Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 49 – Exodus 1

Highlights:

Jacob's prophecies; deaths of Jacob and Joseph; the Hebrews oppressed in Egypt.
After Joseph's death, the prestige the Israelites had enjoyed in Egypt gradually declined and then disappeared. There arose up a new king over Egypt who felt no obligation to the descendants of Joseph (Ex. 1:. Instead, he was fearful of the Israelites' growing numbers and said to his administrators: Behold, the people . . . of Israel are more and mightier than we . . . let us deal wisely with them; lest . . . they join . . . our enemies, and fight against us. . . . Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. . . . But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel (1:9-12).

Desperate for an answer to his dilemma, Pharaoh demanded of the Hebrew midwives . . . if it be a son, then ye shall kill him (1:15-16). Sometime after this horrible edict was issued, a man of the house of Levi . . . took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman . . . bare a son: and . . . she hid him three months (2:1-2). But then, fearful of being discovered, she prepared an ark of bulrushes . . . and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags (reeds) by the river's brink (edge) (2:3).

If it had not been for Pharaoh's cruel edict, Moses would never have been rescued by Pharaoh's daughter and given all the advantages of the world's greatest empire of that time. God was preparing Moses to lead the Israelites to the promised land.

We may be forced to endure suffering under the control of a situation where we may be as powerless as the baby Moses in a homemade ark floating in the Nile River. It could be that death has left us without a parent or spouse. Some may feel defeated following a divorce. Others may have received a diagnosis of terminal illness from a doctor. Throughout life, all of us will face unforeseen and unavoidable sorrows.

In spite of all life's difficulties, every Christian, regardless of circumstances, can say with the Apostle Paul: I am persuaded (convinced), that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come . . . nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38-39).

Thought for Today:

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (I Pet. 2:9).
Christ Revealed:

As the Messiah who would come through the tribe of Judah. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah . . . until Shiloh (Peacemaker) come (Gen. 49:10). Jesus . . . the son (descendant)of . . . Juda (Luke 3:23-33).
Word Studies:

Gen. 49:10 gathering, obedience; 49:20 fat, rich; 49:21 hind, deer; 50:15 requite us, pay us back in full; Ex. 1:10 when there falleth out any, in the event of; 1:13 serve with rigour, work as slaves under cruel circumstances.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Country: Nauru (11,000) in the central Pacific • Major languages: Nauruan and English • Religious freedom • 57% Protestant; 24% Roman Catholic; 10% Buddhist and Chinese folk-religionist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently; you will receive an answer (Luke 11:9-10).
Optional Reading: Matthew 17

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16

[Judy Harder]

Exodus 2 – 4

Highlights:

Early life of Moses; his flight into Midian; the burning bush; his commission to free the nation of Israel; his return to Egypt.
Moses, the son of Israelite slaves, enjoyed the luxury of the Egyptian palace and received all the privileges and opportunities of administrative training. As the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter, it appears that he could have been the next Pharaoh of Egypt.

Moses was 40 years old when he executed the cruel Egyptian who was smiting (striking, beating) an Hebrew, one of his brethren (Ex. 2:11-12). This probably was Moses' legal right since he was of the royal household and possibly second only to Pharaoh in administering justice. Moses was in the prime of his life and, from a natural point of view, it would seem to be the ideal time for God to use him to set His people free from their suffering.

Instead, it was the will of God that Moses flee Egypt. This was followed by 40 years of loneliness as a shepherd in a desert wilderness. It must have seemed to Moses a waste of 40 of his best years to do nothing of importance. But, with the Lord, such time is never wasted. It was in the desert that the Lord appeared to him and said: Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground (3:5). Moses probably would never have learned humility or been able to come closer to God in an Egyptian palace. He was too busy and too important. However, both experiences — growing up in the palace and being humbled by God in the desert — were vital in preparing him to be the person God could use to lead His people out of Egypt, through the desert, and on to the border of the promised land.

No matter how much wisdom of the world we might accumulate, it alone cannot qualify us to make right decisions in life. We must be taught and led by the Holy Spirit of God through reading His Word and being obedient to its truth. It is the Holy Spirit's blessing on what we do and say that makes our lives truly worthwhile. Like Moses, our most basic need is to recognize the danger of self-sufficiency. It was spiritually necessary for Moses to tend sheep on the backside of the desert in order for him to develop greater dependence on God (3:1).

