Psalm 78 says that God..."chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance."
So God chose, God appointed and God set David in place to shepherd His people. We know from the story of God sending Samuel to anoint a new king, David, man looks at the outward appearance when selecting leaders while God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16). One by one, the sons of Jesse passed before Samuel the prophet and Samuel thought at each choice, "Surely the Lord's anointed stands here..."
But the Lord spoke to Samuel in Kingly wisdom saying, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." One by one, the sons of Jesse were rejected leading Samuel to proclaim, "The Lord has not chosen these."
Finally, the youngest son, David, was called from tending his father's sheep. When Samuel saw him, God said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
What was it that God saw in the heart and life of David? More importantly, when He looks at us, does He see the same things?
Psalm 78:72 gives us a hint in saying, "And David shepherded them (Israel) with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. How did David shepherd his people? With integrity of heart and with skillful hands.
Developing and exercising the skills God gives us is one key part to being faithful in His Kingdom. However, equally and perhaps more important is having a heart of integrity.
Skills applied for God's glory plus God's heart yields fruitful ministry.
May we have both.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Psalm 23
King David starts out his now famous 23rd Psalm with the simple statement, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want..."
As an agriculturist, I am always intrigued by the agriculture allegories in the Bible. But this one has a significant fascination for me. I have helped raise sheep and believe me, there is not much of a more ignoble animal than a sheep. However, what I have learned is that the focus is not on the sheep in this Psalm but rather the shepherd.
The Bible has much to say about shepherds. When David as a young man was asked by King Saul as to his qualifications to be a warrior and to face the giant Goliath, he simply replied, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep."
Now what in the world would make a shepherd qualified to fight a giant? For one, he passionately protects his flock. David was literally offended that anything (not less anyone - including a giant) could mock or stand up to the people (read flock) chosen by God. Secondly, he had experience in fighting the monsters, the bear and lion, that attacked the flock. He literally recalled that he chased the beasts, snatched the unfortunate lamb from the mouth of the offender and then, grabbed the beast by the hair and slay it. So, what's the big deal about a giant when you've taken care of lions and bears?
Later in the New Testament, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd. He talks about how a good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (like David going after the bear and lion). Moreover, the Good Shepherd is so familiar with his flock and his flock with him that they hear and respond to his voice. They even reject the voice of the imposter.
Here is the Kingdom lesson I get from this. From Psalm 23 and from John 10 (the Good Shepherd), the key to abundant life if found simply in the sheep (you and me) hearing and following the voice of the Good Shepherd. Abundance, in a Kingdom perspective, is not measured in things, titles, or even accomplishments. It is measured simply in hearing and obeying. What a radical thought.
The Lord is my shepherd...when I hear and follow Him, I will have no want...
As an agriculturist, I am always intrigued by the agriculture allegories in the Bible. But this one has a significant fascination for me. I have helped raise sheep and believe me, there is not much of a more ignoble animal than a sheep. However, what I have learned is that the focus is not on the sheep in this Psalm but rather the shepherd.
The Bible has much to say about shepherds. When David as a young man was asked by King Saul as to his qualifications to be a warrior and to face the giant Goliath, he simply replied, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep."
Now what in the world would make a shepherd qualified to fight a giant? For one, he passionately protects his flock. David was literally offended that anything (not less anyone - including a giant) could mock or stand up to the people (read flock) chosen by God. Secondly, he had experience in fighting the monsters, the bear and lion, that attacked the flock. He literally recalled that he chased the beasts, snatched the unfortunate lamb from the mouth of the offender and then, grabbed the beast by the hair and slay it. So, what's the big deal about a giant when you've taken care of lions and bears?
Later in the New Testament, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd. He talks about how a good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (like David going after the bear and lion). Moreover, the Good Shepherd is so familiar with his flock and his flock with him that they hear and respond to his voice. They even reject the voice of the imposter.
