2008 03March

Moses calls the Tribal leaders for a Powwow

Optional Scripture Reading-- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Moses knew forty years earlier that he had been called to lead the people from their slavery into the Promised Land, (Exodus 2:11-15). However, it was not in God's time and Moses had to flee from Pharaoh and learn some very important lessons in the desert. When we run ahead of God, we always get into trouble.

Exodus 4:29-31 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped. Yes, Moses and Aaron rehearsed the signs that God had given in the desert.

(1) The burning bush and the revelation of God as the "I AM that I AM" the everlasting God.

(2) The rod was thrown down and became a serpent and picking it up by the tail returned back to a rod.

(3 Moses' leprous hand and the healed hand.

God always has a way of getting our attention. These leaders were seeking a sign. 1 Corinthians 1:22a For the Jews require a sign. All through the Old Testament different Jewish leaders sought a sign and Gideon is the classic example (Judges 6:36-40).

The Lord Jesus, on several occasions, referred to the Jews seeking a sign. Luke 11:29-30 And when the people were thickly gathered together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. It would be good for all of us to read from (Luke 11: 31-36 and John 4:26-53)

Sometimes we are guilty of not trusting God by faith and we also seek a sign. Just remember, signs were for the Jews and not for Christians. Yes, I know there are some churches that depend on signs, and they fail to understand that we live by faith, we are saved and kept by faith. Remember the Just shall live by faith Romans 1:17.

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2nd

The Leprous Hand of Moses

Optional Scripture Reading--Exodus 4:1-9

It's interesting to see how the children of Israel complained to God and doubted Him in the wilderness. Did you realize that their leader, Moses, faced the same problems? Notice the response of Moses when God told him that He wanted to use him to deliver His children from the bondage of Egypt. In Ex. 3:13, Moses goes into a discussion with God and says, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? In Ex 4:1 he seems to be showing some signs of doubt when he says to God, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. And then in Ex. 4:10 Moses offers one last complaint when he says to God, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

God revealed Himself and His ability in several different ways to Moses that day. After God appeared and spoke to Moses through the burning bush, and turned Moses' staff into a snake and then back into a staff again, God decided to show Moses one more sign in Exodus 4:6-7. God said to Moses Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

After Moses had experienced the miracles of God, his faith increased and he learned to just simply obey God. The children of Israel never seemed to learn this lesson of obedience. Even after they witnessed miracle after miracle, they continued to complain and doubt God's ability. How often has God revealed Himself to us through the leading of the Holy Spirit and yet we, as Christians, continue to doubt and complain. Let us be challenged today, as God reveals Himself by the leading of the Holy Spirit, to simply walk in faith and obey God and to not complain or doubt His ability.

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3rd

The Rod Becomes a Serpent

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 4:1-5

    We read in the New Testament that spiritually, Jews respond to signs, while Greeks seek wisdom. Both signs and wisdom come from God. We read in the book of Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.... A sign comes to us from without, but wisdom is something within our hearts and minds. Signs are incomprehensible according to nature, but wisdom makes good sense.

      God gave Moses the sign of the rod becoming a serpent in order that His people might believe that God sent Moses to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. We know from the Old Testament that false prophets were a problem for God 's people. False prophets claimed to be sent by God, in reality they were moved by the forces of darkness. Because of this problem, Moses feared the people would not accept him.

      Faith is essential to receive both signs and wisdom. The wisdom of the natural man is nothing but foolishness. Signs are not faith but the confirmation of faith. Moses was already clear about what God wanted him to do. This miracle was the confirmation of God 's work. Therefore, apart from faith, the sign could do nothing. The signs and wonders that Jesus performed, though clear to many of the religious leaders in Israel, did not bring them to faith and salvation. God does not use signs as a substitute for faith. He uses them for the confirmation of faith. Therefore, the greatest signs apart from faith are ineffective.

      The rod is a symbol of authority, which speaks of protection and guidance. On the other hand, the snake is a symbol of power and life to the Egyptians. Pharaoh wore this symbol on his crown. The picture here is that God entrusted Moses with authority over all Egypt. Our Lord said the same thing in the Great Commission. He said, all power is given unto me, Go ye therefore Christian, we have been sent even as Christ and Moses were sent, not to hold the fort, but to challenge the very gates of hell.

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4th

Miracle of the Flies

Optional Scripture Reading Exodus 8:20-32

This is the fourth in a series of ten plagues brought upon the land of Egypt by God through the man, Moses, in judgment against the nation. God was preparing the Israelites for their deliverance from the bondage they had endured for over 400 years. God had heard their cries and sent Moses to be their deliverer. Three plagues had already taken place: the plague of water turning to blood; the frogs covering the land; and the dust turning to lice (Ex. 4-8). In each case, Pharaoh refused to let the people go.

