. I guess I've always pictured this escapade in the desert as aimless (at least from the Israelites' perspective) wandering- but people from the outside can track and find them.

Moses had sent his wife and children Gershom (an alien there ) and Eliezer (my God is helper) to stay with Jethro- and Jethro takes the opportunity to bring Moses' family to visit him. This makes Moses' trekking even more impressive. Not only is he having to lead a disgruntled, difficult group of people- he's doing it without the comfort of his family. He ends a long, arduous day to find an empty tent and thoughts of his loved ones back in Midian.

Maybe Jethro made the trip as an excuse to give back his inherited extended family. Um- Moses- leave your mother and father and cleave to each other- these folks are your responsibility now. Time to take them back.

When Jethro gets there he is in awe of all that God has done. He praises God and makes a rather odd statement: "Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly." What does this say about Jethro's understanding of God? Is he being accomodative- using the phrase "other gods" metaphorically? Is he polytheistic?

Regardless, Jethro is impressed and he offers a burnt offering and other sacrifices. Aaron joins the elders to share a meal with Jethro in God's presence.

So the next day, Moses goes about his business and starts to act as judge for the people. Jethro witnesses it and realizes that Moses has taken on too much. He tells Moses to remain the representative for both the people and God- but to delegate his authority. Choose some leaders and train them- and then you don't have to handle it all. So Moses picked some trustworthy men and let them handle much of what he was doing.

He still handled the tough cases- but he allowed others to handle the easier ones. Then Moses sent Jethro away. It doesn't say, but perhaps Moses keeps his wife and kids with him.

For me the big lesson here is similar to the last section- life is too much to handle alone. Share the work- share the problems. Carry each other's loads.

And trust each other enough to delegate things that others can handle. Power seems to be a central issue. You can't control life- not other's, and not even your own. Give up some of that power- not only to God but to each other as well.

Go Fly an Amelekite

Exodus 17: 8-16

So the Israelites are at Rephidim, and the nature trail is over- now they're on a warpath. But they aren't seeking battle- they are attacked by the Amelekites. Moses tells Joshua- get some men and fight back- I'll go to the mountaintop with the staff of God in my hand.

This, I believe is the first reference of the staff being used without God first telling Moses- use it for this purpose. Of course, God could have told Moses to use it this time too and just not recorded the conversation- or there could have been other instances not recorded that Moses takes matters (and the staff) into his own hands- but it appears at least that Moses takes some initiative with the staff.

So the Israelites fight- and as long as Moses has the staff lifted in the air, the Israelites win the battle- but when his shoulders droop and the staff is lowered- the Israelites start to get spanked. It seems like Moses took the easy job for himself, at least initially- while other men are defending their families, Moses escapes to the mountaintop out of harm's way. However, Moses gets tired- try lifting your hands without a staff for hours over your head and see how it easy it is.

But when he gets tired- Aaron and Hur (Benny?) help him out. They move a rock for him to sit on and they hold his hands up over his head. This kept his hands steady until the sun went down.

God tells Moses to record the event for posterity, since he was going to blot the Amelekites out. Moses builds an altar and calls it "The Lord is my banner." The chapter ends with Moses observing "...hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD. The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation."

I pull two things from this section. 1) the reward of initiative- I think it's possible for us to wait for direction for so long that we're destined for lives of inactivity. I pray for guidance, direction- a leading voice- but the answers are usually ambiguous. And ultimately I have to take what I know about what God wants, likes and expects and act to please Him. - Kind of parable of the talents lesson.

2) We're in this mess together. While our fates may be individual- our common love of God- and family ties make it necessary for us to work together and lean on each other. Arms tired? Let me hold them up. You're in danger- let me lead the charge. The point for us- lean on each other. It's easy to look at life as a marathon- maybe a more accurate- or at least more realistic metaphor is a relay race.

Also interesting to note that it was the leader who did the leaning- we never get to the point where we don't need each other. Carry my burden and I'll get yours.

Moses Rocks

Exodus 17: 1-7

So they leave the Desert of Sin behind- but apparently only literally because they still don't have a whole lot of trust in God. When they camp at Rephidim, they're thirsty and there's no water- so they fall right back into whiney-mode.

They tell Moses to give them water. Moses says- "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?" It could be that Moses is already starting to think of himself a little too highly- to argue with me is the same as arguing with God- you see, I'm the spokesperson- and I'm pretty much in charge. I read this though to be pretty similar to last chapter's explanation which is exactly the opposite-

Why are you arguing with me? I'm not important- I'm not calling the shots- in fact when you complain about me, since I'm not in control, what you're actually doing is arguing with God- not such a smart idea.

But they keep grumbling- the usual "why did you bring us here to die?" only now they're even complaining about the lack of water for their livestock.

Moses is getting a little worried- he prays to God afraid that the people are getting ready to stone him. God tells him to take his staff that he used to strike the Nile. When you get to Horeb, I'll be there at the rock, strike it- and the people will have water.

So Moses does this- and it works. Moses, perhaps in an attempt to shame these annoying wanderers calls the place Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling) becuase of their testing of God- saying "Is the LORD with us or not?"

For me the lesson is God's patience. Here are a group of people that have been rescued and fed- they're being taken to a wondrous new land that's being given to them- and they whine, and complain, and wish they were back where they started.

At times I have moments like this- where I fantasize about captivity. Not literal shackles and chains- but a sanitized glorification of how wonderful some sin was. Oh, to be able to do that again. Remembering the pleasure, but conveniently omitting the pain, suffering and guilt. I belittle the deliverance and the promise of the land to come and even if only for a fleeting minute focus on the darkness that was- not as darkness, but the good ole days.

And God must feel the same way. What's wrong with you? I've delivered you- I've saved you- I've given you so much more- trust me.

And He's right (of course). And when rationality returns I remember those times more objectively and try to keep following- and even if I whine about being thirsty- I don't want those days of captivity to return.

Wassa Manna with you?

Exodus 16

So we're halfway through month two of the wandering, athe Israelites aren't happy. We're hungry- we had pots of meat in Egypt. Why did we come out here to die? Back in Egypt it was all-you-can-eat. Feed me!

God steps in and says- I'll give you some bread. And this bread sounds good! Thin wafers that tasted like honey. The Israelites are supposed to get only enough for that day- except on the sixth day of the week. In order to prevent Sabbath working, they should get twice as much that day and prepare it for the Sabbath. They boiled or baked it the night before in anticipation of the Sabbath

This commandment sounds a lot like the storing treasure in barns parable. Get what you need for today- I took care of you today, didn't I? What makes you think that I won't tomorrow? Trust Me!

Moses seems more irritated than God when he relays the message. Look- when you grumble at us, it's pretty silly. I'm not anyone special- I'm just this guy with a stutter and a staff. When you start mouthing off and griping about what I've done to your people, what you're really doing is badmouthing God. So- God heard you whining- and He's decided to once again show you His glory. In the evening- you'll get meat- and in the morning some of that honeybread- and you'll know it was God who brought you out of Egypt.

Moses tells them they'll have all the bread they want. But when he gives them instructions, they're bringing in about a quart per person. While nutritionally, that's plenty to survive on- I don't think that would be all I'd want. Keep 'em coming. This may be an inadvertant commentary on our culture's obesity and gluttony. Maybe it was a bread and fishes kind of thing. Take this much- I promise you won't go hungry.