Regardless of the outcome, by faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Heb. 11:24-26).

Thought for Today:

Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction (Is. 48:10).
Christ Revealed:

As the I AM THAT I AM who commissioned Moses (Ex. 3:13-14; comp. Heb. 13:. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).
Word Studies:

2:13 strove, were quarreling; 2:16 of Midian, of the descendants of Abraham through his second wife Keturah (Gen. 25:1-4); 2:23 sighed by reason of, groaned because of; 2:25 had respect unto, was concerned about; 3:22 spoil, take the wealth of.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by A Family That Loves Jesus • Staff: Bill Beach • Government Officials: Gov. Martin O'Malley (MD), Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (MD), Rep. Kay Granger (TX), and Rep. Michael H. Michaud (ME) • Country: Nepal (24.3 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India • Major language: Nepali • Limited religious freedom • 85% Hindu; 10% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Be specific in your prayers (Luke 18:41-43).
Optional Reading: Matthew 18

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 5 – 7

Highlights:

Moses' demands to Pharaoh; Aaron to speak for Moses; Moses' rod turned into a serpent; plague of blood.
God commanded Moses to face the Pharaoh of Egypt, who referred to himself as a god, and say: Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let My people go, that they may hold (celebrate) a feast unto Me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go (Ex. 5:1-2).

Moses' immediate reaction was to blame God, saying: Wherefore hast Thou so evil entreated (brought harm to) this people? why is it that Thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy Name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast Thou delivered Thy people (5:22-23).

How often in life our questions far outnumber our answers: "Why have I been diagnosed with cancer? Why did my husband divorce me? Why did my child become a drug addict? Why was my child born with handicaps? Why did I lose my job? Why me?" God didn't answer Moses' questions, and seldom does He answer us in the way we expect.

When Moses cried out: "Why, Lord?," God first reminded him of who He was. And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD (6:2) meaning: "I am the only Self-Existent God and the One who knows what is best. I am altogether sufficient to meet your needs." What is important for us to know is that God is the unchangeable, loving, Almighty, all-wise God of truth. He promised Moses: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage . . . I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you . . . your God (6:6-8).

Everyone is important to God. He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). After His seventh I will, He repeated for emphasis: I am the LORD (Ex. 6:. God has never once failed to keep His Word when our lives are in harmony with His Word. But, seldom are His promises fulfilled as soon as we expect, and almost never in the way we think best.

Pharaoh persisted in keeping the Israelites under his cruel authority. However, as had been foretold, the judgment of God was poured forth on each false Egyptian deity, and, eventually, on Pharaoh himself and on his armies. To day . . . hear His voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (provoking Me), in the day of temptation (testing) in the wilderness. . . . I was grieved with that generation (Heb. 3:7-8,10).

Thought for Today:

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me (Jer. 32:27)?
Christ Revealed:

As the Redeemer from the bondage of sin. I will bring you out . . . I will redeem you (Ex. 6:6). Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things . . . But with the precious blood of Christ (I Pet. 1:18-19).
Word Studies:

5:8 tale, quota; 5:9 vain words, worthless promises of Moses; 5:11 not ought, none; 5:13 hasted, kept driving; 5:19 minish, make fewer in number; 5:21 made our savour to be abhorred, made us offensive; 7:15 against he come, waiting to meet him.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Del. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Northern Mariana Islands) • Country: Netherlands (15.8 million) in northwestern Europe • Major language: Dutch • Religious freedom • 35% Catholic; 28% Protestant; 3% Muslim; 1% Hindu; .9% Buddhist; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 30% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Watch and pray that you may be worthy to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:36).
Optional Reading: Matthew 19

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 8 – 10

Highlights:

Plagues of frogs, lice, flies, death of cattle, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness.
While God was in the process of delivering the Israelites, the Egyptians suffered through each of the ten plagues. But, amazingly, the Hebrews were unaffected by them. Even Pharaoh's magicians recognized who was in control of the plagues. They said to Pharaoh: This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them (Ex. 8:19). Following the hail that destroyed all that was in the field, both man and beast. . . . Pharaoh sent . . . for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned . . . the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked (9:25,27).