      It is possible that "the swarms of flies were aggravated by the effects from the dead, and decaying frogs, but the language used in the record of the plague clearly implies the creation of God of new swarms of flies, I will send (8:21). Such a miracle consisted not only in the flies overwhelming and destroying the land, but in their appearance at the moment of command and disappearing just as rapidly 8:30,31."(Lockyer) The plague resulted in the land being corrupted. The people of Egypt suffered, his servants suffered, and Pharaoh's household suffered. However, God separated the land of Goshen where the Israelites dwelt and there were no flies there to the end that thou mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between My people and thy people. (8:22,23). Pharaoh, after the flies were removed by Moses' intercession, hardened his heart again.

      "The world around would prescribe limits to the service we should pay God, but no matter what opposition may face us, ours must be the courage and determination to serve Him to the limit of His requirements."(Lockyer)

      Thought: Some Christians, like wheelbarrows, need to be pushed.(The Lifeline)

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5th

Miracles of Moses: Turning Dust into Lice

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 8:16-19

This is the Third of 10 miracles that Almighty God used against the Pharaoh of Egypt. Of course, we realize that these miracles, delivered through Moses, are from the one and only True God, the God of the Bible, The Creator, The God of the Universe.

      Even though Christians know that God is merciful, He is also just and must punish sin and the day of judgment will arrive. This miracle of turning dust into lice or gnats, was another indictment against the false gods of Egypt (Leb, the god of the earth) and against its false teachers and leaders. This particular miracle also gives unequivocal proof that God's finger controls all things, even to the very dust of His creation.

      Can we take this example before us today and learn some important lessons in our own lives? First, we see that God 's judgment will fall on this earth and on those that have not followed His righteous plan for them. The day of judgment is imminent, but no one knows when. Only the Father knows, in Matthew 24:34-35. God is gracious and merciful, but He is also just and must punish sin and when that judgment day comes, many will not be ready, because they have hardened their hearts and have not heeded God's warnings to turn from sin and self.

      Secondly, we realize that there are many deceivers and false teachers and they will not be able to stop the judgment of Almighty God, nor will they be able to deliver people from the judgment of God. Sadly, there are many apostate churches, self proclaimed leaders, and even people amongst the flock who are not following God and are instead following their own ideas and vain philosophies for their own personal gain. Unfortunately as well, there are many innocent people that are greatly influenced to the contrary because of them. God allowed this judgment on Egypt to arouse the people to obedience and to stir them to acknowledge that the finger of God controls all things. That He also has the power to redeem and save mankind, from the smallest of details and events, even to the, often, overwhelming circumstances in our lives.

      Dear God of Creation, Thank You for Your great Salvation. Help us to obediently walk before You, worthy of the calling You have given us. DM

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6th

The 5th Plague Touches the Livelihood of Egypt

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 9:1-7

      The three preceding plagues of frogs, lice and flies did not touch the financial life of the Egyptians. This fifth plague destroys their sacred cattle, the mighty horses used to pull the chariots of war into battle, the beasts of burden, the camels, sheep for their wool and goats for their tents, all the above were under the term "cattle." These were now suffering and dying from a plague for which there was no medical help. If they had veterinarians in those days, they were at a loss to help or heal the beasts of the field. It is interesting to note that the cattle of the Hebrews were not killed, but rather were fat and flourishing.

      There are two beasts we want to see in this Bible study. The sacred bull, "Apis", and the sacred calf, "Mnevis." If you are familiar with The National Geographic and their many stories of ancient Egypt, you know that the tombs of the kings were decorated with bulls and calves.

      Bulls were worshipped in Babylon and other ancient countries of the eastern world. The gates of Ur, the capital of the Chaldees, were guarded by huge, stone bulls. In the ancient city of Babylon, excavated in the late 19th century, huge, stone bulls were found and shipped to England for preservation in the British museums.

      Now we come to the man who caused all this suffering, Pharaoh! Moses had been warned that Pharaoh would harden his heart against letting the Hebrews go. Pharaoh would only acknowledge the pluralistic gods that the Egyptians worshipped.

      At Mount Sinai, Aaron, who should have known better, calls the people and gathers their golden trinkets, then fashioned a golden calf and had the audacity to tell the Jews that this calf led them out of Egypt.

      Do you have any sacred bulls in your life that you worship more than you worship the God of Creation and your salvation? Do you worship the things of this world? Do you have any other gods before the God of the universe? These are fair questions and we all need to prayerfully answer them now! Ask God to reveal them to you and put them away, right now.

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7th

The First Plague of Egypt

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 7:14-25

      Back in Exodus chapter four, God revealed His power to Moses with two miracles; turning his rod into a serpent, and turning his hand leprous. Then God told Moses to duplicate these miracles in the sight of Pharaoh. In verse 8 and 9, God says, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.