In the evening quail came and covered the camp. I've always thought of quail as more of a delicacy type food- more dainty than other types of meat. I wonder why quail was the meat of choice. Perhaps God knew that it would be healthier for them and increase their capacity for hiking. Maybe it was common to that region. Maybe it just really tasted good- but for whatever reason- they had plenty of quail.

In the morning, the ground was covered with dew- and when the dew passed, in its place were thin flakes like frost- this was the manna God gave them. God told them to get an omer (liter) for each person in their tent. Maybe this was an approximation though- because it said that some gathered a little and some much- I know which camp I would have been in. After they gathered, the sun would melt away all the excess.

They weren't allowed to keep it overnight though. Once again- the whole continued trust thing. If they kept it, it would be full of maggots. But of course, trying to beat the system, some tried to keep it, and of course, maggots overtook it- and of course, Moses was annoyed. However, on Sabbath eves they could keep it- and it would be fine the next day- no maggots.

On the sabbath morning, there wouldn't be any on the ground. But, some would foolishly go look and try to get some even though God told them to stay put on the Sabbath.

Moses told Aaron that God told him to take some bread and put it in a jar so future generations could see the bread God used to nourish His people with. This manna business went on for about 40 years.

It would be amazing to get to a level of trust that you could live day to day- not worrying about tomorrow- how much was in the bank, where the car payment was going to come from or how you were going to put gas in the car. This kind of trust is enviable, but difficult to achieve. How do you not worry about next month's bills? And at what point are you solving your own problems or turning them over to God?

In principle, trusting in God to deal with financial issues is wondrous- but I'm not sure what it looks like in practice. So I quit my job and trust He'll feed me? Or is the job the gift? I empty my bank account knowing He's there? Or is the bank account from Him too? There's a middle ground somewhere- even the disciples had a money purse- but it's all pretty fuzzy. Maybe the bottom line is remembering that it's not your savings or earnings that keep you going, but simply God's provision.

The Original Sweetener

Exodus 15: 22-27

So the Israelites walk three days without finding any water. It's hard for me to think of going three days without a soft drink- let alone water- and especially if those days are spent walking and carrying your possessions. So imagine the reaction when they finally get to a water source in Marah- and the water is bitter.

Suddenly, the people think Moses is responsible for the earth's waterways and the grumbling begins. And you expect us to drink what? Hey, Moe- a little thirsty over here. So Moses does what Moses seems to do well- he cries out to God who directs him to a piece of wood. Moses chunks the wood into the water and the water becomes sweet. Old school Equal without the aspartame.

So now that they have something to drink- God makes a deal with them- it's called a law, but it reads more like a contract. If you listen carefully to God's voice and do what He says, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I won't bring any of those diseases on you that you saw Me give the Egyptians.

The pronoun usage is confusing. God speaks of Himself in third person- but the message is clear- do what I say- and I won't bring disease on you- at least not those Egyptian diseases. He ends this treatise with perhaps the central message of this section- "for I am the LORD who heals you."

This people have seen the plagues, witnessed the parting of the Red Sea and still they doubt that God will care for them. But here He tells them- don't stress out- do what I say and you'll be OK. And maybe the message is for me too.

But here's where it gets tricky- because God's people get diseases, and get hit by cars, and go hungry, and are abused, and are lonely, and scared, and worn out and deprived of basic needs. Is it because of a lack of trust? Or maybe despite all the suffering, despite the pain and death and despair- God still heals us. The situation may not change- but He gives us the strength to deal with it. And ultimately- He brings us home.

Finally they come to Elim and camp there- 12 springs, 70 palm trees, Moses and his speedo. They camped there near the water.

Israeli Bandstand

Exodus 15:1-21

So maybe West Side Story is a little more realistic than I realized. After all is said and done, Moses and the Israelites break into song. I guess one of the more artsy Israelites worked up a tune to commemorate the great victory. Maybe a religious type "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."

It begins with ""I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea (NIV)." A phrase of praise- and a recap of the victory over Egypt.

Then: "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him (NIV)." So- a line about how important God is to their survival-recognition about God's generational longevity- and a declaration of devotion.

God is refered to as "a warrior" and named as "LORD." More specifics are given about the mighty Egyptians being thrown into the sea. God's right hand is singled out as being majestic and shattering the enemy. I picture God as being ambidextrous- the right hand singling out could be an image of strentgh (sorry lefties- but I think traditionally the right hand is associated with power) - or maybe even an image of how easy it was for God to smilte Egypt. All He used was His right hand.

God's wrath is then seen in the metaphor of fire. His "burning anger...consumed them like stubble (NIV)." Fire may demonstrate the severity of the destruction. A raging fire- unable to be quenched by anyone except it's source. Especially interesting since the fire chose water as its agent of destruction.

Then an odd metaphor. "By the blast of your nostrils the water piled up (NIV). God's might is such that He blew his nose and it wiped out an army. Even a honker like me has to be impressed by such a feat.

Moses, et al. continue- Egypt talked some serious smack- they were going to divide up our possessions- they were going to gorge themselves on us. But God used his breath to cover them with the sea.

Praise follows- rhetorically asking who can compare with God's holiness, glory and ability to work wonders. And then comes a showing of faith in God's care for the future. "In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." God...we know that you won't desert us- you'll use your might to keep protecting us and leading us home.

Then the Israelites talk smack...bet those Philistines are scared. Edom? Terrified! Moab? Trembling! Canaanites will melt away (so scared they melt? Run fleeing from the land so the population decreases/melts?). They will be "still as a stone" until we pass them by.

You will bring us home- to your sanctuary which you made. And finally a declaration that the LORD will reign forever.

Then there is an odd sentence (not lyrics) recapping the actual story- when the Egyptians drowned, the Israelites walked through on dry land. We already read the story- and then the song- but here it is again in case you missed it.

So at this point (not a joke) Miriam picks up a tambourine and plays and dances along with Moses and the group. It seems she's a little bit country and he's a little bit rock n roll (joke). All the women join in with their tambourines and dance along with her. And then Miriam has her big solo, a variation on the first stanza:

"Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea."

OK- all joking aside- here is a people so appreciative of the job done by God to save them that they throw aside their inhibitions and sing. They ignore the vulnerability of producing an original work- they don't worry about flat notes (at least not enough to shut them up) and Miriam doesn't even mind leading a group of Davy Jones wannabes and tambourining along- all to God's glory.

Wouldn't it be great to worship with absolutely no inhibitions? To belt it out like no one is listening except God? To turn off all thoughts of embarassment or self-consciousness and just praise.

Maybe that's what the music in Heaven will be like. Save me a tambourine.

Drown Like an Egyptian

Exodus 13:17-14:31

So God takes the Israelites on the scenic route to the promised land. Not to see the sights, but to avoid the Philistines. He says that if the Israelites were to face war, thy might high-tail it back to Egypt. It's comforting to think that God knows His people so well that He puts them into conditions that ultimately their best interests (and His) come to pass. I'll get them to deliverance- and by escaping conflict here- they'll be more apt to stay with me. Comforting, but puzzling because of what follows.

Moe is carrying the bones of Joseph- it seems the sons of Israel had sworn an oath. He told the Israelites that God would come to their aid, and when it happens, they need to carry his bones with them. This is an odd request. Did he want to be buried in his people's land? Was it to signify that deliverance was coming- but not soon (not in my lifetime)? Was it so that as they made their trek, they would have the great story of Joseph in mind to give them strength and greater trust in God's faithfulness?

