LENT: EXODUS 11

Lenten devotions: Exodus 11 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

This is the first out of three chapters when we get into the first Passover narrative. There is an announcement of one more plague in chapter 11 (see the previous devotion when we discussed the number of plagues). Then chapter 12 tells us of the execution of the Passover, and chapter 13 concludes the story by consecration of the Firstborn. So, let’s dive into the text.

By this time Moses had great respect in the eyes of everyone but pharaoh – his pride blinded him, his understanding became dull, and the heart got really hardened. Plague after plague the LORD showed His might and His mercy – for after awhile YHWH would also pull back and restrain Himself. There is a reason why we proclaim that “His mercy endures forever” (see Psalm 136). Even here we should notice that God first gives a final chance to the pharaoh, sending His servant Moses to announce His plans.

He is not a thief, who sets an ambush and attacks in the dark. He warned, He appealed and called back to repentance… All the words of Moses fell on deaf ears. This is very sad when people are pushing back, rejecting the will of the LORD, and then complaining about their circumstance.

LENT: EXODUS 10

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 10 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

This chapter tells us about two “last” plagues. We are so used to thinking in terms of 10 plagues, but it can be “structured a little bit differently: 9+1. Nine ones that go from the lowest point – the water, to the highest point – sun. Step by step, plague by plague YHWH destroys all the divinity images Egyptians created so far. The last one, as we’ll discuss in our next devotion, is more into the ultimate power of the Living God or God of live.

So, the last out of nine is the three-day darkness. Before we as New Testament Christians jump on “three-day” wagon, we need to talk about the darkness. And, before we compare the Exodus darkness over the darkness of Calvary, let’s spend some time with the darkness we see over Egypt (pun intended).

At first, we hear the command of the LORD telling Moses to stretch his hands toward heaven, then the darkness will fall (Exodus 10:21). The very next verse though adds an adjective to describe the scenery – pitch darkness. Sages have commented on this as the darkness so thick that it could be cut with a knife. So thick…

LENT: EXODUS 9

Lenten devotions: Exodus 9 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

From frogs, gnats, and flies we come to livestock, boils, and hail. As you see, the level is rising – to some extent. But there are things that don’t change. Pharaoh fights to the last, then surrenders, then changes his mind. But my point for today is different.

Beginning with the fifth plague the damages don’t impact Israel. Exodus 9:6b says: And all the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one of the livestock of the people of Israel died. This middle plague constitutes a turning point. The final hit – death of the first-born – will resemble the similar feature, to some extend (I know o repeat myself, I don’t like it either). Later, in chapters 11-12-13 we will read that the houses will be protected by the blood of the lamb. Not by ancestry connection to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not by claiming the suffering relatives during the Nile boys’ mass-murdering. Not by anything – only by the blood of the lamb. We’ll talk about the symbolism of that rite in a few days, but the point is – from now on there will be a separation between those who trust and, therefore, obey the LORD and those who don’t.     

The time of Lent is the time of trust. Christ calls us to follow the path of trustful obedience. Obedience to the Word, being drawn to the Sacraments. Sometimes it is not easy, more than often it looks difficult. But there is a reason Jesus invites us to pray – lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil [one] (Matthew 6:13). He promises to guide us through the dark tunnel, the wilderness, the twilight… Standing next us, He promised to protect our path to the final destination – heaven, when we will see the Lamb who share His blood for our redemption. 

LENT: EXODUS 8

Lenten devotions: Exodus 8 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

Chapter 8 tells us 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th plagues. Frogs, gnats, flies. There is an interesting progression – from water (the first plague) to frogs (who come from water), then a bit higher – to gnats, then to flies (level up). Spoiler alert – the LORD will destroy the whole religious system of Egypt. Beginning with Nile – one of the basic gods of Egypt. Ending up with the Sun – the “top” deity of the land. Step by step, the LORD will show His superiority.

What I would like to point out is the fact that the release of pressure on the authorities and the land leads to hardening of the pharaoh’s heart. He is not thankful for a deliverance, his doesn’t consider the audacity of the futile resistance to God… Every time Moses and Aaron announce a withdrawal of a plague, he doubles down…

LENT: EXODUS 7

Lenten devotions: Exodus 7 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

The chapter begins with the visitation of pharaoh by Moses and Aaron. It is [almost] the last attempt to “make peace” with the royalty. Instead of a decent conversation, the pharaoh set his sorcerers, magi etc. on Moses and Aaron. Aaron single-handedly wins the battle.