Pharaoh assured Moses that the Israelites could go free the moment the hail ceased. However, once again Pharaoh changed his mind and hardened his heart against the will of God. Without a doubt, Pharaoh's heart was hardened a little more each time he decided to reject the Word of God (7:13-14,22; 8:15,19,32; 9:7). But, the time came when the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh (9:12).

Eventually, Pharaoh agreed to Moses' request, saying: Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall go? And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD (10:8-9) — meaning that everyone from the youngest child to the most elderly person must worship the Lord. However, Pharaoh insisted that the Israelite slaves must worship on his terms. His own advisers withstood him, saying: Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed (10:7)? Pharaoh disregarded his advisers, and Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh's presence (10:8-11).

A person is deceived if he, like Pharaoh, believes he can worship the Lord on his own terms. Others are equally mistaken when they say they will live for Jesus later in life and refuse to give up control of their present way of living. But there will come a day when the time for repentance will be past. God alone decides how long He will be insulted (Jer. 7:16).

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2).

Thought for Today:

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (I Sam. 15:23).
Christ Revealed:

As the Light to His people. There was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt . . . but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings (Ex. 10:22-23). Jesus said: I am The Light of the World: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness (John 8:12). The Lord will lighten my darkness (II Sam. 22:29; also Is. 42:6-7).
Word Studies:

8:15 respite, relief, an interval of delay; 8:22 sever, set apart; separate; 8:23 put a division, make a distinction; 9:3 grievous murrain, severe pestilence or disease; 9:31 in the ear, ripening; bolled, in the bud; 10:7 be a snare unto us, endanger our welfare.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Official: Gov. Nimrata Randhawa Haley (SC), Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV) and Rep. Bill L. Owens (NY) • Country: New Zealand (4 million) two large islands southeast of Australia • Major languages: English and Maori • Religious freedom • 51% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others by name (Luke 22:31-32).
Optional Reading: Matthew 20

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 11 – 13

Highlights:

Death of the firstborn; the Lord's Passover; the Exodus; pillar of cloud and pillar of fire.
With each miraculous plague, God proved that Egypt's gods were false deities and that He is the Only True God. The final plague of judgment was death. God spoke to Moses: About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn . . . shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh . . . even unto the firstborn of the maidservant (Ex. 11:4-5). However, God lovingly provided a way for all of the Israelites who were obedient to Him to save their firstborn from death. The sentence of death would not fall on them. It would fall instead upon a lamb without blemish (defect) (12:5). They were told to take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post (lintel) of the houses. . . . they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened (yeast-free) bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. . . . with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S Passover (12:7-11).

Later instruction regarding sacrifices states: They shall eat those things wherewith the atonement was made . . . to sanctify them (29:33). The Hebrew word translated atonement carries the idea of covering something, thereby removing it from the sight of God and assuring the forgiveness of God, but sin was not fully eradicated until the death of Jesus, the True Lamb of God. This points out that an innocent lamb made only a temporary atonement; sin was not fully eradicated. Even though there were numerous daily, weekly, and monthly sin offerings, the Israelites were still required to observe a full Day of Atonement annually. In the New Testament, it is revealed: We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (Rom. 5:11). The Greek word for atonement here means: We have now obtained our reconciliation with God.

The Sin Offering, the Trespass Offering, and the Day of Atonement, as the supreme act of national repentance for sins, were offered regularly. However, they all were only substitute offerings until Jesus became the One True Sacrifice and died for the sins of the world. We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Heb. 10:10).

Since God is holy, He cannot fellowship with man in his sinful state. So God provided His sinless Son, Jesus, as the perfect and complete substitute to die for our sins (John 3:16).

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot (defect) to God, purge (cleanse, purify) your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God (Heb. 9:14)?