Regardless, it's interesting that Moses follows through. This wasn't just an appeasement to an old, dying man. The Israelites promised- Moses is going to follow through- even though Joseph isn't there to check up on him. Perhaps the lesson is that God's people follow through on their word (at least they should).

As they walk- God leads them- a pillar of a cloud during the day- and a pillar of fire (giving light) at night. God is always with them. I wonder- is the cloud to give them shade as they walk? How did they know this cloud was God? Is the shape of the pillar so obvious that He can't be mistaken? Is there significance in the shape of a pillar? Does Lot's salty wife come into play somewhere?

I wonder if I were walking with the Israelites if I would buy that the cloud was God- Umm, Moses- it's just a cloud. You've seen clouds, right? But hopefully by this point, I'd be trusting Moses' judgment about these kinds of things- although the Israelites seem to have trust issues when it comes to God.

So here's the odd part. God tells Moses to backtrack a little. This will confuse the Egyptians who will think that the desert has us hemmed in. I'm going to harden Pharaoh's heart again- and he'll come hunt us down.

So- we avoided the Philistines so there wouldn't be war- but now I'm going to harden Pharaoh's heart so he'll attack. Why didn't He just let a Philistine victory be what let His glory be declared? Why harden a heart when there were some that would have already been hardened? But they follow- Moses apparently unquestioning.

Hardened-Pharaoh has a revelation...we're going to have to do our own work! Let's get these slaves back. So he wages a full scale attack. All of his horses, chariots (over 600), horsemen and troops head out to bring back what they felt was theirs. And before long they caught up.

The Israleites looked up and saw them...and their faith in God was gone. The Chiplike member of the group smarts off to Moses "Oh- I guess they were out of graves in Egypt. Plenty of room for a mass burial here." Others cry- we begged you to leave us alone. I'd rather be a slave than die out here in the desert.

Moses reassures them. Take a good look- you'll never see these people again. Just relax, God is going to fight for you.

God is a bit insulted by the cries of distress- What are you whining about? Just keep marching. Lift up your hand over the sea and you can cross on dry ground. They'll follow- and then I'll be glorified.

The next section has some cool detail I don't remember knowing before. First- God (or here described as an angel of God) in cloud form moved behind the Israelites shining light toward them and darkness toward the Egyptians. So they couldn't catch up to the Israelites.

So Moe does his thing and the water parts- there's a wall of water on each side and God causes a wind to dry the ground- so the Israelites have a dry path to follow through the sea.

Then God starts sabatoging. Egyptian chariot wheels start falling off making it hard for them to drive. Now they know they're in trouble. It seems like they would have figured it out around the frogs or gnats- but now they're in full retreat mode. Only it's too late.

Moses raises his hands again and the sea returns to normal- sweeping up all the Egyptians into the water- none of them survived. Israel passed through on dry ground and saw the dead Egyptians washed up on shore. And they trusted Moses and God again...at least for now.

It would be cool to see a good movie of this story. Plenty of action, interesting, complex characters- visually stunning.

Ultimately, what I get here is that God saves us- in His way- in His time. Trust, praise, and enjoy.

Here's Your Sign



Exodus 13: 1-16



Reading this feels like the first few minutes of 24 or Lost. The artificial voice says "Previously on The Exodus..." and the recap begins. They don't tell you everything that happened, just enough to make this week's action-packed sudser make sense. And here we get a recap of the celebration rules for the Israelites to follow.

God (or maybe the translaters of the NIV) use some words that would have left me asking Him for some clarification as He goes through the process. First God says "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male." To which I might reply..."Consecrate... ok, got it- and how does one consecrate something?" As best as I can tell from perusing the fine work of the folks over at dictionary.com- the meaning seems to be set the firstborn aside- deem it holy for My purposes.

Whether man or animal, the firstborn belongs to God (in a way beyond, apparently, everything belonging to God). In fact, these firstborns will be apparently sacrificed since the firstborns were spared before this great journey began. There are substitution provisions though. Firstborns can be redeemed by the blood of a lamb (sound familiar?) So, you can save your donkeys by substituting a lamb in it's place. But if you don't, then you have to break the neck of the donkey.

Then come some understated words of wisdom..."Redeem every firstborn among your sons." And then when your son asks about it- tell him the story about mighty God killing the firstborn of the Egyptians- and I sacrificed this lamb to save you.

There are some specifications made about this holiday season. They are reminded about the timing for their flatbread festival- only not only can't they have yeast in their homes- it can't even be within their borders. And you observe it every year- and tell your sons why.

"And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead."

This last phrase is a little puzzling, but it might be that Moses is saying. Sacrifice to God- and explain it to your family- your devotion to God will be so obvious, that people can look at you and tell that you're one of His children. I wonder how much my Christianity is like a sign on my head. I don't buy into the false piety of "appearing Christian." You better not laugh at that joke or fraternize with the wrong people- no dancing and let's measure the hem on your shorts. It's Sunday, where's your tie? Look everyone, I'm putting my check in the contribution plate now. But I do hope that people who know me can see the love of Jesus in me. Because I laugh with them, because I care about their problems, because I try to make them smile, or educated, or proud of themselves, or accomplished, or most of all loved. Later on we're told that Christians are to be identified by how they love each other- and that's the sign I hope to have in flashing neon on my ever-wrinkling brow.


All the lamb substitution is another example of real life foreshadowing (just in case you haven't yet finished the story) the sacrifice of Christ for us. I know, it's kind of obvious, right? But I kinda have to spell it out if I'm going to blog about it, don't I?

Passover Rulebook

Exodus 12:43-51


So God spells out the specifics of what He wants when the Passover is celebrated.

First: No foreigner may eat of it. This is for God's people and God's people only. Perhaps this is to keep the feast from being trivialized. It's not just a flatbread feast- if it's meaningless to the observers, it serves no purpose.

Second: A slave can eat it- but only after he's been circumcised. Hired workers and temporary residents aren't welcome. The mention of slavery in a neutral light in the Bible is more than puzzling to me- especially in addressing the slave owners. But maybe this is God giving a break to those who are in bondage. You are a slave- but I'll treat you as my child- come have a part of my feast- but before you do- let me make sure you're committed to me.

Convincing someone capable of consent to agree to let someone cut his sexual organ shows serious commitment- especially in days before MD's, sterilization, and anaesthetics at least to the level that we're used to. But God says- you're here long term- you're committed to me- be a part of the family.

Third: It must be eaten inside one house. This is not a yard party. No croquet or bocce. Take no meat outside the doors. Is this just symbolic of the saving power of the blood? Is God suggesting a formality required? Is He trying to keep the celebrants together during the celebration? The symbolism is my guess, but I'm not real sure.

Fourth: Do not break any of the bones. This seems to be foreshadowing Christ's crucifixion- although it was probably really puzzling and perhaps even frustrating to them as they prepared the food.

Fifth: The whole community of Israel must celebrate it. This seems like it would be tough to legislate. Did they have Passover Police going door to door, checking the blood on the posts? Drug dogs sniffing for leaven? Police tape barring the exits making sure no food left the premises? It seems to me the spirit of this may have been- if you're in Israel- these rules are for you. We're all celebrating- no one is exempt.

Finally: If an alien lives among the Israelites- he can eat- but not until every male in his household has been circumcised. No uncircumcised male may eat of it- either native or alien.

So they listened and obeyed- and on that day God brought them out of Egypt by their divisions.

It seems to me here that God has opened his family to anyone interested in being a part of it- if he or she (actually maybe just he is appropriate for these patriarchical times) is willing to show some commitment to Him. In it's earliest form, "the blessed gospel is for all."

