Jan 24

Oops, I included all of the reading for Jan 24 on Jan 23. I guess I wanted to keep all the plagues together. That's ok, it gives me one more day to prepare for and think about one of my favorite subjects- Passover. I remember when our former associate Pastor (who I used to tease about being a Baptist Jew who liked to watch the Catholic channel) held a Sedar (passover) dinner for us. It was shortly before that the lightbulb went off in my brain: Jesus and His disciples were celebrated more than the famed "Last Supper" they were celebrating Passover! There is SO much info on symbolism of Passover and how it represents Christ that I won't be able to do it justice. I will probably end up posting some links to check out if you are interested and post what I feels speaks to me.

I'm never sure when I sit down at the computer how these blogs are going to turn out. They just kind of happen. Hopefully, it is the Spririt leading me. I've had good feedback (you all keep me going more than you know!) and so I'll keep plugging away. I'm not a theologian, I've not been to Bible school, but I just LOVE God's word. And I love to share my love it :)

I've been thinking about what kind of little gift from the Holy Land I can get for people if they finish out the whole year with reading through the Bible. Maybe a little coin or something.

Jan 23 Exodus 5-11

Panic and Discouragement:

Haven't you often said," I wish God would just tell me what He is going to do." Or as a friend recently said, "Where is the neon sign telling me what to do?". Well God told Moses ahead of time EXACTLY what He was going to do. He even told him that Pharoh would not let the people go until He had to kill Pharoh's firstborn son. (Ex 4:21-23). When Moses and Aaron told the elders of Israel what God had said and that He was concerned about them and had seen their misery they believed and worshiped. (Ex. 4:29-31). But as soon as the going got tough, Moses ran to God in a panic (Ex. 5:22-6:1) and the elders were ready to give up.

God reassured Moses by telling him four times I am the LORD (Ex. 6: 2-9) and reaffirming these great truths:

• I have established My coventant with you and have remembered it
• I will free you from the yoke of bondage
• I will make you My people and be your God
• I will give you a possession or heritage

Moses must have been very encouraged after this talk with God but then, "He reported all he heard to the Isrealites and they did not listen because of their discouragement".

So to sum it up: they had the plan, the neon sign as it were, and even signs, wonders and miracles but they did not listen because they were discouraged. Maybe you are discouraged today. Remind yourself of God's promises, He never fails. (all these promises hold true for us today Galatians 3:6-16)

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The Plagues:

We are all pretty familiar with these, if not from reading through the Bible, at least from the Charlton Heston version of the 10 Suggestions....I mean Commandments. But one thing I noticed that I had never seen before. The plagues begin and end with blood. First the Nile turns to blood and then the firstborn is killed. It's the blood that saves us from all the stuff 'in between'.

As a side note, if you want some entertaining reading, search the web about the plauges and read some of the things 'science' has come up with to explain them. You know, of course, that battles at Sea were very common in that era, and there could have been a horrible battle on the Nile causing it to turn to blood. And the reason that only the firstborn died was that after the plague of darkness (caused by an eclipse) the Egyptians hurried to feed their firstborn (who had a prefered spot in the family) and fed them food that had toxic mold. The Israelists, however took their time and did not have the same preference for firstborn (since when?) Okie, Dokie- that's the best ya got??

Jan 22.Exodus 1-5

There is so much in today's passage but the most important thing that struck me was God telling Moses "I am that I am"

Today in the local newspaper there was an article in the religion section about a person of the Bahai faith who said Jesus was "One of his favorite spiritual messangers". Well, 'one of the favorites' is not an option. Either Jesus is God or He is a blasphamous lunatic. Jesus said "Before Abraham was, I am"(John 8:58). And they knew what He meant by that! They knew EXACTLY who I am was! And it was such a Holy name it was very rarely ever spoken. They were so upset at Him claiming to be God that they picked up stones to stone Him but He slipped away.

If you are interested in reading more about God's personal/sacred name (I am/Jehovah/Yahweh/YHVH etc) here's a great website- it all gets a little complicated, but I find it fascinating. http://www.hebrew4christians.net/Names_of_G-d/YHVH/yhvh.htm

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Other details that sent me looking on the web for these answers:

• The Medianites are descendants of Abraham's later wife, Keturah.
• Mt Horab, Mt Sinai and the 'mountain of God' can be used pretty much interchangably.