Thought for Today:

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Col. 2:13).
Christ Revealed:

Through the sacrifice of lambs without blemish. Not one of the lambs' bones was to be broken (Ex. 12:5,46). We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19). It was foretold of Christ: He keepeth all His bones: not one of them is broken (Ps. 34:20; John 19:36).
Word Studies:

11:2 borrow, ask, accept; 12:9 sodden, boiled; purtenance thereof, inner organs of an animal; 12:11 loins girded, dressed for a journey; 13:2 Sanctify, Dedicate, Set apart; 13:12 matrix, womb; 13:18 harnessed, armed, equipped.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Secy. Gary F. Locke (Dept. of Commerce) and Atty. General Eric H. Holder (Dept. of Justice) • Country: Nicaragua (5 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Limited religious freedom • 95% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask that the will of God be done in your life (Luke 22:42).
Optional Reading: Matthew 21

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:16

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 14 – 16

Highlights:

Crossing the Red Sea; song of Moses; the waters of Marah; murmurings; manna and quail.
Freed from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were on their way to the promised land. But, they had traveled only a short distance when they saw all the chariots of Pharaoh's army rushing toward them in a desperate effort to recover his (Pharaoh's) slaves. The Egyptians pursued after them . . . and overtook them. . . . the children of Israel . . . were sore (very) afraid: and . . . cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness (Ex. 14:9-11)? When the Israelites cried out unto the LORD, it was not in faith but in fear, as well as in hostility and criticism against Moses.

The Israelites had seen the mighty miracles in Egypt that had caused Pharaoh to set them free; yet, they now chose not to trust God and His ability to provide for them again. Although Moses could not see how the Lord would save them, he confidently declared: Fear . . . not, stand still, and see the salvation (deliverance) of the LORD (14:13). In a spectacular display of His power, the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots . . . and all the host of Pharaoh (14:27-28).

Although God faithfully and miraculously met that need, just three days later He led the Israelites to Marah, where they could not drink the water because it was bitter. And the people murmured (complained) against Moses (15:24). So the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet (15:25).

The children of Israel's lack of trust in God was again evident when their food supply was exhausted. The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And . . . said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in . . . Egypt . . . for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Then said the Lord unto Moses . . . I will rain bread from heaven . . . that I may prove (test) them, whether they will walk in My Law, or no. . . . When the children of Israel saw it, they said one to anothr, It is manna. . . . And they gathered it with every morning (16:2-4,15,21).

Let us learn from the grumbling Israelites that regardless of circumstances we must trust the wisdom and love of God in all of life's difficulties. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thess. 5:18).

Thought for Today:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov.
3:5-6).

Christ Revealed:

Through the bread (manna) from heaven (Ex. 16:4,15). Jesus said: I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven (John 6:51; also 6:32-48).
Word Studies:

14:8 with an high hand, triumphantly; 14:17 get me honour upon, assert my authority; 14:27 to his strength, to its normal depth; 15:14 Palestina, Philistia, land of the Philistines; 15:23 Marah, bitterness; 16:4 prove, test; 16:18 mete, measure.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Steve J. Chabot (OH) and Rep. Rick A. Crawford (AR) • Country: Niger (10 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: French and Hausa • Christian evangelism is limited • 89% Muslim; 10% animist; .4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).
Optional Reading: Matthew 22

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 17 – 19

Highlights:

Thirst causes murmuring against Moses; water from the rock; Amalek defeated; Jethro's advice; God speaks at Mount Sinai.
As they continued their journey toward the promised land, the Israelites faced another test of their dependence upon God. All the congregation . . . journeyed . . . according to the Commandment of the LORD, and pitched (encamped) in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. . . . And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured (grumbled) against Moses, and said, Wherefore (Why) is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us . . . with thirst?. . . And he called the name of the place Massah (Tempting God), and Meribah (Contention, Complaint), because of the chiding (faultfinding) of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not (Ex. 17:1,3,7)? The Lord knew that there was no water there and yet He had directed the Israelites to that very place for a purpose.

The testings during their wilderness journey again and again exposed the Israelites' refusal to trust the Lord. God has warned us: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (rebellion), in the day of temptation (testing) in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years. . . . I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err (disobey) in their heart (Heb. 3:8-10).

Israel's release from Egyptian bondage and their wilderness journey illustrate the Christian's pilgrimage through life. We should learn from their experiences to trust God even when anticipated resources are not available. Just as the Israelites blamed Moses, we often are tempted to blame others for our problems and failures. Frustration on the job, emotional stress, discontent, finding fault with uncomfortable situations, hatred, jealousy, and fits of anger — these are all evidence of the self-centered life demanding its own way and are allowed by God in order to develop our patience and mature us spiritually. Even more serious, these are expressions of unbelief in the wisdom, competence, and goodness of God. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (mature), wanting (lacking) nothing (James 1:4).

