An American Missionary

To “hoist by one’s own petard” literally means to be blown up by one’s own bomb. Petard is a French word for an explosive device. In the 15th century gunpowder was increasingly used to make bombs to blow open castle walls and doors. Often they would go off accidentally and blow up their maker or user. It became a figure of speech for self-harm by one’s attempt to hurt others. 
 
As Israel was marching to the Promised Land they politely asked to cross the land of the Amorites. Once again, like at Edom, they were rejected and told “you shall not pass.” But before they could move to go around the Amorites attacked Israel. They were hoisted by their own petard because the attack failed and the Amorites were completely destroyed (Numbers 21:21-24). 
 
This is a good illustration of what happened to the enemies of Jesus. The high priests and leaders (acting for their master – Satan) chose to kill Jesus to protect their position and power. Instead of defeating Jesus they actually fulfilled his plan to change the law and replace them with a new priesthood and spiritual nation (Hebrews 7:12). Satan’s power over death was broken as well (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). They were hoisted by their own petard. 
 
Anyone who stands against God’s will is eventually hoisted by his own petard. Let’s quit fighting God and simply trust and obey.

To “hoist by one’s own petard” literally means to be blown up by one’s own bomb. Petard is a French word for an explosive device. In the 15th century gunpowder was increasingly used to make bombs to blow open castle walls and doors. Often they would go off accidentally and blow up their maker or user. It became a figure of speech for self-harm by one’s attempt to hurt others. 

As Israel was marching to the Promised Land they politely asked to cross the land of the Amorites. Once again, like at Edom, they were rejected and told “you shall not pass.” But before they could move to go around the Amorites attacked Israel. They were hoisted by their own petard because the attack failed and the Amorites were completely destroyed (Numbers 21:21-24).

This is a good illustration of what happened to the enemies of Jesus. The high priests and leaders (acting for their master – Satan) chose to kill Jesus to protect their position and power. Instead of defeating Jesus they actually fulfilled his p

The Amorites Were Hoisted By Their Own Petard Numbers 21:21-24

There are really only three kinds of snakes in the world: live ones, dead ones, and sticks that look like snakes. And they will all make you hurt yourself. Well, unless you’re not really afraid of them like me. I’ve been bitten twice by non-poisonous ones, but have been smart enough to stay out of reach of the poisonous kind. Even when I tried to dig a rattlesnake out from under a rock and coral snake from out of a bush I was smart enough to use a stick instead of my hand. 
 
Believe it or not there’s a connection between snakes and Jesus. When Israel had to travel around Edom after being told “You shall not pass” they began to complain (Numbers 21:4-5). God sent “fiery” serpents as punishment (Numbers 21:6). When Israel repented and asked for forgiveness God had Moses make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Those who looked at it were saved by God’s grace (Numbers 21:7-9). 
 
Here’s the connection to Jesus. When Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about being born again (a reference to water baptism) he referenced the bronze serpent as a symbol of his being lifted up on the cross (John 3:14-15). By looking to the cross when we’re baptized in water we too can be saved (Acts 2:38). Simple acts of obedience necessary to receive God’s gracious offer of salvation, yet amazingly people reject baptism. I wonder how many refused to look at the bronze serpent and died!

There are really only three kinds of snakes in the world: live ones, dead ones, and sticks that look like snakes. And they will all make you hurt yourself. Well, unless you’re not really afraid of them like me. I’ve been bitten twice by non-poisonous ones, but have been smart enough to stay out of reach of the poisonous kind. Even when I tried to dig a rattlesnake out from under a rock and coral snake from out of a bush I was smart enough to use a stick instead of my hand.

Believe it or not there’s a connection between snakes and Jesus. When Israel had to travel around Edom after being told “You shall not pass” they began to complain (Numbers 21:4-5). God sent “fiery” serpents as punishment (Numbers 21:6). When Israel repented and asked for forgiveness God had Moses make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Those who looked at it were saved by God’s grace (Numbers 21:7-9).

Here’s the connection to Jesus. When Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about being born again (a reference to

The Bronze Serpent And Jesus Numbers 21:4-9

No true Lord of the Rings fan can forget the scene where Gandalf steps onto the bridge in the mines under Mount Moria to stand against the demon with a bold declaration, “You shall not pass!” We don’t know where Tolkien got the line but it may have been from the Bible. 
 
