Day 56..."Unauthorized offerings...God keeps us from stumbling...Jesus Death on the Cross"

Nadab and Abihu offer an unauthorized offering and are consumed in the fire. The outcome reminds me of a story, in the Book of Acts, when Ananias and Sapphira were immediately struck down. The moral of the story...when encountering God's holiness, do not seek to deceive. The Psalmist says the Lord is with us to keep us from a stumble..."I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death,yes, my feet from falling,that I may walk before God in the light." Jesus death on the cross brings darkness, quakes, and notice in verse 56 how dead people arose and appeared. Obviously, in the midst of these signs and wonders those who witnessed the crucifixion proclaimed Jesus to be the Son of God...the Centurion and those watching saw God's power abundantly evident...as well as Jesus' selfless death. As the events unfold after the crucifixion, those in power worried about Jesus' Body being stolen...they posted guards. Little did they know they were contributing to the greatest STORY in the history of the world!

Day 55..."The Purpose of the Offerings...Want to Get Away?...The People Around Jesus at the Crucifixion"

Why all the offerings? The answer is in verse six..."And Moses said, “This is the thing that the Lord commanded you to do, that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.” The sin, burnt, and peace offerings show the glory of the Lord. The fulfillment is at the end of chapter..."And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces." There is a popular commercial with people in embarrassing situations that asks the question..."want to get away?" The Psalmist also wants to flee from the anxiety..."Oh, that I had wings like a dove!I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away;I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.” Later the real answer for anxiety is found..."Cast your burden on the Lord,and he will sustain you;he will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Sounds like a good memory verse) In the Matthew reading, Jesus is crucified and we hear Matthew tell Simon bore the cross, and thieves were on the other crosses, and guards cast lots for garments. All of these people surround one of three most significant moments in Christendom.

Day 54..."Aaron ordained...The importance of Blood"

The consecration and ordination of Aaron took seven days. Leviticus also is specific about the sacrifice of blood. The blood is sprinkled on Aarons's ear, thumbs, and big toe. Blood is considered cleansing. We may struggle with all the blood in the Bible. Yet...blood like water is central to the Bible Story and life. Jesus will offer his blood and Judas will have the 30 pieces of silver rejected due to the "blood on his hands." Pilate washed his hands of Jesus' blood. I do not view Judas' suicide as conclusive that he went to Hell. Some versions use the word repent. Did Judas repent? Suicide and betrayal are very difficult issues. We do not know what to do with Judas. Was Peter's denial any different than betrayal? Obviously Peter was forgiven and restored. I do believe suicide is forgivable even though some people teach to the contrary. Does God's grace not meet all who repent? Does not Jesus' blood bring atonement? The Psalmist speaks today of prayer and a free wheel offering... "O God, hear my prayer;give ear to the words of my mouth" and ..."With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good." Even though the Church is still many years away...we see the origin of some traditions.

Day 53..."More offerings, Fools Do Not Believe, Peter's Denial"

Moses receives instructions for different offerings ...sin offering, guilt offering, ordination offering, and of the peace offering. We grasp these instructions were most important as people are shut off when they contaminate themselves with uncleanliness. This may elevate the saying..."cleanliness is next to Godliness." The Psalmist say straight out..."The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” I quess there must be a great deal of foolishness today... as people are so flippant ins saying they do not believe. As I hear folks share their unbelief, I feel the need to live more credible to make the "foolishness" of disbelief more apparent. I am afraid too often we put up with foolishness even in the church and do not show enough contrast by our deeds and love. As I heard one theologian describe this as "functional atheism." Do we really live as though we believe? Peter blew his chance in the reading today! Peter denies Jesus three times as his belief wavered when tested.

Day 52..."Jesus betrayed and Stands before Caiaphas"

Leviticus continues to teach about a sin offering and atonement. The accounting is more connected with earlier readings as Aaron is mentioned by name. Psalm 52 has the image of the olive tree.."But I am like a green olive treein the house of God.I trust in the steadfast love of Godforever and ever." Trusting in the steadfast love of the Lord forever is a major theme of the Psalms. Our New Testament reading takes is through the emotional betrayal of Jesus and standing before Caiaphas. Jesus asks why He is apprehended like a criminal when He has been in plain view teaching in the temple. There are so many emotions surrounding these events. This is difficult reading even though we know the ultimate outcome.