Here is the Kingdom lesson I get from this. From Psalm 23 and from John 10 (the Good Shepherd), the key to abundant life if found simply in the sheep (you and me) hearing and following the voice of the Good Shepherd. Abundance, in a Kingdom perspective, is not measured in things, titles, or even accomplishments. It is measured simply in hearing and obeying. What a radical thought.
The Lord is my shepherd...when I hear and follow Him, I will have no want...
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Promise Purified - Part 2
Let's get back to the main topic. We are talking about God brining about his promised Kingdom community on earth. He has provided models, examples if you will, of what He desires for community through his own person (One God, three persons - perfect community), the Garden of Eden and creation (no pain, sickness, death and intimate fellowship of man with God), and the plan for family (husband and wife shall become one). He then begins to establish His next model of community on earth by the calling and setting apart of a nation of people through the descendants of Abraham. This people is to become a nation known as Israel.
We have looked at Israel being formed into a nation during their crucible "sojourn" in Egypt...430 years. We have seen how God called them out, through His servant Moses, to leave Egypt, no longer a group of 70 members of one family but a nation of around 3 million people. They went as a desperate family and emerged as a formidable nation, bound for the land long-promised to their forefathers. We have also touched on how, because of their disobedience and lack of readiness, God used another mini-crucible in their journey; 40 years in the wilderness. It was during this time that God trained them up for war, taught them to be dependent on Himself, and showed His love for them through His provisions (manna, clothing, water, etc.).
It is interesting to reconsider that it only took about 11 days by the Mt. Seir road to get from Horeb (Mt. Sinai) to the edge of Canaan (Deuteronomy 1:2). Considering it took them about the same time to get from Egypt to Mt. Horeb, that's about a 22 day journey turned into forty years. But these were an important forty years. They were a result of their rebellion (see the story of the 12 spies sent into Canaan - Deuteronomy 1:19-46) but they also were a result of Israel needing more forming into the community God had set them apart to become.
It was during the time in the desert that God gave them His Law. This was a Law for them to follow and receive His blessings if they were true to it. They were laws which defined what Israel's relationship to God was to be and what Israel's relationship to each other was to be. There were laws as to how Israel was to treat the environment, the land that they were inheriting. And there were laws given as to how they were to treat the current and future alien inhabitants of the land. While there was the command to purge the land of its current inhabitants, God provided clear instructions very mercy-oriented for the aliens that would dwell among them in the future.
What God was building in Israel was what He promised to Abraham. That his descendants would become a great people and a light to the nations. They would become God's kingdom on earth. Even God's own throne would be housed among the Israelites. No other nation on earth would ever be able to claim this save Israel!
They endured hunger, thirst, and discouragement in the desert. But all the while, God was preparing them to become His people, a unique people, set apart to serve and honor him through their obedience and to be a beacon to all other nations. They were to be God's community of witness on earth as in heaven.
As they neared the end of the 40 years in the desert and approached the day of entering the promised land, what kind of community would they be when they entered?
Next blog...the Promise Arrives!
Blessings...
We have looked at Israel being formed into a nation during their crucible "sojourn" in Egypt...430 years. We have seen how God called them out, through His servant Moses, to leave Egypt, no longer a group of 70 members of one family but a nation of around 3 million people. They went as a desperate family and emerged as a formidable nation, bound for the land long-promised to their forefathers. We have also touched on how, because of their disobedience and lack of readiness, God used another mini-crucible in their journey; 40 years in the wilderness. It was during this time that God trained them up for war, taught them to be dependent on Himself, and showed His love for them through His provisions (manna, clothing, water, etc.).
It is interesting to reconsider that it only took about 11 days by the Mt. Seir road to get from Horeb (Mt. Sinai) to the edge of Canaan (Deuteronomy 1:2). Considering it took them about the same time to get from Egypt to Mt. Horeb, that's about a 22 day journey turned into forty years. But these were an important forty years. They were a result of their rebellion (see the story of the 12 spies sent into Canaan - Deuteronomy 1:19-46) but they also were a result of Israel needing more forming into the community God had set them apart to become.