And these rules are for next year? They left in a hurry, and had seemingly already done the blood on the doorpost thing. Is this just told out of sequence, or are these rules to get them ready for the following celebration?

It's interesting to me that laws so long ago point forward to the coming Christ. Kind of an indirect prophecy- although not even Moses would have really understood (unless God spelled it out for him). Do things work that way still? Do puzzling things in our lives, or in God's laws point toward unknown events or constructs to come when this life is over? To when Christ comes back?

Once again- it seems like it's important to remember that God's in control- and He hasn't revealed all of the answers. Trust and obey.

Title Track

Exodus 12: 31-42

So all that smack about"next time I see you, you die" and " I will never appear before you again"? It's empty posturing on both ends. Pharaoh summons Moe and Aaron in the middle of the night and says- just go- whatever you want, just go- but please bless me on your way out of town.

The Egyptians were behind the policy. If they stay, we'll all die!

The Israelites put their leaven-less dough on their shoulders and take the plunder they'd received, silver, gold, and clothing. God made the Egyptians like the Israelites, so when they asked for their stuff- they gave it away.

600,000 men plus women, children and cattle started the trek to Succoth. Apparently they were joined by even more people en route. I'm reminded of the enorminty of a cattle drive in westerns like Lonesome Dove- Gus and Call's whole outfit were nothing compared to this. This is like the state of Vermont walking together across the country and that's without most of the women, children or cattle. Truly an epic image.

Along the way they baked yeast-free cakes with their dough. As the staff in hand suggested, they had to leave in a hurry- this dough was a primary food source- they didn't have time to make more food.

They were in captivity 430 years to the day. I'm not sure why this number is significant- but it was exacly this long.

Moses tells us: "Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the LORD for the generations to come" (NIV).

God seems to put importance on both remembering and celebrating. Although I don't come from Jewish lineage- the idea of honoring God's deliverance with a celebration is desirable to me. Not the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, but selfishly my own deliverance from my self-imposed shackles. Sharing communion should be this way, though it's often not. But I'm in favor of any excuse to loudly proclaim thanks to God in joyous ways- whether it's Christmas Day, Easter Morning, Sunday, or whatever. Remembering His gifts and celebrating His care is always in season. Yeast is optional.

And so the Exodus begins.

Atkins Inspiration

Exodus 12: 1-30

So God sets up a holiday for his people. In fact, in a sense, time is measured from this moment. He says ok- This is now the first month of your year. On January 10th (OK not really January, but you get the idea), every man takes a lamb for his family- one per household. If you've got a small family, you can go in with your nearest neighbor. Determine how much lamb by how much you're going to eat. None of this lamb will be served as leftovers, lamb stew, lamb casserole, or even lamb on rye (unleavend) with lettuce and tomato. What you don't eat that day, you burn.

The lambs are to be year old males without defect. Sheep or goats are fine. Take care of them until the 14th. At twilight you will take part in a community slaughter. Take some blood and put it around the doorframes of the house where you will eat the meat. You'll eat the lamb with a side of bitter herbs and some yeast-less bread. No raw lamb- nothing cooked in water- cook this over a fire,roasted heads, legs and inner parts.

Now when you're eating- keep your sandals on, make sure your cloak is tucked into your belt and have your staff in your hand. And scorf it down- eat it quick, it is the Lord's passover.

That night, I'll come through Egypt and strike down every firstborn, men or animals. I'm bringing judgment on the Egyptian gods. When I see the blood, I'll pass over you (Passover...get it?) . As long as the blood is on the door, you'll be fine when I strike Egypt.

So starting on the 14th- no yeast for a week. In fact- get the yeast out of your houses. If you eat yeast from the 14th- 21st, you will be cut off from Israel, no matter who you are. You'll have a couple of sacred assemblies on the 14th (?)and 21st(?)- and you can't do any work on those days- except food preparation.

So Moses tells the people- get that blood on your doorframes- and don't leave your house until morning. You'll be safe as long as you're inside.

The Israelites follow through and they're ok- the Egyptians...not so much. Lots of death- in fact not a house without someone dead. Does this mean that no one in Egypt caught on and followed through with the blood thing? No one told an Egyptian friend- hey- you might want to know this...

Or was the blood only a test for the Israelites- irrelevant for those who weren't part of the chosen race? The Israelites then worship.

Some observations/questions:

1) I assume this lengthy list of requirements began the following year. It feels like this is all the next day (so no four days of care for the lambs, etc. More like, get that blood up quick - and to remember it, from now on do it this way.

2) Why such detail? OK- the blood stuff obviously points to Jesus, and death of the firstborn too. The staff in hand, sandals on feet stuff seems to directly indicate- get ready to go, we're moving quickly and I want you to replicate that feeling each year to remember what I've done.

But what's the deal with specific number of days, and bitter herbs, and unleavend bread? Did the firstborn adults die too? If Pharaoh had been a firstborn (was he?) would he have died too?

3) What would the feeling of this holiday be? While it certainly was a joyous remembrance of being spared, would the celebration have been lessened with the memory of the massive deaths among the Egyptians?

4) "The destroyer" is actually doing the killing- not God, although it says somewhere else "I will pass through". Is this an "angel of death?" "Satan?" "God?" Something else?

Something significant (in my mind) happens toward the end of the chapter. Moses tells the people

Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. 25 When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' 27 then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.' " (NIV)

God wanted them to understand why they were doing what they were doing. Not- God said so. Not- we've always done this. Not- this is what the book of the law reads. He explains to His children.

And while I don't think this is always the case- I seem to have as many questions as answers most of the time, it seems to me that God wants us to get it. Ask, seek, find.

Last Plague/ First Born

Exodus 11

It's high noon in Egypt. The Lord tells Moses He's got one more plague up His sleeve. When this plague is over, they won't just let you leave- they'll gas up your car, give you directions and give you a push toward the city limits.

God causes the Egyptians to like the Israelites- in fact Moses even has a fan club. They must really be fans of the Israelites, because God tells Moses to have the people ask their neighbors for silver and gold.

So Moses tells Pharaoh- that at midnight- every Egyptian firstborn- princes, slaves, cattle- they'll all die. There will be wailing like you've never heard and will never hear again. Go around the Israelites- you won't even hear a dog barking. God will show His distinction between these two nations. Moses tells him- your officials will come and ask me to leave town- and we'll be out of here. Moe is hot enough to hit Curly with a crowbar and storms out of Pharaoh's presence.

God tells Moses that Pharaoh won't listen so that My wonders will multiply in Egypt. The chapter ends with "Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country" (NIV). I'm not sure if this last sentence refers to the plague described, or is a summary of Moses' activity up to this point.

This is a pretty bothersome scene for me. Innocent children dying to show God's power. Yes, it was effective- but somehow my concept of a loving God is challenged by all the carnage about to be created. While the Egyptians aren't God's chosen race, they are part of His creation. Is God learning to love His creation during this period of time? Is the death of these people actually merciful- are they rewarded after peacefully leaving this life?

The bottom line is- I have no clue. And that's what I take from this passage. God doesn't answer to me. He doesn't have to explain Himself. Whatever the rationale -He had one- and all these things continued to set in motion the coming of Jesus to save us all.

Even when we don't understand- when life seems cold- when God seems distant- when circumstances are trying- we only see a piece of the whole story.

And one day- it will all make sense.