When Israel’s wilderness wanderings were winding down they headed up the east side of the Jordan. When they approached the land of their cousins the Edomites they sought permission to cross through. Edom responded with that very denial, “You shall not pass!” They even threatened to do battle if Israel tried. 
 
As a Christian we must have a “You shall not pass” attitude toward sin in our personal lives and in the church. That doesn’t mean we can use physical violence, but we must be strong and unyielding to sin. But when it comes to the world God did not give us that same authority. We can’t use verbal violence, much less physical. Jesus modeled both (Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 2:21-25). Make sure we don’t attack sin in the world while excusing it in ourselves.

No true Lord of the Rings fan can forget the scene where Gandalf steps onto the bridge in the mines under Mount Moria to stand against the demon with a bold declaration, “You shall not pass!” We don’t know where Tolkien got the line but it may have been from the Bible.

When Israel’s wilderness wanderings were winding down they headed up the east side of the Jordan. When they approached the land of their cousins the Edomites they sought permission to cross through. Edom responded with that very denial, “You shall not pass!” They even threatened to do battle if Israel tried. 

As a Christian we must have a “You shall not pass” attitude toward sin in our personal lives and in the church. That doesn’t mean we can use physical violence, but we must be strong and unyielding to sin. But when it comes to the world God did not give us that same authority. We can’t use verbal violence, much less physical. Jesus modeled both (Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 2:21-25).  Make sure we don’t attack sin in th

“You Shall Not Pass!” Edom’s Opposition To Israel Numbers 20:14-21

“Do it again Daddy!” Oh how I cherish the memories of those days my precious babies would not stop asking for one more horsey ride, piggy back run, or other favorite game. They were exhausting, but oh, how I would love to do it again. 
 
Reading about Israel’s rebellion reveals a perverse version of “do it again”. Despite all that God had done with plagues in Egypt, rescue at the Red Sea, revelation at Mount Sinai, and then the miraculous crushing of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, Israel rebelled – again. The very next day they confronted Moses and Aaron with an implicit threat of mob violence (Numbers 16:41). This prompted God’s appearance in support of Moses and Aaron, and his wrath, and a plague (Numbers 16:42-45). 
 
In another “do it again” scene Moses intervened by sending Aaron out to literally stand between the living and the dead to stop the spread of the plague. It was another type of Christ’s work for us as the one who came to stand between the living and the dead. His intercession offers new life for the dead as he says, in effect, “Forgive them again Father”.

“Do it again Daddy!” Oh how I cherish the memories of those days my precious babies would not stop asking for one more horsey ride, piggy back run, or other favorite game. They were exhausting, but oh, how I would love to do it again. 

Reading about Israel’s rebellion reveals a perverse version of “do it again”. Despite all that God had done with plagues in Egypt, rescue at the Red Sea, revelation at Mount Sinai, and then the miraculous crushing of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, Israel rebelled – again. The very next day they confronted Moses and Aaron with an implicit threat of mob violence (Numbers 16:41). This prompted God’s appearance in support of Moses and Aaron, and his wrath, and a plague (Numbers 16:42-45).

In another “do it again” scene Moses intervened by sending Aaron out to literally stand between the living and the dead to stop the spread of the plague. It was another type of Christ’s work for us as the one who came to stand between the living and the dead. His intercession

Israel Rebels Again Numbers 16:41-50

"Dumber than a bag of hammers" is a good description of Israel in the wilderness. Despite the powerful works of God they were more afraid of the people in the Promised Land than the God who promised it to them. As a result they refused to go up and take it, and even threatened Moses. 
 
Their brilliant logic was disobey God, attack his chosen leaders, back down to His Glory, reject his judgment and attempt to go up after all and suffer a terrible defeat. Yeah, disobedience has a way of turning out badly. 
 
Are we any better? Do we say no when God says go? Do we go when God says no? Have we obeyed his command to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)? Or do we refuse and spend our time explaining why we don't have to obey God? Why not just obey? Let's make that our pattern for 2020.

"Dumber than a bag of hammers" is a good description of Israel in the wilderness. Despite the powerful works of God they were more afraid of the people in the Promised Land than the God who promised it to them. As a result they refused to go up and take it, and even threatened Moses.