      As we all know, Pharaoh did not hearken unto God, and this set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to his destruction. Exodus 7:14 tells us that the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. As a result of Pharaoh's unwilling heart, the first of what would be ten plagues was about to happen. Remember, you can choose your sin, but you cannot choose your consequence. The consequences of Pharaoh's refusal to let God's people go happened at a time in which he was not expecting it to. It was a time in which he was relaxing and enjoying the waters of Egypt that God turned his refreshing water into a horrible sight of blood.

      Unfortunately, many, many people, Christians even, are in danger of allowing their hearts to become just like Pharaoh's heart. God has given to us opportunity after opportunity to obey and follow Him. We make a huge mistake when we continue to say to God "not yet", "I'm not ready", or just flat out "no". God gave Pharaoh the opportunity to submit and obey Him, but he hardened his heart and took one more step toward his destruction.

      Galatians 6:10, As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

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8th

The Serpents of the Magicians

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 7:8-13

   It is interesting to note here, that Egyptian magicians duplicated the miracle that God gave Moses. Satan is the great counterfeiter. His great desire was to be like God. Therefore, we read in 2 Corinthians 11:14 Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; The greatest evil always takes on the cloak of righteousness. It is important to consider what is going on here. These men, at the bidding of Pharaoh, are trying to discredit Moses. We read in 2 Timothy 3:8 as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

      An important part of the work of evil is to confuse people as to the truth. Yet, in this account we see that God makes the truth clear to Pharaoh and his magicians. For we read that (Exodus 7:12) they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. The works of light are always greater than the works of darkness. It is interesting to note that while God had Moses and Aaron, the devil also chose to work primarily through two individuals. We might ask ourselves, why does God allow evil to work in such powerful and similar ways? Does this not confuse people? We need to remember that salvation is tied to faith, and faith needs to have the right foundation. The apostates who opposed Moses and Aaron had faith, but their faith was tied to darkness rather than light. God blinds the eyes of all those who turn from the light. Therefore, if we allow our hearts to look for good reasons to reject the truth, we will never want for any.

      Sadly, there are those who seem to think that if God does not work in a way that they can accept, it would be unjust for Him to condemn them. This is not true. As soon as a heart allows itself to turn from God, it will be filled with all kinds of good reasons to reject the truth. God hardens the hearts and blinds the minds of all that turn from Him. It is a dangerous thing to turn from the light.

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9th

Miracle of the Locusts

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 10:1-20

"This eighth plague offers another striking evidence of the fact that in the use God makes of miracles, He guides, quickens, and intensifies the powers of nature, rather than working contrary to them. In the threatening mighty swarm of locusts, so numerous that the face of the ground could not be seen, God was about to show how He could command even locusts to carry out His purpose. Pressure upon Egypt to tremble under God's mighty hand would be heavier than before, and either the haughty spirit of Pharaoh would be broken or he must perish in judgment."(Lockyer) In this plague, as in plagues 3 and 4, God used insects to chastise His enemies. Following the desolation caused by the hailstones, the locusts completed the ruin of all crops. A plague of locusts was terrible at any time. They appeared in vast clouds, usually brought in by an east wind and carried away on a west wind, eating every green thing wherever they landed. (Lockyer)

This was no ordinary plague. "While Egypt had been plagued by locusts before, this plague was without precedence. God had the locusts in reserve for this invasion. He fixed the time of their arrival and controlled the winds guiding their movements. By lifting his wonder-working rod, Moses gave the signal for the locusts to begin their destructive mission. Thus the plague attacked what Egypt prized so much, namely, their land. The god, Serajia, was reckoned to be the protector of the land from locusts. How the religious belief of the people must have been shattered as they saw how helpless their deity was against God's invading host."(Lockyer) Pharaoh's heart was more hardened. He refused to let Israel go. We see the omnipotence of God; all powerful.

Thought: If you keep in step with God, you'll be out of step with the world.(The Lifeline)

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10th

Miracles of Moses: Hail and Fire

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 9:13-35

This is the seventh plague, brought upon the Pharaoh of Egypt. Six times now, God had told Moses to go and proclaim His Word to Pharaoh and six times Pharaoh had refused to heed God's Word. We see that Pharaoh had offered confession but it was insincere. Interestingly, not everyone who confesses and repents of sin is sincere, and even in moments of crisis, is genuine. When we confess and repent of our sin, we must be genuine and sincere and follow through with what we have promised God. Note specifically how long-suffering our great God is. God's will is for people to live and serve Him in true joy and freedom. Any person, leader, church, or nation that rejects God and leads others astray is doomed to suffer the judgment of God. Ephesians 5:6 says, Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

      The whole purpose of the plagues was to refute the false gods of the land and to show that the One True God is merciful, even in the midst of judgment. This plague refuted the false water god Iris, and the lightning god, Siris, and the atmosphere god, Shu. Almighty God, the Lord God Jehovah, showed that no god created by the minds or hands of man controls anything. No false gods then, nor man-made gods now, can do anything. The Lord and the Lord alone is sovereign over the earth. The earth is the Lord 's and it is under His control alone.

