#how did God lead the Israelites in the exodus?

[marysittingathisfeet]

The Glory Of The Lord

Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. Ezekiel 1: 26-28

This description about the glory of the Lord struck me. Ezekiel describes before this the 4 creatures with four faces and wheels with eyes. Spread out above the 4 creatures was a sparkling vault. When these creatures stood still they lowered their wings.

Now a vault is an arched roof. Sometimes a series of arches. Vaults are usually seen in churches and other large, formal buildings. Some commentary see this as the heavens. Apparently the word vault is the same word as firmament used in Genesis 1 the firmament is a solid dome that God created to separate the waters above and below, allowing dry land to appear. The Hebrew word for firmament is raqia (pronounced ra-KEE-ah), which means "expanse".

"God commands that a firmament be created to divide the waters, and then does so, calling it "Heaven"" Genesis 1: 6-8

And as we know God placed the stars in the sky. Have you ever gone camping, away from the city lights, and looked up into the sky? The EXPANSE is awesome and a bit terrifying at the same time. The sky is huge and filled with innumerable amount of stars. You are acutely aware of how small you are.

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3

So when Ezekiel is trying to describe the vault as a sparkling crystal could he be talking about the stars twinkling in the sky?

"Then there came a voice from above the vault over their heads as they stood with lowered wings." Ezekiel 1: 25- I see the lowered wings as a sign of respect much like bowing.

"Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above the throne was a figure like that of a man." Ezekiel 26, 27- What is lapis lazuli? It is a semi precious stone that is deep blue in color. It is a metamorphic rock that is made up of a combination of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. The more lazurite it has the deeper the color. Lapis lazuli has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, carvings, and other practical objects. It is also the source of the pigment ultramarine, which was once more expensive than gold.

What caught my attention was the word Above x 2. The throne was above the vault that was above the creatures and above the throne was like that of a man. This of course is God. God is above all. He is above his creation and rules from outside of the universe above the expanse.

Most people draw him sitting on the throne, but I see him above the throne because Ezekiel gives a clear description above and below the waist.

Interestingly Ezekiel does not say it is God. We understand that the figure represents God. So why does Ezekiel not say it is God? God himself said to Moses,

"But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”- Exodus 33:20.

Moses did not see God directly, but he did see God's back and God's glory.

"When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by." Exodus 33:21-22

So what Ezekiel is seeing in not God directly, but God's glory. Why the fiery legs? Fire had many meanings.

God often appears as fire. God appeared before Moses as a burning bush. God was also a pillar of fire that led the Israelites by night through the wilderness. it was also fire that god put between the Israelites and pharaoh's army. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was tongues of fire. So God often is represented by fire.

Fire is cleansing. The sacrifices offered before God were burnt. Elisha had a whole spectacle where God's fire came down and burnt up his sacrifice. After that hundreds of pagan priests were slaughtered. Thus fire is also a symbol of God's wrath. When Joshua entered the promised land with his army, he was instructed to burn Jericho. When Nebuchadnezzar sacked Jerusalem, it was burnt to the ground.

From the waist up, we see glowing metal. Have you ever seen a blacksmith work with metal. It gets red hot. Only then can the blacksmith shape and mold it.

"I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north- an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal," Ezekiel 1: 4,5

From Ezekiel's description we know that he could see the glowing glory from a distance. In Ezekiel the glowing metal is understood to be brass. In the Bible, the Hebrew word chasmal is usually translated as a metal, such as "polished brass" or "fine brass." Brass in the Bible represents sin and judgement. Was this a reminder to Ezekiel that God's judgement on sin would eventually lead to punishment and purification for Israel? Also it may represent God's power and remind Ezekiel that although God does punish, He is still in charge of all. He is able to rescue when he needs to. His punishment is only for a short time, but because of His merciful, loving character God forgives and redeems.

God's Glory shown so brightly that it created a rainbow. "Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him." Ezekiel 1:28

Like a thousand prisms that casts rainbows all over the wall, God's glory created a rainbow that surrounded him. What was the result? Ezekiel fell before him in worship.

[goodnewstimelesstruths]

when God calls us to lead...

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership. I’ve been leading the children’s ministry at an international church in Kyoto for about seven months now, and although I am grateful to have been entrusted with this role, I’ve struggled to do this job with confidence and joy. The main reason I’ve yet to feel that I can thrive in it is because I hate being a leader. I’ve never considered myself a ‘leader’, nor have I ever thought I could be a good one. There’s a lot associated with what it means to be a leader, but one of the things I really shudder at is being the main representative for something (especially something that I think is really important). Suddenly, people are looking to me as the one responsible for overseeing the sustenance and growth of the ministry. There is a fantastic group of volunteers who play an important role in keeping the ministry going, but they are looking to me for direction as well. I feel wholly unqualified and under-equipped to make decisions that impact people; such a responsibility feels much too heavy for me.

Although I have never considered myself a leader, the truth is that the majority of us have led and do lead in some capacity. Parents lead their children. Teachers lead their students. And as Christians, the Lord has called us to lead other people to him—to lead others to know the great love God has for them. While there are Christians who do take on larger leadership roles in ministry, people see all of us who profess belief in Jesus as representatives of him and the faith. But the thing is that God doesn’t expect us to do it perfectly. Sometimes I’ll look to Jesus as a model for how I should be serving and become discouraged when I fail to serve as humbly, kindly, wisely, etc. as Jesus. Yes, we should be looking to Jesus, and the Bible says that God is conforming those who love him to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). However, we can also look to Scripture to see examples of people who believed in God and wanted to serve him but—when asked by God to serve in an unexpected way—failed to do so in full confidence and faith and/or did not go about it perfectly.

I’m currently reading Exodus in the Bible and have been struck this time around by how reluctant Moses was at first to take on the responsibility of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The Lord said in Exodus 3: “I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He answered, “I will certainly be with you…” (Continuing in chapter 4) But Moses replied to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant—because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish.” The Lord said to him, “Who placed a mouth on humans? Who makes a person mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” Moses said, “Please, Lord, send someone else.”... 

I’m not doing something nearly as frightening and life-threatening as what God asked Moses to do, but I still saw a little bit of myself in Moses’ lack of faith in his own abilities and ultimately in the Lord, who assured Moses he would 1. be with Moses and 2. be the one who'd actually do the work that brings about change. Ultimately, the Lord is the one in control of all things. And he is a good, perfectly loving God, who is constantly at work in the world. He has guided me to this specific role, and although it is not the role I envisioned for myself, I will do what I can, without expecting to do it perfectly, and trust that the Lord is working behind the scenes to accomplish his purposes for his glory.

[saras-devotionals]

Quite Time 2/28

What am I feeling today?

I just wish I had gone to bed earlier. I’m very tired and know I have a long day ahead of me. I also didn’t finish all my work so I’m stressed about a couple of those deadlines🥲

Sermon: The Lord Declares War! (Part 3/3)

Exodus 5:22 NIV

“Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me?”

we can relate to Moses here (why would God send us to do His work when it doesn't turn out the way we planned?) We can get discouraged and in our own head about it but keep reminding yourself that God’s plan is far greater than we can ever imagine for ourselves.

2) God Declares War on Counterfeit Imitations of the Truth!

ask yourself: am I fighting God in in any way? In what este/areas of my life and I resisting Him? Is there still something I’m holding on to?

I can get moody and distant. I can let how I’m feeling take control of me instead of being in control of my emotions.

Exodus 7:1-7 NIV

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.” Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them. Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”

This plagues were meant to humble the Egyptians (leading the question of whether we declare war on false doctrines - bc they had their many gods) not that many people want to be entertained and not saved.

Lastly, I do wonder why it says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. I believe it’s been explained to me but I don’t remember and wonder why? Why do that? Since He had the power to harden, why didn’t He choose to soften? Or would that just not have worked in the grand scheme of things?

