It’s time for coffee and Happy Monday, am I right?
This is Happy Monday #587.
Continue readingRead the Bible: Exodus 22
This chapter has laws about personal property and restitution and laws dealing with social justice. Exodus 21, 22 and 23 are all one great monologue as God is sharing his laws and statues with Moses. Hang in there, stuff begins happening again in chapter 24; then crazy wackadoodle stuff happens.
Exodus 22
“If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Continue readingRead the Bible: Exodus 21
Exodus 20 was exciting. Lots of good stuff in there. This chapter, and the next two after it, are going to feel a little dry in comparison. It’s stuff that is relevant to an agrarian society familiar with the institution of slavery that may not have direct application for believers today. After reading the text, I will go ahead and share some additional comments about the 10 commandments and point out some things about God’s law in a general sort of way; we don’t have to talk about oxen goring people nor digging a pit that an animal falls into.
Exodus 21
“Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them.
Continue readingSatur-deja Vu
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.
Continue readingRead the Bible: Exodus 20
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 readingRead the Bible: Exodus 19
We 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 readingRead the Bible: Exodus 18
This 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 readingRead the Bible: Exodus 17
Water 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 readingRead the Bible: Exodus 16
Memory 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 reading
The Master's Table 