Their brilliant logic was disobey God, attack his chosen leaders, back down to His Glory, reject his judgment and attempt to go up after all and suffer a terrible defeat. Yeah, disobedience has a way of turning out badly.

Are we any better? Do we say no when God says go? Do we go when God says no? Have we obeyed his command to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)? Or do we refuse and spend our time explaining why we don't have to obey God? Why not just obey? Let's make that our pattern for 2020.

A Pattern Of Disobedience Numbers 14:1-45

“Go to your room” meant something in the pre-computer days. It was a place to force a child to contemplate misbehavior and, hopefully, feel shamed by the rejection and hurt by the temporary loss of fellowship with the family. 
 
But when temporary punishment doesn’t work expulsion from the family may be necessary. It won’t be easy, but for the child’s sake, as well as the family, it must be done. The Old Testament law describes it as a necessity for the family, and community. But it wasn’t just for lawbreakers. People with contagious diseases were sent outside the camp to protect the community (Leviticus 13:46). Ashes and viscera from sacrifices were carried outside the camp for disposal (Leviticus 4:11=12). 
 
Outside the camp became synonymous with the exclusion of unclean people and things. It was also the place for executions. Jesus brought all those Old Testament types together with his death “outside the camp” (Hebrews 13:10-13). And that’s where we have to go to meet him: outside the Jewish and worldly camps.

“Go to your room” meant something in the pre-computer days. It was a place to force a child to contemplate misbehavior and, hopefully, feel shamed by the rejection and hurt by the temporary loss of fellowship with the family.

But when temporary punishment doesn’t work expulsion from the family may be necessary. It won’t be easy, but for the child’s sake, as well as the family, it must be done. The Old Testament law describes it as a necessity for the family, and community. But it wasn’t just for lawbreakers. People with contagious diseases were sent outside the camp to protect the community (Leviticus 13:46). Ashes and viscera from sacrifices were carried outside the camp for disposal (Leviticus 4:11=12).

Outside the camp became synonymous with the exclusion of unclean people and things. It was also the place for executions. Jesus brought all those Old Testament types together with his death “outside the camp” (Hebrews 13:10-13). And that’s where we have to go to meet him: outside 

Outside The Camp Hebrews 13:10-13

"Because I said so" is something every parent tells a child, and every parent to be vows to never say. But eventually we give in and do it anyway. The questions never stop coming and we just need to do other things. Sometimes we just don''t know the answer. 
 
If it's pure defiance we must train our children to obey. They have to learn to obey, and so do we. If the cop is pulling us over that's not the time to ask why. What until your stopped, and even then be polite. But sometimes in life we have to obey even if we don't understand and don't want to. 
 
When God gave the law to Moses he anticipated the "why" questions and simply said, "Because I AM the Lord your God." In Leviticus 11:44-45 he added twice "Be holy because I am holy." Who are we to argue?

"Because I said so" is something every parent tells a child, and every parent to be vows to never say. But eventually we give in and do it anyway. The questions never stop coming and we just need to do other things. Sometimes we just don''t know the answer.

If it's pure defiance we must train our children to obey. They have to learn to obey, and so do we. If the cop is pulling us over that's not the time to ask why. What until your stopped, and even then be polite. But sometimes in life we have to obey even if we don't understand and don't want to.

When God gave the law to Moses he anticipated the "why" questions and simply said, "Because I AM the Lord your God." In Leviticus 11:44-45 he added twice "Be holy because I am holy." Who are we to argue?

Because God Said So Leviticus 11:44-45

The need for and power of fire is perhaps most powerfully demonstrated in the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks. After desperate, and painful, efforts he finally got a fire going and shouted joyfully “I have made fire.” 
 
However, that’s a mere flicker of a match to the bonfire that is God. At Mount Sinai God demonstrated his power by appearing as “a consuming fire” on the mountain (Exodus 24:17). Later after seven days of burnt offerings to sanctify Aaron and his sons to serve as priests they began offering sacrifices for the people (Leviticus 9:1-22). God’s presence surrounded the Tabernacle and fire shot out to consume the sacrifices on the altar (Leviticus 9:23-24). Almost immediately Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu dishonored God by using strange fire on the altar of incense and the consuming fire came from the presence of God and destroyed them (Leviticus 10:1-2). 
 