1 Timothy 1:3-8 NIV

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.”

The law is good if we know how to use it properly! No false teachings! There are some people that claim to teach of Jesus and Christianity but it is not biblically sound and therefore is a false teaching.

2 Timothy 3:7-9 NIV

“always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.”

With those In sin, we are meant to call them out (in love) and even here is an example of calling out people by name.

Romans 8:1-4 NIV

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Communion: what does the cross mean to [……]?

To him it meant liberation!

[walkswithmyfather]

Exodus 4:1‭-‬17 (NIV). “Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.

Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”

Then the Lord said, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, the skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow. “Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh.

Then the Lord said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first sign, they may believe the second. But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground.”

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.”

“Breaking Down Faith Barriers” By In Touch Ministries:

“As you seek to follow God, He will help you overcome each obstacle you encounter.”

“Yesterday, we discussed how Moses doubted God’s calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. But the Lord graciously provided reassurance through wondrous signs and promised to help His servant accomplish everything, no matter how impossible it might seem (Ex. 4:1-5).

Moses wasn’t eloquent, and his inability to speak well left him feeling inadequate. So God reassured him by saying, “I Myself will be with your mouth, and instruct you in what you are to say” (v. 12). Remember, the Lord looks at the heart, not human qualifications (1 Samuel 16:7), which is why the people He chooses to carry out His plan often seem unlikely. What’s more, God can also overcome all our inadequacies. That’s what He did by calling Moses’ brother Aaron to go along and proclaim the God-given message (Ex. 4:14-17).

The Lord had an answer for each one of Moses’ concerns, and He will likewise help us overcome obstacles when we follow Him. As we step out in obedience, our trust in God grows, and we are able to leave the outcome—whatever it may be—to Him. Then, as the faith barriers in our life are demolished, we’ll be able to see the evidence of God’s presence and power. Not only that, but we will also experience the joy of submitting to His perfect will.”

[childofchrist1983]

He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed. Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. - Exodus 22:20-24 KJV

As we read these writings of the prophets in the Holy Bible, we can see how the people totally disregarded these commands of God! They worshiped the false gods of the people with whom they settled. They were always being told by the prophets to end their injustice to the poor, the widows and the orphans. They were not kind to the aliens who sought sanctuary either.

I wish that all those who call themselves Christian would realize that these warnings are not just for the Jews, but for all of us. We worship the false gods and false idols of fame and wealth and power and we have little care for the poor. Greed is a leading cause for most of the problems of our world today. People are greedy for money, they are greedy for fame and they are greedy for power. It doesn't make any difference who they have to climb over or how much destruction they cause or how many lives are lost if their appetite for wealth and power are satisfied. Of course, their appetite is never truly satisfied, so if they succeed once, they keep trying to gain more. The only thing we can do is work for the poor; work to prevent persecution of those who need a safe place to live and raise their children and earn a decent living without having to fear the very people who are charged with protecting them. We need to heed God's warnings or we will suffer in the same way that the Israelites did.

There are nations today who are willing to overtake anyone who is weaker if it will make them stronger. We must continue to be faithful and to pray for our leaders as well as for all those who would sacrifice the poor for the sake of wealth or power. As both this Bible passage and the psalm say, the LORD hears the cry of the poor (Psalm 34:6-8). God given us the task of continuing the mission of Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel as well as to help the poor and the vulnerable to achieve justice. We all suffer when we allow greed to overcome love. May He give us the strength we need to fight this battle. God is holy and almighty and deserving of all praise honor and glory. We rejoice in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, knowing He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8). May our hearts always be filled with thanksgiving and rejoicing. May He help us to praise Him freely and honestly like all believers who came before us. May we live a life that showcases our love and trust in Him and His Holy Word and Spirit as He uses us draw others to Him and His soul-saving Gospel Truth daily. May He continue guide, correct and protect us, so that we continue to grow in Him and not weaken and stray. May we all remain faithful to Him and to this duty and purpose He has called us to. Seek and put your faith and trust in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and let Him do the rest. May He humble our hearts and help us focus on following and serving Him daily and helping others with joy and happiness. We lift our voices in praise to Him for His love, mercy, peace, faithfulness and grace. - For EVERYTHING!

It is vital that we remain rooted in Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit and that we live and walk as a beacon of His light and love and share and spread the Gospel Truth daily, so that the lost souls in this world can come to know Him and be saved. The more we focus on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, growing spiritually by building our relationship with Him, leaning on Him and His Holy Word and Spirit, the better off we will be. Thanks to this and our faith in Him, we know that everything will be alright. And we will forever be grateful to Him. As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word and we strive daily to walk in His Holy Spirit. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives daily according to His will.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the ONLY way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). Jesus Christ the LORD of lords, KING of kings, the GOD of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16) - He is the Living, Almighty and Everlasting God (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, John 3:16, John 3:36, Jeremiah 10:10). There is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5). We MUST humble ourselves before Him, turning our backs on false teachers, false gods and idols and our sinful ways. We MUST repent and turn back to God and recognize who He is and love Him in return for His great love for us. We MUST make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[mrlnsfrt]

If you know these things...

Foot Washing?

Have you ever participated in a foot washing ceremony? It is also called the ordinance of humility and it is not practiced widely in Christianity today as a part of worship. There are many possible reasons for why the majority do not wish to participate in foorwashing, and I believe many of them are likely related to people simply not wanting to come into contact with someone else’s feet. Some argue that people wear shoes and drive cars and their feet are not dirty so there is no real need. To that I reply that maybe there is more to it than simply cleaning the dirt off of someone’s feet, just like participating in communion is not about being physically hungry and thirsty.

Could it be that Jesus was teaching His followers something?

Could we benefit from participating in the ordinance of humily today?

Let’s take a closer look at what Jesus did, as recorded in John 13.

Context

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. - John 13:1-5 NKJV

The first five verses of John 13 give us the context for the footwashing. The Feast of Passover was about to take place.

[Passover is] a sacred observance in Judaism that commemorates the climactic 10th plague in the book of Exodus, when Yahweh punishes Egypt by killing all the firstborn but “passes over” (פָּסַח, pasach) the firstborn of Israel (Exod 12:12–13), resulting in the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exod 12:14–17). -Douglas Mangum, “Passover,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

Jesus knew that He would die as the paschal lamb for the sins of the world. Jesus knew he was going to suffer. Jesus loved us to the end, and He knew it would not be much longer until He departed from this world to the Father.

The meal was over.

The Devil had already put into the heart of Judas to betray Jesus.

Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into His hands. Jesus also knew that he had come from God and was going to God. Knowing all this, Jesus did not become proud, Jesus did not boast, Jesus instead humbled Himself. Knowing the ultimate reality of who He was and where He was going allowed Jesus to serve those around Him.

Jesus did not put down others so that He could feel superior. Jesus was not insecure in His position as master and teacher. Jesus knew who He was, He knew where He was going, and He lived out His life out of that knowledge. From His identity as the Son of God, from His identity as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), Jesus was free to live a life of service, a life of generosity, love and kindness. Jesus was firm when He needed to be, but He never had to posture, He was not concerned with how others might think less of Him if He served those He came to lead. Jesus identity and destiny were secured in the Father and Jesus is our perfect example.

So Jesus got up from the table, removed his covering garments and instead wrapped a towel around His waist. He then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and wipe them with the towel He had wrapped around his waist.

Witnessing Jesus behaving made the disciples uncomfortable, but only Peter had the courage to speak up.

Are you washing my feet?