It was during the time in the desert that God gave them His Law. This was a Law for them to follow and receive His blessings if they were true to it. They were laws which defined what Israel's relationship to God was to be and what Israel's relationship to each other was to be. There were laws as to how Israel was to treat the environment, the land that they were inheriting. And there were laws given as to how they were to treat the current and future alien inhabitants of the land. While there was the command to purge the land of its current inhabitants, God provided clear instructions very mercy-oriented for the aliens that would dwell among them in the future.
What God was building in Israel was what He promised to Abraham. That his descendants would become a great people and a light to the nations. They would become God's kingdom on earth. Even God's own throne would be housed among the Israelites. No other nation on earth would ever be able to claim this save Israel!
They endured hunger, thirst, and discouragement in the desert. But all the while, God was preparing them to become His people, a unique people, set apart to serve and honor him through their obedience and to be a beacon to all other nations. They were to be God's community of witness on earth as in heaven.
As they neared the end of the 40 years in the desert and approached the day of entering the promised land, what kind of community would they be when they entered?
Next blog...the Promise Arrives!
Blessings...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Interlude #4 - "Haiti" and "Chile"
I apologize for not having any recent posts. I hope to get back to a regular posting schedule. No excuses except for two words: "Haiti" and "Chile".
In a global relief and development organization, things tend to be pushed off to the side and put on hold when major disasters break. On January 12, the Haiti earthquake hit with a 7.0 magnitude and just 10 miles west of the capital city, Port au Prince. It left some 230,000 people dead, 3 million in need of assistance and a local and international community wondering how best to respond to such a massive event.
On February 27, just as recovery efforts were finally gaining some semblance of order in Haiti, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile. Even though it was 500 time stronger than the Haiti earthquake, it was much deeper and further removed (epicenter-wise) from a major population area. Initial estimates of loss of lives was up to 800 but has since been revised downward to a little more than 300. Many of those died not from the earthquake itself but the resulting tsunami generated.
Two similar events and yet two different results. Two catastrophic earthquakes and yet two totally different responses. As we visited with organizations in Haiti and talked to experts, everyone was saying that it would be at least 10 to 20 years before Haiti ever gets back to its pre-earthquake posture. In Chile, we are looking at pretty much "finishing up" our response with local partners either June or July.
So, what's the big difference? (Between the earthquake effect and response in Haiti and Chile)
1. The massiveness of destruction. Anyone that has been to Haiti and toured the worst hit areas of the earthquake there comes away with an overwhelmed sense of depression. The physical amount (not to mention emotional, social, etc.) of destruction quickly overwhelms anyone who sees it not to even mention those that survived it. While Chile is very bad in areas (in terms of destruction), it is nothing compared to Haiti.
2. The pre-existing poverty conditions before the earthquake. Chile, being a developed country, had resources, good government and, maybe most importantly, good building codes. Haiti, unfortunately, had none of the above. Studies conducted months before the earthquake said that 60 % of the houses in Port-au-Prince were sub-stantard in their construction. In Chile, the majority of structures that caved in or fell were the older "adobe" (mud-walled) houses. The newer, better constructed cement houses and buildings for the most part stood.
3. The pre-existing lack of infrastructure. Haiti's infrastructure pre-earthquake was poor and in places, non-existant. One of the main problems in the demolition and clean up in the hardest hit areas is that many of the houses were built along the only main road and then there are rows and rows of adjacent houses (some which fell totally, partially or not at all) five and six deep, side by side, with no access roads. How do you clean this up? The infrastructure of Chile was probably damaged more than Haiti's (volume-wise; Chile had more bridges, paved roads, etc.) and the government there had the organization and resources to respond quickly to restoring what was damaged.