What was the whole God tried to kill Moses thing about? I have researched it before but have run out of time for tonight. I do remember it's easily available on the web and has to do with the fact (obviously) that Moses did not circumsise his sons.

Jan 21

It is indeed hard to understand why Jacob blessed his sons in the manner he did. So of course, that got me researching. I found a variety of opinions, but I'll share some that really rang true to me. Of course, the true reasons only Jacob and God know, but I really enjoyed these thoughts.

First Jacob blessed Manasseh and Ephriam. (Remember that Jacob is fully aware of what getting blessed first means-having stole the blessing from his brother!!) Jacob adopts the boys into his own family, gives them his name, and gives them full rights as sons and heirs (even though they are 1/2 Egyptian). This is done because of the beloved son Joseph. It is a beautiful picture of how we are adopted as sons and given positions as full heirs through God's beloved son Jesus.


Gen 48: 15-16 Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,
the Angel who has delivered me from all harm --may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth."

Next Jacob blesses the rest of his sons. Rueben as the oldest, has lost his birthright blessing because of sleeping with Bilhah, his fathers concubine (Gen 49:4, 1 Chr 5:1-2). Simeon and Levi were passed over because of their violence against the inhabitants of Shechem. So the postion linked with the birthright of the firstborn goes to Judah.

Judah's blessing tells that his brothers will bow down to him and praise him and that the sceptor will not depart from him until he to whom it belongs comes (also translated "Shiloh" or the one who gives peace/rest). Of course, if you have studied much bible history, you know that Jesus, the Messiah, eventually comes from Judah's line. He is often called the "Lion of Judah" and "Prince of Peace". Judah was refered to as a 'crouching lion' which in Egypt was symbolic of the right to rulership.

One author pointed out that the order of the blessings (which did not excactly follow the birth order) outlined the history of the world, of Israel and of the church. Starting off natural, sinful and carnal (the first three sons), then at peace (during Solomon's reign for Israel, and after accepting Christ for Christians), then the tendancy to roam away but eventually come back. Interesting!

Jan 20. Genesis 45:16-47:28

My very favorite part of today's reading: Joseph says to his brothers "Don't quarrel along the way"!!! He says this after he loads them up with gifts. It's a great reminder of how God blesses us and then we just 'quarrel with each other along the way'. I don't know what you think of Joel Osteen. I personally like him. I would not want him to be the only teaching I ever listen to but he's a great pick me up. But if you read online, there are people (presumably Christians) that make it their full time job (it seems) to pick him apart line by line. Don't they have anything better to do? Don't quarrel along the way!! Sometimes we do have to point out error but it should be only as much as needed to correct or impact the situation. I love it...Joseph sounds like a mother hen. Don't quarrel along the way.

The other thing that struck me was that Benjamin was given blessings 5 times the other brothers. The other brothers were forgiven, loved and blessed. But how much better to have not gotten tangled up in sin in the first place! I know he was Joseph's full brother, but I just couldn't help but think of that.

Jan 19 Gen 42:6-45:15

A few thoughts about todays reading. This whole idea that they didn't recognize Joseph puts me in mind of the disciples walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and they didn't recognize him. I'm also wondering if this whole idea that their money kept being returned to them is a picture for us that salvation cannot be bought or earned. Even 'double the amount of silver' and all the best gifts of the land was not needed to buy 'salvation'.

One also has to believe that Joseph had already previously made up his mind to forgive his brothers. If he had let it fester and been plagued with thoughts of what he would do them if he ever saw them again, he would have had a much different reaction.

Judah comes to his sense and acts as a 'type of Christ' himself, offering his own life in exchange for that of his younger brother.