6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”

7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”

Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” - John 13:6-11NKJV

Perhaps Peter thought it was his role to step Jesus from washing his feet, to keep Jesus from ministering to him. Jesus knew that Peter could not understand what He was doing, so He explained to Peter that unless Peter allowed Him to wash his feet he would have no part with Him. This means we must allow Jesus to serve us, to wash us, to cleanse us. It is uncomfortable, but it also helps us comprehend the heart of God. The God of the Bible, the Creator, desires to save us, is willing to cleanse us, we just have to allow Him to.

Peter realizes his pride and his mistake so now he goes overboard asking Jesus to wash his hands and head as well. Jesus once again explains that since Peter had already been bather only his feet were dirty. I understand this to mean that once we are baptized and Jesus washes away our sins, we do not need to be rebaptized every time we mess up. I see communion as a mini re-baptism. Our feet get dirty living in this sinful world. It is not that we have abandoned Christ, only that we fall short and we rebel against God. Footwashing is an opportunity to have our sins forgiven and to recommit our lives to God.

Peter was far from perfect, but Jesus did not feel the need to wash all of Peter, only his feet would be enough. Interetingly, Jesus was also willing to wash the feet of Judas who would betray Him. Jesus did not only wash the feet of those who deserved it. Jesus washed everyone’s feet, giving everyone the opportunity to repent and be cleansed. When Jesus said, “you are not all clean” (John 13:11) this meant that the footwashing did not cleanse the one who in his heart had already decided to betray Jesus. The footwashing cleansed those who humbled themselves and allowed Jesus to wash their feet. But the condition of Judas’ heart prevented him from experiencing the blessings that Jeuss was offering. Pete was cleansed, along with all the disciples. But judas remained unclean even though Jesus had also washed his feet.

Maybe you feel like Peter, and at first you want to resist the idea of having anyone wash your feet. Maybe you don’t feel comfortable, maybe you believe you don’t deserve it. It is true, we do not deserve it. But we should not let pride keep us from receiving God’s grace. Also, this serves as a warning to not be like Judas. If you participate in the footwashing, but you are treasuring sin in your heart, it will not benefit you in any meaningful way. Your feet may be cleaner but no spiritual benefits will be gained.

Do you know what Jesus did for you?

12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. - John 13:12-16 NKJV

Jesus did not stop being Lord and Teacher because He washed the feet of His disciples. Jesus did not lose His identity when He chose to serve. Jesus was still their teacher, He remained their Lord, Jesus was still God when He was washing the feet of those twelve men, including the feet of the one who would betray Him. If Jesus was willing to wash the feet of twelve men who were infinitely inferior to Him in every way, what is your excuse for not wanting to wash someone’s feet?

Jesus was very clear. He gave us an example, that we should do as He did to His disciples. Jesus humbled Himself, we ought to humble ourselves. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, we should wash each others’ feet and in the process gain a better understanding of the heart of God. Foot washing is not about dirty feet, it is about humbling ourselves. Footwashing is about following Jesus’ example and experiencing in a very small way Jesus willingness to humble Himself and serve others.

Blessed are you if you do

17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. - John 13:17 NKJV

Jesus made it very clear that if we know these things, we receive a special blessing if we do them. The blessing does not come from mere intellectual ascent. It is not sufficient to merely know what Jesus did. Knowing what Jesus did is great, but the blessing comes from following His example. The blessing comes when we do, when we live out the example Jesus left us.

Don’t miss out on the blessing, don’t allow this to remain as mere head knowledge. Now that we know what Jesus did, let us follow His example and do likewise.

[christian-perspectives]

Moses Interceded For Israel With Great Results

What do we mean when we say that Moses interceded for Israel? Spiritual intercession means intervening on behalf of another person to the Lord through prayer. Here in Exodus, God showed us what it looks like when one intercedes for someone else. When Moses interceded for Israel, he found himself literally standing between them and God. Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.” Exodus 32:10 Let’s look at what happened in the Israelite’s camp that brought God to make such a statement. Going back to chapter 24, Moses climbed up Mt. Sinai to meet with God. Then Moses climbed up the mountain, and the cloud covered it. Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Exodus 24:15,18 During that time the Lord gave Moses instructions for the tabernacle and all the things that went with it. He also inscribed tablets of stone with His commandments. Those at the foot of the mountain, however, became very impatient thinking that Moses may have died. Desperation became the product of their impatience. 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. Exodus 32:1 Unless we aren’t given the whole story, Aaron didn’t try to dissuade the people at all. It certainly looked as though he went right along with their request.

Aaron Made a Golden Calf

So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” Exodus 32:2 After melting down their earrings, he made a golden calf for the assembly to worship. Because of their impatience, they had broken the first two commandments given back in chapter 20. You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. And you shall not bow down to them or worship them; Exodus 20:3-5 When Aaron saw how excited the people got about this calf, he also built an altar in front of it. Then he announced that they would celebrate the following day. And the next day they did with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry. God, at that point, told Moses he needed to go back down the mountain. He said this to Moses; Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! Exodus 32:7-8

Moses Interceded for the Sins of Israel

God was ready to destroy these stubborn people and begin over again by making Moses into a great nation. Moses, however, interceded for Israel by standing between them and God.  (Moses said) Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You bound yourself with an oath to them, saying, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven. And I will give them all of this land that I have promised to your descendants, and they will possess it forever.’” Exodus 32:13

When that conversation happened Moses hadn’t even started down the mountain yet. But then as he got closer to the bottom he heard them celebrating. He burned with anger and threw the stone tablets to the ground, smashing them at the foot of the mountain. Then he confronted Aaron. He turned to Aaron and demanded, “What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?” Exodus 32:21 Aaron’s answer was not very truthful, but you can read the entire account in Exodus 32. When Moses interceded for Israel it came in two parts. What we just covered was the first part. Moses became a mediator who spoke to God on behalf of the people of Israel. The verses at the end of the chapter record the second part. This time his intercession involved intervening for them. The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the Lord on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.” Exodus 32:30

Moses Interceded by Asking for Forgiveness

When he went before the Lord the first thing he did was confess the sin that was committed. He also acknowledged how detestable their sin was. Moses was in the presence of God when these sins were committed. Yet he included himself with everyone else when asking for the Lord’s forgiveness.  So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a terrible sin these people have committed. They have made gods of gold for themselves. But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!” Exodus 32:31-32 Moses is considered a type of Jesus in the Old Testament. You see, Jesus is the mediator between us and God and we can only enter into heaven through Him. Just like Moses interceded for Israel, Jesus also intercedes for us. He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for all who call upon His name. Lord, thank you for making a way for us to come into your presence through your Son Jesus. Check out these other related posts about prayer. - The Necessity Of Powerful Intercessory Prayer - Seek Forgiveness Of Sins Through Prayer - Jesus Prayed For Us! Did You Know That? Read the full article

[freebiblestudyhub]

Who is Kehath in the Bible?

In the Bible, the name Kehath is not widely known outside of specific genealogical contexts, but his significance lies within his role in the tribe of Levi. Kehath is a figure in the Old Testament, mentioned in several passages, and plays an important part in the Levitical priesthood and the family line that served in the tabernacle and, later, the temple. In this article, we will explore the identity, lineage, role, and significance of Kehath in the Bible. Through his story, we will uncover how God uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks, even if they are not the most prominent figures.

Genealogical Background of Kehath

To understand who Kehath was and his significance, we must first explore his lineage. Kehath is a descendant of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (also known as Israel), making him a member of the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties. The tribe of Levi was specifically chosen by God to serve in the sanctuary and perform duties related to the tabernacle, later to the temple, as well as other sacred responsibilities.

Kehath’s Father: Levi

Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah. His tribe was assigned a special role in Israel’s religious life. The Levites did not inherit a portion of the land in Israel, unlike the other tribes. Instead, they were scattered among the other tribes to assist with religious matters. The tribe of Levi was distinguished by its service to God, and it was subdivided into three main families: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Kehath was the son of Amram and the grandson of Kohath, a descendant of Levi.

