When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 32:1
This is the beginning of a story that has always puzzled me. I have never been able to fathom what would entice God's people to turn from him so quickly, or why they would ask Aaron to make them an idol that they could worship. I have always had sort of a "righteous indignation" about this whole episode in the history of Israel.
As I have been studying through the story of the Exodus, I have become even more puzzled by the behavior of the children of Israel than ever. As I have read how the Lord made allowances for the people's faithlessness, how they continually tested His patience, how they grumbled and complained, and whined... I haven't really been able to muster up much sympathy for them. And as I came to the story of the golden calf, and I looked at Aaron's behavior there, I admit, I was almost angry at Aaron! I mean, was he really that stupid? The people had heard the actual voice of God. Aaron had actually been up on the lower part of the mountain for an up close, personal encounter with the Lord (Exodus 24:10-11)! But while God was giving Moses instructions about how he was to ordain Aaron for an important role in ministry, Aaron was becoming the people's leader in idol worship.
But today, I am looking at that account again, and I am beginning to muster a little compassion for Aaron and the people. I think maybe I am beginning to understand a little how it may have been for the children of Israel.
They are waiting. After a lifetime of slavery and oppression, God, with many great signs and wonders, delivered them from oppression. He went ahead of them, showing them the way, taking them on a journey to "the Promised Land". But they're not in the Promised Land yet. They can't see it. They know God is powerful, but they're sitting out in the wilderness now... just waiting.
The Bible says that Moses was up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. I've never thought of that as being a very long time before... But that's nearly six weeks! That was entire grading period when I was in school! A lot can happen in six weeks!
And so today, I look back at this story with new understanding. I've been waiting on God lately. I thought He was taking me to the Promised Land, and it seems He has taken me to the wilderness. I was sure that I heard His voice. It was clear. There were no doubts. But an interesting thing happens over time... as you sit at the base of the mountain, just waiting to see what will happen next... You begin to look around. You start to second-guess yourself. Was it REALLY the voice of God you heard? Has all of this been some kind of mistake? How long can I really sit here waiting? Don't I need to get up and get busy DOING something? I mean, if God's not ready to do something here, maybe I need to go somewhere else and look for Him...
Don't worry! I'm not about to go off and build myself a golden calf! But I am understanding better what prompted the children of Israel to do such a thing. I can read the rest of their story and see that God did eventually take them to the Promised Land. He always did have their best interest at heart. They would pay the price for their disobedience, but never did God forsake them. He walked with them. He waited with them. He showed them the way.
Lord, as I am waiting, help me to wait in confidence. Keep me from doing something stupid, Lord! Help me to rest in what I know, and not try to get ahead of You or try to make things happen on my own. I want to make this journey YOUR way!
If you find yourself waiting today, be encouraged. God has not forsaken you. Don't you give up on Him!
...Just a thought...
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
God Moves in the Dark Times
The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22
So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord swept them into the sea. Exodus 14:27
The children of Israel had just left Egypt. They were leaving behind the only life they had ever known - a life of oppression and slavery. They were embarking on a new life - life as a free people in a land God had prepared for them. What an exciting time this must have been for them!
Exciting... but frightening as well. Change is a hard thing. Sometimes it seems easier to just stick with what you know. It may be unpleasant, but at least it's familiar.
So now the children of Israel are out of Egypt and they are on their way to the "Promised Land". They didn't have a fancy GPS system, but they didn't need one. They had God. And God had promised to go ahead of them and to guide them. He went ahead of them in two very visible forms - the pillar of cloud for the day and the pillar of fire for the night.
Did you ever really think about that? I've read it many times, but never really caught it: This allowed them to travel by day or by night. God provided the pillar of fire so they could travel at night!
I sometimes like to travel at night. I kind of like to see city lights at night. At Christmas time, I love to see all the festive light displays. But most of the time, I much prefer to travel during the day. It's easier to stay awake. It's easier to see where you are going... I've been on dark roads in the middle of nowhere at night, and that is just no fun! It's hard to tell where you are, and you find yourself wondering if you've made a wrong turn, or if you'd even know it if you did make a wrong turn.