      Let's stop and consider this. Even in the midst of judgment, there is deliverance. As an obedient leader, Moses went out and got alone with God and prayed, literally crying out to God, interceding for the lost people. God heard his cry and stopped the judgment. There are many people around us, daily, that are lost and dying without knowing God. There is a great need for intercessors. Our pastors and leaders labor in prayer for us, they intercede for their flocks, and we too, as believers need to intercede for each other and for those that we know aren't saved.

      Dear Lord God of all Creation, Thank You for Your tender mercy, even in the midst of judgment. Help us to not set any other gods before You, and help us to have a burden for lost people, that we might tell them of Your saving grace. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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11th

The 6th Plague: Boils Upon Mankind

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 9:8-12

Six is mankind's number and this sixth plague brings suffering to all the Egyptians from the king's palace to the paupers shack. It seems that the word "ashes" here is better translated "soot" Ashes fall to the ground, but soot floats in the air. There was no warning. Moses took a hand full of soot and tossed into the air. It settled on everyone and they were unable to stand against the boils that covered their bodies. They were forced to leave the royal presence and seek help, but there was no help afforded anyone in Egypt. Again this plague did not afflict the Hebrews in Goshen. This soot may have come from the bread ovens, or from the smelters that were used to purify the iron and gold. The plague spread over the land of Egypt as smog spreads over the great cities of the world, but not in Goshen.

      Talk about pain and suffering, nothing is worse than boils all over the body, Just ask Job! Job 2:7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. Just imagine boils on the bottom of your feet and all over your body to the top of your head. What agony Job must have gone through, but not once did he complain.

      Now back to our story: Every person, child, old folk and all ages in between, suffering from this infestation or running sores and scraping the matter from their bodies with broken piece of pottery. You would think they would have rebelled against Pharaoh and gladly sent the Jews on their way. But Pharaoh had the final word and said no to Moses and the great "I AM." "What fools these mortals be."

      Let us make a personal application, do we know what is right and do the opposite? Remember we are in a spiritual battle even as the Apostle Paul refers to in Romans 7:19-22 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: This battle rages on in our hearts and only by trusting in the Lord by faith do we have the victory.

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12th

Instructions for the Passover

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 12:1-20

After being in bondage for so many years, the children of Israel were on the verge of being set free. God comes to Moses and Aaron to give them the instructions for the Passover. In Exodus 12:7-10 we find these instructions. God said to take the blood of a male lamb and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

If the children of Israel would obey God instructions, He promised in Exodus 7:13, that when I see the blood I will pass over you. So when the death angel came to Egypt, each doorpost that had the blood applied on it, he passed by, but every doorpost that did not have the blood applied, they witnessed the death of their first-born son. What an awesome picture of what Christ has done for us. In 1 Corinthians 5:7, the Bible says that Christ is our Passover and He is the sacrificed lamb for us. Notice 1 Peter 1:19, But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Without the blood of Christ applied to the doorposts of our heart, we have no hope of redemption. Today, let us be thankful for the love that God has shown to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

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13th

The Frogs

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 8:1-7

      Because of Pharaoh 's disobedience to God, He sent ten plagues on the nation Egypt. In this plague, there is a terrible infestation of frogs. They have frogs in the kitchen and frogs in the bedroom. The Egyptians regarded frogs as having divine power. In the Egyptian pantheon the goddess Heqet had the form of a woman with a frog's head. From her nostrils, it was believed, came the breath of life that animated the bodies of those created by her husband, the great god Khnum, from the dust of the earth. Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.

      In this instance, Pharaoh 's sorcerers also produce frogs, but they are powerless to get rid of the frogs, which is what Pharaoh wants and needs. Pharaoh calls for Moses in order to get relief for himself and the people. We are not told why, but Moses asks Pharaoh when he should pray. He gives Pharaoh the power to choose the time of his relief from this plague. It may be that Pharaoh's heart hardened somewhat from the time he calls for Moses till the time he sees him, and does not seem as concerned about immediate relief. At any rate, he says tomorrow.

      Why does he say tomorrow? It is not because he likes the frogs. I believe it is likely that he hopes the frogs will go away before the next day. In that way, he will not be obliged to keep his promise. In other words, he delays because his heart is still opposed to God's will. Moses says specifically, that relief will come on the next day so that he would know the truth. Pharaoh needed to understand that God was in control, even though he ruled Egypt. Thus the god that was supposed to be the friend of Egypt turned against the Egyptians. They were to understand that these idols were no gods and Israel's God is God. Sadly, it is not uncommon for people to so love their sin, that they will cling to foolishness and endure a good deal of difficulty in order to hang on to it. Many sinful habits are like that. God, help us not to be as foolish in our sin as Pharaoh.

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14th

God's Provision; Quails

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 16:6-13; Num, 11:30-35

The children of Israel were notorious for their murmuring against God and against Moses and Aaron. Soon after the crossing of the Red Sea, we read: And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Ex. 16:2,3. The response of the Lord was: At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God. And it came to pass, that even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the camp. Exodus 16:11-15 When the dew was gone there was the manna.