Even today, under the merciful grace of the final sacrifice offered by Jesus, we’re warned to never forget “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).

The need for and power of fire is perhaps most powerfully demonstrated in the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks. After desperate, and painful, efforts he finally got a fire going and shouted joyfully “I have made fire.”

However, that’s a mere flicker of a match to the bonfire that is God. At Mount Sinai God demonstrated his power by appearing as “a consuming fire” on the mountain (Exodus 24:17). Later after seven days of burnt offerings to sanctify Aaron and his sons to serve as priests they began offering sacrifices for the people (Leviticus 9:1-22). God’s presence surrounded the Tabernacle and fire shot out to consume the sacrifices on the altar (Leviticus 9:23-24). Almost immediately Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu dishonored God by using strange fire on the altar of incense and the consuming fire came from the presence of God and destroyed them (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Even today, under the merciful grace of the final sacrifice offered by Jesus, we’re warned to never forget “Our God is

Our God Is A Consuming Fire Leviticus 10:1-2

Freaky Friday, and other such movies, stage elaborate role reversals creating silly situations to bring laughs and a few lessons about understanding. Some of the movies are funny, but some are just boring and preachy. But the idea is an interesting concept. 
 
Did you realize the concept itself is actually biblical? When God instituted the sacrificial system it was ap process where an innocent animal died in place of a guilty sinner. In the creation of the priesthood under the Law of Moses God had Aaron and sons consecrated with three specific sacrifices. In each one they would lay their hands on the head of the animal as a symbol of their role reversal. The animal would die in their place. Under the law people had to bring sacrifices and carry out the same process (Leviticus 1:4). 
 
Here’s where it gets freaky. On a Friday 2000 years ago the ultimate role reversal took place. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins. He took our place and received our punishment for sin. Only God could make that happen.

Freaky Friday, and other such movies, stage elaborate role reversals creating silly situations to bring laughs and a few lessons about understanding. Some of the movies are funny, but some are just boring and preachy. But the idea is an interesting concept.

Did you realize the concept itself is actually biblical? When God instituted the sacrificial system it was ap process where an innocent animal died in place of a guilty sinner. In the creation of the priesthood under the Law of Moses God had Aaron and sons consecrated with three specific sacrifices. In each one they would lay their hands on the head of the animal as a symbol of their role reversal. The animal would die in their place. Under the law people had to bring sacrifices and carry out the same process (Leviticus 1:4). 

Here’s where it gets freaky. On a Friday 2000 years ago the ultimate role reversal took place. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins. He took our place and receive

Sacrificial Role Reversal Exodus 29:10, 15, 19

We all know the sun will burn our eyes if we try to look directly at it. Sometimes it can cause eye damage just from over exposure to UV rays reflecting off sand or water. The power of the sun is incredible. 
 
Multiply that exponentially to imagine what seeing God would do to our eyes. Moses begged to see God’s glory, but was bluntly denied the right because he couldn’t handle it. He would have died (Exodus 33:20). But isn’t that contradicted by Moses having seen God on Mount Sinai and talking to him face to face in the tent of meeting? No, the appearances were accommodative to man. In other words God appeared in a non-lethal form. Moses confirms this because despite those previous visions he was begging to see God’s form. He knew he hadn’t “seen” God. Certainly not fully or directly. 
 
Despite those glorious events nothing compared to the coming of Jesus. He was the unveiling of God and the glorious image into which we are being transformed. It may hurt, but it’s worth it.

We all know the sun will burn our eyes if we try to look directly at it. Sometimes it can cause eye damage just from over exposure to UV rays reflecting off sand or water. The power of the sun is incredible. 

Multiply that exponentially to imagine what seeing God would do to our eyes. Moses begged to see God’s glory, but was bluntly denied the right because he couldn’t handle it. He would have died (Exodus 33:20). But isn’t that contradicted by Moses having seen God on Mount Sinai and talking to him face to face in the tent of meeting? No, the appearances were accommodative to man. In other words God appeared in a non-lethal form. Moses confirms this because despite those previous visions he was begging to see God’s form. He knew he hadn’t “seen” God. Certainly not fully or directly.

Despite those glorious events nothing compared to the coming of Jesus. He was the unveiling of God and the glorious image into which we are being transformed. It may hurt, but it’s worth it.