4. The pre-existing poverty mentality in Haiti as opposed to Chile. Because Haiti has been a "hand out" country for the past 50 years, there is little self-help mentality among the survivors. Constantly we saw a "wait and help with come" mentality from people and communities we visited. Not only that, there was also almost an arrogance that said, "It is your responsibility to help me" which sometimes manifested itself in inactivity and even anger. In Chile, we saw nothing but gratitude, participation and initiative on the part of Chilean partners. In Haiti, like Chile, we primarily are working through Baptist partners who have much concern for their churches and church members but not much for the community. In Chile, our Chilean Baptist partners are using their own resources to reach out and bless their communities. Amazingly different.
Please don't hear me criticizing Haiti or Haitians. I am just trying to analyze, as an outsider, the differences in the two areas and especially in regards to the experiences we are having responding to those in need. And, if there is anyone to blame for some of the issues in Haiti, we would have to more than likely point the fingers at ourselves, those of the developed world who have poured 40 Billion dollars of international aid into Haiti over the past 40 to 50 years. With good intentions, we have created a perfectly dependent culture.
Please continue to pray for our work with BGR. Pray for us to have wisdom and knowledge of how to help without hurting in Haiti. Pray also for our relationships with local partners in both Haiti and Chile. Pray that God would use us to minister to those in need in a way that glorifies Him and brings people dignity.
Helping in a way that truly helps. Helping without hurting...wouldn't that be novel?
Blessings...
JJP
In a global relief and development organization, things tend to be pushed off to the side and put on hold when major disasters break. On January 12, the Haiti earthquake hit with a 7.0 magnitude and just 10 miles west of the capital city, Port au Prince. It left some 230,000 people dead, 3 million in need of assistance and a local and international community wondering how best to respond to such a massive event.
On February 27, just as recovery efforts were finally gaining some semblance of order in Haiti, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile. Even though it was 500 time stronger than the Haiti earthquake, it was much deeper and further removed (epicenter-wise) from a major population area. Initial estimates of loss of lives was up to 800 but has since been revised downward to a little more than 300. Many of those died not from the earthquake itself but the resulting tsunami generated.
Two similar events and yet two different results. Two catastrophic earthquakes and yet two totally different responses. As we visited with organizations in Haiti and talked to experts, everyone was saying that it would be at least 10 to 20 years before Haiti ever gets back to its pre-earthquake posture. In Chile, we are looking at pretty much "finishing up" our response with local partners either June or July.
So, what's the big difference? (Between the earthquake effect and response in Haiti and Chile)
1. The massiveness of destruction. Anyone that has been to Haiti and toured the worst hit areas of the earthquake there comes away with an overwhelmed sense of depression. The physical amount (not to mention emotional, social, etc.) of destruction quickly overwhelms anyone who sees it not to even mention those that survived it. While Chile is very bad in areas (in terms of destruction), it is nothing compared to Haiti.
2. The pre-existing poverty conditions before the earthquake. Chile, being a developed country, had resources, good government and, maybe most importantly, good building codes. Haiti, unfortunately, had none of the above. Studies conducted months before the earthquake said that 60 % of the houses in Port-au-Prince were sub-stantard in their construction. In Chile, the majority of structures that caved in or fell were the older "adobe" (mud-walled) houses. The newer, better constructed cement houses and buildings for the most part stood.
3. The pre-existing lack of infrastructure. Haiti's infrastructure pre-earthquake was poor and in places, non-existant. One of the main problems in the demolition and clean up in the hardest hit areas is that many of the houses were built along the only main road and then there are rows and rows of adjacent houses (some which fell totally, partially or not at all) five and six deep, side by side, with no access roads. How do you clean this up? The infrastructure of Chile was probably damaged more than Haiti's (volume-wise; Chile had more bridges, paved roads, etc.) and the government there had the organization and resources to respond quickly to restoring what was damaged.