"The glory of the Lord was manifested in such a gift of food which was a transient gift, not as in the case of the manna which continued throughout the wilderness journey. The quails did not continue to fall as the manna but were twice miraculously supplied Exodus 16:13; Numbers 11:31,32."(Lockyer) Take the time to read the story in Numbers. "The miracle of the quails consisted in their vast quantity at the needed time. The Bible says that there went forth a wind (east wind) from the Lord and brought the quails from the sea and let them fall by the camp. Num. 11:31; Psalm 78:26,27. They came at His bidding and landed in the place where He directed."(Lockyer)

"One solemn lesson to be learned from this incident is that God gave the people their request, but sent leanness into the soul. Ps. 78:29; 106:15. (Lockyer) Phil. 4:19

Thought: If God gave to us as we give to Him-- what would we have?(The Lifeline)

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15th

Miracles of Moses: Darkness

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 10:21-29

   This is the ninth plague brought upon the Pharaoh of Egypt. The day of judgment again came suddenly without notice, even though Pharaoh knew something was going to take place. This plague refuted the false sun god, Ra. This was a terrifying and terrible darkness, a frightening and fearsome darkness, a darkness that was so thick it could be felt, to the point that no one was even able to move. This can be compared to the spiritual darkness that man has chosen to live in. Darkness so thick that few people ever see the truth; a willful darkness, a deliberate decision by man to live there and consequently, the judgment of God is coming. And when God launches His judgment, there will be no escape. Those that have chosen to go their own way will be held for eternity by the chains of eternal darkness and punishment, totally separated from everything and everyone, including God, for ever and ever.

      There will be an attempt by some to compromise with God, just as Pharaoh tried. But just as Moses did not compromise with Pharaoh, Born-again Believers are not to compromise with the world and it's ways. God cannot compromise with man. To lower His standards would make God less than perfect, less than God. Ecclesiastes 3:14 says, I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him.

      Sadly, just as Pharaoh hardened his heart against God, the Bible also tells us that many will harden their hearts against God and His ways. Proverbs 1:24-28 says, Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.

      Oh Gracious and Merciful God, Forgive us of our sins and lead us in the way of Everlasting light! In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

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16th

Wrath Awakened and Wrath Appeased

Optional Scripture Reading: Numbers 11:1-15

    When people complain against God's chosen leadership, they are complaining against God. This type of sin is found over and over again in the Old Testament and surprise of surprises, we are still doing it in the church today. As we come to the end of the church age it is raising its ugly head almost daily in fundamental churches. The people had just finished their first year from slavery in Egypt. In chapter nine they had celebrated the Passover. Numbers 9:1-3 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover at his appointed season. In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.

      Now the root of apostasy was again in their hearts. Complaining about their hardships and the Lord heard it. Complaining seems to have been a sin unto death on many occasions in the Old Testament. It is a good thing God does not deal with the Christians as He did in times past. 1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death. The old fleshly nature is still in us and we must fight the war of all wars in our own hearts. If we lose it, we will self-destruct. The sin unto death can be one thing for one person and another thing for another person.

      Fire came into the camp and many were consumed, but Moses interceded for them and the fire was restrained. This fire may have been from lightening or have come forth from the Tabernacle. It would seem that they would have learned their lesson then and there, but the smoke had no more than cleared, and again, they were complaining about the food. Note that Moses came close to falling into the same trap, vv. 11-16.

      Are we so naïve as to think we can get away with fault finding and God will not take notice? God protected the leadership in the Old Testament and He will also protect it now!

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17th

The Tenth and Final Plague

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 11

      Often times when a person is running from God, God has to hit them over the head with a spiritual two by four. To get Jonah to do what God wanted him to do, he had to send along a storm and when he was cast over board, God sent a huge fish to swallow him whole. Only after three days and three nights in the belly of the fish was he ready to do what God wanted him to do.

      Pharaoh was a little more hardened than Jonah. Nine times God came to Pharaoh and told him to "let my people go", and nine times Pharaoh said, "no". No doubt Pharaoh was stubborn in heart. How can a man not be stubborn after having to deal with nine plagues because of his refusal to obey God? Many of us would say, "If I were Pharaoh I would have given God what he wanted after the first couple plagues". But the fact is, none of us are Pharaoh and none of us will ever have all that Pharaoh had. It is amazing to watch people fight for the things they want. Stubborn people will fight over the pettiest of things.

      The tragedy of fighting with God is God never loses. Jonah eventually did what God wanted and so did Pharaoh. As a result of Pharaoh's tenth "no", there was a tenth plague. This plague hit Pharaoh hard enough that he finally let God's people go. This fight with God cost Pharaoh his son's life. When a person is fighting or running from God, it often seems like God has to do something tragic to get that person's attention. Let us be challenged today to stop fighting and running from God and start running to God. Let us yield to His first calling and not wait to see how far we can get before God really gets our attention.