Kehath’s Lineage and Role

Kehath’s family, known as the Kohathites, was one of the three Levitical families. The Kohathites had the responsibility of carrying the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and other holy articles (Numbers 4:4-15). This responsibility was a significant honor, as it involved handling and transporting the most sacred items in the Israelites’ worship system. The Kohathites were not allowed to touch these sacred objects directly, as doing so would bring death (Numbers 4:15). Instead, they were responsible for covering the items and ensuring they were transported properly.

The Kohathites, led by Kehath’s descendants, were entrusted with these holy duties, which were critical to the functioning of Israel’s worship and the presence of God among His people.

The Role of Kehath’s Descendants

Kehath had four sons: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel (Exodus 6:18-21). His descendants continued to play an essential role in Israel’s religious life, particularly through the service of the tabernacle and later the temple.

Amram: Kehath’s Most Prominent Son

Amram, Kehath’s son, is perhaps the most well-known member of Kehath’s family. Amram married Jochebed, and together they had three children: Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of Egypt, is perhaps the most famous figure in the Bible, and his leadership had a profound impact on the history of Israel. Aaron, Moses’ brother, became the first high priest of Israel, with his descendants continuing in the high priestly line. This means that Kehath’s family, specifically through Amram, played a central role in the leadership and priesthood of Israel.

The Kohathite Duties in the Tabernacle

The duties of the Kohathites were critical during the time the Israelites were in the wilderness and later when they settled in the Promised Land. The Kohathites were responsible for carrying the Holy of Holies — the most sacred items in the tabernacle. These included the Ark of the Covenant, the altar of incense, and the lampstand. Their job was to carry these items during the Israelites’ journeys, but only after they were carefully prepared and covered by the priests. The Kohathites had a very specific role in the worship and care of the tabernacle, and their responsibilities were among the most sacred of all the Levitical duties.

Kehath in the Bible: Key Passages

Although Kehath himself does not feature prominently in many stories, his lineage and the role of his descendants are critical to understanding his importance in the biblical narrative. Let’s examine some of the key passages where Kehath or his descendants are mentioned.

Exodus 6:18-21

This passage offers a genealogical record of the family of Levi and highlights Kehath’s place in that lineage. It mentions the names of Kehath’s sons: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. It also establishes the connection between Kehath and his descendants in the Levitical priesthood. While Kehath himself is not the central figure, this genealogy is crucial for understanding his family’s future role in Israel’s religious system.

“And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred and thirty and three years.”

Numbers 3:27-32

In Numbers 3, God assigns specific duties to the various Levitical families, including the Kohathites. This passage explains that the Kohathites were entrusted with the most sacred duties, particularly concerning the care and transportation of the tabernacle’s holy objects. It specifically mentions that the Kohathites were to serve under the supervision of Aaron and his sons, ensuring that they performed their duties according to the prescribed laws of God.

“And the chief of the house of the father of the Kohathites shall be Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest…”

Numbers 4:4-20

Numbers 4 elaborates further on the duties of the Kohathites, describing their responsibility to handle the holy objects of the tabernacle. The care with which these items were to be treated reflects the sanctity and holiness of God’s presence among His people. The Kohathites were required to carry these items with great care and reverence, as touching them directly would result in death. This passage further solidifies the Kohathites’ unique role in Israel’s worship system.

“This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things…”

1 Chronicles 6:1-15

This passage offers another genealogical account, again mentioning Kehath and his descendants. It provides further context for the importance of the Kohathite family in the temple services, specifically noting the division of duties within the Levites. The genealogical listing underscores how the descendants of Kehath, through Amram, played a major role in Israel’s religious leadership, including the office of the high priest.

“The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.”

Kehath’s Theological Significance

While Kehath himself does not play a central narrative role in Scripture, his descendants’ role in Israel’s worship and leadership is theologically significant. Understanding Kehath’s family lineage helps us to see the holiness of God’s presence and the responsibility that comes with being in close proximity to it. The Kohathites were entrusted with the sacred items of the tabernacle, which pointed to the holiness of God and His desire for His people to live in reverence and worship.

God’s Holiness and His Presence Among His People

Kehath’s descendants were given a unique responsibility that underscored the holiness of God. Only those chosen by God — the Levites and specifically the Kohathites — were allowed to carry and care for the sacred items associated with the presence of God. This teaches us about God’s holiness and the importance of reverence when approaching Him.

The Priesthood and God’s Covenant

Through Kehath’s line, the priesthood of Israel was established. Amram, his son, became the father of Moses and Aaron, both pivotal figures in Israel’s covenant relationship with God. This shows that Kehath’s family played a direct role in the leadership and spiritual well-being of Israel. The responsibility passed down through generations of the Kohathites highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises and His desire for His people to be set apart for His service.

Modern-Day Relevance of Kehath’s Legacy

Though Kehath lived long ago, his legacy is relevant to us today in several ways:

A Call to Serve in Reverence

Just as Kehath’s descendants were given the sacred task of handling the holy objects of the tabernacle, Christians today are called to live lives of reverence before God. The New Testament teaches believers that they are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This means that, like the Kohathites, we are entrusted with the sacred duty of living in a way that honors God’s holiness.

God’s Faithfulness to His People

Kehath’s descendants were entrusted with significant responsibilities, and God’s faithfulness to them is evident throughout Israel’s history. Today, we can take comfort in the fact that God is faithful to His promises and that He equips His people for the tasks He calls them to.

Conclusion

Kehath may not be one of the most widely known figures in the Bible, but his lineage, particularly through his son Amram, had a profound impact on the spiritual history of Israel.

Through the Kohathites, God established a system of worship that highlighted His holiness and His presence among His people. Kehath’s descendants remind us of the importance of serving God with reverence and obedience, and their role in Israel’s worship system points us to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan through Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

In reflecting on Kehath’s life and legacy, we see how God uses individuals and families to fulfill His divine purposes, even when their stories are told quietly through genealogies and sacred duties.

[superjakethegreat]

Be a Moses

December 2, 2024

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. (Proverbs 29:25 NLT)

Imagine the scene. Moses is descending from Mount Sinai, holding the commandments that God gave him. As he nears the Israelite camp, he sees the people dancing before a golden calf.

Outraged, he says to Aaron, “What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?” (Exodus 32:21 NLT).

Aaron’s excuse for the behavior of the people is so absurd that it should be permanently enshrined in the Excuse Hall of Fame.

He replied, “You yourself know how evil these people are. They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.’ So I told them, ‘Whoever has gold jewelry, take it off.’ When they brought it to me, I simply threw it into the fire—and out came this calf!” (verses 22–24 NLT).

Aaron should have drawn the line when the people came to him and demanded something to worship. He should have told them, “You just worship God, and wait until Moses gets back.” Instead, he caved in.

Not only did Aaron go along with their plan, but he also facilitated it. He helped produce the problem.

Let’s remember that when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush, He wanted Moses alone to go to Pharaoh. God promised to do miracles through Moses to confirm that He had sent him.

However, Moses offered a series of excuses as to why he wasn’t the one for the job. He also complained that he’d never been a gifted speaker. So God said, “Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say” (Exodus 4:16 NLT).

But while Moses was away, Aaron made a mess of things.

There are a lot of people like Aaron today. When they’re around committed Christians, they’re strong. But when they’re away from Christians, they blend into the woodwork.

The story of Aaron’s spiritual demise serves as a warning to the vacillating, compromising person who always wants to go along with public opinion and is more concerned with what people think than with what God thinks.

As we see in this story, the compromiser reaches no one.

