Old Testament
1. In Deuteronomy 4, Moses explained God's deliverance of this generation's parents from Egypt.
2. In chapter 5 we a new and striking emphasis. Moses moved from history to Israel's now. He insisted that God sought relationship "not with our fathers" with with whom the Law covenant was made, "but with us, with all of us who are alive here today."
3. The nature of the relationship with God
- Love is personal (5:1-3). The relationship is between "us, who are...alive here," and Yahweh (God)
- Love is urgent (5:4-14). The urgency of the relationship is emphasized in the first 4 of the Ten Commandments, all of which are repeated here from Exodus 20. God wants our eyes fixed on Him. As any lover, God is unwilling to share our affections with competitors. God will not share with other gods- whether they be idols of the ancient world or the financial success of the modern.
- Love is demonstrated (5:15) Love that make us feel that we "belong" must be demonstrated. How clearly God had demonstrated to this generation His personal and practical involvement with them. Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's love for us. But each of us can find many other special ways in which God has acted in our lives to show His love.
- Love is expressive (5:16-20) Here we see God's willingness to communicate His expectations.
- Love is unselfish (5:21-33) This is the last element of real love. It is expressed in these verses. God enters into relationship with us and speaks to us.We are not pawns in some cosmic game. We are not His playthings. No, God's love for us is unselfish. He honestly has our best interests at heart.
4. Chapter 6 deals with the communication of relationship
- We give God priority (6:1-9) The reality of God's love can only be communicated by those who give Him priority. The central command here is,"Love the Lord your God with all your heart." All flows from this, for such a love leads to a unique lifestyle. First the lover of God responds to Him. Second, we share that which has taken root in our lives with people who are close to us. Third, the context in which the reality of God is shared is that of daily life and activity. God's words are the touchstone which guide our lives. And we refer to them to explain our actions, our attitudes and all our ways.
- We assume God's presence (6:10-19)
- We rely on God's provision (6:20-25)
- How thrilling to be freed by His love to love others!
New Testament
5. Jesus raises a widow's son.
- The lesson for us is that no matter how spiritually dead we may have been, Jesus is capable of awakening us to new life. First comes faith. And the we too hear Jesus' words: Arise!
6. John's disciples had seem miracles foretold in the Old Testament. The ministry of Jesus focused on people. Jesus came to reach out to people, to heal, to save, to bring hope. To care.
Psalm
Proverbs
7. "The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life"
8. "If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners? "
See you next post...
Showing posts with label Yahweh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yahweh. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Exodus 26-27:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11 (New Living Translation)
Old Testament text
1. Mercy seat
-God gives the measurements and construction materials.
- The Ark and mercy seat were kept inside the Holy of Holies - the Temple's innermost sanctuary, the Sanctum Sanctorum, which was separated from the remainder of the temple by a thick curtain, because the ark and mercy seat were associated with the presence of Yahweh.
- The account also states that two golden statues of cherubim were placed at each end of the mercy seat, facing one another and the mercy seat, with their wings spread in order to enclose the mercy seat. According to the Books of Samuel, these cherubim together formed a seat for Yahweh.
- According to the Biblical directions, the Holy of Holies could only be entered at Yom Kippur, and even then could only be entered by the Jewish High Priest, who was covenanted to do so in order to sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial bull onto the mercy seat, as an atonement for himself and his family, the other priests, the tabernacle, and the people of Israel.
- The directions specify that incense was first burnt in the Holy of Holies so that a cloud rose up and appeared above the mercy seat.
2. The light in the tabernacle is to burn all night. We are to keep our light burning and shining for Christ, day or night. The earth is in a "long, dark" night of suffering, wars (big and little), injustices...what better time to be a servant of God...to help bring "light" to the world? When is it needed more? Always.
New Testament text
3. Parable of the ten bridesmaids...I think there are 2 lessons here.
- As yesterday, always be prepared!