Day 51..."More guilt offerings, prayer of confession, prayer of Gethsemane"

Guess what? We read more about guilt offerings today. Leviticus is pretty specific even to the point of affording two turtledoves. Psalm 51 is a centerpiece for a prayer of confession. David is still struggling over his guilt of adultery but has a "heart" for God. He prays..."create in me a clean heart." This is a good prayer today. Later he says..."renew a right spirit within me.Cast me not away from your presence,and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit." A great prayer to begin again...and again...and again. The Matthew reading is short but dramatically contains Jesus' agony in Gethsamane. Jesus prayed for strength to do God's will in the face of his own suffering, persecution, denial, betrayal, and death. Jesus' prayer reminds that God's Will is not always easy. We must pray for strength.

Day 50..."Sin Offerings, Extravagant Love, Betrayal"

Leviticus chapter four offers specifics for sin offerings including individuals, congregation, leaders, and common people. The Psalm again points to the magnificience of Zion..."Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,God shines forth." In the Matthew reading we have two contrasting stories as Jesus is annointed with expensive oil. The disciples are outraged at the waste thinking the money could have been given to the poor. In phony concern for the poor, Judas will then proceed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The emotions of tenderness and love proceed quickly to the outrage of betrayal.

Day 49..."Peace Offering Instructions, Why Fear? Well Done"

Leviticus provides instructions for a peace offering and also alludes to food offerings. Humankind is never to eat of fat or blood we read in the close of chapter two. The Psalmists asks... "Why should I fear in times of trouble?" This is a good question. God's strength is to come in facing difficult issues. Matthew reminds us to be prepared through the parable of the 10 virgins and their lamps. One of the greatest stewardship lessons is include in the reading as well. We are to "use or lose" what God has given. Are we using what God has given us? We do long to hear those words like the man with five talents and the one with two ..."well done good and faithful servant"...for they doubled what they had been given. The following of Jesus will take us to unlikely people and places. When we have done it to the least of all, we have done it unto Jesus. Chapter 25 will get your attention! Be ready...be productive...be a servant to all!

Day 48..."Instructions for Grain Offering, Zion, No One Knows"

Today's Leviticus reading offers specifics about a grain offering. I was intrigued by the detail down to salt and no salt. The Psalmist's says..."Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised." Notice also the reference to the city of Zion. As I understand Zion is a symbolic place. Zion represents the fullness of the Kingdom of God. I remember the hymn "We're Marching to Zion." The ultimate of love, justice, and hope...the City of God. The Matthew reading is very informative for those who want to pin down the day and the hour of the Son of Man. Jesus responds it will come quickly but even He does not know the hour. How in the world can we?

Day 47..."Sacrifices, Shout for joy, Prepare"

We begin Leviticus today. Our pace will be slower, as the reading will cover much detail. Today, in chapter one are the specifics of sacrifices. Atonement is an important issue in these times of "pre-cross" rituals. The Book of Hebrews will help us make the connection with the Old Testament rituals and Jesus' once and for all atonement. In the book of Leviticus...we will read from a pre-Christian view remembering atonement came through animal sacrifices. The Psalmist is upbeat in writing..." Clap your hands, all peoples!Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared,a great king over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us,and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us,the pride of Jacob whom he loves." The Matthew readings focus on preparing for the end. In each case, we must be ready to live or die. The end of the world is not even known by the Son of Man. The important message for me is to make the most of every moment and trust God with the future. One reassuring word about our voyage is that "the Word of the Lord endures forever."

Day 46..."Exiting Exodus, The Strength of the Lord, Seven Woes"

We have moved through Exodus and end with ceremonial style complete with the elaborate robe of Aaron and sons. The cloud signifies the presence of God and the readiness to move forward. We are ready to move forward with God's help into Leviticus tomorrow. We will read only one chapter a day. (Hopefully this will help with the terse reading) How often have I lacked the words to pray and recited Psalm 46:1..."God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble." I never grow tired of praying these words, when faced with difficulties. Jesus had more trouble with religious people than sinners. Today, we see Jesus with seven woes with the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus elevates justice, mercy, and faithfulness and affirms tithing. He says "do the former without neglecting the latter."