      Matthew 19:24 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

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18th

Strange Fire

Optional Scripture Reading: Leviticus 10:1-7

   Here is a tragic story. Aaron 's two sons are not careful to follow God 's directions. God started the fire on the brazen altar Himself. This fire was to burn continually. It was from this fire that the priests were to take coals and burn incense before the veil of the temple. The picture is that our worship is purified, directed and empowered by God.

      When these sons of Aaron offered strange fire, they did not take the fire from the altar, as God said, but kindled their own fire. This destroyed the proper picture of worship. Rather than God purifying and empowering worship, they did. No where do we find that what they did was forbidden. It was just not according to the pattern that God gave them. In this text, we might think of the fire in terms of love and zeal. There is a love and zeal in worship that is born of God and there is a love and zeal in worship that is born of the flesh. It is important that our love and zeal in worship be born of the Spirit of God.

      In order to emphasize the importance of the right kind of worship, the fire of God destroyed these two sons of Aaron. Their action regardless of intent showed great disrespect for God. Some believe that anything people do in order to demonstrate their love and worship to God is good. That is not what we see here. In other words, in our worship, we need to obey and please God. In order to do that, our doctrine needs to be right. Sadly, today people tend to ignore doctrine in worship and seek things that are pleasing to them. People seem to think if they desire to seek God in worship, but do it in a way that pleases them, this is honoring to God. They know all are lost in sin so this will not be true. We find this problem from the worship of Cain in the book of Genesis to the efforts put forth by many today who seek entertainment for themselves rather than to honor God. We need to develop worship after a pattern that pleases God and not after a pattern that is convenient or pleasing to us. If we try to please ourselves, we will dishonor and offend God rather than honor Him.

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19th

Victory Over Amalek

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 17:8-16

   Who were the Amalekites? "Amalek, grandson of Esau Genesis 36:12, who was born after the flesh Galatians 4:22-29, was the progenitor of the Amalekites, Israel's persistent enemy." (Lockyer) "Amalek was the first to attack Israel in the wilderness journey from Egypt to Palestine. Later, the Amalekites attacked again at Kadesh, an attack for which Moses ordered their extinction Numbers 31:1-3. But they recovered and later oppressed Israel.";(Lockyer)

      The reason for the attack on Israel at Rephidim was because of Israel's entrance into their territory. "Naturally, they wished to preserve themselves against invaders into their region."(Lockyer) God had miraculously provided water for Israel. "The signs and wonders on Israel's behalf had shown them to be God's people. Thus, when Amalek attacked Israel, the battle was not against Israel, but against God. Another motive behind the attack was the lack of any fear of God. Ex. 17:16; Deut. 25:17-19."(Lockyer) God promised to have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 17:8 .

      Joshua assembled an army and fought with Amalek. Aaron and Hur went up on the hill overlooking the battlefield. When Moses held up his hand with the rod of God in it, Israel was victorious, but when he let down his hand Amalek won. Because Moses' hands were heavy he sat on a stone and Aaron and Hur held up his hands and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 17:11,12. As a result Israel was victorious. "In this miraculous victory, the power of intercession is symbolized."(Lockyer) .

    Thought: If you don't believe in cooperation, just observe what happens to a vehicle when one wheel comes off. (The Lifeline)

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20th

Miracles of Moses: Water from the Rock #1

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 17:1-7

As the Israelites started into the wilderness, after actually witnessing so many miracles and also deliverance from the ten plagues, they are tested by this fourth crisis, sent from God regarding no water, and if they would respond obediently. Physical thirst, craving for water, is one of the strongest drives that a person has, and today we want to look at the spiritual comparison of physical thirst compared to spiritual thirst.

We realize from God's Word, that the spiritual thirst of the human heart can only be quenched by God, and God alone. The Israelites had left the desert of Sin and went to Rephidim expecting to find water but every source there was dry. This was a matter of life and death and yet, they did not turn to God for their help. Instead, they complained against Him and against God's chosen leader, Moses. Sadly, haven't we seen this in our own lives too? When things don't go like we want or expect, how do we respond? Do we turn to the Lord in prayer, or instead, do we complain? Many times our problems are caused by our own mistakes, but sometimes God allows problems, to try us and test us to see if we will turn to Him and ask Him for guidance and deliverance. God also uses trials to glorify and praise Himself when we will obediently turn to Him and ask Him to help us in our time of need. He also uses trials to reveal that He is the God of salvation and deliverance so that people know that He is the Lord God, the only True and Living God.