- The second is about giving, even if it is well meaning, when you don't have it to give. This is a clear example of a time when it was okay to say, "No". There just isn't always enough to go around. And, sometimes others need to be responsible for their own themselves and their own actions.
- While the unprepared bridesmaids were out shopping, the bridegroom came, and they missed the big party. The great event.
- For thos who have not done much bible study before...Christ is the Great Bridegroom we are waiting for. Don't get caught unprepared! You'll miss the party!
4. Parable of the giving of the three servants (talents)
- Again, from yesterday's lesson...always be faithful
- You can think of talents netaphorically as gitfs. Or you can think of them in monetary terms. It depends on where you are, where your head is.
-Notice that the servants who did something with their talent, returned 100%. Their effort was whole-hearted. That is how we are to give of our talents. We are to give a whole-hearted response. Many of us have had our hearts wounded or assaulted, and we don't feel we can give anything our whole heart. That's where Jesu comes in. He comes to redeem what was lost. Wether you were physically or mentally abused as a child, left at the altar, abandoned by your friends...Jesus is there to bring us back into the fold.
- We are not to hide (bury) our talents. They are not to be horded. I heard someone say yesterday, "we were not put here to get SUVs, and live by the beach". We all know that.
- The talents we are given are to be used to bring the glory of the Kingdom.
- "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!"...Isn't this what we long to hear?
- Also notice that Jesus frequently starts many of these stories with..."The Kingdom of heaven is like this..."
- The subjects of the stories we can easily understand with our minds. But it is our heart that Jesus is after.
Psalm
5. " You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger".
- "You, Lord are my rock...It is for Your glory that You protect me.
- I was created to worship You!
Proverbs
6. Good sense and sound judgement...more important than silver or gold.
See you next post...
1. Mercy seat
-God gives the measurements and construction materials.
- The Ark and mercy seat were kept inside the Holy of Holies - the Temple's innermost sanctuary, the Sanctum Sanctorum, which was separated from the remainder of the temple by a thick curtain, because the ark and mercy seat were associated with the presence of Yahweh.
- The account also states that two golden statues of cherubim were placed at each end of the mercy seat, facing one another and the mercy seat, with their wings spread in order to enclose the mercy seat. According to the Books of Samuel, these cherubim together formed a seat for Yahweh.
- According to the Biblical directions, the Holy of Holies could only be entered at Yom Kippur, and even then could only be entered by the Jewish High Priest, who was covenanted to do so in order to sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial bull onto the mercy seat, as an atonement for himself and his family, the other priests, the tabernacle, and the people of Israel.
- The directions specify that incense was first burnt in the Holy of Holies so that a cloud rose up and appeared above the mercy seat.
2. The light in the tabernacle is to burn all night. We are to keep our light burning and shining for Christ, day or night. The earth is in a "long, dark" night of suffering, wars (big and little), injustices...what better time to be a servant of God...to help bring "light" to the world? When is it needed more? Always.
New Testament text
3. Parable of the ten bridesmaids...I think there are 2 lessons here.
- As yesterday, always be prepared!
- The second is about giving, even if it is well meaning, when you don't have it to give. This is a clear example of a time when it was okay to say, "No". There just isn't always enough to go around. And, sometimes others need to be responsible for their own themselves and their own actions.
- While the unprepared bridesmaids were out shopping, the bridegroom came, and they missed the big party. The great event.
- For thos who have not done much bible study before...Christ is the Great Bridegroom we are waiting for. Don't get caught unprepared! You'll miss the party!
4. Parable of the giving of the three servants (talents)
- Again, from yesterday's lesson...always be faithful
- You can think of talents netaphorically as gitfs. Or you can think of them in monetary terms. It depends on where you are, where your head is.
-Notice that the servants who did something with their talent, returned 100%. Their effort was whole-hearted. That is how we are to give of our talents. We are to give a whole-hearted response. Many of us have had our hearts wounded or assaulted, and we don't feel we can give anything our whole heart. That's where Jesu comes in. He comes to redeem what was lost. Wether you were physically or mentally abused as a child, left at the altar, abandoned by your friends...Jesus is there to bring us back into the fold.