The Christian's faith is not based on favorable circumstances but on our all-wise Creator (Mal. 3:6). The key to peace of mind and overcoming all of life's problems is confidence in God and in His Word. The Christian is admonished to express faith when ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (various testings): That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (I Pet. 1:6-7).

Thought for Today:

Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him (Job 13:15).
Christ Revealed:

As the Rock and the Water that came forth from it (Ex. 17:6). They drank of that spiritual Rock (Petras in Greek) that followed (accompanied) them: and that Rock was Christ (I Cor. 10:4; compare John 7:38).
Word Studies:

17:2 chide, find fault; 17:13 discomfited, defeated; 17:15 Jehovah-nissi, The Lord is my standard or banner; 19:5 peculiar treasure, special possession.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Jennifer Palafox • Government Officials: Rep. Joe Baca (CA), Rep. Bobby T. Schilling (IL), Sen. Thomas R. Carper (DE), and Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (NJ) • Country: Nigeria (113.8 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and Hausa • Government permits all types of religious activity • 45% Muslim (largely Sunni); 40% Christian; 9% Indigenous; 6% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers must be offered to God with the Spirit and understanding (John 4:22-24).
Optional Reading: Matthew 23

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:17

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 20 – 22

Highlights:

Ten Commandments and other laws and regulations given.
The Ten Commandments are of utmost importance since they were given to us by our Creator. It is no surprise that those who hate and reject God also hate to see them displayed. However, they are essential, basic principles for the spiritual and moral conduct of mankind. Without them we have uncontrolled chaos. Eight are expressed negatively: Thou shalt not. Six present requirements for our relationship with others. Four reveal the perfection of the Holy, One True God, who alone is to be worshiped.

God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God. . . . Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing . . . in heaven above, or . . . the earth . . . for I . . . (show mercy to) them that love Me, and keep My Commandments. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain. Remember the Sabbath (Rest) day, to keep it holy. . . . Honour thy father and thy mother . . . . Thou shalt not kill. . . . commit adultery. . . . steal. . . . bear false witness against thy neighbour. . . . covet (20:1-17).

We are warned that it is wrong to steal — whether it is done by shoplifting, cheating on income tax, or failing to give an employer a full day's work. It is wrong to bear false witness (to lie, or to wrongly accuse) against a neighbor, and it is wrong to commit adultery. God warns us of the inevitable consequences for those who fail to heed His commands. The . . . unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8; Eph. 5:5-8). We are also warned against the practices of witchcraft, sorcery, bestiality, and sacrificing unto any god, save unto the LORD only (Ex. 22:18-20). All who were guilty of these sins were to be put to death immediately. Obedience to His Word should come from the heart. If I love my neighbor, I will not steal his property, commit adultery with his wife, or commit fornication with his daughter. I will protect and respect his loved ones because they belong to God.

The Law is a mirror that reveals with absolute accuracy what we should be. The Apostle Paul said: I had not known sin, but by the Law: for I had not known lust (evil desire), except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet (Rom. 7:7).

Thought for Today:

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him (II Chr. 16:9).
Christ Revealed:

The perfection of Christ is revealed through the Ten Commandments, for He kept all of them (Ex. 20:1-17). He was perfect and without sin (Heb. 4:15). He also gave us a new Commandment . . . That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).
Word Studies:

20:13 kill, murder; 21:14 come presumptuously upon, willfully attacks; 21:16 stealeth, kidnaps; 21:19 be quit, go unpunished; 21:22 her fruit depart from her, she miscarries; 21:29 were wont, has tried before; 22:2 breaking up, breaking in.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Mike C. Thompson (CA), Rep. John Garamendi (CA), and Secy. Shaun L.S. Donovan (Dept. of HUD) • Country: North Korea (22.2 million) in northeastern Asia • Major language: Korean • Violent oppression against all religions • 68% atheist; 15% Ch'ondogyo; 14% Other Traditional; 2% Buddhist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Have faith in the Word of God (John 4:49-53).
Optional Reading: Matthew 24

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 23 – 25

Highlights:

Laws instituted; three feasts which must be kept; the Angel of the Lord promised for a guide; instructions for Tabernacle furnishings.
The Israelites were commanded: Serve the LORD your God (Ex. 23:25). This was followed by 14 blessings which God promised them for their obedience. Included was the assurance: I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out (23:31). Then came a warning concerning the Canaanites: Thou shalt make no covenant (agreement) with them, nor with their gods (23:32). All of the people responded, saying: All the words which the LORD hath said will we do (24:3).