Then time comes for the first plague. This plague is deeply symbolic in nature – the water [of Nile] turns into blood. Modern scholarship is full of theories, trying to come up with an environmental explanation of the event. They will all fail, because the event had super-natural background.

LENT: EXODUS 6

Lenten devotions: Exodus 6 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

Chapters 5-6-7 begin a long action dialog between Moses and the LORD. God asks/tells Moses to do something – pharaoh retaliates – people complain – Moses goes to God, and ... circle repeats. So, you shouldn’t be surprised when the chapter opens with God’s answer (if you want to know what the “question” was, please read chapter 5). There are two main parts of the chapter: revelation of the name and the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. For the sake of time and space I’ll take upon a task to talk about the name.

To set the stage God promises to Moses that He will do triggering pharaoh to send them (sons of Israel) out and even drive them out (Exodus 6:1). Again, the post size doesn’t allow me to explain it in full, but please note the similarity of Adam’s exodus from the Garden [of Eden]. LORD God sent Adam out and drove him out… (Genesis 3:23-24).

LENT: EXODUS 5

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 5 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

This chapter is one of the pivotal points in the story of Exodus. The book begins with a new pharaoh arising to power who knew no Joseph (Exodus 1:8). This phrase is a “euphemism” (if you will) for a lack of recognition of the heritage that Joseph left behind. His gift to Egypt was true religion, faith in the LORD, the Living one. The pharaoh who didn’t want to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors decided to abandon the faith, be new, be progressive.

Then he died, and God sent the messengers to the new pharaoh – Moses and Aaron came to ask for permission of worship. People of Israel would go into the wilderness, for three days, and worship their God – YHWH, the Living One, the LORD. But the new pharaoh, who probably was a “classmate” of Moses at some point said something that practically sealed his doom: Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go?” (Exodus 5:2).

LENT: EXODUS 3

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 3 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion)

We came to the pivotal point of Slavery story. At the end of the previous chapter people of Israel cried out and God have heard and remembered the covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24-25). There should be a comment on “remembering.” This term doesn’t mean that God forgot something, what it means – He will begin to act upon this covenant. This is important: for a while Jew suffered but did not call or prayed to God. As soon as they did – He immediately decided to intervene.

Now to the chapter at hand. This is the famous story of the burning bush. There are many stories, paintings, movies, and other pieces of art based on the event, let alone theological commentaries. What is important to note here is the fact that Moses spent about 40 years in the wilderness (Acts 7:23 tells he was 40 years when he ran out of pharaoh). He had great experience of guarding sheep, fighting with wild animals, and dealing with snakes and serpents (it will be important for the next chapter). That’s why it is an important habit to read the Bible slow, careful.

LENT: EXODUS 2

Lenten devotions: Exodus 2 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion)

This is an interesting chapter for our Lenten Journey. I’m not saying that the Bible has non-interesting chapters, but some of us try to avoid genealogies or description of sacrifices or ... (have freedom to feel the blank). This chapter is interesting with its content, but I can guess you have not heard this interpretation before – so, my devotional comments might be interesting too.

Exodus chapter 2 tells us a story of Moses’ birth, adoption into daughter of Pharaoh house. He was raised as a part of the royal court. When the first Christian martyr told his story, he summarized it in this way: “Moses was instructed in the all wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds” (Acts 7:22).

LENT: Exodus 1

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 1 (please read the chapter before reading this devotion)

Today we are entering the time of Lent. There are many things that can be said about this, so I decided to do something ir-regular. The time of Lent is 40 days, so I thought why won’t we go through a book of the Bible that has 40 chapters, taking one chapter a day as a source of devotional meditation. So, here we are, the first chapter.