Day 45..."More Detailed Specifications and The Great Commandment"

Intricate details about the ark, table, lampstand, altar, bronze basin, court, and tabernacle dominate the Exodus reading today. The Psalmist writes of an overflowing heart..."My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;I address my verses to the king;my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe." Jesus teaches about Heaven and the resurrection to a religious group that does not believe in Heaven. He leaves them astonished in His answer to their absurd question. Jesus streamlines all the law with the Greatest Commandment...“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Day 44..."Will Working on the Sabbath Kill You?"

The Exodus reading today elevates the teaching of observing the Sabbath. Most of us think working seven days a week will kill you. Actually in the day of Moses if you worked on the Sabbath you could be put to death. Thank God for Jesus' clarification of the Sabbath. "Man" (humanity) was made for the Sabbath and not Sabbath made for man (humanity)." Otherwise many of us might be put to death. We still should consider the importance of Sabbath keeping instead of Sabbath breaking. Again, those who you who love detail should love today's reading about the tabernacle. The Psalmist concludes by saying some inspiring words..."Rise up; come to our help!Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! In today's Matthew reading, we have another parable about those who actually respond will know the joy of the Kingdom of God. An invitation received is not enough. Jesus provides teaching also that helps us discern "church and state" matters..."render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's and to God what is God's."

Day 43..."Will Spending Time with God Make You Shine?"

Today's reading is filled with awesome images of the Glory of God. Moses wants to see God's face. The answer is "no." God's Face is too holy. In one passage God and Moses have conversations each day as friends. Could this be prayer? What strikes me is that Moses spent 40 days with God and brought down new tablets...and this time his face was shining! The people noticed the radiance of Moses. Will spending time with God give us a shine? I have seen people with this kind of relationship! "This little light of mine...I'm going to let it shine." The Psalmist concludes with an exact quote of Psalm 42.... "Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God." Is this an intentification? Or does this speak of the Psalmist's desire to believe what he is writing? Either way...the truth is repeated. The authority of Jesus is questioned and leads to two parables. We will be studying the parables, in the first part of 2007, during Lent. The parable of the son who said "no" but later "yes" in action is more more redeeming than the one who said "yes" but in action said "no." I have never preached on this text. Look for this soon at a church near you. Or I could be just be talking with the "yes" and my actions will be "no." Have a good week of reading!

Day 42..."Holy Anger"

Today readings from Exodus and Matthew both have outbursts of anger. The anger is holy as Israel, with Aaron in charge, makes and then worships a golden calf to worship. Moses casts the tablets and draws a line in the sand asking... who will worship God? Jesus, after a triumphant entry, turns the tables over in the temple and drives out the money changers. The reason...the place of worship has been exploited by charging exhorbitant costs for sacrifices. In both cases we see God's Holy Anger. There are occasions where "holy anger" is needed to bring the focus back to God and worship. True worship is desiring God above all else. I like the bookends of the 42nd Psalm today. The Psalmist helps us with the opening line today..."As a deer pants for flowing streams,so pants my soul for you, O God." The Psalmist also closes strong..."Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God."

Day 41..."Atonement, Mercy Seat, the Poor, First Class Please!"

Atonement is a major theme in today's reading in Exodus. As Dr. George Morris has said the meaning of atonement is in the word..."at-one-ment." Atonement in the Old Testament made "at-one-ment" with God possible. Notice in the reading there is a blood sacrifice for atonement with Aaron once a year. Jesus will offer full atonement at the cross and this will be recorded in Old Testament style in the New Testament Book of Hebrews. A question was asked about the "mercy seat" and this is a location between two cheribums and represents atonement and even...grace. Who said there is no grace in the Old Testament? The Psalmist lifts up again those who show compassion to the poor in saying..."Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him" Jesus taught about this and has to "cool the heels" of the disciples mother who wants first class seating for her two sons...on the "right" and "left" of Jesus. Jesus teaches she really does not know what she is asking at all in the Kingdom. His cup is difficult and the seating chart of the Kingdom of God calls to serve and not be served. Greatness for Jesus comes in serving others and this is first class after all!

