Creative Space for Wanderers
and God tells Moses to put staffs representing each tribe in the Tent of Meeting for God to show the people who He has selected to care for the Tabernacle. Aaron’s staff sprouts overnight, even produces almonds, so he is definitively selected as the leader of the Levites. No real surprise here, though chapter 17 …
Number 10 records the first time the Israelites broke camp and moved from place to place. They now have to execute the plan that was presented, to form the ranks and manage the movement of the temple and, of course, all the people. No doubt this was a stressful time. It’s interesting to see Jethro …
and The census was for those 20+ who were able to serve in Israel’s army: 603,550 men; probably over 2 million in total (NIV Study Bible notes). That’s a lot of people wandering around in the desert!! Enormous emphasis is given to men and male children. No wonder we have a male dominated society and …
and Bezalel and Oholiab step into the picture. Not kings or judges, not prophets or apostles, these men were chosen because of their great skill. Bezalel was filled “with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills–to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, …
Many details are provided for consecrating Aaron and his sons, priests of the Lord. One thing I see when reading these details is that Moses honored the people who created all of the supporting elements of the tabernacle. By examining each detail, in essence he says, we are able to worship the Lord because you …
Pharaoh’s hardened heart reads more like insanity than simply being hard-headed. His officials urge him to comply, “How long will this man be a snare to us? …Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?” (Exodus 10:7). Pharaoh’s response to Moses’ threat of an eighth plague is: No! Moses and Aaron are driven out …
and Ironically, today’s Our Daily Bread referred to that begins, “The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.” As I read Exodus 7, I have a little empathy for these leaders. God gave Moses the ability to perform signs for Pharaoh, why wouldn’t …
and Stephen’s speech, just before his stoning (with Saul as a witness), succinctly summarizes how God provided for our ancestors in the darkest of hours. My present uncomfortable circumstance pales in comparison, but I know that God will provide for me and my family and so I pray that I will learn even more today …
and Also read: Rebekah hears Isaac’s plan to bless Esau, so she crafts a deception to allow Jacob to receive “the blessing” from Isaac. Of course, Jacob could have said no, but not only was Rebekah a strong leader, he wanted the reward offered by her scheme. The stage is set and Jacob plays his …
Continue reading “Jacob’s Dream and Double-cross; Jacob Flees”