So the children of Israel had been traveling, and they stopped and set up camp in a nice, scenic location. They're hanging out at the beach, enjoying a break from the road, taking in a nice sunset... and then they see Pharaoh's army coming! They panic, and suddenly that nice beachfront property just looks like a trap - until God intervenes. The pillar of cloud settles down in between the Israelites and the Egyptians, and as darkness falls, the cloud turns to fire. Feeling safe for the moment, the children of Israel now get to witness a truly amazing miracle - God parts the Red Sea for them. The wind blows, and ground dries out on the seabed, and the people walk right through - during the night. We know that it was night because it's just before dawn that the Lord throws the Egyptians (who are now pursuing the Israelites through the sea) into confusion. And the Bible tells us that just as the sun began to rise, the waters closed back in, killing the entire army of Pharaoh.
This all happened in the night. This miraculous deliverance took place in darkness. But God had made a way for the people to follow Him, even in the dark times.
We may not have a pillar of fire to follow through the dark times of life, but God has not abandoned us to our enemies. He has provided us with all we need to make it through the night.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
Maybe you are in one of those dark times in your life. I want to encourage you today that God has given you His light that stands between you and the enemy. His Word will give you the direction you are seeking. Set your eyes on His Word, and then step out in faith. He will show you which way to go.
You don't have to cower down in the darkness. Just look up - He's lighting the way!
...Just a thought...
So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord swept them into the sea. Exodus 14:27
The children of Israel had just left Egypt. They were leaving behind the only life they had ever known - a life of oppression and slavery. They were embarking on a new life - life as a free people in a land God had prepared for them. What an exciting time this must have been for them!
Exciting... but frightening as well. Change is a hard thing. Sometimes it seems easier to just stick with what you know. It may be unpleasant, but at least it's familiar.
So now the children of Israel are out of Egypt and they are on their way to the "Promised Land". They didn't have a fancy GPS system, but they didn't need one. They had God. And God had promised to go ahead of them and to guide them. He went ahead of them in two very visible forms - the pillar of cloud for the day and the pillar of fire for the night.
Did you ever really think about that? I've read it many times, but never really caught it: This allowed them to travel by day or by night. God provided the pillar of fire so they could travel at night!
I sometimes like to travel at night. I kind of like to see city lights at night. At Christmas time, I love to see all the festive light displays. But most of the time, I much prefer to travel during the day. It's easier to stay awake. It's easier to see where you are going... I've been on dark roads in the middle of nowhere at night, and that is just no fun! It's hard to tell where you are, and you find yourself wondering if you've made a wrong turn, or if you'd even know it if you did make a wrong turn.
So the children of Israel had been traveling, and they stopped and set up camp in a nice, scenic location. They're hanging out at the beach, enjoying a break from the road, taking in a nice sunset... and then they see Pharaoh's army coming! They panic, and suddenly that nice beachfront property just looks like a trap - until God intervenes. The pillar of cloud settles down in between the Israelites and the Egyptians, and as darkness falls, the cloud turns to fire. Feeling safe for the moment, the children of Israel now get to witness a truly amazing miracle - God parts the Red Sea for them. The wind blows, and ground dries out on the seabed, and the people walk right through - during the night. We know that it was night because it's just before dawn that the Lord throws the Egyptians (who are now pursuing the Israelites through the sea) into confusion. And the Bible tells us that just as the sun began to rise, the waters closed back in, killing the entire army of Pharaoh.
This all happened in the night. This miraculous deliverance took place in darkness. But God had made a way for the people to follow Him, even in the dark times.
We may not have a pillar of fire to follow through the dark times of life, but God has not abandoned us to our enemies. He has provided us with all we need to make it through the night.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
Maybe you are in one of those dark times in your life. I want to encourage you today that God has given you His light that stands between you and the enemy. His Word will give you the direction you are seeking. Set your eyes on His Word, and then step out in faith. He will show you which way to go.
You don't have to cower down in the darkness. Just look up - He's lighting the way!
...Just a thought...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.” Exodus 19:9
Then God gave the people all these instructions...
When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!” Exodus 20:1, 18-19
I have often wished the Lord would just speak to me in an audible voice! I mean, sometimes I just get so frustrated as I go along in life, wondering where to turn, which way to go... And I cry out to God asking for direction. Sometimes, I get a very clear answer. Other times, He just says, "Trust Me," and I am called to walk by faith. Lately, I have struggled with fear, wondering if I am somehow misunderstanding or misinterpreting what God is saying to me. I wish He would just speak clearly from heaven!