Seeing God? Exodus 33:20

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” was an exciting movie about the search for, and eventual discovery of, the Biblical Ark of the Covenant. The movie version of it was actually quite accurate down to the detail of the lid and the fact that it disappeared. Only God knows where it is, a reality well captured by them storing it in a huge government warehouse at the end of the movie. 
 
The lid of the ark was called the mercy seat. There the blood of the annual atonement sacrifice was sprinkled, and God spoke to Israel (Exodus 25:21-22). This was a symbol of the ultimate mercy seat and speaker for Israel, and the whole world. Jesus came and give his blood as the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25) and was God’s final spokesman (Hebrews 1:2). 
 
Propitiation is just a big word for appease, or take away. God’s wrath would be appeased by the blood of Jesus which took away our sins (Hebrews 9:11-12). Through the mercy of God in his Son we have access to him, we can dwell with him (Hebrews 10:19-23). If, and that’s a big if, we forge ahead in faith. Shall we?

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” was an exciting movie about the search for, and eventual discovery of, the Biblical Ark of the Covenant. The movie version of it was actually quite accurate down to the detail of the lid and the fact that it disappeared. Only God knows where it is, a reality well captured by them storing it in a huge government warehouse at the end of the movie.

The lid of the ark was called the mercy seat. There the blood of the annual atonement sacrifice was sprinkled, and God spoke to Israel (Exodus 25:21-22). This was a symbol of the ultimate mercy seat and speaker for Israel, and the whole world. Jesus came and give his blood as the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25) and was God’s final spokesman (Hebrews 1:2). 

Propitiation is just a big word for appease, or take away. God’s wrath would be appeased by the blood of Jesus which took away our sins (Hebrews 9:11-12). Through the mercy of God in his Son we have access to him, we can dwell with him (Hebrews 10:19-23).

God’s Mercy Seat Exodus 25:10-22

When you’re at the bottom of a hole with no way out rule number 1 is: Stop Digging! For all of us, but especially for men, we’re often at the bottom of a hole we dug making excuses for ourselves. Instead of admitting our mistake, or confessing our sin, we make excuses. They don’t work. 
 
But we’re in good (?) company. Adam did it in the Garden when confronted with his sin. First he blamed Eve (the woman made me do it) and then swerved into accusing God (that you gave me). It didn’t work, he still got credit for introducing sin into the world. Aaron tried it at Mount Sinai when he made an idol for Israel to worship. “The people made me do it.” When that didn’t work he tried the amazingly dumb excuse: “I tossed the gold in the fire and out popped this idol.” (Exodus 32:21-24) 
 
We haven’t learned from their mistakes because we keep trying to excuse our refusal to obey God. No matter what sin we try to excuse or explain away God’s heard them all and rejects them all. Rule #1: Stop Digging. Repent. Confess. Obey. It makes life so much easier.

When you’re at the bottom of a hole with no way out rule number 1 is: Stop Digging! For all of us, but especially for men, we’re often at the bottom of a hole we dug making excuses for ourselves. Instead of admitting our mistake, or confessing our sin, we make excuses. They don’t work.

But we’re in good (?) company. Adam did it in the Garden when confronted with his sin. First he blamed Eve (the woman made me do it) and then swerved into accusing God (that you gave me). It didn’t work, he still got credit for introducing sin into the world. Aaron tried it at Mount Sinai when he made an idol for Israel to worship. “The people made me do it.” When that didn’t work he tried the amazingly dumb excuse: “I tossed the gold in the fire and out popped this idol.” (Exodus 32:21-24)

We haven’t learned from their mistakes because we keep trying to excuse our refusal to obey God. No matter what sin we try to excuse or explain away God’s heard them all and rejects them all. Rule #1: Stop Digging

Aaron’s Excuse Making At Sinai Exodus 32:21-24

Today's excursion into Bible Basics is a return to the Five Key Old Testament Passages. We've covered the first two: the chosen seed of Eve who would crush the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15) and the chosen seed of Abraham who would be a blessing to all nations. Both of those promises were fulfilled by Jesus. 
 
Today's study looks at the promise of a final authoritative spokesman, a prophet who would be sent by God (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). The text recognized man's need for information from God. So it began with a prohibition of the pagan practices like psychics, witches and sorcerers (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Then God promised to send a prophet to the people with his words (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). He ended with a discussion of how to prove if one was from God (Deuteronomy 18:19-22). 
 