- We are not to hide (bury) our talents. They are not to be horded. I heard someone say yesterday, "we were not put here to get SUVs, and live by the beach". We all know that.
- The talents we are given are to be used to bring the glory of the Kingdom.
- "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!"...Isn't this what we long to hear?
- Also notice that Jesus frequently starts many of these stories with..."The Kingdom of heaven is like this..."
- The subjects of the stories we can easily understand with our minds. But it is our heart that Jesus is after.
Psalm
5. " You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger".
- "You, Lord are my rock...It is for Your glory that You protect me.
- I was created to worship You!
Proverbs
6. Good sense and sound judgement...more important than silver or gold.
See you next post...
Monday, January 28, 2008
Exodus 5:22-7:25; Matthew 18:21-19:12; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 5:22-23 (New Living Translation)
Old Testament text
1. Moses returns to God complaining that his mission was not a success. Or is his question really, "What other methods should I use to get this done?"
2.The vindication of God's name is the main theme of the plagues.
3. Moses is now to demand unconditional release, not just a 3 day religious holiday.
4. God begins His reply to Moses by identifying Himself with the name that conveys His full power...Yahweh. To know that He is Yahweh means to experience or witness His power.
5. Yahweh is the same God who, under the name of El Shaddai, made a covenant with Israel's ancestors, and He now intends to fulfill that covenant.
6. "I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God. This refers to the covenant that will be established at Mount Sinai. This speaks to the intended intimate relationship between God and Israel...."And you shall know that I, the Lord, am your God."
7. The pedigree of Moses and Aaron. This begins with the descendant's of Jacob's first two sons, but only for the sake of showing the place of his third son, Levi, the ancestor of Moses and Aaron. Levi's descendants are listed in detail, particularly Aaron and his immediate successors as high priest. The rest are omitted.
8. Troop by troop. The Israelites would not leave Egypt as fleeing slaves but as an army marching to the promised land in military formation.
9. "The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." God's "signs and marvels" will answer Pharaoh's contemptuous declaration that he "does not know the Lord."
10 Since Pharaoh's magicians are able to duplicate the first marvel, he is unimpressed. The magicians use "their spells", conventional magic; while Aaron works silently, relying not on his own power, but on the power of the Lord. The Lord's superior power is demonstrated when Aaron's serpent overcomes those of the magicians.
11. The first of 10 plagues. The plague of blood.
- Pharaoh is told what the coming events will show. The Nile river is affected by this plague. The Nile river is the deified source of Egypt's life. The magicians again can duplicate this...so the Pharaoh is once again unimpressed.
12. What is our lesson as we continue with the Pharaoh? The kingdom of Yahweh is invading the kingdom of the Pharaoh. One God invading the territory of another "god." The Pharaoh is in control, and will not relinquish that control without a fight. Isn't that how we are as we struggle to keep our hands on the controls, rather than letting God...
New Testament text
13. Parable of the unforgiving debtor
- We are seen as servants. Christ, our King has forgiven us a great debt. As servants to such a loving and patient King, we are now called on to have patience and compassion with our fellow believers. Failure to have such patience and to extend such forgiveness will cut us off from our experience of God's forgiveness. This is not because God is unwilling to forgive. It is because forgiveness is like a coin. It has two sides...you cannot have the "heads" (receive forgiveness) without the "tails" (extend forgiveness).
-Faith does not give us an elevated status. We are servants, subject to the will of God. And, we are to treat our fellow servants as God treats us.
14. The Pharisees, followers of the way of the Law, approach Jesus about divorce. The Pharisees, like the disciples, missed the point. Jesus had been teaching about greatness, and had shown that true greatness is to restore the straying lamb, to exercise patience, and to be ever-ready to forgive.
Psalm 23
15. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd. He recounts the kind things God has done for him as his shepherd.
Proverbs
16. Your own sin will bind you over to the judgment of God; there is no need for prison or chains...
See you next post...