God's faithful servant Moses, went to prayer and cried out to God on behalf of the people, that God would provide water for them, even though the people were to the point of threatening his life. And God gave him specific directions to follow, so that life-giving water could be delivered from God to the people. Isn't God gracious! Those folks deserved absolutely nothing. And yet isn't that a picture too, of where we are spiritually? We don't deserve God's mercy and salvation and yet, God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Oh Gracious and Merciful God, Have mercy on us and forgive us when we don't follow You and don't trust You. Help us to be faithful servants and obedient people that will bring the gospel message to others, bringing glory to You. Amen.

052002dm

21st

The Jealousy of Miriam and Aaron

Optional Scripture Reading: Numbers 12:1-6

Jealous, Jealousies and Jealousy are mentioned 52 times in the Scripture. Let's look at the seven deadly sins. Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (schemes), feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Jealousy has destroyed more homes, churches and political ambitions than any other sin. Many is the split family or church because of a jealous heart. And I would suspect that most of this is unfounded. There is one time when the Apostle Paul speaks of jealous in a good sense. 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Now returning to our text, Miriam was jealous because of the Cushite wife Moses had married while in the 40 years of preparation for his ministry. Miriam was unhappy because Moses was getting all the glory. Did she not change his diapers, watch over him as he was rocked to sleep among the bulrushes beside the Nile? Envy is the seed of jealously and selfish desires. A neighboring pastor once asked me, "What did you do to deserve this church." I responded "I don't deserve anything but hell but God chose me for this church". When I resigned the church, that same man wanted me to recommend him to the church, I refused.

God heard the faultfinding and immediately took over. Miriam became leprous, and an outcast from the camp. But Moses, being the man of meekness that he was, made intercession before the Lord. Miriam was healed, but had to stay outside the camp for another seven days. David said I will not touch the Lord's anointed, (1 Samuel 16:11). We should be careful how we treat our pastor. Paul said the Pastor is a gift to the church. Eph. 4:11c-12a And he gave pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints. God will punish the person or the church that mistreats their pastor, just as he protected Moses in ages past.

052102rjs

22nd

The Closing of the Red Sea

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:13-31

The crossing of the Red Sea is probably one of the most well known miracles of God in the Old Testament. In fact, many people refer to that event as the opening of the Red Sea. But do you realize that the closing of the Red Sea is just as important as the opening of it? Think about it for a second. The opening provided a way of escape, the closing provided freedom from Egypt forever.

What a beautiful illustration of salvation that can be seen with the crossing of the Red Sea! Picture in your mind the state of the children of Israel. Egypt being a type of sin, the Bible tells us, that they were trapped by the Egyptians. There is no way to escape, but God, in His love and kindness, provides a way to escape through the Red Sea. As Moses lifts up the rod of God, and places himself and the nation under the rod, God causes a wind to come and part the Sea and dry the land. Now faith comes in crossing the Sea. As we take our first step into the Sea, it doesn't require much faith because if the water closed up we could always step back out. But as we get deeper and deeper into the sea, the walls of water are 30 feet and higher, now we start to walk by faith. As the children of Israel exit the Red Sea, the Egyptians (the world and sin) are pursuing them. This is the exciting part. God opened the Sea for escape and He closed the Sea for freedom. As God closed the Red Sea, the Bible tells us in Exodus 14:28, that the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Just as God freed the Israelites from the Egyptians, He frees us from sin. Think about it. The Red Sea covered the Egyptians and they saw them no more. Can you think of something else that is red and has covered our sins and removed them as far as the east is from the west? The blood of Christ? How exciting! God has provided the way of escape, and He is ready to close the door on sin. Have you placed your faith and trust in Christ? If so, are you excited about what he has done for you?

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23rd

Fiery Serpents

Optional Scripture Reading:Numbers 21:4-9

It is interesting to note in our text, that God sent this plague against the people, because they spoke against Him. Because of the lack of water, the manna and the hardship of the desert, they criticized God. The heart of sin, is a rejection of God and His righteous ways and a turning to self. The serpent of sin has bitten all of humanity. When we look at our world and see all the hate and destruction, we need to remember it is because of the bite of the Serpent. Romans 6:23 the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. All of us have been bitten and all of us will perish apart from faith in God.

In John 3:14-16 14 we read, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In other words, this miracle is an important picture when it comes to faith and salvation.

I like the picture here. Some try to make faith a very complex thing. It is not. It is very simple. We don 't find Moses giving a deep theological lecture here. We find him giving the people hope through the symbol of a brazen serpent. Sadly, some today don 't want to talk about sin. They feel offended that God would bring judgment to pass on their sin as He did with the people here. They think you can just look to the positive and not worry about sin and repentance from sin. That is not the message here. We have to understand that without the hope that is ours in Christ we will suffer damnation. We will suffer eternal death. We will live forever. The only question is, will we live with eternal life or eternal death. Thank God He is not willing that any should perish. All we need do is look to the cross of Christ in faith and hope. Have you come to really understand your sin and it 's consequences? Have you ever taken hold of the hope that is in Christ? If not, why not trust Him now?