Day 40..."Holy, Holy, Holy...A Song...Grumbling About Wages"

The detail continues as Exodus is specific about priests garments and consecrations. Again, those who love splendor, color, and immaculate detail will be enthralled with the readings from Exodus. I did notice in reading how much the word "holy" is used. Of all the words in the Bible..."holy" has to be in the top ten in numbers of time used. I will research more and get back to you on the top words used in the Bible. The Psalmist speaks of getting out of the mire on a solid rock and a new song to sing..."He drew me up from the pit of destruction,out of the miry bog,and set my feet upon a rock,making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God.Many will see and fear,and put their trust in the Lord." The Matthew reading is one of the most unsettling parables for "pay by the merit" people. What unlocks this parable for me is this parable speaks of God's grace and not the fairness of wages. Eleventh hour conversions are just as authentic as living for Christ a lifetime. Also, we must consider those who discover new life in Christ early in life are blessed longer than those who only know the joy later in life. Most persons with late life conversions will say..."I only wish I would have followed Christ sooner."

Day 39..."More Details...Blessed are the Children...If You Want Perfection"

The Exodus reading is all about the spendid details of the tabernacle. The meticulous detail illustrates an awesome mystery in worship of God. Everytime I read this I think about our worship reveals our priorities and the ineffable. (Seeking to worship beyond what words cna describle) Obviously, there was nothing more important than the tabernacle. The tablernacle was mobile. (different from a sanctuary) A way to have worship go with the people. The Psalmist warns of the wickedness of the tongue... "I said, “I will guard my ways,that I may not sin with my tongue;I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,so long as the wicked are in my presence.” This sounds like the Book of James chapter 3.
Jesus blesses the children and invites not to hinder them. He also points out following the commandments are necessary but perfection comes with total obedience. The Rich Young Ruler needed a spirit of generosity with the poor. How we treat children and the poor speak volumes about our discipleship. The "eye of the needle" is actually a low hole in the wall and is possible for a camel to pass. It is difficult but not impossible.

Day 38..."Mountaintop for Forty Days, Specifications for Ark of Covenant"

Moses goes to the mountain to encounter God's presence for forty days. Can we imagine how glorious that would have been? Notice the organization. Moses has his inner circle of trusted leaders like Aaron and Joshua. He delegates other to solve disputes while he is away. He has 70 elders to hold 1 million people together. Looks like he took the advice of his father-in-law Jethro. Remember how Jethro encouraged him not to do everything alone. The next chapter could be considered specifications. Those who like intricate detail will love these sections. Anyone have any thoughts about this specifications? The 38th Psalm sounds more like a lament. I did notice the passage about the weight of sin... "For my iniquities have gone over my head;like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me." David commited adultery and felt the weight of his sin. This will lead David to his greatest confession in Psalm 51. The teaching about divorce in Matthew is similar to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. As I conclude, (having known many fine people who have gone through divorce) the institution of marriage is to be honored more than just a casual piece of paper. Divorce should be always regrettable and only when reconciliation attempts have been exhausted. Marriage is more than a piece of paper that is ended out of convenience. The words of Jesus are in the ceremony I use..."those whom God hath joined together let no one put asunder." These are beautiful and lofty words for those being married and provide a great foundation to begin a new life as one.

Day 37..."More Laws...A Wonderful Psalm...Forgive, Forgive"

Exodus 22 and 23 are different. Almost every verse contains a law. You get the feeling some of the laws were in response to what had already happened. I read a rule for a wedding in a church one time that said..."No live animals!" You wonder what was behind the law. There are some that seem to reflect more truth than others. Particularly those about theft and respecting what belongs to another. I did notice that "a bribe blinds the clearsighted." The thoughts on justice are inspiring and make sense. I have heard farmers say that land also needs a sabbath. We should let land rest every seven years. I really liked the Psalm today! The thoughts on justice, generosity, and good prevailing over evil were especially inspiring in light of the anniversary of 9/11. How often should we forgive? How about 490? Could be boundless. The parable tells of our hypocrisy of wanting mercy personally and justice when other wrong us. The Bible really gives us ample inspiration at every turn of our voyage. By the way...we are 1/10th of the way through today!

Day 36..."Ten Commandments and Ninety-Nine Percent Not Good Enough"

Exodus brings us the 10 Commandments. The first four deal with our relationship with God and the last six our neighbor. Exodus 21 is more complicated law. Can you imagine sorting out right and wrong prior to the 10 Commandments? Jesus will make all the laws less complicated with "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength" and "your neighbor as yourself." Again this is following all ten commandments by relating properly to God and neighbor. The Psalmist says God's steadfast love is boundless..."Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds." In the Matthew reading today, ninety-nine percent is not good enough. The good shepherd goes to look for the one lost. We are all of great value to God. This is the good news of the Gospel... everyone is loved and of value...especially the children.