Maybe we think the way to reach our nonbelieving friends is to do what they do and simply blend in. We conclude that in doing so, we will win them over and they will come to Christ.

The reality is that no one has ever been won to Christ that way. The way people come to Christ is through Christians living godly lives. They come to Christ when Christians practice what they preach. They come to Christ when Christians love them with compassion and share God’s Word with them.

Don’t be an Aaron. Be a Moses. Be the person who stands up for what is right, because one person can make a big difference

[thegoodnews4today]

Shared Journal 1: Winning Against Our Enemies(How to Handle a Difficult Challenge Based on Exodus 17:8-15)

A Battle Scene MET DP827299.jpg Credit: Ferdinand Kobell Copyright: Wikimedia Commons

Winning against our enemies, as this story in the Bible shows, becomes possible when we combine our faith with our efforts. That is, when we both commit to the Lord our concerns about them and do whatever may keep us safe from their plans against us. Although this story is about the Israelite’s battle against their enemies, it also gives us insight on how we can accomplish a difficult task, or face a dangerous situation in our lives today.

The situation that Moses and the Israelites dealt with involved fighting their enemies with the help of God. It may be different from the difficult situations that we are facing now in our families, jobs, businesses or ministries. But what’s similar between our situation and theirs is that both need God to change for our good. Specifically, this story teaches us these things:

1. Whenever we lift up our hands to God to praise and worship Him like what Moses did on top of the hill, God fights and defeats our enemies for us. Our enemies serve as burdens to us and take away peace and joy from our hearts. God removes them from our lives and sets us free from the troubles and pain that they give us .

2. When a Christian friend of ours feels tired, downhearted, or sick and cannot lift up his hands to God to pray to Him for freedom from troubles; we can help him do it by “lifting up his hands” for him. That is, we can pray to God or lift up our hands to Him for our friend’s difficulties to stop. It’s like what Moses’ friends did when he felt tired of lifting up his hands(v.12). They helped him keep his hands steady, and by doing so, they defeated their enemies.

3. When one of our brothers in Christ is doing an important task for God like Joshua, the man who Moses ordered to fight the Amalekites, we can lift up our hands to God for him to ask that He give him success in whatever he is doing. Our prayers can make it easier for him to accomplish his task when God gives him grace to do it in answer to our prayers.

4.  God is with His people, who worship His name. But He opposes those who fight against Him like the Amalekites in this story. He never leaves His people in any battle, but it usually requires faith, commitment, and humility(shown in times of prayer and worship) from His people to see God performing miracles on their behalf.

5. When the Israelites fought against the Amalekites in this story, it was not Moses, their leader, who actually fought against their enemies. Instead, it was Joshua, the man who would become his successor, who fought against them with the other Israelites. Moses, however, showed the most indispensable quality that leaders should have: a strong relationship with God. They should know how to rely on God’s power to accomplish significant things for the people that they lead. Moses had this quality as their leader, which helped them overcome their enemies.

After helping them win their battle against the Amalekites, the LORD commanded Moses to write what He had done for them on a scroll “as something to be remembered(v.14).” He didn’t want them to forget the success that He had given them in a time of difficulty, so they would always come to Him with reverence and gratitude in their hearts.

References:

Student Bible(NIV)

Personal Opinion

[southerngraceful]

Never forget the power of your God.

We’ve all been in those situations that feel impossible—the kind that seems like it’ll never end, like it’s going to crush you, and you don’t know if you’ll ever recover. The situations where you have no idea what to do, and the outcome feels uncertain and overwhelming.

When I think about those moments, I think about Moses and the Israelites. They were finally free, leaving Egypt behind, running from everything they’d ever known. But just when they thought they might escape, they found themselves backed up to the Red Sea with nowhere to go. And right there, on the horizon, came the Egyptian army. It says in Exodus that they “feared greatly” as they watched the Egyptians closing in on them. I imagine them feeling so confused, hurt, and maybe even betrayed. Some of them even started to wonder if freedom was worth it—they said they’d rather have stayed as slaves than to risk dying out there in the wilderness.

But then Moses, with this bold and unwavering faith, stands up and says to them, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today” (Exodus 14:13). Moses didn’t know how God was going to make a way, but he knew God would. Because he trusted. Because he knew God’s heart.

What I love is that from the very beginning, God had a plan. At the start of Chapter 14, He told Moses to camp by the sea, to set up in what seemed like the worst possible spot. God knew exactly what He was doing. He said that Pharaoh would see the Israelites trapped and come after them. God was setting everything up. He told Moses, “I will get glory over Pharaoh, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” God was orchestrating a story that would show His power and His faithfulness in the most undeniable way.

So there they were, surrounded on every side. Pharaoh wasn’t holding back. He brought everything he had—every horse, every chariot, his entire army. He didn’t leave a single soldier behind. He was coming at the Israelites with everything he could muster. But even though it looked like there was no way out, God already had it all worked out. God knew that the Israelites would be backed up against the sea. He knew that He was going to part it for them. God had the whole thing planned from the start.

Moses’ faith was so strong that he told the Israelites, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” He didn’t have a blueprint, he just knew that God was going to show up. The Message translation says, “Watch God do His work.” What the Israelites saw as an obstacle, God saw as an opportunity. He turned what seemed impossible into a path.

And here’s what gets me: when God made that way through the sea, He didn’t just make a path. The Bible says three times that they walked across on dry ground. Not muck, not mud, not slippery, messy ground. It was solid. God made a road. A road that was strong enough for every single one of them—the able-bodied, the young, the old, the crippled, the moms carrying babies, the broken and the weary. When it looked like there was no way, God made a way. He literally made a road where there was none. When everything seemed hopeless, God made hope.

And then there’s the Egyptian army, blinded by hatred and pride, charging right into the sea after them. I can’t help but wonder if any of them hesitated, even for a second. Did anyone think, “What if this path isn’t as safe as it looks? What if the sea collapses?” But they were so consumed by their rage and determination that they followed blindly into the very thing that would destroy them. That’s what hatred and bitterness can do. It blinds us, leading us right into the dangers we can’t see because we’re so focused on our anger.

Through all of this, God was with the Israelites. He not only cleared the path ahead of them but also guarded them from behind. In verse 19, it says that the angel of God, who had been going before them, moved and went behind them, standing between the Israelites and the Egyptian army. God was covering every angle, making sure no one was left behind. He was with them at the front, leading the way, and at the back, protecting them. They didn’t have to fight the Egyptians—God did. Even when the Egyptians were trapped, bogged down in the mud, they recognized the truth. Verse 25 says, “And the Egyptians said, ‘Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them.’” Even at the end, they saw God’s power and His faithfulness.

Can you imagine the story the Israelites had to tell after that? They saw the sea part. They saw the downfall of their enemies. They witnessed firsthand the power and faithfulness of God, who turned their impossible situation into a testimony of His strength.

So, remember: God’s got a plan, even if we can’t see it. When we’re in the valley, He’s there. When we’re on the mountain, He’s there. When we’re backed up to our own “Red Sea,” He’s there, working it out in ways we might never expect. You don’t have to know the whole plan to trust that God has one. He goes before us, making a way, and He stays behind us, covering every step.

The battle belongs to God. And when He speaks, mountains move, seas part, battles are won without us even lifting a finger. Just like with the Israelites, He’s leading us on a journey we don’t fully understand yet. But we can rest knowing that He’s with us every step of the way—before us, behind us, surrounding us.

What a mighty God we serve.

[steveezekiel]

THE IMPLICIT SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WRONG DECISION OR POLICY MADE BY A LEADER 1

1 SATAN ROSE UP AGAINST ISRAEL AND CAUSED DAVID TO TAKE A CENSUS OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.

2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “TAKE A CENSUS OF ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—AND BRING ME A REPORT SO I MAY KNOW HOW MANY THERE ARE.”