This is a study sorely needed today. Not just in the world, but among those who are God's people. Ignorance and superstition have no place in the hearts and minds of God's people. Think carefully and root it out relentlessly with the revelation of God’s truth. Oh, and be kind and share.

Today's excursion into Bible Basics is a return to the Five Key Old Testament Passages. We've covered the first two: the chosen ...

Jesus God&#39;s Promised Spokesman Deuteronomy 18:15-18

Sean Connery famously described “the Chicago way” in the movie The Untouchables. Al Capone seemed untouchable and going after him required bravery in the face of great risk, and boldness of action. It wasn’t going to be pretty. 
 
“An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” is from the mouth of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-42). Jesus was teaching something different, but the law wasn’t some kind of Old West, Chicago way of personal revenge. That wasn’t Jesus’ point nor was it the purpose of the law. 
 
The role of law was designed to fulfill two very important tasks. One was to restrain the lawbreaker by setting punishment that would be executed timely. The other was to restrain vengeance by making sure the punishment fit the crime, rather than satisfying an escalating scale of retribution. Jesus was quoting the law, which was given at Mount Sinai to restrain punishment from going beyond what was fair and equitable (Exodus 21:23-25). 
 
Thankfully Jesus came to deliver a message of mercy and forgiveness. Which path will we choose: the Chicago way or the way of mercy?

Sean Connery famously described “the Chicago way” in the movie The Untouchables. Al Capone seemed untouchable and going after him required bravery in the face of great risk, and boldness of action. It wasn’t going to be pretty.

“An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” is from the mouth of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-42). Jesus was teaching something different, but the law wasn’t some kind of Old West, Chicago way of personal revenge. That wasn’t Jesus’ point nor was it the purpose of the law. 

The role of law was designed to fulfill two very important tasks. One was to restrain the lawbreaker by setting punishment that would be executed timely. The other was to restrain vengeance by making sure the punishment fit the crime, rather than satisfying an escalating scale of retribution. Jesus was quoting the law, which was given at Mount Sinai to restrain punishment from going beyond what was fair and equitable (Exodus 21:23-25).

Thankfully Jesus came to deliver a messag

Eye For Eye, Or The Chicago Way? Exodus 21:23-25

What if? Have you ever played that game with friends? Sitting around a room or table and talking about ‘what if’ this event happened or that event was changed can be fun. Of course we know we can’t change the past or create the future, but we can practice how to respond and be prepared. 
 
“If” is a huge word with respect to one’s relationship with God. God offers the gift of salvation, but always attaches conditions we must meet. No, we don’t earn it, but we can’t receive the gift if we reject God’s conditions. The generation of Israelites who came out of slavery never met the condition of faith and were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. God hasn’t changed and his condition of faith stands for us today (Romans 1:5). 
 
The big question is this; What happens if we refuse to meet his conditions? Nothing good my friend, nothing good.

What if? Have you ever played that game with friends? Sitting around a room or table and talking about ‘what if’ this event happened or that event was changed can be fun. Of course we know we can’t change the past or create the future, but we can practice how to respond and be prepared.

“If” is a huge word with respect to one’s relationship with God. God offers the gift of salvation, but always attaches conditions we must meet. No, we don’t earn it, but we can’t receive the gift if we reject God’s conditions. The generation of Israelites who came out of slavery never met the condition of faith and were not allowed to enter the Promised Land.  God hasn’t changed and his condition of faith stands for us today (Romans 1:5).

The big question is this; What happens if we refuse to meet his conditions? Nothing good my friend, nothing good.

We Are God’s People – If We Obey Exodus 19:5-6

Moses could have written the book on how to lead a large organization even when it is consumed by drama. Exodus 15 and 16 show us the beginning of what turns into full blown drama in chapter 17. We're talking soap opera, over the top acting that disrupts everything. 
 
Immature, unstable people seek to control events through drama. That was Israel. And even Moses got caught up in it with an overly dramatic appeal to God. Israel and Moses needed to learn the lesson God was trying to teach them: TRUST. God wanted them to trust him. 
 
What about us? Do we approach God with childish drama or mature faithful trust?