In the Dark

Exodus 10:21-29

Unless Moses is telling the abridged version of his tale (and if he is, I'm grateful), they don't even bother asking Pharaoh again and threatening him with the next plague. Moses just gets to plague-ing.

On God's order, he raises his hands and thick darkness envelopes the land. Three days of darkness that could be felt. Metaphoric or not, this is dark. I've heard about caves that are so dark that you can't see your hand in front of your face. I think I would panic a bit in one of these caves- claustrophobia being a lot of it, but the darkness would surely add to the freak-out potential. I don't know what's there and as a result, I'm helpless.

Israelites are unaffected by it all. Plenty of light.

Pharaoh calls Moses and apparently recognized his voice, since I'm guessing he couldn't see him. He tells Moses- just go! Take everybody- men and women- fine- you win- you can worship...just leave your animals here.

I can understand Pharaoh's position. I've got this great slave labor- I can't afford to lose it- if the animals stay, surely they'll come back for them. And if they don't, at least I get the value of their livestock.

But Moses isn't biting. No sir, he says, all livestock comes with us. We'll use some to worship and we won't know what we're going to use until we get there.

So it's a standoff. And Pharaoh makes the wrong move. He tells Moses- I'm through with you- I never want to see you again- the next time I see you, you die.

And Moses responds with equal aplomb- "you asked for it, you got it."

What I take from this clash of the titans is this- God's will overrides man's will. What God wants, He gets. This doesn't mean God can't be reasoned with, Abraham did it several chapters back. He argued his case and God reconsidered. But ultimately- whatever the result is, it's on God's terms, not man's.

If negotiations occur, it's because God consents. Without Him in the picture, negotiation is pointless (and dangerous).

Since I don't have much blatant two-way conversation with God, the application is a little fuzzy. But maybe as I approach trying to please Him, it helps to be sure that I'm not making decisions based on what's best for me instead of what's best for Him.

Day of the Locusts

Exodus 10:1-20

So God tells Moses to go back and deal with Pharaoh. For the first time I remeber, He gives some rationale to the whole escapade. He says:

...I have hardened his [Pharaoh's] heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.

So it seems that at least in part God hardens Pharaoh's heart so that His people will know that He's there for them. Remember when you were slaves? Remember what I did for you? Remember when I worked great miracles and punished your captives over and over? Did you see what I can do? I'm God- don't forget.

This time the dreaded promise is locusts- they will devour what little of the land the hail didn't already destroy. They will destroy trees and fill houses. Pharaoh's officials have had enough. How long are we going to endure this guy? they ask. Look around- Egypt is ruined!

So for once Pharaoh listens, or he starts to. Fine, you can go- he says, but just who will be going?

Moses answers, pretty much everyone. He says:

We will go with our young and old, with our sons and daughters, and with our flocks and herds, because we are to celebrate a festival to the LORD.

This is all it takes to bring Pharaoh back to hard-hearted state again. No -just let the men go and worship since this is what you've been asking for.

It's a little ambiguous, but I assume he's saying you've been asking to worship, not you've been asking for the men to go. Pharaoh should have taken a grammar class.

So Moses brings on the locusts- they came until the land was black. Nothing green on a tree or plant remained in Egypt. And just like that Pharaoh is sorry. I have sinned again- he moans. And Moses prays, and a wind carries the locusts into the Red Sea.

And this is the main thing I'm struck with in this section. Here Pharaoh goes again. The boy who cried sorry. Moses shows skepticism in the last section. His officials are getting sick of his actions- but even though he's been down this path so many times before, God still removes the plague.

No matter how many times he's messed up- God takes away the plague. It's a good thing He still works that way. All the times I've hardened my heart and followed my own self-destructive will- all the times I've defied what I knew was right- all the times I've chosen short term pleasure and inherited long term pain- God still takes away the plague.

And just like before- when the plague is gone- Pharaoh's heart hardens again.

Heaven and Hail

Exodus 9: 13-35

God tells Moses- get up early- confront Pharaoh- demand release...and let him know, if you think the early plagues were bad...I'm just getting warmed up. Let him know that if he won't let them go this time- the full force of my plagues will come. If I wanted to, I could wipe out his people without any problem- I've been toying with him so news of my glory and power will spread.

God doesn't wait for an answer because he continues, you still won't let them go, so at this time tomorrow- I advise bringing everything- slaves, animals, crops- into some form of shelter, because you're going to see hail like you've never sen before.

Some officials who feared God heeded His warning, but others ignored it...to their peril.

Moses was instructed to stretch out his hand to the sky so the hail would fall...and it did. It beat down everything in the fields- men, animals, plants, even stripping every tree. All flax and barley were destroyed. Wheat and spelt (a wheat used mainly to feed livestock...I had to look it up) were ok because they ripen later. Everywhere was wiped out, except Goshen where the Israelites lived.

So, God has Pharaoh's attention. I have sinned- he claims. Moses isn't buying it- I'll pray for you- but I know you still don't fear God.

And Moses is right, once the hail stops, Pharaoh changes his mind and says the Israelites aren't going anywhere.

I wonder how Moses is feeling at this point. Is he just going through the motions? He knows that the plagues haven't phased Pharaoh. He calls him on it when he pleads for prayer. But does he hold himself responsible for the death of slaves who had the unfortunate circumstance of having skeptical owners. Yes, the plagues came from God- but they are initiated by Moses. Would this haunt him?

And I still don't understand Pharaoh. He's seen the power of God...what doesn't he get?

But metaphorically I do understand him. I seem to pay a lot more attention to God when things are falling apart- when I'm overcome with guilt, when money's tight, when I have an earache...not quite plagues, but still when I'm in need. But when the problem's gone, while I might be thankful immediately...it might be that my turning to God is less frequent. The plague is gone...I don't need you right now. At least that's what I seem to think subconcsiously.

I don't ask for plagues...just a closer walk.

Some Like it Hot
Exodus 9:8-12

Moses, still apparently in shorthand mode, tells us that God sends he and Aaron back with specific instructions for the next plague. No description of the pleads to go and worship, but I think it's implied, especially from the outcome of the plague.

They are to take handfuls of soot- and Moses is to throw them in the air. This soot will become dust and cause men and animals to break out in boils. The magicians don't even get the chance to try to match boil to boil because their boils are so bad that they can't stand before the dynamic duo. No mention of the Israelites being spared here- but maybe it should be implied as well- it references the boils that were "on them [the magicians] and all the Egyptians."

Two things are interesting to me here. First, why has Moses become the first author of Cliff's Notes. Don't get me wrong, I'm appreciative. These plague accounts are quite repetitive which tends to soften the drama. But it's interesting to me that Moses goes into shorthand here- when there are so many other sections of the Bible that might liven up with the work of a good editor (genealogies for example).

Obviously, God's constructing a plan for our salvation- and not trying to script a nail-biting, edge of your seat thrill ride- although parts of His story certainly live up to that hype. I just wonder why Moses shorthands the plagues.

Secondly, I'm struck by the diversity of plague delivery. Sometimes it's flashy- grab the soot and give 'er a good throw. And sometimes the plagues just happen. You get the feel they were spoken into being. I'm sure there's a rationale- if nothing more than God's whim- but like Moses- maybe there are times when God feels like making a big production- and others where He's just interested in forwarding the plot- putting the pieces in motion.

Maybe it all comes down to the mood of God. I think we tend to think of God's plan as cogs all clicking together toward the end result. And while I certainly believe that God has a final result in mind for both me and the world in general that will come to pass- maybe much of what He does depends on His mood.

