March 26 -- "Who is the LORD?"

  Today's Reading:  Exodus 5

"Who is the LORD?"

Pharaoh's questioning of God's authority can be understood in the context of the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egypt. The Egyptian religion had a complex system of gods and goddesses, with each deity having a specific role and function in the universe. The Pharaoh himself was considered a “god-king,” the son of the sun god Ra and the living embodiment of the god Horus on earth.

When Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh and demanded the release of the Israelites, they presented themselves as representatives of Yahweh, a God that Pharaoh did not recognize or worship. This likely made Pharaoh skeptical of their claims and authority, and he questioned the legitimacy of this God and his power over the Egyptian gods. You can actually sense Pharaoh’s dismissive attitude when he says, “Who is the Lord?”

Pharaoh's skepticism and refusal to acknowledge the God of Israel will result in a series of plagues that demonstrate Yahweh's power and sovereignty over all creation. These plagues were meant to convince Pharaoh and the Egyptians of the true power and authority of God. Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, demonstrating that they were not truly powerful and that the God of Israel was the one true God.

The Bible is full of instances where people initially questioned God’s power and sovereignty over creation, but ultimately discovered the truth of His authority over all the universe. Job questioned God's justice and wisdom. Gideon questioned God's power and asks for multiple signs to validate God’s calling. Sarah laughed at the idea of becoming pregnant, doubting God's power to fulfill such a promise. The disciple Thomas famously doubted Jesus' resurrection. Jonah questioned God's mercy and compassion for the people of Nineveh. Zechariah questioned the angel's message about Elizabeth giving birth to a son. Martha doubted Jesus' power to raise Lazarus from the dead.

These stories demonstrate that questioning God and His power is a natural part of our faith journey, and that God is patient and understanding with those who doubt. However, these stories also show that God is faithful to His promises and ultimately works all things for the good of those who love Him. In Jeremiah 32:17, the prophet declares, "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." This statement acknowledges God's power as the Creator of all things, and affirms that there is nothing beyond His ability to accomplish.

March 25 -- "Spontaneous Worship"

 Today's Reading:  Exodus 4

"Spontaneous Worship"

Spontaneous worship is the truest form of worship.

Today’s verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Moses had just performed several miraculous signs as evidence of his divine appointment. When the Israelites saw these signs and heard Moses' message that God had seen their suffering and was going to deliver them, they believed.

Their belief was accompanied by an act of worship, as they bowed their heads in reverence and gratitude for God's intervention on their behalf. This verse highlights the power of faith and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

This was an act of spontaneous worship. It was natural, unplanned, and unrehearsed. Their hearts were so moved by the evidence of God’s intervention that they impulsively bowed their heads and worshipped. This is the truest form of worship – that which springs from the heart as a result of God’s presence being revealed.

The Bible contains several instances of spontaneous worship, where individuals or groups of people worship God in the moment without prior planning or preparation. This was not a scheduled “church service.” Note that there is no mention of music, a worship leader, a band, choir, liturgy, a temple, a building, or preaching. Our verse says they simply “bowed their heads.”  Bowing of the head is a physical posture that can be used as an act of worship to express humility, reverence, and submission to God. This spontaneous outpouring of worship was evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and work among them and is the truest expression of worship as it comes from the depth of one’s soul.

God’s word encourages spontaneous worship as a way to express our love and gratitude to Him in a moment of special blessing from above. Take a moment now to bow your head, turn your heart and thoughts Heavenward, and worship your loving and gracious Creator.

March 24 -- "I Am!"

Today's Reading:  Exodus 3 

"I Am!"

Exodus 3:14 is a powerful declaration of God's nature and character, and it reminds us of His eternal and unchanging presence in our lives. God's self-existence and eternality are essential to understanding who He is and how we should relate to Him.

The Hebrew phrase used for "I AM WHO I AM" is "ehyeh asher ehyeh," which can also be translated as "I will be what I will be" or "I am what I am."

This name of God reveals His eternal, self-existent nature. God is the one who always was, always is, and always will be. He is not bound by time or space but exists beyond it. He is the source of all existence and the sustainer of all life.

In the context of the Exodus story, God reveals His name to Moses as a way of assuring him that He will be with him as he goes to Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites from slavery. God is not only the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but He is also the God of Moses and the God of the Israelites. By revealing His name, God establishes a personal relationship with Moses and His people, a relationship based on trust and faithfulness.

In John 8:58, Jesus declares that He is this one and the same “I AM” when He is engaged in a heated debate with the Pharisees, who are questioning His authority. When Jesus declares, "Before Abraham was, I am," He is invoking the divine name revealed in Exodus 3:14 and claiming to be God. The language and concepts of Exodus 3:14 were woven into the theology of the early Christian church. They reveal how Jesus Christ was understood to be the embodiment of the God who revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush.

“I AM” is the ultimate statement of self-sufficiency, self-existence, and immediate presence. God’s existence is not contingent upon anyone else. His plans are not contingent upon any circumstances. He promises that He will be what He will be; that is, He will be the eternally constant God.

March 23 -- "Their Cry Came Up To God"

 Today's Reading:  Exodus 2

"Their Cry Came Up To God"

Today’s verse marks a turning point in the story of the Israelites' occupation of Egypt. Prior to this, the Israelites had been living in Egypt for generations, first as honored guests during the time of Joseph, and later as slaves under a new pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8). The Israelites had been increasingly oppressed and forced to work as slaves, and their situation had grown increasingly desperate.