4. The pre-existing poverty mentality in Haiti as opposed to Chile. Because Haiti has been a "hand out" country for the past 50 years, there is little self-help mentality among the survivors. Constantly we saw a "wait and help with come" mentality from people and communities we visited. Not only that, there was also almost an arrogance that said, "It is your responsibility to help me" which sometimes manifested itself in inactivity and even anger. In Chile, we saw nothing but gratitude, participation and initiative on the part of Chilean partners. In Haiti, like Chile, we primarily are working through Baptist partners who have much concern for their churches and church members but not much for the community. In Chile, our Chilean Baptist partners are using their own resources to reach out and bless their communities. Amazingly different.
Please don't hear me criticizing Haiti or Haitians. I am just trying to analyze, as an outsider, the differences in the two areas and especially in regards to the experiences we are having responding to those in need. And, if there is anyone to blame for some of the issues in Haiti, we would have to more than likely point the fingers at ourselves, those of the developed world who have poured 40 Billion dollars of international aid into Haiti over the past 40 to 50 years. With good intentions, we have created a perfectly dependent culture.
Please continue to pray for our work with BGR. Pray for us to have wisdom and knowledge of how to help without hurting in Haiti. Pray also for our relationships with local partners in both Haiti and Chile. Pray that God would use us to minister to those in need in a way that glorifies Him and brings people dignity.
Helping in a way that truly helps. Helping without hurting...wouldn't that be novel?
Blessings...
JJP
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Promise Purified
Through the calling out and setting apart of the descendants of Abraham as a new nation (Israel), God is modeling His plans and intentions for a Kingdom community. He begins the community with a promise to Abraham. He perfects that Kingdom community in the crucible of 430 years in Egypt. He then purifies the community, in an effort to make that community His Kingdom model, by giving them 40 years in a wilderness.
Imagine 600,000 plus men with their wives, children, belongings, animals, etc., leaving Egypt and heading to Canaan. If we assumed one wife per man and 3 to 4 children per family, that would be around 2 to 3 million people in the procession. It would normally be about two week journey to Mt. Horeb (the mid-way point) and another 10 to 14 days to Kadesh Barnea, the beginning of the promised land Canaan. Allotting for more time due to the size and organizational needs of moving so many people and goods, let's say it would take them approximately one to two months to get to the Promised Land.
However, due to the disobedience and stiff-necks of the Israelites, God chose to have them wander in the deserts of the Sinai peninsula for 40 years. Later we learn that this was a time where God refined the nation of Israel through fire. It was during this time they learned the ways of warfare. It was a time that a whole generation of rebels passed away. It was also a time in which God taught Israel (the nation) to learn how to be totally dependent upon Him. In the desert, there was nothing to support 3 million people for 4 days let alone 40 years. And yet, God blessed the Israelites ad watched over them through their forty year journey where they did not lack anything. (Deuteronomy 2:7) Even their clothes and footwear did not wear out during this time. (Deuteronomy 29:5)
The Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are excellent summaries of what happened and the laws given to the Israelites through the time Moses led them out of Egypt and to Canaan. These books chronicle the journey, the constant grumblings and rebellion of the people, the intercession of Moses and the punishment and subsequent restoration by God of this strange Kingdom community known as Israel. It moreover shows us how God shapes His people into His unique community through love, discipline, hardships, rewards and even plainly giving to them His expectations of them as His set apart community. He gives them His law - perfect, sweet and refreshing to the soul - through Moses, His servant. He provides for them as they try and follow and He disciplines - harshly yet justly - when they disobey. All of this is done in His plan to purify and perfect this Kingdom community.
Would they become a perfect and completely pure community? Of course not. They were to be however a chosen people, a holy nation a people belonging to God so that they might proclaim and declare His praises to all the other nations.
How would this happen and what would it look like?
Next blog...The Promise Purified: Part 2!
Imagine 600,000 plus men with their wives, children, belongings, animals, etc., leaving Egypt and heading to Canaan. If we assumed one wife per man and 3 to 4 children per family, that would be around 2 to 3 million people in the procession. It would normally be about two week journey to Mt. Horeb (the mid-way point) and another 10 to 14 days to Kadesh Barnea, the beginning of the promised land Canaan. Allotting for more time due to the size and organizational needs of moving so many people and goods, let's say it would take them approximately one to two months to get to the Promised Land.