14 SO THE LORD SENT A PLAGUE UPON ISRAEL, AND 70,000 PEOPLE DIED AS A RESULT.

15 And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, the Lord relented and said to the death angel, “Stop! That is enough!” At that moment the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

16 David looked up and saw the angel of the Lord standing between heaven and earth with his sword drawn, reaching out over Jerusalem. So David and the leaders of Israel put on burlap to show their deep distress and fell face down on the ground.

17 AND DAVID SAID TO GOD, “I AM THE ONE WHO CALLED FOR THE CENSUS! I AM THE ONE WHO HAS SINNED AND DONE WRONG! BUT THESE PEOPLE ARE AS INNOCENT AS SHEEP—WHAT HAVE THEY DONE? O LORD MY GOD, LET YOUR ANGER FALL AGAINST ME AND MY FAMILY, BUT DO NOT DESTROY YOUR PEOPLE."

1 Chronicles 21:1,2,14-17 (NLT)

• If the devil wanted to afflict a nation or a group of people, he would move their leader to do contrary to God's Word—Sin against God.

- You might be wandering; Why a census or the numbering of the people would bring a plague? Why would God be angry with such a move? God Himself had one time commanded Moses to number the Israelites when they were in the wilderness (Numbers 1:1-3; 26:1-4). Then, Why would He be angry when David did?

- When you pledge an allegiance or a solemn commitment to God, He would give you some guidelines or instructions or commands or rules to follow or abide with. Even in your individual walk with God As a believer.

- God is not precarious, uncertain or lacking in stability, Whose mood changes every now and then. If you understood Him and walked or abided with His principles and commands; you would not incur or bring upon yourself His wrath.

- God had earlier told the Israelites that whenever a census is taken or conducted, every man counted had to give a Ransom for himself: “WHENEVER YOU TAKE A CENSUS OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, EACH MAN WHO IS COUNTED MUST PAY A RANSOM FOR HIMSELF TO THE LORD. THEN NO PLAGUE WILL STRIKE THE PEOPLE AS YOU COUNT THEM" (Exodus 30:12 NLT).

READ: Numbers 30:11-16

• One could deduce from the passage, the reasons for the plague, when David instructed that the Israelites should be numbered:

a. There probably was no need for the census. When David instructed Joab to number Israel, he may have done it for egoism. Even when Joab was telling him there was no need for the census, David insisted that It should be conducted (1 Chronicles 21:3,4).

b. The people counted probably did not pay the Ransom they supposed to pay, according to God's commands through Moses (Numbers 30:11-16). Because If the Ransom were paid, the plague would not have been: " . . . EACH MAN WHO IS COUNTED MUST PAY A RANSOM FOR HIMSELF TO THE LORD. THEN NO PLAGUE WILL STRIKE THE PEOPLE AS YOU COUNT THEM" (Exodus 30:12).

- This shows to us that If a leader; in government, or in the family, or in an organization, misses it; the consequences of whatever he or she did wrongly would be on the people under their leadership.

- This is the reason why the Bible instructed the believers to pray for those in authority, in government, that we might live or have a peaceful life:

1 THEREFORE I EXHORT FIRST OF ALL THAT SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND GIVING OF THANKS BE MADE FOR ALL MEN, 2 FOR KINGS AND ALL WHO ARE IN AUTHORITY, THAT WE MAY LEAD A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE IN ALL GODLINESS AND REVERENCE" (1 Timothy 2:1,2 NKJV).

- A wrong decision made by the Head of government, and those who are with him or her, would have a negative consequence or effect or impact on the citizens.

- When the plague came because of the wrong decision or policy of David, the consequences were on all Israel:

14 SO THE LORD SENT A PLAGUE UPON ISRAEL, AND 70,000 PEOPLE DIED AS A RESULT. 15 AND GOD SENT AN ANGEL TO DESTROY JERUSALEM . . . " (1 Chronicles 21:14,15).

- When a leader goes against God's Will; His order or commands, such a leader puts the people under his or her leadership in jeopardy—distress or trouble.

- This is applicable to every level of leadership. A father in a home or family might make a wrong decision that would put the whole family in problems.

- Thus, the wife who is the help meet, a helper or companion, and the grown up children in the family; have a responsibility to pray for the Man—the head of the family—who is the husband and the father in that home.

- This is the reason why whoever in a position of leadership should first of all be submissive unwaveringly to God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit on the inside of him as a Believer.

- To be able to lead others effectively and successfully, in God's Way; a leader would need to submit to God and allow Him, God, to direct in all the affairs of his or her life.

• If you allowed God through the Holy Spirit on the inside of you, As a Believer in a particular leadership position, to lead and direct and guide you; you would not put the people under your leadership in any unnecessary and avoidable problems.

a. Think and ask from God what to do before making any decision, especially If such a decision would have impacts on your people—those under your leadership.

b. As a leader in the family, the church or ministry, the community, or the nation As a whole; consider the consequences of whatever you wanted to do on the people you are leading.

- If you failed in your responsibility As a leader, you had disappointed God Who permitted you to be put in that position or office (2 Timothy 2:4,19).

- For you to succeed in your leadership assignment, you have to make God number One in your life. Always Acknowledge Him and let Him lead you on every matter of life (Proverbs 3:5,6).

- Remember, you would give account of your stewardship. The blood of those who lost their lives, or who died unjustly, under your leadership would be required from you:

15 THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL ARE THE HEAD, AND THE LYING PROPHETS ARE THE TAIL. 16 FOR THE LEADERS OF THE PEOPLE HAVE MISLED THEM. THEY HAVE LED THEM DOWN THE PATH OF DESTRUCTION" (Isaiah 9:15,16 NLT).

12 AS FOR MY PEOPLE, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O MY PEOPLE! THOSE WHO LEAD YOU CAUSE YOU TO ERR, AND DESTROY THE WAY OF YOUR PATHS.”

Isaiah 3:12 (NKJV)

READ: Ezekiel 33:7-9

TO BE CONTINUED

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Should there be any ailment in your body, receive your healing now in Jesus' name.

- The Hold of infirmity is totally broken in your life and never will you be bound again in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Peace!

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. Ask that He will write your name in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[creatememorieswithme]