The first chapter of Exodus begins with a great statement concerning Israel, and almost immediate escalation of tension between the Egyptian rulers and the sons of Jacob. God blessed people of Israel abundantly: Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them (Exodus 1:6-7). As a response pharaoh at first came up with a tough plan, attempting to suppress them, but it didn’t help – “the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied” (Exodus 1:12). Then pharaoh came up with a wicked plan – murdering the newly born baby boys (Exodus 1:15-16). Sad times…

NEWSLETTER: March - THINKING of LENT

Faithfulness to the Lord, loyalty to the Church

Dear brothers and sisters,

The time of Lent is upon us. Thinking of Lent, there are a few layers to consider. On March 9, the first Sunday of Lent, we’ll read Luke 4:1-11. Allow me to explain these layers based on the Gospel reading: First, the time of Lent reminds us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. Right after His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness where natural dangers were testing His will, and when the absence of food, comfortable sleep, and the lack of joyful fellowship with other people reached its peak, the supernatural temptations came to surface.  The devil came, trying to penetrate the guard of the Son of Man. Everything began as a simple earthly question: what about this bread, the basic means to survive? The same questions we have here at Zion: what about the money, paying the bills, etc. All of them are reasonable and should concern a genuine believer, but the focus should stay on the LORD who generously provided in years past. 

Advent Readings: Luke 9. Transfiguration

Luke 9

The center of the chapter tells us a story of Transfiguration. Jesus goes to the top of the mountain taking along three of His disciples: Peter, James, and John. They see Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah about His exodus [ESV – departure] (Lk. 9:31). This is a unique feature of the Gospel of Luke, none of the Gospel writer pointed out this fact. There is an interesting thing – Moses is a leader of Exodus; Elijah had his own exodus experience (1 Kg. 19). Moses and Elijah had something to share with Jesus, Who was about to embark on His Exodus path toward Jerusalem.

Yet, the main point of the story of Transfiguration is an attack on the Sovereignty of the LORD. Peter’ suggestion, however good intentions guided him, presupposes that the glory of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus – the incarnate Word of God – is equal. Heavenly Father immediately intervenes, saying “This is my [beloved] Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Lk. 9:35). To visualize this intervention, the disciples saw no one when the voice from heaven had spoken.

Jesus only, Jesus of the cradle, Jesus of Transfiguration, Jesus of the Cross and Tomb, and Jesus of Resurrection and Ascension. 

Overview of the Bible: Ruth

                                 Book of Ruth  

Title: Ruth (YouTube Lesson on Biblical Buffet)

Date of writing: 1: Samuel, about 1050 BC, 2: about 1000 BC (times of Solomon)

Date of Narrative: about 1350 BC

Structure:

a. 1:1-5, “genealogy” or descendance of Elimelech

  b. 1:6-7a, Naomi hears about YHWH’s visitation

    c. 1:7b-19a, death of Orpah 

      d. 1:19b-22, testimony of the women

        e. 2, search for the blessing (under the wings of YHWH)

        e’. 3, YHWH provides the blessing by the wings of Boaz

      d’. 4:1-12, testimony of the (elders of the) city

    c’. 4:13, birth of a son (anti-death)

  b’. Naomi is restored/visited by YHWH

a’. 4:18-22, genealogy of Perez

 

Main themes:

Faithfulness to the end – see Memory verse. Ruth goes through a death of her husband, silent rejection of women in Bethlehem, and hardship of poor life. Being faithful to the LORD she ends up being one of the grand…mothers of Jesus.

Godly leadership. There are examples of poor leadership in the book – the judges and Elimelech in the beginning of the book, and Boaz – an exemplary character. He presents the main features of a godly leader: strong faith (2:4), outstanding ethics (2:15-16), and very keen management skills (4:1-12).      

Main Characters: Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, Chilion, Orpah, Ruth, Boaz, Perez, Salmon (husband of Rahab, Mt. 1:4-5, important for the themes of the Biblical chronology and acceptance), David.   

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

Famine in the Book of Ruth is a continuation of at least three major instances in Genesis: ch. 12:10-20 Abram goes to Egypt because of the famine, Isaac goes into the land of Philistia – grandchildren of Egypt, Gen. 10:6, 13-14 – (ch. 26), and the whole story of Joseph is presented in the context of famine (Gen. 37-50).

Story of Judah and Tamar (Gen. 38) is picked up here – the first in the lineage of David is Perez: son of Judah by Tamar, which was a scandalous event in the Biblical History

Ruth is a Moabite. The genesis of Moabites is scandalous (Gen. 19:30-38). Therefore, we see two scandalous stories find their redemption in the union of Boaz (descendant of Judah) and Ruth (descendant of Lot).

Ruth together with Tamar and Rahab – all three are “foreigners” – find their place in the genealogy of David the king, and Jesus the Messiah (Mt. 1:3-6).               