However, due to the disobedience and stiff-necks of the Israelites, God chose to have them wander in the deserts of the Sinai peninsula for 40 years. Later we learn that this was a time where God refined the nation of Israel through fire. It was during this time they learned the ways of warfare. It was a time that a whole generation of rebels passed away. It was also a time in which God taught Israel (the nation) to learn how to be totally dependent upon Him. In the desert, there was nothing to support 3 million people for 4 days let alone 40 years. And yet, God blessed the Israelites ad watched over them through their forty year journey where they did not lack anything. (Deuteronomy 2:7) Even their clothes and footwear did not wear out during this time. (Deuteronomy 29:5)
The Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are excellent summaries of what happened and the laws given to the Israelites through the time Moses led them out of Egypt and to Canaan. These books chronicle the journey, the constant grumblings and rebellion of the people, the intercession of Moses and the punishment and subsequent restoration by God of this strange Kingdom community known as Israel. It moreover shows us how God shapes His people into His unique community through love, discipline, hardships, rewards and even plainly giving to them His expectations of them as His set apart community. He gives them His law - perfect, sweet and refreshing to the soul - through Moses, His servant. He provides for them as they try and follow and He disciplines - harshly yet justly - when they disobey. All of this is done in His plan to purify and perfect this Kingdom community.
Would they become a perfect and completely pure community? Of course not. They were to be however a chosen people, a holy nation a people belonging to God so that they might proclaim and declare His praises to all the other nations.
How would this happen and what would it look like?
Next blog...The Promise Purified: Part 2!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Promise Perfected - Part 3
So, we are talking about God brining about his promised Kingdom community on earth. He has provided models, examples if you will, of what He desires for community through his own person (One God, three persons), the Garden of Eden and creation, and the plan for family. He then begins to establish His next model of community on earth by the calling and setting apart of a nation of people through the descendants of Abraham. This people is to become a nation known as Israel.
Israel, his sons and families go down to Egypt to survive a terrible famine. Joseph, one of the sons of Israel has gone ahead by God's design to preserve the family of Israel. But Israel, Joseph and his children pass away. A new Pharaoh comes to power who doesn't know Joseph and begins to enslave the Israelites out of fear.
God's plan was to use Egypt as a crucible to form Israel into a nation. At the appointed time, he raises His leader, Moses, to come and help deliver Israel from its bondage in Egypt. Moses was a baby that was cast into the waters to die by Pharaoh's command. However, he is saved by Pharaoh's daughter, raised in Pharaoh's court and as a young man, begins to see the plight of his own people, Israel, and their misery.
Through a series of events where Moses kills a man (to protect a Hebrew), Moses flees for his life to the land of Midian. He meets and marries his wife, Zipporah, and becomes a shepherd for the flock of his new father-in-law, Jethro (Exodus 2:11-21). During that time while Moses is in Midian, the Israelites continued to call out to God in misery in their slavery and the Bible says that God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them (Exodus 2:23-25).
God then fulfills His promise to the community of Israel by calling Moses (from a burning bush) and sending him back to Egypt to lead Israel out of Egypt and back to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Through an amazing story and great events (including more oppression, plagues and miracles), Moses, assisted by his brother Aaron, confront Pharaoh and the leaders of Egypt and gain permission to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 4:18-12:42). Thus, at the end of 430 years (to the very day) all of the house of Israel left Egypt and began their journey (a whole another adventure) back to the land promised by God to their forefathers. They were seventy in all as the sons of Jacob when they went to Egypt. They were "about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children" when they left Egypt 430 years later.
A new nation, Israel, was born! A new community of God was initiated to be a showpiece for all other nations. They became a nation in the crucible of Egypt. They would now be forged into a cohesive community in the fire of the desert.