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24th

God's Revenge on Rebels

Optional Scripture Reading:Numbers 16:23-33

The miracle, which we are considering in the devotional for today, has to do with the sin of rebellion against one of God's chosen servants, Moses. The rebellion was led by Korah, of the tribe of Levi, Dathan and Abiram, along with other children of Israel 250 princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown. 16:1,2. "The rebels argued that since the whole congregation was holy, there had been a usurping of authority on the part of Moses and Aaron. They lost sight of the fact that Moses and Aaron were God's appointed representatives and had the precedence in drawing right to Him and of ministering in holy things."(Lockyer) 16:3.

Moses response was to fall on his face before God And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even tomorrow the Lord will show who are his, and who is holy and who He has chosen to approach God. 16:4,5 Then came the test of the censors 16:6, the use of which was the peculiar prerogative and the holiest function of the priesthood, and consequent vindication of Moses and Aaron and the punishment of the rebels.. Korah, the ringleader of the rebellion, perished in the divine fire along with the 250 princes who offered incense with him. 16:27,35. "Dathan and Abiram and their families and households were swallowed up in the opened earth and died a terrible death. They perished under the stroke of God's judgment." (Lockyer) God did something not known before God formed the chasm. "All God's miracles are displays of creative power." (Lockyer) The apostle Jude warns Christians against such rebellion. V.11.

Thought: The goal of criticism should be to leave the person with the feeling he or she has been helped. (The Lifeline)

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25th

Miracles of Moses: Path through the Red Sea

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:1-22

Life is often very cruel and any hopes that may have risen are many times sunk by disappointments. People everywhere are facing sickness, suffering, broken relationships, accidents, loss of jobs, diseases, and even death. And many ask, "Where is God when we really need Him?" Interestingly, the Israelites were in this very situation and yet the problem was not Pharaoh and his overbearing military, it was not that the Red Sea hemmed in the Israelites. The problem was the hearts and thoughts of the people saying, "God, why are you allowing this to happen, why me? This isn't fair. If only we had stayed in Egypt, (slavery and bondage) life would have been simpler." Imagine the mothers clutching their children for what seemed like the last time; some even thinking of swimming the Red Sea; others determined to go down fighting. The scripture tells us that the people bitterly accused Moses and God of being cruel and leading them to their deaths. Total chaos and confusion. And yet, God had a purpose and a plan for them.

God, in His infinite wisdom, loves all of mankind and He would that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. Pharaoh had hardened his heart and would not obey God. The Israelites were being disobedient and were murmuring and were not willingly following God's chosen leader, Moses. And yet God chose to do the humanly impossible and lead the people through the Red Sea and then bring final judgment on Pharaoh and his army. Would to God, we would learn from these examples and trust God with all our hearts and that we would lean not on our own understanding. That in all our ways, we would acknowledge Him and He would direct our paths. God provided for the people a dry path to walk on through the Red Sea and He delivered them miraculously. Question is: Are we prepared to obediently follow God and His chosen leaders? Or instead, are we murmuring and questioning God's purposes and plans for our lives? Seems like pretty dangerous ground to stand on. If we truly are His children, may we begin to acknowledge His leading in our lives and serve Him faithfully.

Dear Lord God Jehovah, Thank You for Your plan and Your deliverance in our lives. Help us to walk faithfully and obediently. Amen.

052502dm

26th

Moses Intercedes and Stops the Plague

Optional Scripture Reading: Numbers 16:41-50

    This is the ninth of ten plagues that came upon Israel in the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Murmuring and complaining seems to be a natural sin of the flesh. Saved or unsaved, we all do it! If we really put into practice what Paul says in (Romans 12:1-2) we would be able to overcome this sin that our Lord hates with a passion. We can overcome with a renewed mind.

      Moses commanded Aaron to take some incense from the altar that is before the veil that divides the holy place from the most holy place where the Mercy Seat and the Ark of the Covenant were placed. Aaron was to go out to the people and stand between the dead and the living. Aaron was to make Atonement for them. Have you ever thought on this? We are to stand between the spiritually dead and the spiritually alive by our witnessing and living the Christ-like life. Does our language at work betray us like it did Peter the night before the crucifixion? Do our children see a spiritually indifferent person for six days and then a sanctimonious person on Sunday?

      This chapter has two catastrophic events, the death of Korah and his followers, and the plague of fire which we are looking at today. Aaron obeyed Moses and displayed his authority as a priest. There was no time for a sacrifice and burnt offering, something must be done, now! He took the censer and stood between the dead and the living. Remember ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9.

      Moses was able to go before the Lord at any time because he was living a victorious life before God and man. He had the same old nature we have, and most of the time he was able to control it. I think, if I had been in his sandals I would have lost my cool many times. Are you living a victorious life? Are we letting the Holy Spirit control our lives as we are commanded many times by the Apostle Paul? If not, it is not too late to turn your emotions and temperaments over to the Spirit.

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27th

Manna From Heaven

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 16

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