Lutheran teaching: Book of Concord does not have references to the Book of Ruth.

Liturgical call to a congregation: “The LORD be with you” is based on the greeting of Boaz.

The theology of acceptance to the “communion of the saints” by faith (not because of gender, social status, or racial preferences) is deeply rooted in the plot and theology of the Book of Ruth.  

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 653 – In Christ There is No East or West. 

LSB 575, 576 – My hope is built on nothing less. 

Relevancy of the Book:

Acceptance of the “strangers” into the communion of the saints. This acceptance should be happened not on their terms, but the LORD’s. The book encourages the Church to be accepting, not inclusive. 

Living through the hardship (famine, emigration, and death etc.). God is faithful in His Fatherly promises to us.

Memory verses:

1:16-17 Ruth said: “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you will go I will go, and where you will lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you will die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

Overview of the Bible: Exodus

 

Overview of the Bible: Book of Exodus

Title: English: Exodus – leaving of Egypt          Hebrew: Sh’mot – the names (of)  

Date of writing: 1446 – 1406 BC

Date of Narrative: about 1600 – 1444 BC

Structure: Following structure adapted from Keil and Delitzsch [K&D] I:416-417

	Part I 1:1 – 15:21	Part II
1	Israel in Egypt, 1 – 2	March from the Red Sea to mountain Sinai, 15:22 – 17:7
2	Call of Moses, 3 – 4	Gentiles: Amalek (enemy) and Jethro (friend), 17:8 – 18
3	Mission of Moses to Pharaoh, 5 – 7:7	Establishment of the Covenant, 19 – 24:11
4	Negotiations between Moses and Pharaoh, 7:8 – 11	Arrangement of the Sanctuary – Tabernacle, 24:12 – 31
5	Consecration of Israel as the covenant nation	The rebellion of Israelites and the renewal, 32 – 34
6	Exodus of Israel, 12 – 13:16	The building of the Tabernacle, 35 - 39
7	Passage of Israel through the Red sea, 13:17 – 15:21	Consecration of the Tabernacle, 40

1. A. 1 – 6, Preparation of Israel for Exodus

2.  B. 7 – 10, 9 plagues

3.    C. 11 – 18, Exodus and arrival to Sinai

4.       D. 19 – 24, Covenant 

5.    C’. 25 – 31, Plan for Tabernacle

6.   B’. 32 – 34, Golden calf

7. A’. 35 – 40, Building and consecration of the Sanctuary

Main themes:

* Life under pressure, ch. 1-2

* Faithfulness of God, ch. 2:24 – 4 (2:24 to 3:6)

* Sanctuary, ch. 25 – 40; the setting undergoes three stages: forming (25-31), filling (35-39), “lighting”/glorification (40).  

* Both Tabernacle and the desert are the reflections on the Firmament (2 day of Creation motive)   

Main Characters:

Pharaoh(s), Moses, Aaron, people of Israel - Shiphrah and Puah (ch. 1), Jethro    

Reflection in other parts of the Bible:

Exodus as a theme – Ps. 90, 106, Lk. 9:30 (ESV “departure”, Greek “exodus”)

Songs of Moses and Israel – Num. 21:16-18; Deut. 32; Rev. 15:3-4

Sanctuary – 1 Kings 6 – 8, The structure of John   

Lutheran teaching:

Sacraments: [Private] Confession – Smalcald Articles, 3:VIII, based on Ex. 3:2-15  

The Law of God – Small and Large Catechism, part I, based on Ex. 20

Theology of worship – Ap. of Augsburg Conf., XXIV (XII):35, based on Ex. 29:38-39 

Lutheran hymnody:   

Ex. 3-4 & 33-34 – Swiftly pass the Clouds of Glory (LSB, 416)

Ex. 12:5 – A Lamb goes Uncomplaining Forth (LBS, 438)  

Relevancy of the Book:

The Book of Exodus tells us that God is faithful always – when the people of God undergo suffering, He sends His servants to support them and resist the evil.

Also, the structure of traditional church buildings follows/resembles the structure of the Tabernacle (Ch. 25 – 31).   

Memory verses:

3:14-15 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM” And He said, “Say this to the people of Israel, I AM sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.

15:11 Who is like you, o LORD, among the gods? Who is like, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?