Moses could have written the book on how to lead a large organization even when it is consumed by drama. Exodus 15 and 16 show us the beginning of what turns into full blown drama in chapter 17. We're talking soap opera, over the top acting that disrupts everything. 

Immature, unstable people seek to control events through drama. That was Israel. And even Moses got caught up in it with an overly dramatic appeal to God. Israel and Moses needed to learn the lesson God was trying to teach them: TRUST.  God wanted them to trust him.

What about us? Do we approach God with childish drama or mature faithful trust?

Save Your Drama For Your Mama:  Exodus 17:3-4

Three days. That's how long it takes fish and guests to smell, and how long it took for newly freed Israel to begin complaining about how God was treating them (Exodus 15:22-24). 
 
But we're not really any better. We complain about everything, especially church. We're either childish (Luke 7:32) or rebellious (Matthew 17:17) or both. Either way we just don't want to listen and obey God (Exodus 15:26). If we're going to be right with God we must learn to stop complaining and just obey.

Three days. That's how long it takes fish and guests to smell, and how long it took for newly freed Israel to begin complaining about how God was treating them (Exodus 15:22-24). 

But we're not really any better. We complain about everything, especially church. We're either childish (Luke 7:32) or rebellious (Matthew 17:17) or both. Either way we just don't want to listen and obey God (Exodus 15:26). If we're going to be right with God we must learn to stop complaining and just obey.

Don't Be So Quick To Complain Exodus 15:22-24

There's nothing quite like our love for our firstborn. It is a connection that defies all reason and logic. It just is, and we have to accept it, even when it hurts. 
 
Do we realize God feels that way about Israel? That's why he punished Egypt so severely, It's why he required Israel to dedicate their firstborn to him. And it explains the depth of his love for us in giving Jesus, his unique firstborn, so we could live as his sons too. 
 
What a glorious God we serve.

There's nothing quite like our love for our firstborn. It is a connection that defies all reason and logic. It just is, and we have to accept it, even when it hurts.

Do we realize God feels that way about Israel? That's why he punished Egypt so severely, It's why he required Israel to dedicate their firstborn to him. And it explains the depth of his love for us in giving Jesus, his unique firstborn, so we could live as his sons too. 

What a glorious God we serve.

Israel God's Firstborn Exodus 4:22

"It's just business" is a lie people tell themselves to salve their conscience for doing things that harm people. Tom Hanks tried it with Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. It didn't work in the movie, and it doesn't work in real life. 
 
Keeping Israel enslaved was personal to the Pharaoh (Exodus 5:2). Dealing with their slavery was personal to Israel (Exodus 5:21). Israel was God's firstborn, so he took their mistreatment as a personal insult (Exodus 11:1-10). 
 
Are God's people personal to us? If we respect God we must respect his people too.

"It's just business" is a lie people tell themselves to salve their conscience for doing things that harm people. Tom Hanks tried it with Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. It didn't work in the movie, and it doesn't work in real life. 

Keeping Israel enslaved was personal to the Pharaoh (Exodus 5:2). Dealing with their slavery was personal to Israel (Exodus 5:21). Israel was God's firstborn, so he took their mistreatment as a personal insult (Exodus 11:1-10).

Are God's people personal to us? If we respect God we must respect his people too.

It Was Personal To God Exodus 11:4-5

"Who do you think you are?" and "Do you know who I am?" are quite possibly two of the dumbest questions we could ever ask. Proving that there really are dumb questions. 
 
When Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh to release Israel he lumped both questions into his initial response. "Who is Yahweh that I should obey his voice?" "Who is Yahweh" is the equivalent of "who do you think you are" and "that I should obey him" is the equivalent of "do you know who I am?" (Exodus 5:2). 
 
Watch the video to see how Pharaoh pours on the stupidity.

"Who do you think you are?" and "Do you know who I am?" are quite possibly two of the dumbest questions we could ever ask. Proving that there really are dumb questions. 

When Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh to release Israel he lumped both questions into his initial response. "Who is Yahweh that I should obey his voice?" "Who is Yahweh" is the equivalent of "who do you think you are" and "that I should obey him" is the equivalent of "do you know who I am?" (Exodus 5:2).

Watch the video to see how Pharaoh pours on the stupidity.

An American Missionary Videos