When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

—John 18:6

Observation: God is God. This is evident when Moses asked the name of God. God told Moses "I AM WHO I AM" and He told Moses to tell the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you" (Exodus 3:13-14). God is exactly who He is. He just is because He must be. Jesus is the Word of God who existed before everything else existed and He became flesh to fulfill the Father's plan of salvation long before everything else existed. When Judas, the soldiers, and the officials first heard this, they fell to the ground because Jesus self-identified as He Is to show His authority and divine power. Application: We have to submit to the authority of Jesus no matter what the circumstances are, for He sacrificed His life for us; He was willing to die for us and that is how much He loves us. If we could submit to our bosses at work who aren't even willing to die for us and probably don't care about us, all the more we have to submit to the Person who is willing to give it all to us. He is our groom, and we are His bride. We have to submit to His authority—not only because He deserves it—but because of how deep our love is for the Person who has been loving us since the beginning, way before we were formed on our mother's wombs and way before everything began. He never abandoned us, so let us not abandon Him too, and let's submit to Him.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving us even before the beginning of everything. Thank You for never leaving us behind. You are always here with us. You are who You are because You've been there before everything started. And I am truly grateful for the opportunity You've given me to let me know who You really are. Thank You for that encounter two years ago. For 27 years of my life, I have known You by the name religion and tradition told me to call You, but I do not really know who You are, that You Are Who You Are. I did not know You because I never had a relationship with You, for I did not know You Are You. And it was so hard to submit to You because I didn't have a relationship with You. I thought only knowing You by name was enough, but it wasn't. I was so lost because I just knew how You are called by religion, but I never really followed You. Now, I am 29 years old, and for these two years of getting to know who You truly are, it has been a blast. It's not anymore about, "Oh, I'm so scared of hell so I have to believe Jesus exists," but I feel it's been about, "I have been missing out for the last 27 years of my life, and these two years has been so satisfying and fulfilling by walking with Jesus in my life." You know how I truly feel about You and I am in too deep to come back to my past. I cannot imagine anymore going back to the life I once had, walking alone on a path where there's no assurance of anything. Since I have been walking with You, things may haven't been easier, but I feel free, fulfilled, and assured. There may be pebbles along the road we have been walking on, but I am assured that the road I'm walking on is the road that leads to life. As we walk together, You have been holding my hand, and even when I let go at times and stumble, You always grab my hand and pick me up so You can wash my feet and let me walk with You again. I am sorry for not holding onto Your hands tightly. I am clumsy, I am weak, I easily get tired. My life as a spoonie hasn't been easy, but even so, You've always given me chances. I am so frustrated at myself because I have been abusing the chances You've given me. Forgive me, Lord Jesus. I ask that You give me strength and extra spoons to spend, so I won't stop holding Your hand as we walk together. You know my desires, and I wrote a list about it. I am not asking for too much; I am not asking for unlimited spoons, but if I had unlimited spoons, I would do all of those things listed there. But I know that doing everything is impossible because I'm only human, and I'm a spoonie at that, so please allow me to have the wisdom to allocate my spoons to things that are important in that list. You have given me free will, but align my plans to Your plans, Lord. My life is meaningless if my plans do not align with Your plans because it would only make me thirsty just as I was two years ago before meeting who You truly are. For me to be truly satisfied, I am aware that I have to do what You intend me to do. I have to fulfill the purpose You've written in my heart and mind. May the Holy Spirit fill me up and advocate for the desires You have placed in my heart. Amen.

[marysittingathisfeet]

The Cousins Who Did Then Didn't

Exodus 18:1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.

Who were the Midianites? After Sarah died, Abraham took another wife. Her name was Keturah and she bore Abraham six sons. The fourth son was named Midian, from whom the Midianites descended. The name Midian means "place of judgment" and "strife". I wonder what was going on in Abraham's life at that time that he named his son this? Perhaps God had not wanted Abraham to remarry. After all Isaac was the chosen son. Ishmael was already a thorn in Isaac's side.

Genesis 25:5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still living; he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.

When Abraham fathered Ishmael, problems arose, and Ishmael and his mother had to be sent away. Abraham does a similar act when he sends his six sons away to the East. Perhaps there may have been strife between the two families, or maybe Abraham just wanted to avoid any strife between his sons and Isaac.

Abraham must have taught his six sons about the Lord, and Midian must have taught his sons because the Midianites initially worshipped God himself. When Moses fled Egypt, he stayed with the Midianites. He even married Zipporah, Jethro's daughter. Jethro was the priest of Midian, a high rank. Moses had lived with Jethro and his family for forty years. Most likely they had developed a close and warm relationship. After the Israelites are freed and cross the Red Sea, Jethro travels to see Moses. With him is Zipporah and Moses’ sons.

Exodus 18:7- So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. When Jethro hears all that God had done for the Israeli people the bible tells us he was delighted. Jethro then praises God.

Exodus 18:11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly. In fact, Jethro knew how to offer burnt offerings and sacrifices. Exodus 18: 12- Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God. (Reminds me of when we take communion together.)

Eventually the Midianites do become enemies of Israel? So why? What happened? It all has to do with sex, seduction, and pagan worship. It is now forty years later. Moses and the Israelites had wandered the desert and were preparing to enter the promised land. Israel was staying in Shittim which was the last encampment of Israel before they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. Shittim was located in the Transjordan regions of Moab and Midian. This is northeast of the Dead Sea in the southern plains of Moab.

 As the Moabite woman would cause the Israeli men to worship their gods, most likely the Midianites had also begun to worship the gods of Moab during those forty years the Israelis wandered.

Why was God so angry at the Midianites?

Numbers 25:1,2 While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite woman, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods.” 

How different this meal was when compared to the meal that Jethro had with Moses and the elders of Israel. The Midianites who had once worshipped the Lord, were now worshipping false gods. In addition, they were leading the men of Israel away from God.

Numbers 25:16- The Lord said to Moses, "Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them. They treated you as enemies when they deceived you in the Peor incident involving their sister Kozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader, the woman who was killed when the plaque came as a result of that incident.”

Kozbi was not just any Midianite woman. She was in essence royalty. Being a chief's daughter she may have been one of the ring leaders of the woman who were instrumental in enticing the Israeli men to worship their god Baal of Peor. This unholy coalition between the Israeli men and the woman caused the divide between the former allies.

In fact God tells Moses "Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people." Numbers 31:2

The Midianites having a godly past and turning their back on that God, brought judgment onto themselves. The god they worshipped was Baal of Peor. The Bible tells us that the men's actions yoked themselves to this god. This brought on a plague that would eventually kill 24,000 people. To stop the plague, God commanded Moses to "Take all the leaders of these people, kill them, and expose them in broad daylight before the Lord, so that the Lord's fierce anger may turn away from Israel." Numbers 25: 4.

God's judgement caused the people of Israel to be in great distress. We are told they were weeping. Then an Israelite man brought into the camp a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance of the tent of meeting. Numbers 25:6

Men have been condemned to death because of sin. This sin brought a plague that killed thousands of people, and the people are grieving. Suddenly an Israeli man callously strides right by the meeting tent filled with weeping people. In tow he has his Midianite lover. This was not only disrespectful and rebellious toward God, but toward his fellow Israelites as well. Phinehas, who was chief priest, becomes enraged at what he sees. He follows the pair into a tent.  While in the act of intercourse, Phinehas thrust a spear through the pair.

 "and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear into both of them, right through the Israelite man and into the woman's stomach then the plague against the Israelites was stopped." Numbers 25: 8

"The name of the Israelite who was killed with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, and leader of the Simeonite family. And the name of the Midianite woman who was put to death was Kozbi daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family. Numbers 25:14,15

After this God declares the Midianites enemies of Israel and commands Moses to fight them. Moses does indeed go to battle against the very people he had once lived amongst. Moses and Phinehas kill all the men, including their five kings, burn down their settlements and take captive the women, children and livestock. God in his mercy did not completely wipe out the Midianite people. Probably in deference to Abraham's devotion and obedience to God.

The next time we meet the Midianites is a mere 90 years later. The Israelites had turned from God and were worshipping the gods of the Amorites. As a punishment God allowed the Midianites to oppress Israel for seven years. The Israeli people were so maltreated they sought "shelters for themselves in the mountain clefts, caves, and strongholds." Judges 6:2.

The bible describes the invaders as locusts. They routinely would return to harass the people of Israel year after year.

Judges 6:4- They (Midianites and other peoples from the East) camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep, nor cattle, nor donkeys.

The people were starving, and they called out to the Lord. Into this God anoints Gideon to lead a small army of 300 Israelites to fight the four kings of Midian and their mighty armies. Gideon and his army surrounded the Midianite camp at night, smashed jars, blew trumpets, and yelled causing confusion in the enemy camp. The Midianites were so confused they began to fight and kill each other. The army fled in fear and Gideon and his men chase and kill all four kings and most of the army.

What can we learn from this? God's love is steadfast even when we sin. Even though we may suffer the consequences of that sin, God does not abandon us. When the people of Israel cried out to God because of their suffering, God responded.

[thepitofjob]

Job 19: 23-27. "Mature Content."