1. Moses returns to God complaining that his mission was not a success. Or is his question really, "What other methods should I use to get this done?"
2.The vindication of God's name is the main theme of the plagues.
3. Moses is now to demand unconditional release, not just a 3 day religious holiday.
4. God begins His reply to Moses by identifying Himself with the name that conveys His full power...Yahweh. To know that He is Yahweh means to experience or witness His power.
5. Yahweh is the same God who, under the name of El Shaddai, made a covenant with Israel's ancestors, and He now intends to fulfill that covenant.
6. "I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God. This refers to the covenant that will be established at Mount Sinai. This speaks to the intended intimate relationship between God and Israel...."And you shall know that I, the Lord, am your God."
7. The pedigree of Moses and Aaron. This begins with the descendant's of Jacob's first two sons, but only for the sake of showing the place of his third son, Levi, the ancestor of Moses and Aaron. Levi's descendants are listed in detail, particularly Aaron and his immediate successors as high priest. The rest are omitted.
8. Troop by troop. The Israelites would not leave Egypt as fleeing slaves but as an army marching to the promised land in military formation.
9. "The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." God's "signs and marvels" will answer Pharaoh's contemptuous declaration that he "does not know the Lord."
10 Since Pharaoh's magicians are able to duplicate the first marvel, he is unimpressed. The magicians use "their spells", conventional magic; while Aaron works silently, relying not on his own power, but on the power of the Lord. The Lord's superior power is demonstrated when Aaron's serpent overcomes those of the magicians.
11. The first of 10 plagues. The plague of blood.
- Pharaoh is told what the coming events will show. The Nile river is affected by this plague. The Nile river is the deified source of Egypt's life. The magicians again can duplicate this...so the Pharaoh is once again unimpressed.
12. What is our lesson as we continue with the Pharaoh? The kingdom of Yahweh is invading the kingdom of the Pharaoh. One God invading the territory of another "god." The Pharaoh is in control, and will not relinquish that control without a fight. Isn't that how we are as we struggle to keep our hands on the controls, rather than letting God...
New Testament text
13. Parable of the unforgiving debtor
- We are seen as servants. Christ, our King has forgiven us a great debt. As servants to such a loving and patient King, we are now called on to have patience and compassion with our fellow believers. Failure to have such patience and to extend such forgiveness will cut us off from our experience of God's forgiveness. This is not because God is unwilling to forgive. It is because forgiveness is like a coin. It has two sides...you cannot have the "heads" (receive forgiveness) without the "tails" (extend forgiveness).
-Faith does not give us an elevated status. We are servants, subject to the will of God. And, we are to treat our fellow servants as God treats us.
14. The Pharisees, followers of the way of the Law, approach Jesus about divorce. The Pharisees, like the disciples, missed the point. Jesus had been teaching about greatness, and had shown that true greatness is to restore the straying lamb, to exercise patience, and to be ever-ready to forgive.
Psalm 23
15. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd. He recounts the kind things God has done for him as his shepherd.
Proverbs
16. Your own sin will bind you over to the judgment of God; there is no need for prison or chains...
See you next post...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14 (New Living Translation)
Old Testament text
1. Moses grew up knowing he was Hebrew, despite the fact that he grew up in the Pharaoh's household. He always knew who he was...Do you know who you are?
2. He saw the oppression of his people, and took matters into his own hands, he killed an Egyptian. He though no one saw him. But, you know whenever we do something "not quite right" someone always seems to know or find out.
3. The Pharaoh finds out and tries to kill Moses. He ran away to Midian (remember them from the story of Joseph).
4. He acts kindly toward some shepherd girls who were being bullied, and ends up becoming a member of their family. Reuel gives him one of his daughters, Zipporah, in marriage. They have a son who they name Gershom (meaning, I have been a foreigner in a foreign land).
5. Many years pass, the old Pharaoh is dead, but of course they get a new one.
6. The people cry out to God, who now "remembers" His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He puts His plan into place.