Joseph's reaction of telling his brothers not to be distressed and not to be angry with themselves for selling him and 'come close to him' reminds me of Jesus saying "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do"

Jan 18, Gen 39-41

Joseph's Character and Temptation:

I spent some time today wondering how it was that Joseph, after all he had been through, could be so righteous. The thought that came to me was that as Jacob's favored son perhaps Jacob really spent time with him and taught him the ways of the Lord. Maybe he was his favorite son (besides being of his favorite wife) because he saw a spirit and character in him him that Jacob should have been himself. Or perhaps he realized after seeing the behaviour of his older boys that he better invest some serious time teaching Joseph. At any rate, Joseph is the first character mentioned in the Bible that there is no major sin mentioned. (The second being Daniel- makes a great name for son- Daniel Joseph-I know 2 of them. However, please note how Joseph is spelled-post delivery drugs will mess you up!!) Even in Egypt away from his family and any possible Godly influences, he is always consious of the fact that if he sinned it would be against the Lord. Of course many sermons have been preached on this point: he didn't even CONSIDER going to bed with Potipher's wife. He didn't even let it enter his thought process (which is where all sin starts). "He refused to go to bed with her or even be with her". You always hear the excuses: 'we didn't mean it to happen" "we didn't plan it" "it just happened". Joseph didn't give it chance to 'just happen'. He removed himself from even the possibility. Good advice.

Joseph as Type of Christ

I used to think that when pastors talked about a "type of Christ" in the OT that it was some deep theological thing........well it is, but it's not hard to understand. Think of a "prototype" and you'll get the idea. It's a forerunner of what's to come. Or in the bible, it's a foreshadowing or word picture of the One to come. Joseph is probably the best example in all the Bible of a Type of Christ. In googling it, I came up with a bunch I had never thought of. Can you add any?

Report :Joseph gave a bad report of his brothers to his father. (Genesis 37:2)
Jesus condemned the practices of the Chief priests, Sadducees, Pharisees and scribes. (Matthew 23)
Hatred :Joseph was hated and envied by his brothers. (Genesis 37:4)
Jesus was hated and envied by the Chief Priests, Pharisees and scribes. (Matthew 27:18)
Pictured as ruling over his brothers:Joseph told his brothers and family of his dream picturing him ruling over them. (Genesis 37:5-11)
Jesus informed the High Priest he would see the “Son of Man” coming in glory and power. (Matthew 26;64-66)
Rejected his dominion :Joseph brothers rejected Joseph ruling over them. (Genesis 37:8)
The Chief Priest rejected Jesus ruling over them. (Matthew 26:66-68)
Was sent by the father and traveled a long distance to check on the welfare of his brothers: Joseph is sent by his father to find his brothers (Genesis 37:12-17) Jesus was sent by the Father

Plot of death :Joseph is sent to his brothers, who see him in the distance and plot his death. (Genesis 37:19)
The Chief Priest, and rulers plot the death of Jesus. (Matthew 26:14)
Suffering :Joseph upon coming to his brothers is stripped, mocked and put in a pit. (Genesis 37:23-24)
Jesus after being rejected by the High Priest, is stripped, beaten and mocked (Matthew 27:28-30) (I remember a Kay Arthur video series, originally on TV, in which she taught through the book of Matthew from the Holy Land (at all the places in Matthew). She described a pit where they held Jesus before his trial (I think in the praetorium of Herod?) and I think she even showed pictures of it. (I did find some pictures of what they think to be the "Holy Pit" but the website points out that there were very common in homes for cisterns and storage. )
Sold by Judah :Judah betrays his brother, by selling him to the Ishmaelites for 20 pieces of Silver. (Genesis 37:27-28)
Judah (i.e. 'the Jews'), the remaining tribe after the Babylonian and Assyrian captivities turns Jesus over to the Romans.
Sold for silver :Judah sells Joseph for 20 pieces of silver. (Genesis 37:28)
Judas sells Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26;15)
Rejected by a brother :Judah was Joseph’s brother, one of the 12 brothers.
Judas was one of the 12 disciples who spent three years with Jesus, like a brother.
Brothers used Goat’s blood in his place :In place of Joseph, the sons of Jacob dipped his coat in the blood of a goat, representing the blood as Joseph’s (Genesis 37:31)
The tribes of Jacob, were instructed to sacrifice the blood of animals for their sins. This was until Messiah came, who was pictured in sacrifice.
Suffered from false accusations and slander :Joseph as a slave, in Egypt was falsely accused and slandered by the Egyptians. (Genesis 39:17-19)
Jesus was falsely accused by the High-Priest and others. (Matthew 26:59-61)
Exalted to become savior of Egypt :Joseph was elevated by Pharaoh to be the savior of Egypt. (Genesis 41)
Jesus rejected by the Jews, was accepted by the Gentiles as savior.
Honored but unknown to his brothers:As Joseph was honored by the Egyptians/Gentiles he was unknown to his brothers, being considered as dead.
(Genesis 42:7-8)
Jesus is honored by the Gentiles, but virtually unknown to the Jews his brothers, being considered dead.
Concealed :Joseph’s brothers did not recognize Joseph the first time they saw him, being about age 30(Genesis 42:7-8)
Jesus was not recognized by the Jews at his first coming, being about age 30.
Revealed :Joseph revealed himself to his brothers the when they were alone. (Genesis 45:7)
Jesus revealed himself to his brothers and followers after the ressurection and will be fully revealed at His second coming