The phrase "their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God" is particularly significant because it suggests that God is aware of the Israelites' suffering and is moved to action on their behalf. This idea of God hearing the cry of the oppressed is a recurring theme in the Bible, and it underscores the importance of justice and compassion for those who are marginalized or oppressed. Their voices were heard by the Living God who loves them and chose them for His special purposes, just as He chose you for a special purpose.

This sets the stage for the story of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It shows that the Israelites are not passive victims of their circumstances, but are actively seeking God's help and intervention. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God even in the midst of difficult and uncertain times, knowing that God hears the cries of the oppressed and is moved to action on their behalf.

The Bible contains many references to God hearing the cries of his people, particularly those who are oppressed, suffering, or in need of help. Examples include: Psalm 34:15 - "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.” And Psalm 72:12-14 - "For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight."

Jesus reminds us of this same truth in Luke 18:7-8 - "And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily.” Send your groans and cries up to Him today. 

March 22 -- "Fruitfulness"

Today's Reading:  Exodus 1 

"Fruitfulness"

Fruitfulness is an important theme that is seen throughout the Bible. It is a concept that emphasizes growth, multiplication, and productivity, and is often used as a metaphor for spiritual growth and bearing good fruit in our lives.

One of the earliest references to fruitfulness is found in the book of Genesis, where God commands Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" (Genesis 1:28). This command sets the stage for the story of human history, as God's people are called to grow, multiply, and spread the message of God's love and salvation to the ends of the earth.

Throughout the Old Testament, fruitfulness is often used as a sign of God's blessing and favor. For example, the Psalms frequently describe fruitful fields and abundant harvests as signs of God's goodness and provision (Psalm 67:6, Psalm 85:12). Here in today’s passage, God’s blessing is evident as the Israelites multiplied and filled the land of Egypt.

In the New Testament, Jesus often used the metaphor of fruitfulness to describe the life of a disciple. In John 15:5, he says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." This passage emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus and bearing good fruit in our lives as a sign of our faith and obedience.

From a Biblical perspective, fruitfulness is important in all circumstances because it reflects God's desire for growth and multiplication in our lives. Whether we are facing blessings or challenges, we are called to remain faithful to God and bear good fruit in our lives. This involves cultivating a strong relationship with God, growing in our knowledge and understanding of his Word, serving others with love and compassion, and sharing the message of salvation with those around us. Ultimately, fruitfulness is a sign of our trust in God and our willingness to follow him wherever he leads.

March 21 -- "God Meant it for Good"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 50

"God Meant it for Good"

In this verse, Joseph is speaking to his brothers after he has revealed his true identity to them and they have been reconciled. Joseph acknowledges that his brothers had intended to harm him when they sold him into slavery, but he also recognizes that God used this situation for good.

The phrase "meant evil against me" refers to the actions of Joseph's brothers, who had been jealous of him and sought to harm him. However, Joseph's perspective is that God was ultimately in control of the situation, and that God used Joseph's suffering and eventual rise to power in Egypt to save many people from famine.

The phrase "to bring it about that many people should be kept alive" emphasizes the ultimate purpose of God's plan, which was to save the lives of many people. This phrase is a reminder that God can work through difficult and even painful circumstances to accomplish his purposes.

Joseph is a powerful example of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of difficult and painful circumstances. It is a reminder that God can bring good out of even the most challenging situations, and that we can trust him to work all things for our good and His glory. The themes of the verse are echoed throughout the Bible and especially in the teachings of Jesus. This reminds all of us to keep things in God’s perspective. Even though the situations in our lives may seem to be “against us,” God, in His sovereignty has an ultimate plan to turn it for our good.

In addition, the story of Joseph is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as Joseph suffered and was eventually exalted to a position of power, so too did Jesus suffer and ultimately arise to the right hand of God. In this sense, the story of Joseph can be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for humanity, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.

March 20 -- "The Lion of Judah"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 49

"The Lion of Judah"

Today’s verse is part of Jacob's blessings to his twelve sons. Specifically, it refers to the blessing that Jacob gave to his son Judah, who was the ancestor of King David and, later on, of Jesus Christ.

This verse is a prophecy about the coming of a Great Ruler from the tribe of Judah. The "scepter" and "ruler's staff" mentioned in the verse refer to symbols of kingship and authority, and the phrase "between his feet" may suggest the position of a seated king holding these symbols of power.

The phrase "until tribute comes to him" refers to the future coming of the Messiah, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. The "obedience of the nations" is understood as a reference to the Messiah's universal reign and the submission of all people to him. This prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and King of all nations.

In the New Testament, the genealogy of Jesus is traced back to Judah through his earthly father, Joseph (see Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38). In addition, Jesus is directly linked to Genesis 49 when He is referred to as the "lion of the tribe of Judah" in the book of Revelation (Revelation 5:5). This title emphasizes Jesus' royal lineage and his role as a powerful and victorious ruler.

All of this it serves as a reminder to us of the significance of Jesus Christ and his role as the Messiah. The themes of kingship, authority, and submission to God that are present in this verse can apply to all believers. As followers of Jesus, we are called to submit to His Lordship and recognize His authority over our lives.