7. Moses sees the burning bush, which isn't being consumed by the flames. From the middle of the bush a voice calls his name. What's his response, "Here I am!" Sound familiar. You have got to love these patriarchs and this seemingly simple, and at the same time all-encompassing answer. "Here I am."
8. This is not to say that they get it all done. Or that they get it all done perfectly. Or that they never stray from the path. These are after all human beings, with human faults and weaknesses.
9. Anyway, the Lord wants him to go back to Egypt to free his people, God's people.
10. Moses does protest a little. "Who am I that I should appear before the Pharaoh?" God ell him, it doesn't really matter who you think you are, because I am with you.
11. Well then, who shall I say sent me..."I Am Who I Am", Yahweh.
12. God assures him again the he will be with him, and that when they leave it will be as if they had plundered the Egyptians. They will leave with so much treasure.
New Testament text
13. Poor Jesus. He's always trying to explain things to the disciple. Elijah came to Him during the transformation, but the "Elijah tat the gospels refer to as the forerunner of Jesus was John the Baptist.
14. Once again He tells the disciples that their faith is too small...little faith. If it were bigger they would be able to work miracles themselves.
15. He talks about the upcoming crucifixion and resurrection.
16. He pays the temple tax with 2 coins from a fish.
Psalm 22
17. Many scholars believe that this is the Psalm that Jesus was referring to while on the cross. "My God, my God, why have you abandoned (forsaken) me...." But it pretty well describes the scene at the cross.
Proverb
18. We continue our lesson on being around immoral women (people)...they are merciless. They will consume your money and your wealth.
See you next post...
1. Moses grew up knowing he was Hebrew, despite the fact that he grew up in the Pharaoh's household. He always knew who he was...Do you know who you are?
2. He saw the oppression of his people, and took matters into his own hands, he killed an Egyptian. He though no one saw him. But, you know whenever we do something "not quite right" someone always seems to know or find out.
3. The Pharaoh finds out and tries to kill Moses. He ran away to Midian (remember them from the story of Joseph).
4. He acts kindly toward some shepherd girls who were being bullied, and ends up becoming a member of their family. Reuel gives him one of his daughters, Zipporah, in marriage. They have a son who they name Gershom (meaning, I have been a foreigner in a foreign land).
5. Many years pass, the old Pharaoh is dead, but of course they get a new one.
6. The people cry out to God, who now "remembers" His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He puts His plan into place.
7. Moses sees the burning bush, which isn't being consumed by the flames. From the middle of the bush a voice calls his name. What's his response, "Here I am!" Sound familiar. You have got to love these patriarchs and this seemingly simple, and at the same time all-encompassing answer. "Here I am."
8. This is not to say that they get it all done. Or that they get it all done perfectly. Or that they never stray from the path. These are after all human beings, with human faults and weaknesses.
9. Anyway, the Lord wants him to go back to Egypt to free his people, God's people.
10. Moses does protest a little. "Who am I that I should appear before the Pharaoh?" God ell him, it doesn't really matter who you think you are, because I am with you.
11. Well then, who shall I say sent me..."I Am Who I Am", Yahweh.
12. God assures him again the he will be with him, and that when they leave it will be as if they had plundered the Egyptians. They will leave with so much treasure.
New Testament text
13. Poor Jesus. He's always trying to explain things to the disciple. Elijah came to Him during the transformation, but the "Elijah tat the gospels refer to as the forerunner of Jesus was John the Baptist.
14. Once again He tells the disciples that their faith is too small...little faith. If it were bigger they would be able to work miracles themselves.
15. He talks about the upcoming crucifixion and resurrection.
16. He pays the temple tax with 2 coins from a fish.
Psalm 22
17. Many scholars believe that this is the Psalm that Jesus was referring to while on the cross. "My God, my God, why have you abandoned (forsaken) me...." But it pretty well describes the scene at the cross.
Proverb
18. We continue our lesson on being around immoral women (people)...they are merciless. They will consume your money and your wealth.
See you next post...
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