Jan 17, Gen 37-38

Well, the story gets interesting again. We are introduced to Joseph, the favored son. He doesn't have enough sense not to tattle on his brothers and tell them about his dreams in which he rules over them, not once but twice. (Same brothers that slaughtered a whole village- I think I might stay out their way). But, God's fingerprints (as always) are all over the story and serving His purpose. We will be seeing a lot more of Joseph shortly so we'll leave him here and concentrate on the bizzare story of Tamar and Judah.

Because I know that the line of Christ will eventually come from Judah, I was really puzzled about this story. Then I realized that Judah had married a Cananite wife. The resulting offspring were so evil that God killed two of them (glad He doesn't do that now days!!) It does note that Judah 'got a wife for Er' (Tamar). It doesn't say he 'took a wife' which one would presume it would say if he married a 'local' girl and it does not make a point of saying that she was a Cananite like it notes of Judah's wife. In previous generations it seems 'got a wife' indicates that it was 'in the family' not of the locals and that she was indeed a Hebrew. Upon googling this theory, it seems that there are those who agree and they indicate that Tamar is indeed a Hebrew name (later the daughter of David the king). So in the midst of this whole bizzare and even sinful plot, God preserves the family line and accomplishes His purposes.

Another look at Geneologies (this is interesting)

Always learning something new! As you read through lists of ((boring)) geneologies keep this in mind: there are NO wasted words in the Bible.

You may have noticed that in the Bible it is often noted that the names have meaning. Such as Isaac means laughter. But ALL the names have meaning in Hebrew and if you take them in order, you often learn something amazing. There are reportedly many of these through the Bible. I will post them as I learn them.

If you take the meaning of the names of the generations from Adam to Noah, it is the gospel message: (there are more than one meaning for some of the names, so the 'important' one is highlighted)

• Adam- man/red earth
• Seth-appointed/replacement
• Enosh-mortal
• Kenan- possession/sorrow
• Mahalel-Blessed God
• Jared-shall come down
• Encoch-teaching
• Methuselah-his death shall bring
• Lamech- dispairing
• Noah-rest

Put it together in a sentence and add a couple small words:

Man is appointed mortal sorrow. Our blessed God shall come down, teaching and his death will bring dispairing, then rest.

And as I sit and edit on my word processor and correct my spelling for the third time- I am again and still in awe (I know I just mentioned this....) of the men who copied the Bible by hand. They had such attention to detail that if they were ONE letter off they threw away the entire page, no matter where they were.

Jan 16 Gen 36

Ok, I have to admit it. Today's reading was a skimmer. I skimmed so quickly that I accidently read Jan 17. But even though the Bible is begining to concentrate more and more on Jacob (Israel) through whom the promised Messiah will come, God continues to acknowlege and even prosper the lines of other decendants. He even includes the names of some of the wives and daughter in laws. In a time and culture when women were considered little more than property, God takes note of them.

As I mentioned on the main page and others have mentioned, concubines/handmaidens had little to no social standing and no legal rights. But, God mentions them all by name and even appears to Hagar, the first recorded theophany. I'm still in awe of the job of the scribes, copying over the text by hand year after year. They must have been tempted to 'editorialize' or leave a few seemingly unimportant details out. But, God miraculously preserved the exact history He wanted recorded in His word.