American pope – There is actually some debate whether Leo XIV is a Cub’s fan or not. The initial report seen here has been challenged by his brother who claims he is more of a White Sox fan. That would be more in keeping with his commitment to the underdog. I bet he has some strong feelings about deep dish pizza. That should go over well in Italy.
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I really want to do this well because I am likely to refer back to this chapter/post many times over the next few months or years. The Ten Commandments are often used as shorthand for the entire Law. This is a pivotal moment, much like the night of the Passover, in the history of Israel. Having the Law – and hopefully, at least sometimes – keeping the Law is what makes Israel God’s people and distinguishes them from every other people and nation on the earth.
Continue readingWe are getting very close to the Law being given, beginning with the 10 Commandments, at Mount Sinai. In this chapter the people are warned to keep their distance, they sanctify themselves for three days and Moses is called up the mountain with Aaron to meet God.
Exodus 19
In the third month, on the same day of the month the children of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, they came into the wilderness of Sinai.
Continue readingThis is a short chapter and is pretty straightforward. Jethro has heard about Moses and all that the LORD has done to Egypt and for Israel. He comes out to the wilderness to meet Moses and brings Zipporah and their two sons, reuniting the family. When Jethro sees how Moses sits all day every day hearing disputing and ruling between the people, he counsels him to delegate that responsibility.
Exodus 18
Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.
Continue readingWater from the rock. Joshua leads Israel to defeat Amalek.
Exodus 17
The whole congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.
Continue readingMemory is generative. The congregation of Israel misses the pots of meat and eating bread until they were full and they wish they had never left Egypt. They do not seem to remember their taskmasters increasing their burdens or having to murder their children to prevent their population from growing. God is about to provide them with manna from heaven.
Exodus 16
The entire congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from Elim and came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after departing out of the land of Egypt.
Continue readingMoses and the Israelites had stood between an unstoppable force and an immovable object, and God proved both of those statements wrong. Moses breaks out into song as we begin chapter 15, and later Miriam will pick up a tambourine and join in, leading other women in chorus who play and dance. Then all it took was walking three days without finding water for the grumbling to start.
Exodus 15
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord. They said: “I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
Continue readingCrossing the Red Sea is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel similar to Passover for this generation. Passover is marked by an annual feast but this dramatic event is something of a final death blow for the armies of Egypt. It demonstrates not only to Egypt but the surrounding nations the power of God, the God of Israel, and for a time causes the people to fear God, trust God, and his servant Moses.
Exodus 14
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
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Pastor Shane Parrot of Heritage Baptist Church led one of the prayers at AdventHealth Gordon’s public gathering on the National Day of Prayer. As mentioned in Thursday morning’s Read the Bible podcast, I was at the Rome Area Prayer Breakfast to hear Eric Metaxas and this event in Calhoun at noon. Living the Christian life the right way involves a balance of boldness and meekness. Meeting together in a public place that is highly visible is a way to stand up for what we believe in but bowing in prayer as we ask God for anything is a confession that he can and we can’t.
Continue readingBecause the first born in all of Egypt died on the night of the Passover, all first males must be dedicated to the LORD. Moses explains that the feast of unleavened bread is to be keep each year during the first month. He stresses the importance of teaching these things to future generations so they never forget what God has done.
Exodus 13
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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The Master's Table 