God alone determines what is acceptable conduct as well as acceptable worship to Him. Therefore, He gave Moses detailed instructions for building and furnishing the Tabernacle where He would accept the worship of His people.

The Tabernacle provided a way for the Israelites to maintain a right relationship with God and a place for them to worship Him. But, most importantly, it was a place for the invisible presence of God to dwell among His people. In outward appearance, covered with rams' skins (26:14), the exterior of the Tabernacle was unattractive, like Jesus, of whom Isaiah prophesied: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him (Is. 53:2).

The court of the Tabernacle was a rectangular enclosure with only one entrance through which mankind could approach God (Ex. 26:36; 27:16-18). This illustrates what our Lord Jesus declared: I am The Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9). Its white linen wall of separation was symbolic of the holiness of God and excluded all Gentiles (those without a covenant relationship with God). Consequently, they could not so much as look over the curtain fence to observe what was going on inside the courtyard or even come near it, or they would be put to death (Num. 1:51). This linen curtain illustrates that sin has separated the natural man from the Holy Presence of God.

The Bible says: The Law was given by Moses, but grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ. . . . Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:17,29).

Thought for Today:

And He (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16).
Christ Revealed:

As the Ark of the Covenant (Testimony). The wood demonstrates His humanity; the gold overlay represented His deity. Only through His blood sprinkled on the Ark could one receive forgiveness. God dwelt above the Mercy Seat (Ex. 25:10-22). Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:12).
Word Studies:

23:2 decline after many, yield to the evil majority; 23:8 gift, bribe; 23:13 be circumspect, take heed, be cautious; 23:31 sea of the Philistines, Mediterranean Sea; 25:10 cubit, about 18 inches; 25:37 over against it, on the opposite wall.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Government Officials: Rep. Andy P. Harris (MD) and Rep. Richard L. Hanna (NY) • Country: Norway (4.45 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Norwegian • Religious freedom • 87.8% Evangelical Lutheran; 3.8% Other Protestant and Catholic; 3.2% None; 5.2% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Jehovah's Witness) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your life will always be pleasing to God (John 8:29).
Optional Reading: Matthew 25

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:17



Read Exodus 26 – 28

Highlights:

Directions given for constructing the Tabernacle, court, furniture, and enclosure; plans for Altar; Aaron's priestly garments; ephod.
Just inside the courtyard which surrounded the Tabernacle stood the Brasen Altar (Ex. 27:1-8; 38:30), also called the Altar of Burnt Offering (30:28). God had said to Moses: Thou shalt make an Altar of shittim (acacia) wood. . . . and thou shalt overlay it with brass (27:1-2). Throughout the Bible, brass is a symbol of the judgment of God upon sin. Sacrifices were offered on the Brasen Altar (compare Num. 21:6-9; John 3:14-16). Its fire was kindled by an act of God and was never to be allowed to go out (Lev. 6:13). This was a daily demonstration of the mercy of God. As the fire of judgment consumed the sacrificed animal, God accepted the sacrifice as a substitute for the guilty sinner.

In sacrificing an unblemished animal, as required by the holiness of God, the Israelite understood that the animal's life was being forfeited in his place because of sins he had committed. He knew that it was only through the sinless animal being slain on his behalf that he could be restored to a right relationship with our holy God. The worshiper entered the one door into the outer court and approached the Brasen Altar. Then he placed his hands upon his sacrifice to signify his guilt being transferred to the innocent animal and then he killed it (4:1-35).

Between the Altar and the Tabernacle was the large Brass Laver. It was made from many brass mirrors which the women of the camp had provided (Ex. 38:. Each day after the priest had offered a sacrifice, he approached the Laver of Brass (30:17-21) and washed his hands and feet before ministering in the Holy Place. The mirrors and water symbolized the Word of God which both reveals our sin and is the cleansing power to remove that sin from our lives. Jesus revealed: Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3; Titus 3:5; James 1:23-25).