Well... that's what I THINK I want...
The children of Israel got that chance! But they didn't appreciate it. God spoke so that they could hear His voice, and rather than listening to what He said to them, the people got so overcome with fear that they begged Moses to ask God to stop. They didn't want to hear his voice anymore.
I had never realized this before, but did you know that God actually gave the Ten Commandments in the hearing of the children of Israel? He told Moses to go get the people ready - to instruct them on how to prepare for this wonderful opportunity. He told them where to stand, and when to go there (on the third day...!). And then He gave them instructions. These were pretty straightforward instructions - nothing too complicated. If the people had simply listened when God spoke, they could have been saved much heartache in the years that followed! But they stood at a distance, trembling with fear, and they completely missed what God wanted to say to them because they valued their lives above God.
"Oh Moses! Don't let God talk to us that way! We're scared of Him! We'd rather hear your version of what God wants to say!"
We look down on the children of Israel for their reaction, but isn't that exactly what we do today? God has given us His Word. He has spoken very clearly to us from it. But we feign confusion, and inexperience, and lack of education. We would much rather someone else read His Word for us and tell us what it says so we don't have to listen directly to the voice of God. We would rather read books by Christian authors than the Book by the Author of Christianity!
God wanted the people to hear His voice at Sinai. I believe He wants us to hear His voice today. Maybe it's time we stop making excuses and playing dumb. Maybe it's really not as hard a thing as we have made it. Maybe - just maybe - God is speaking and we are cowering.
Then God gave the people all these instructions...
When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!” Exodus 20:1, 18-19
I have often wished the Lord would just speak to me in an audible voice! I mean, sometimes I just get so frustrated as I go along in life, wondering where to turn, which way to go... And I cry out to God asking for direction. Sometimes, I get a very clear answer. Other times, He just says, "Trust Me," and I am called to walk by faith. Lately, I have struggled with fear, wondering if I am somehow misunderstanding or misinterpreting what God is saying to me. I wish He would just speak clearly from heaven!
Well... that's what I THINK I want...
The children of Israel got that chance! But they didn't appreciate it. God spoke so that they could hear His voice, and rather than listening to what He said to them, the people got so overcome with fear that they begged Moses to ask God to stop. They didn't want to hear his voice anymore.
I had never realized this before, but did you know that God actually gave the Ten Commandments in the hearing of the children of Israel? He told Moses to go get the people ready - to instruct them on how to prepare for this wonderful opportunity. He told them where to stand, and when to go there (on the third day...!). And then He gave them instructions. These were pretty straightforward instructions - nothing too complicated. If the people had simply listened when God spoke, they could have been saved much heartache in the years that followed! But they stood at a distance, trembling with fear, and they completely missed what God wanted to say to them because they valued their lives above God.
"Oh Moses! Don't let God talk to us that way! We're scared of Him! We'd rather hear your version of what God wants to say!"
We look down on the children of Israel for their reaction, but isn't that exactly what we do today? God has given us His Word. He has spoken very clearly to us from it. But we feign confusion, and inexperience, and lack of education. We would much rather someone else read His Word for us and tell us what it says so we don't have to listen directly to the voice of God. We would rather read books by Christian authors than the Book by the Author of Christianity!
God wanted the people to hear His voice at Sinai. I believe He wants us to hear His voice today. Maybe it's time we stop making excuses and playing dumb. Maybe it's really not as hard a thing as we have made it. Maybe - just maybe - God is speaking and we are cowering.
Have I done that? Have I so valued my own life, my own plans, my own dreams, my own "stuff" that when God wanted to speak to me I covered my ears and cowered down, using fear as an excuse to remain ignorant of the ways of God? I pray that would no longer be the case.
Come near to God and hear His voice. He wants to speak, if only we will listen.
It may be a little scary, but it's... just a thought...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ready for Battle
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. Exodus 13:17-18
The Exodus of the children of Israel out of Egypt is such an incredible account! Before they ever left Egypt, God had revealed Himself in so many powerful ways, and He had made it very clear whose side He was on. Though many terrors came upon Egypt, in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were living, scripture tells us that the people were protected from at least some of the plagues. And now they were free, having walked right out of Egypt because God had delivered them!