No real definitive proof- except He does seem to change His mind now and again.

So does Pharoah. This time it doesn't sound like he ever considered letting them go. God hardens his heart, and he won't listen to a word they say.

Steak Buffett

Exodus 9: 1-7

Same story, next verse. This time livestock is in danger. If they don't value their health...we'll hit them in the wallets- or their stomachs. Either way it has the same result- hardening of the heart. The story seems to be told in an abbreviated format too. Even Moses is getting bored with it.

Just like last time, the Israelites were protected. But all around them total devastation. I wonder what it would have been like to be an average Joe (or Joseph) in this era. If you're an Egyptian you see an unyielding tyrant of a leader determined to have his way. As you look around you, your way of life is crumbling- you've endured horrible plagues, your livelihood has been stripped from you (if you depend on livestock for your way of life)- and it could all be spared so easily.

If you're an Israelite, you look around and see devastation- unable to change any of it. Granted, the context creates a little different picture than haves and have-nots. These are the captors suffering while the slaves thrive, but I wonder if the Israelites felt vindication, or pity. Look at what these people are enduring...and it's not their fault. Did they pray for the Egyptians? Did they offer them some of what they had? Or did they smirk and gloat?

And how do react today?

Come Fly With Me

Exodus 8: 20-32


So God tells Moe to meet Pharaoh at the watering hole early one morning and threaten an infiltration of flies if he won't relent and let God's people go and worship. He tells him that God will differentiate between His people and the Egyptians- Israelites will be fly-free while the Egyptians will be longing for some of those frogs to relieve some of their insectitude.

Interesting that God spares his own people this time- and not the other times (apparently, since it seems to be a novel thing in this reading). Maybe the lesson here can help us deal with our own issues, traumas and plagues. When we experience annoying or even painful experiences, it may not be a test for us (rain falling on the just and unjust, etc) but maybe sometimes these pains are the results of someone else's test- someone else's poor decisions- someone else's failure. The short term results don't change (our car still gets wrecked, our friend still gets cancer, there sure are a lot flies in the backyard)- but maybe it helps us to cope knowing that these things aren't because of something we've done- or some judgment made at our expense.

Secondly, when we move in the right direction things often get worse before they get better. The Israelites went through a lot- much of it deserved- but some of their suffering wasn't a reflection of their own shortcomings- their insistence to go and worship actually caused much of it. If Moses had let this sleeping dog lie, at least short-term, they would have been spared some of these atrocities. But instead, before they reached the land of milk and honey (dairy queen?) they endured a lot.

So Pharaoh calls Moe and Aaron back and says- what say you guys just worship here? Reasonable compromise? But they'll have none of it- our sacrifices won't go over well with the locals...and we'd just as soon not get stoned.

Interesting here. In an era where many evangelicals see fit to cram their specific brand of religion (dairy queen?) down the throat of anyone who differs, the Israelites preferred to take their worship off privately- far from the view of those that would object. Yes, for their own safety- but if God could send plagues of flies, surely he could protect his worshippers from flying stones if He so chose.

Fine Moses- take your people and go to the desert- just don't go too far! So Moses prays for Pharaoh- interesting in and of itself- and the next day the flies are gone. But inexplicably, when the flies fly away, so does Pharaoh's grace. And he says- make your people stay.

I wonder at what point Moses and Aaron start to question the productiveness of this mission. Cool mireacles, but we aren't getting anywhere. Maybe the big point here is that things happen in God's time, not ours.

Gnat on Your Life

Exodus 8:16-19


So, God shares info for the next plague. He tells Moses to have Aaron strike the ground and bring on the gnats. All the dust of the land becomes gnats. Men and animals are now plagued. I can't imagine being covered in gnats- just being around them is annoying enough, but to have all the dust turned to gnats must have been overwhelming- which, I suppose, was the point.

This time, the magicians couldn't duplicate the task. I'm not sure why gnats were harder then frogs- unless God has turned off their "power supplies" to show his own strength. Even the magicians begin to claim that God's hand is responsible. But Pharaoh will have none of it.

Maybe the lesson here is that sometimes our own pride, arrogance and stubborness prevent us from seeing God in our lives. Whether He's blessing us, leading us, or correcting us- does our own will get in the way?

I'm not real comfortable with the "voice of God" or feeling "called" or "directed." I don't know what that means in practical terms. I don't know how to distinguish God's voice from my own desire, or satan's voice- but I know He's a part of what I do and think and am. And if I don't resist His will, or get in the way of His plans, then good things are in store.

Froggie Went A-Courtin'

Expdus 7:25- 8:15

So a week passes and the drill continues. I don't know if the blood is gone, but at the very least, Pharaoh seems to have adapted to it. So God sends Moses to threaten Pharaoh with frogs. Not just a few here and there- the land will be consumed with them. Then God has Moses tell Aaron to stretch out his staff and start the Kermit-fest.

It's interesting that God has stuttering Moses send the message and Moses's speaker perform the action. Is this God setting up Pharaoh's heart to be hardened, using the less eloquent speaker so His miracle will be displayed- or is He trying to teach Moses that 1) he is good enough to be God's spokesman- and 2) God's will is fulfilled no matter who He chooses?

Once again, the magicians can replicate this occurance. Good thinking guys- as if they're weren't enough frogs in your food, in your beds, in your clothes- let's bring some more. But it works. This time though, Pharaoh isn't impressed with his magician's abilities. He only wants relief. He tells Moses and Aaron pray and get rid of these frogs and you and your people can go and worship.

The next interchange is a little strange. Moses tells Pharaoh that he'll "leave him the honor" of choosing a time for Moses to pray and his response is...tomorrow. Not "right now", not "immediately" but "I'd like another night of reptilian repulsion thanks, and then if you wouldn't mind."

So Moses prays and God kills the frogs except for the ones in the Nile (which I guess implies business as usual in frog-world) except for the mounds of dead frogs everywhere. Seems like an ideal time to plan that family vacation.

When there was relief- Pharaoh's heart was hardened and he would no longer listen to Moses and Aaron- just like God predicted.

At Least the Diet Pepsi was Unharmed
Exodus 7: 14-24


So God sends Moses and Aaron to meet Pharoah at the banks of the river demanding that he release the Israelites so they can worship in the desert. He takes the snake/staff with him- this staff seems to be symbolic and plays a large role in the Moses story. Perhaps it serves as a reminder of the mighty works that have already been done. Perhaps it simply symbolizes power or leadership- but for whatever reason, Moses has it and is ready for action.

He strikes the water with the staff and the water changed to blood- the fish die, the river stinks- and people are getting thirsty. Aaron is told to take his staff and stretch his hand over the waters of Egypt- and all the water gets nasty...ponds, streams, canals, reservoirs- even water in buckets and jars is contaminated.

But the magicians can mimick him. This puzzles me for a couple of reasons. First, just like last time, where does the power come from, and second- what water are they turning to blood? If Moses and Aaron have already turned Egypt into a vampire's fantasy, where is this water that the magicians are turning into blood?

Regardless of where the water comes from, their ability to "match" the dynamic dupowith their secret arts is enough to make Pharoah unimpressed. The Egyptians were forced to dig along the Nile for drinking water. I'm guessing this didn't create a boon for tourism.

Finally an odd observation: Moses doesn't seem to speak for God...instead he seems to speak AS God. God tells him to tell Pharoah, "by this you will know that I am the LORD: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile..." There seems to be no difference between God and Moses so far as this Phaoroaic conversation is concerned.