Since there is no longer a need for animal sacrifices, God used the Romans to destroy Herod's Temple with its Brasen Altar, Laver of Brass, Candlestick of pure gold, Table of Showbread, and Altar of Incense. The Ark of the Lord's Covenant, with its Mercy Seat, had been missing since the Babylonian captivity. All of these symbolized Christ, who fulfilled their functions (Heb. 9:1 — 10:22; 13:10-12). Since the crucifixion, bodily resurrection, and ascension of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have only one God-appointed means of cleansing from sin — through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Christ gave Himself for the Church that He might sanctify (set apart for sacred service) and cleanse (make clean, purify) it with the washing of water by the Word (Eph. 5:26).

Thought for Today:

For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Brasen Altar, upon which the Sin Offering was burned (Ex. 27:1-8; Lev. 4:1-35). Jesus' offering of Himself as the final sacrifice was the fulfillment of all Old Testament altars as well as all sacrificial offerings. Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood (Eph.1:5-7; John 1:29,36; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12).
Word Studies:

26:6 taches, devices for fastening two parts together; 26:19 tenons, projections that fit into one another; 27:6 staves, poles for carrying; 27:21 order it, keep it burning; 28:8 curious girdle, skillfully made belt; 28:32 hole of an habergeon, neck in a jacket or protective armor.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Mark Dayton (MS), Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA), Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA), and Rep. Albio Sires (NJ) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: When discouraged over material or financial loss, praise the Lord for preparing and providing an eternal home (John 14:1-3).
Optional Reading: Matthew 26

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:17

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Exodus 29 – 31

Highlights:

The rules and sacrifices for the priests; continual Burnt Offering; Altar of Incense; the ransom of souls; the holy anointing oil; Sabbath regulations; Moses receives two tables of stone.
The priests who ministered in the Tabernacle had to be cleansed before entering. The LORD spake unto Moses . . . make a Laver (Basin) of Brass, and his (its) foot (base) also of brass . . . put it between the Tabernacle . . . and the Altar, and . . . put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat (Ex. 30:17-19).

After a priest had washed his hands and feet at the Laver, cleansing himself from the activities of life, he then was qualified to enter the Tabernacle through a heavy linen veil which was the only entrance into the Holy Place.

On the right side of the Holy Place was the Table of Shewbread with its 12 loaves of unleavened bread sprinkled with incense. The name Shewbread suggests more than just bodily nourishment. It provides spiritual insight that is not obtainable anywhere else. The Shewbread is symbolic of Christ, who said: I am that Bread of Life. . . . the Living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever (John 6:48,51; 6:29-38; 12:24). Just as physical food provides nourishment to sustain our physical bodies, so too, as we continue to "read" the Word of God which is the Bread of Life, the Holy Spirit uses His Word to enlighten and then transform our lives. Laying aside all malice, and all guile (deceit), and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere (unadulterated, pure) milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).

On the left was the seven-branched Candlestick made of solid beaten gold. Its seven lamps burned continually with pure olive oil and provided the only source of light in the Holy Place (Lev. 24: 2-4) and that light fell on the Shewbread. The other item in the Holy Place was the Altar of Incense. There were no windows for outside light from the world.

God has provided just one book — the Holy Bible — as the source of light for understanding His will. It is written: Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path. . . . The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Ps. 119:105,130; also Prov. 6:23).

Christ declared: I am The Light of the World: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have The Light of Life (John 8:12).

Thought for Today:

Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Laver, Christ is revealed as both the container and the dispenser of Living Water (Ex. 30:18; John 4:10). Jesus . . . cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. . . . ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 7:37, 15:3; compare I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:

29:22 caul, fatty appendage on the liver; 29:24 wave them, present them with a waving motion; 29:39 even, twilight; 30:25 apothecary, perfumer.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. John L. Mica (FL) and Rep. Bill J. Pascrell, Jr. (NJ) • Country: Pakistan (146.5 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Urdu and English • There is no freedom to convert Muslims to Christ. Pakistan is an Islamic republic • 72% Sunni Muslim; 20% Shi'a Muslim; 3% Ahmadiya; 2% Christian; 2% Hindu; .1% Other (Baha'i, Animist, Farsi, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask in the name of Jesus for His glory, and your request will be granted (John 14:13-14).
Optional Reading: Matthew 27

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:17