The final process of a Gemara, a religious argument, is what is called Da'at, or understanding. For there to be Da'at, one must have evidence. Discussions, no matter how frequent or fervent about puffy clouds and love in the air and life over there are not sufficient to quality as a Gemara as there is no Da'at.

When the Laws were given to Moses, God used His Finger to write them in two plates of sapphire, the national color.

From Ki Tessa:

18 When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

This is the foundation for concept of Gemara named below and its giving over to the people by Moses to define their limitations was to lead to the Da'at.

In Egypt, Moses and Aaron argued with Pharaoh why the Israelites needed to be free, and provided the basis. This along with the Ten Plagues was the Mishnah. The Gemara came down mountain. Freedom is contained within obeisance to certain laws. There is evidence of this.

God told the people they were to free themselves and observe the Shabbos. Immediately after that, Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh, "we wish to be free."

But Pharaoh said "oh you do, do you???"

Exodus 7:1-2

The Lord told Moses to make Aaron his prophet and tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. 

Exodus 5:1

Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh, "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness". 

Moses and Aaron performed wonders before Pharaoh, but Pharaoh's heart remained hard and he did not let the Israelites go. 

The Israelites were then let go, but they were not free. The law is gurantee needed to prove one is free, AKA it is the evidence of liberation.

The kind of liberation one pursues in the Shule through the creation of Gemara follows the example in Ki Tessa, they are written in the mind on and brought down, all the way down, to the iron tool of lead.

Job worries he will not see God in himself, and doesn't want to be told about evidence of God on the exterior by someone else. Gemara is the only way to know the Spirit of God on one's own.

We read the Gemara of course to learn how to do it and understand the Mishnah, but Gemara is always done by oneself no matter how many others exist:

23 “Oh, that my words were recorded,     that they were written on a scroll, 24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on[b] lead,     or engraved in rock forever! 25 I know that my redeemer[c] lives,     and that in the end he will stand on the earth.[d] 26 And after my skin has been destroyed,     yet[e] in[f] my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him     with my own eyes—I, and not another.     How my heart yearns within me!

In spite of itself, the above seems to be a psalm of love which pines away after some unknown or more than likely, an unavalable anal invader. Religion is not going to help, try flowers and a box of candy first.

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 23-24: Oh that my words were engraved in rock! Promises are not good enough. The product of the Shule is Shabbat, a life of ease. Promises are made to be broken, but an ethical man needn't make any, as he has no troubles at all bearing the trust of others.

The Number is 11965, יא‎טוה‎‎ ‎"It will be ironed."

Iron is common. A man must be able to mine the iron within himself and using the heat of Hor, make himself useful. If he wants to go so far as to be pure, he must forge himself out of gold.

God wrote the Decrees on sapphire because that is the only medium in which He can work. Sapphire blue is the infinite expanse of the blue sky which is apparent during the day, when the lights are one.

Otherwise, man's work is done by shaping his internal iron, using his willpower. A good Gemara will emphasize the connection between the iron will needed between the groin and the anus, and a clear head in the carrying out of the laws of God and man.

v. 25-26: I know my redeemer will stand on the earth. Do not let Christian horseshit infect these words. God is not going to send a wayward mankind a man in a white bathrobe to "redeem us". That is ridiculous. Redemption is the product of a complete reoutfitting of one's behavior.

The ego pig will struggle at the very sound of this because we think we can't have fun anymore once we grow up but that is the reason God created Shabbos and Shabbat. All arguments in Judaism must point out what is called "coiled driving power" by the Upanishads can be sprung, just not in an unethical way.

The Number is 8700, ףין, "My mouth is my penis."

To suggest the world automatically becomes a better place once we become conversant in the handling of the penis is naive. Nor is it groundbreaking to compare the power of speech to the creative power of God, or how it stands up and waves the boys adieu, goodbye. So we will fast track to the fact we are discussing Job, the manhole, the womb where the princes of Israel are made. This text is a foundry intended not to create redemption for the self so much as to found a generation of Jewish princes (and princesses) that will leave the Shule, enter the real world and turn the tide that is threatening to wash it away.

There is the expectation in tandem with this of a brand of sexuality that is exciting, interesting, and thrilling to the public but one that is not scandalous or filthy. The world needs this if it is to understand and embrace Shabbos and Shabbat and accept the yoke of the Mashiach.

v. 27: How my heart yearns.

Observe how I addressed the problems teenagers (and many adults) experience with the party in their pants, paved a way through obeisance to the rules and the law, and concluded society has a need to embrace an ethical, well informed adult entertainment medium that brings happiness rather than grief, and it is possible to do it.

The passage concludes: "I want to see it." Well, so you should!

The Number is 8420, ףד‎ך, "by you."

The world has become all too willing to stop in its tracks because of matters pertaining to human sexuality. The Jewish people long since have been fighting this. Every Jewish person who finds a tasteful way to express his or her attractions and tell a humorous story about their adventures brings light into a world that is rapidly descending into darkness.

The end of oppression related to matters of sex is an important horizon the human race must cross it is the one that is holding us back from giving our undivided attention to the rest. All Princes and Princesses of Israel are expected to carry this torch.

[novoplata]

Less = Unhappy?

And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed. - Exodus 16:18, NIV

One of the most miserable chapters in my career happened 10 years ago when I worked for a KL PR company as an associate consultant.

The stress was high and I remember feeling a wave of anxiety every Sunday, dreading what was to come on yet another working week. I submitted my resignation letter thrice that year, and each time, my then-director would talk me out of it. When my year-long contract finally ended, I was relieved, but at the same time, I was worried that I wouldn't find the same offer money-wise.

The year was 2014 and I was earning RM4,500 on an executive's salary. Everywhere I went after that, the prospective employers would tell me that they wouldn't be able to offer nearly as much. With not much savings left, I soon settled for a job that paid RM3000 -- a whooping RM1500 less than my previous job.

Needless to say, that huge salary downgrade left a bitter taste in my mouth. Furthermore, I had just moved out of my dad's house to live on my own, so bills were higher with less funds to pay them with. In my fear of not having enough, I would sometimes wish that I had held on longer or opted for a contract extension. I'd often forget about how miserable and stressed I was when I was working there.

Yet the LORD says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. - Deuteronomy 29:5, NIV

Somehow, like how it was with the Israelites in the wilderness, God made everything enough for me even when logically I should be receiving less. I made a habit of keeping a record of my monthly income, this was how much I was receiving in 2017 when my salary was only RM3500:

What I learned from that season is that your provision (rezeki) doesn't come from your monthly salary. It comes from God's grace and blessings.

There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. - Proverbs 13:7, NKJV

I'd often look back and wonder how was I able to be so joyful and able to get so much done in a month (I was juggling multiple projects), yet I'm merely doing one job today and already feeling so miserable and burnt out. The answer, I would relearn again and again, is in the Lord's grace.

And it's also by God's grace that I was able to find so many opportunities at all! I assure you that ironically, as I sought to 'provide for myself' and find a better-paying job, these other opportunities, too, would soon vanish. Ironically, it was when I was supposed to be earning less that I was the richest. King Solomon in Proverbs 13 was not bluffing!

Realising that I'm in the same trajectory season I was in 10 years ago, I thought to myself that I should learn to let go and let God once more. I would let go of what I think would make me happy (better salary, prestigious position, etc.) and let God lead me where I know would make me happy: serving him wholeheartedly with my talents.

I recently applied for a job which I knew would pay significantly less., and my friend who knew I was applying for this job asked me, "Are you sure? The pay is very little..."

I thought to myself, there's no price for peace. Besides, even if I would receive less than one employer, it doesn't mean God can't open up other opportunities for me to make ends meet. He's done it before and He can do it again. All I have to do is trust Him and be willing to serve.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Matthew 25:23, NIV