Maybe it's unimportant, or shows just how little we know about the nature of God or how he manifests his spirit in us- or even about the natrure of His inspiration- but the bond with Moses is to a level that he goes beyond spokesman or representative- God speaks through him- if not literally than all but.

That's pretty cool- to be that close, that in tune, that connected to God to literally be His channel.

I'm not sure how that happens today- but I do know that the closer I get to Him, the more He'll shine through me.

Snakes on the Plain

Exodus 7:8-13

So God instructs Moses and Aaron to go before Pharoah and if you're challenged for a miracle, throw down your staffs- and when you do, they'll turn into snakes. This seems like a pretty good trick- except that when Pharaoh calls on his own magicians, they can do the same thing.

This is a little puzzling to me- where does the magician's power come from? And does that same power exist today? Does it suggest that fortune tellers, diviners, sooth sayers, and other dabblers in the dark arts have power from another source?

Granted, much charlatanry exists and occurs on a regular basis. People learn how to read other people and use non verbal feedback to suggest supernatural things. Slight of hand and suggestion do much to decieve people into believing that something powerful is at work. But are there really people out there who can "turn the staff into a snake" and get their power from some dark and sinister outlet?

I'm not a boycot Harry Potter, refuse the fortune cookie, picket the comic book store kind of guy. But I do think that there is a realm of power that surrounds the "dark arts"- there's something out there that God doesn't want us to mess with- something that frankly scares me to death.

And maybe that's what we see here. God gives Moses and Aaron power- and he allows the magicians to do their thing. But ultimately, God lets everyone see where the real power lies as Moses' and Aaron's snakes eat the magic snakes. Yeah, there's power there- but nothing compared to God's power.

Despite it all...Pharoah is unmoved.

Faltering Lips Sink Ships

Exodus 6:28-7:7

So Moses continues his "Why me? Send someone else" pleas and God reinforces his compromise-

Moses' excuse is faltering lips- why would they listen to me? God's response is that Aaron will be the voice. But the arrangement is a bit more complex than that.

Moses will be like God to Pharoah- and Aaron will be Moses' prophet. God hasn't given Moses carte blanche- He will tell Moses everything to tell Aaron- but he won't have to be the speaker. The speech teacher in me continues to be interested in the speech anxiety present in Moses' character, but even more interesting is the struggle with faith evident here.

Moses...dude...um, God's in your court- where's this anxiety coming from?

But it's there- and God helps him cope with it. But in a really weird way.

God sets up this hierarchy where Moses is "like God to Pharoah" and Aaron will be Moses' prophet. So- why is Moses even necessary in the process. Why not cut out the middleman and speak directly to Aaron since he seems to have been given the gift of gab?

Maybe it's more for Moses' benefit than for the fulfillment of God's plan. Maybe it's an attempt to let Moses see just what can be accomplished through God's will. But it's still odd.

Kinda cool to notice that once again God uses the younger (Moses) to rule over the older (Aaron). It seems to be a pattern for God to take the unlikely and use him to accomplish His goals.

And maybe that's why He uses us, too.

Bring 'Em Home

Exodus 6: 13-27

Ahhh, geneologies- my favorite.

This section starts off with an odd change of tone. God commands Moses and Aaron to bring the Israleites out of Egypt. This isn't new news- we already know about their mission- but the phrasing here has a much different feel than I'll be with and tell you what to say. The responsibility for results seems to have shifted. Nothing has changed- God is in control and He's calling the shots, but clearly the tone is different.

Is Moses taking a characteristically inflated view of himself as he looks back on his epic tale?

Is God tiring of his whining and saying- you WILL follow through, so deal with it?

Is it simply an awkward translation?


other thoughts:

It's interesting to me that some people in this list have ages listed with them and others do not.

Were the records incomplete?

Did these people live to odd ages making them noteworthy? This seems unlikely- for while they would've made Willard Scott's list, they're far from Methusaleh status.

Also of note- Aaron and Moses are pointed out as children of incest. Their mother is also their great aunt. It doesn't seem to be taboo yet, but is it significant that these men rise to greatness from auspicious beginnings?

I hadn't remembered (or maybe never realized) that Nadab and Abihu (of strange fire fame) were actually Aaron's children. It's interesting how quickly fates can change for a family.

Narratively this structure seems really odd. Moses has been telling his story and plunks this geneology here in the middle of it all. And at the end he sees fit to remind us that the Moses and Aaron mentioned are the ones who lead the Israelites out of captivity. Ummm- thanks Moses...we've been reading, we get it.

Just some odds and ends- but what do you want? It's a geneology.

Wise Guy

Exodus 5:21- 6:12


So Moe, afraid to speak in public, once again has the courage to stand up to God. This time he more or less says- Why am I even here? Nothing but bad things have happened- and You're nowhere to be found.

God answers with reassurance- not wrath. Really a neat moment of God's patience and love for His creation. Instead of barrelling back with "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" He instead tells Moses, "You'll see, it's all under control."

His continuing message is a little (ok a lot) puzzling, though. He says, " I appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob- but they just thought I was God Almighty, not the LORD."

Huh?

I'm not sure that I get the actual distinction- is He saying they knew I was A God but not THE God? I think ultimately the point may be- they were impressed at My power, but they really had no idea how much in control I really am.

God comforts Moses and says that it will be ok. But when Moe reports back to the Israelites, they'll have none of it. After the extra burden from Pharaoh they'd like nothing better than to distance themselves from this guy who uses his rod to stir the pot.

God tells him to go back to Pharaoh but even after the comfort from God, he goes back and still tries to get out of it. If the Israelites won't even listen to me, how will I ever convince Pharaoh?

This may be where we can empathize most. We find ourselves with the burden and forget that God runs the ship. I don't have to worry about what I can do. If God is working through me then the obstacle is unimportant. We don't just serve God Almighty- we serve The LORD!

Festival of Swords

Exodus 5: 1-21

So Moses and Aaron go see Pharoah and begin their "let my people go" entreaties. It doesn't go so well- at least not in the short term. Their opening presentation leaves two very different images of God- one uplifting- one pretty scary.

They tell Pharoah that God has told them "'Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the desert." And I'm struck by how cool that sounds. When was the last time you thought of worship as a festival? I'm guessing not so much the creepy carnies, about to break ferris wheel or out of control ticket prices- but more the sense of enormous celebration, huge gathering and sheer joy. Worship too often can consist of drudgery, guilt, responsibility and service instead of an expression of pure unadulturated passion for our creator and father.

But their very next response quiets the party. "Now let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword." Suddenly this party doesn't sound like quite so much fun anymore. Is this just a tactic Moses is using to get Pharoah to change his mind? It doesn't work. Or is this really a fear the Israelites have? Maybe it expresses a misperception of God on the part of Moses and Aaron. The first idea came directly from God- and this seems to be based more on a reaction from Moses and Aaron.

Or maybe the "us" here was the land and not the people. Not God will hunt down the Israelites, but- Pharoah if you don't give in- bad things are going to happen around here.

Well Pharoah's not biting- and in fact says that if the Israelites have time to whine about worship, they have time to do more work. So they stop providing the Isralites with straw to make bricks. They still have to make just as many, they just have to find their own raw materials to make them from.

Naturally this doesn't go over so well. It doesn't happen. Production decreases and the Israelite foremen go talk to Pharoah about it. We're working just as hard as before- we just don't have the straw. But Pharoah won't relent- he calls them lazy and won't reduce the workload.