Day 35..."A Father-in-Law with Leadership Tips"

In Exodus 18, Jethro is mentioned as Moses father-in-law 12 times. Why would Moses be so redundant? Perhaps it is an intensification to demonstrate how extraordinary- the source of the advice. Or perhaps he was grateful to have tips on how to manage 1 million people in the wilderness. What classic advice given to Moses. "You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone." Notice the leadership tips. Select those who fear God, are trustworthy, and will take no bribe. We would expect the 10 Commandments in Exodus but perhaps not the leadership tips. The Psalmist today is hoping the Lord will bring justice to those who take advantage of his goodness. The Psalm is downcast until the end..."“Great is the Lord,who delights in the welfare of his servant!”28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousnessand of your praise all the day long."
Jesus says faith makes the difference in why the disciples are not able to heal the boy. His words challenge us to never think to small..."if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” He also encourages paying taxes.

Day 34..."How to Silence Complaints...Send Bread from Heaven"

After the miracle of crossing the Red Sea, Israel does indeed have a short memory of God's provision. When 1 million people are hungry, they become a mob. Moses feared for his life.
The complaints stopped when manna came from Heaven and water came out of a rock.
We are introduced to Joshua today. Stay tuned. The Psalmist says ironically (bread from Heaven)..." Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!" Surely God's goodness was tasted for 40 years. Did I read 40 years? Amazing story. Jesus along with James, John, Peter encounter Moses on the Mount of transfiguration. How about all the connections of the three readings today?

Day 33..."Go Forward"

I heard Dr. Maxie Dunnam preach a message from today's text in Exodus. There are three excellent points in chapter 14:13-15. I have tried to live the three points found in Exodus. Just as thousands of the people of Israel are bemoaning they have left Egypt (back to Egypt people) and brought to the wilderness to die...Moses takes the leadership. God says to Moses tell the people 1) Fear Not 2) Stand Firm and 3) Go Forward. The instruction was given just prior to the crossing of the Red Sea. I have found these points are very relevant for critical moments in our lives. Chapter 15 is written as a statement of victory and will be recalled in low moments of exile. The Psalmist says..."the counsel of the Lord stands forever." Matthew's reading is about taking up the cross in critical moments of life. Jesus says "to find life we must be willing to lose it." Jesus also foretold of his journey to the cross. This is one of the most life changing teachings of the Bible. If we are prepared to die, we know better how to live. When we try to control our life, we give into fear, insecurity, and become reluctant to go forward. If we trust God, we let go of fear, find stability in Him, and by faith go forward. The victory of Israel through the Rea Sea demonstrates God's victory for His people. This is also true for the Church in which Peter is called the "Rock." The Church has a message of victory to go forward trusting God! I hope today you will go forward trusting God whatever your circumstances.

Day 32..."High Drama and Israel is Set Free"

The Passover is instituted to protect the firstborn of Israel. If you have never been to a Cokesbury Seder Dinner you will want to go this Spring. Much of today's reading will appear in the ritual. The unleaven bread is for a quick exit. Imagine the logistical needs of one million people set free at once! Can you imagine the organization required? How did they handle the people en mass? I will explore this later. There are actually some good leadership tips in future readings. In the meantime, imagine how it would have been to head toward the Red Sea with the Lord leading by a cloud by day and fire by night. High drama just ahead. The Psalmist assures sins can be forgiven..."Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered." There is a great contrast from the Exodus (Israel had plagues, clouds, and the parting of the Red Sea as signs) to the reading in Matthew. Jesus says signs are not necessary to believe and seeking signs indicates an evil generation. Speaking of signs...after Jesus miraculously feeds the 4000...the disciples (short memory) start worrying about forgetting bread. Jesus responds with ..."O ye of little faith." Jesus also warned of the leaven of the Pharisees. Bread is in both the Exodus and Matthew readings today. Our Christian story has bread (and metaphors about bread) at most every turn.

Day 31..."One Month Down and Eleven to Go"

Congratulations you have now read for a month. Habits begin to take lasting form after 30 days. Today's reading is more plagues...locusts, darkness, and the forecast of the death of first born children. A very heart wrenching plague. Pharoah refuses to let Israel go to the end. Psalm 31 promises a rock for us..."For you are my rock and my fortress;and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me" Jesus miracles continue to amaze and we have another feeding of the multitude story. This time the feeding of 4000 with 7 basketfulls left over. God's abundance to provide for need arrives again. Hopefully we have seen God's abundance through reading His Word. Tomorrow we begin month two of Discovering God's Word- a 365 Day voyage. I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS OF THE FIRST MONTH. WHAT HAS READING THROUGH THE BIBLE MEANT TO YOU?