Now they are on their way to the Promised Land, and God is leading them. The Bible says that they were prepared for the battle. (Some translations state that the people marched out of Egypt in battle formation.) God could have taken them the short way, but the Bible tells us that He took them the long way. Why? Because He knew they might turn back if they were faced with the prospect of war. So even though the people may have thought they were ready for battle, the Lord protected them from this test of their faith. They would face plenty of challenges later on, and they would eventually need those battle preparations, but for now, God took them around the battle.
I am reminded of the old cartoons here... I picture the little guy who thinks he's big, marching out to meet his opponent, armed with a little cork gun. But behind this little guy is a big guy, holding onto his shirttails, keeping his little friend from getting into a fight he's not really ready for...
I think there is an important lesson to be learned here. God wants us to be prepared. He's given us spiritual armor for our protection and His Word as a weapon. When the battle comes, He wants us to be ready. Fortunately, God loves us and cares for us and often takes us around the battle. He protects us from those things He knows we aren't ready for. But He wants us prepared!
Whatever trial you're facing today, I want to encourage you: God is aware of your situation. It has not taken Him by surprise. He could have taken you around the battle. If He hasn't, He must know that you are ready, even though you may not feel like it. But trust His love for you. He has already given you what you need for the battle, and He will stand with you and fight.
If you are not in the battle today, thank God for protecting you from it. Enjoy the time of rest, but don't become slack, thinking God will always take you around the Philistines of life. Take this time to get prepared. Put on that armor. Draw your sword. Get used to the feel of it, because the day is coming when you're going to need it, so be ready!
If it seems like God is taking you the long way around today, do not be discouraged. Maybe you're tired of waiting. Maybe it seems like He's being slow to answer. I want to encourage you: walk patiently with Him through this time, comforted with the knowledge that He knows what you're ready for.
...Just a thought...
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
The Exodus of the children of Israel out of Egypt is such an incredible account! Before they ever left Egypt, God had revealed Himself in so many powerful ways, and He had made it very clear whose side He was on. Though many terrors came upon Egypt, in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were living, scripture tells us that the people were protected from at least some of the plagues. And now they were free, having walked right out of Egypt because God had delivered them!
Now they are on their way to the Promised Land, and God is leading them. The Bible says that they were prepared for the battle. (Some translations state that the people marched out of Egypt in battle formation.) God could have taken them the short way, but the Bible tells us that He took them the long way. Why? Because He knew they might turn back if they were faced with the prospect of war. So even though the people may have thought they were ready for battle, the Lord protected them from this test of their faith. They would face plenty of challenges later on, and they would eventually need those battle preparations, but for now, God took them around the battle.
I am reminded of the old cartoons here... I picture the little guy who thinks he's big, marching out to meet his opponent, armed with a little cork gun. But behind this little guy is a big guy, holding onto his shirttails, keeping his little friend from getting into a fight he's not really ready for...
I think there is an important lesson to be learned here. God wants us to be prepared. He's given us spiritual armor for our protection and His Word as a weapon. When the battle comes, He wants us to be ready. Fortunately, God loves us and cares for us and often takes us around the battle. He protects us from those things He knows we aren't ready for. But He wants us prepared!
Whatever trial you're facing today, I want to encourage you: God is aware of your situation. It has not taken Him by surprise. He could have taken you around the battle. If He hasn't, He must know that you are ready, even though you may not feel like it. But trust His love for you. He has already given you what you need for the battle, and He will stand with you and fight.
If you are not in the battle today, thank God for protecting you from it. Enjoy the time of rest, but don't become slack, thinking God will always take you around the Philistines of life. Take this time to get prepared. Put on that armor. Draw your sword. Get used to the feel of it, because the day is coming when you're going to need it, so be ready!
If it seems like God is taking you the long way around today, do not be discouraged. Maybe you're tired of waiting. Maybe it seems like He's being slow to answer. I want to encourage you: walk patiently with Him through this time, comforted with the knowledge that He knows what you're ready for.
...Just a thought...
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
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