As you might guess, Moses and Aaron aren't about to win any popularity contests in the camp. The foremen tell them "May the LORD look upon you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us."

What must Moses be thinking at this point? Lord God, I've done what you asked- I knew I'd be bad at this- and I was right. Why have You left me? Not only doesn Pharoah hate me- so do the Israelites. Why am I even here?

And maybe the same thing happens to us. We come to a crossroads where there's a tough choice. We make the one we think is right, not the one we want to choose- but the one that seems like the right choice. And when we take that path...bad things happen. Wait, it wasn't supposed to be like this.

But we don't see the other side of the valley. We don't see the sunshine after the rain- we're in the moment. And too often our short-sightedness makes us back out- or head back for the other path.

May we press through the pain- and see what God has in store for us further on down the road.

Wes Craven's Bridegroom of Blood

Exodus 4: 18-31

The time is now- and God tells Moses to head on back to Egypt and take care of business. But even before Moe gets the word, he tells Jethro he'll be leaving the Clampetts and heading back to Egypt to see if any of his own people are still alive.

Is Moses embarassed about his mission? Doesn't want to seem crazy or fanatical? Why doesn't he come straight out and say "God is sending me"? Maybe he's facing some of the same pressures to conform that we face thousands of years later.

But God sends him, and he goes.

Most of the rest of the chapter is puzzling and worrysome.

First off God tells Moses that He will harden Pharoah's heart so that he won't let the Israelites go- and then when he doesn't, He'll tell him (through Moses) that since you won't let my first born worship me, I'm going to kill your firstborn.

I understand that God knows Pharoah's heart and that all things (evil and good) work toward God's purpose- but this notion of God actually hardening Pharoah's heart is troublesome for me. For one thing, it seems to fly in the face of freewill. If I can't choose, then how can I be responsible for my actions?

I can get around this in my mind a little- simply by God's omnipotence. If He knows my heart- if He knows what I will choose- then the actual choice itself becomes fairly perfunctory. But if Pharoah was already going to say "no"- why did God need to harden his heart? Is He just speeding up the process? And does He harden my heart today?

This really confuses me- and while I've heard it explained away over and over- I'm not really comfortable with all those explanations. Regardless- if God is the father I believe Him to be, I can trust Him to act in my life according to my best interests, if I don't make it to heaven, it won't be because I got cheated by God- even if I don't understand all the inner-workings of His being (and it's a good thing, because I don't).

But now the other troubling part.

Moses and family are en route to carry out God's plans and when they stop for the night, God sets out to kill his son (or Moses- it's kind of ambiguous). It seems Moses hadn't circumcised him. So Zipporah, apparently well-skilled with the flint knife- does the job, drops the foreskin at Moses feet and calls him a "bridegroom of blood."

This seems way legalistic- Moses is setting out to do God's work- and while he's traveling- he almost loses his child. Scary- but maybe there are a couple of important lessons here.

1) You can't pick and choose God's will. Even if I'm serving God- if I'm consciously defying Him at the same time (which they seem to have been doing since Zipporah knew what had to be done) things aren't going to be ok. While that could lead to an unhealthy paranoia- am I doing everything? What if I forget...? The more healthy application may be to seek- knowing that God's not going to abandon you in the dark. And when you find...act.

2) and maybe even more importantly- this may be a wonderful example of the difference between covenants. This is the pre-Jesus get it all right, no room for error, no room for grace, blood on the doorpost kind of situation. Maybe Moses forgot, was preoccupied, was a little queasy with such medical procedures- whatever. But without Jesus to bridge the gap- the world was a much harsher place. And the lesson is...phew! We've got him- and his grace makes all the difference in the world.

The chapter ends with God sending Aaron to meet Moses. They meet with the Israelite elders- tell them of God's concern and hearing the wondrous news, they worship.

Not Wholly Moses
Exodus 4:1-17


So God has just told Moses that he is the guy. He's going to lead his people but Moses isn't so sure he wants the job. Sounds like a great gig...but I didn't really apply. Who else have you got?

First he says- I don't feel like my cup overfloweth with credibility. What happens when they laugh at me? These burning bush things don't happen too often- how will I convince them I'm not crazy...or lying...or both?

So God tells him to throw his staff on the ground. When he does, it becomes a snake. When he picks it back up, it's a staff again. Ta-daa.

God says- I'm giving you some crowd-pleasing credibility. They'll know that the God of their fathers is behind it all.

I guess God sensed that Moses wasn't totally convinced. So perhaps as a pre-emptive move, He tells him- put your hand in your cloak. So Moses does, and when he pulls it out- he's got leprosy.

If I'm Moses, I'm not a big fan of this proof-tactic. And when I do this, look- I'm diseased! I might be thinking- how about I give them leprosy? I could saw the Egyptian in two- how about that?

Even as I write that last little bit- it strikes me how easy it is to think of these miracles as parlour tricks. Like if Penn and Teller lived back in the day Moses and Aaron would have been out of work (except for that whole thing about Penn and Teller being atheists and all). But even if I didn't much like it- if I'm Moses I think I get the point.

Moses, they'll believe you- and just in case you're doubting- look what I can do to you. I want you to do this...and I'm able to change sticks into snakes, give you leprosy- and so much more. Still sure you want to risk getting on my bad side?

But before you mistake our relationship...put your hand back. See? The leprosy's gone. What else can I do? I can protect you- I can save you- give me some trust here- they'll believe you. And what I really want is for YOU to believe that I've got it all in control.

But in case they don't believe, God gives Moses still another option. Get some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. Yeah, after you finish, I wouldn't drink too much of it- it'll turn into blood.

God's been amazingly patient up to this point. He didn't pull the old "because I said so"- He tries reasoning with Moses; He tries boosting his confidence; He tries a little fear- but when Moses still isn't sold on the idea- God has had enough.

I'm not really much of a speaker. I'm "slow of speech and tongue," Moses says. I've heard theories of Moses being a stutterer. And that would certainly explain a lot. Public speaking phobia is a real and common thing and for many it is overwhelming. A not-so-recent survey of Americans placed public speaking a greater fear than death. Maybe this is why Moses is so bold in trying to get out of it.

Lord God, I'd rather risk your displeasure than face this great fear. And while I don't know if Moses was a stutterer or just a bit awkward- it would certainly seem reasonable that in either case this would be a major task to accept.

God's reply seems similar to His resonse to Job. It's his "do you know who I am?" argument. Hey- Moses- I make mouths- I make them dumb. I'm going to tell you what to say.

Moses is desperate now- he's at the "pretty please with sugar on top" state of arguing. Please send someone else.

And amazingly, God relents. FINE! Take Aaron- just stop with the complaining. Aaron can be your mouth piece. But you'll do the miracles.

He tells Moses - "It will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him." This seems like a really odd phrase for God to use. But I guess the point is- you can use Aaron- but you're not out of the equation. I'll be coming to you only- it'll be your responsibility to be my mouth- and the people can assume that what you say came from me.

The big thing that jumps out at me in this section is the power of prayer. God changes His will for the sake of his worried child. When we express our fears to our father- He relents- He comforts- He doesn't excuse us from service, or bench us in the game- but he listens and makes it all ok.

And God leaves room for discussion- not to be manipulated- but he opens His mind and is willing to find another perfect way if it makes the path a little eaier for His children. And if He cuts Moses this much slack- He'll do the same for us.