Day 30..."Hard Hearted in Spite of the Obvious"

How could Pharoah be so blind not to see the obvious? Did he have a choice but to be hard hearted? Is he a theological problem like Judas? Or did God just know that his pride would blind him with each and every plague? I think it was the latter. Pharaoh was being Pharoah and could not see the obvious. The magicians sure could. They were ready to fold their circus tents with the gnats. The 30th Psalm is one of the most inspiring to date..."Weeping may tarry for the night,but joy comes with the morning" and "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;you have loosed my sackclothand clothed me with gladness." Both passages are great memory verses. Jesus also had to teach the "hard hearted" the obvious. Washing hands is not as important as having a clean heart. Out of the heart either evil or good will come. This teaching is similiar to the message of Moses and Pharoah. One of the most amazing parts of ministry is sometimes the obvious is not so obvious. What is the summary of today? When the Lord sends frogs, gnats, flies, boils, and hail...let the people go! Wash hands before every meal but more important cleanse your heart!

Day 29..."God of the Heart and Waters"

In all three texts today, God moves through the waters. Pharoah's hard heart leads to the first plague, He turns the water of the Nile into blood. Pharoah...hardhearted... is not impressed though his people lack for drinking water. Do we remember how precious water became during Ivan? In the 29th Psalm, the reference to water is more majestic..."The voice of the Lord is over the waters;the God of glory thunders,the Lord, over many waters." In the Matthew reading, Jesus walks over the stormy waters. Peter seeks to join in but the winds and waves cause him to take his eyes off Jesus...and this causes him to sink like a rock. In a metaphorical way, "walking on water" does require us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Peter's heart is open to try and there is something to be said about being willing to walk toward Jesus. Obviously, all three texts remind us God is not only the God of the heart but the supernatural.

Day 28...Pharoah and Herod..."How Not to Lead"

Pharoah pushed much harder when he heard Moses's request of God to ..."let my people go."
We are going to see how blind and hard hearted Pharoah is the next few days. This always opens up the question of whether or not Pharoah had a choice-like Judas in the New Testament.
...More on this later. Herod does even worse. A birthday request for John the Baptist's head is one of the goriest scenes in the New Testament. The inspiration today came from the Psalmist...
" The Lord is my strength and my shield;in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;my heart exults,and with my song I give thanks to him." One of my favorite stories "the feeding of the five thousand" teaches God always does provide. This is at least the second specific time of this same message. The other time was "the ram in the thicket" with Abraham and Isaac. Hope you enjoyed the shorter reading today. We will have a few days like this along the voyage.

Day 27..."The Call and Reluctance"

Moses receives the call of God out of the burning bush which is not being consumed. He draws near but as Dr. Bill Mallard taught years ago... one hand invites in and the other hand says stay back! Is this not the call of God? We are drawn in... but at the same time... we must stop for we are on holy ground. I heard the late Rex Weeks of our congregation say he slipped his shoes off in worship for this reason. He felt as though he was on holy ground. Moses was reluctant to follow. Excuses and whining showed how human he was before "I AM." He cited God's plan would not be received and he lacked the gift of speech. Enter Aaron...God called others to help and this is a good model for the Church. Have we ever been reluctant to follow God's call? Or trust that others would be dwawn in to help? There are real life issues in regard to following God in today's text.

Fear is a major reason we may be reluctant to follow God. The Psalmist's opens with a timely verse..(27:1) The Lord is my light and my salvation;whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life;of whom shall I be afraid?

The parable of the "treasure in the field" may be my favorite. When God called me into ministry 31 years ago, I felt as though I stumbled on a treasure. My life has never been the same and is fresh every year. The passage "where your treasure is there your heart also" from day 14 comes to mind. I can identify with Moses reluctance to speak and fear(I once was painfully shy)...but the joy of the treasure keeps me inspired and pushes me out of my shell.

I am reminded through Moses story that God calls us also to specific and even small tasks as well as occasional large tasks. Are we listening? Reluctant? Fearful? Or energized by the joy of the treasure of the Kingdom!