Next post - The Promise Purified
Israel, his sons and families go down to Egypt to survive a terrible famine. Joseph, one of the sons of Israel has gone ahead by God's design to preserve the family of Israel. But Israel, Joseph and his children pass away. A new Pharaoh comes to power who doesn't know Joseph and begins to enslave the Israelites out of fear.
God's plan was to use Egypt as a crucible to form Israel into a nation. At the appointed time, he raises His leader, Moses, to come and help deliver Israel from its bondage in Egypt. Moses was a baby that was cast into the waters to die by Pharaoh's command. However, he is saved by Pharaoh's daughter, raised in Pharaoh's court and as a young man, begins to see the plight of his own people, Israel, and their misery.
Through a series of events where Moses kills a man (to protect a Hebrew), Moses flees for his life to the land of Midian. He meets and marries his wife, Zipporah, and becomes a shepherd for the flock of his new father-in-law, Jethro (Exodus 2:11-21). During that time while Moses is in Midian, the Israelites continued to call out to God in misery in their slavery and the Bible says that God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them (Exodus 2:23-25).
God then fulfills His promise to the community of Israel by calling Moses (from a burning bush) and sending him back to Egypt to lead Israel out of Egypt and back to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Through an amazing story and great events (including more oppression, plagues and miracles), Moses, assisted by his brother Aaron, confront Pharaoh and the leaders of Egypt and gain permission to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 4:18-12:42). Thus, at the end of 430 years (to the very day) all of the house of Israel left Egypt and began their journey (a whole another adventure) back to the land promised by God to their forefathers. They were seventy in all as the sons of Jacob when they went to Egypt. They were "about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children" when they left Egypt 430 years later.
A new nation, Israel, was born! A new community of God was initiated to be a showpiece for all other nations. They became a nation in the crucible of Egypt. They would now be forged into a cohesive community in the fire of the desert.
Next post - The Promise Purified
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Promise Perfected - Part 2
God heard the cries of the Israelites as the spent over 400 years in Egypt. Life had started pretty good with Joseph, one of the 12 sons of Israel, in high favor with the King of Egypt. But Joseph had passed away and a new Pharaoh arose who did not know about Joseph and the Israelites were oppressed, being forced into slave labor. The fear of the Egyptians rose to the point that Pharaoh gave the order to have every boy born to the nation of Israel to be killed by throwing them in the Nile river.
Into this dark time of Israel's history, God sent a deliverer. To the house of Levi, one of Israel's 12 sons, a baby was born. And due to the decree by Pharaoh, the baby at three months old was put into a basket-boat and placed floating in the Nile. The baby boy's sister wast instructed to watch from a distance.
By God's design, the daughter of Pharaoh went down to the Nile to bathe and she spotted the basket among the river reeds and sent her slaves to retrieve it. Opening it and seeing the baby crying, she felt compassion for him and took him in as her son. The baby's sister appeared out of her hiding place and volunteered to find a woman to nurse the baby (which happened to be his own mother). So, Pharaoh's daughter offered compensation to the baby's mother in order for her to care for her own baby! Pharaoh's daughter named the baby "Moses" meaning "drawn out of the water." God protected Moses, blessed him and planned to use him to respond to the suffering of His people, Israel.
Moses would grow up in the courts of Pharaoh yet knowing all along that he was different. He would also soon learn that his life would be intricately linked to the slave nation known in Egypt as Israel.
Next, the Promise Perfected, part 3: The calling and setting apart of Moses for the task...
Into this dark time of Israel's history, God sent a deliverer. To the house of Levi, one of Israel's 12 sons, a baby was born. And due to the decree by Pharaoh, the baby at three months old was put into a basket-boat and placed floating in the Nile. The baby boy's sister wast instructed to watch from a distance.
By God's design, the daughter of Pharaoh went down to the Nile to bathe and she spotted the basket among the river reeds and sent her slaves to retrieve it. Opening it and seeing the baby crying, she felt compassion for him and took him in as her son. The baby's sister appeared out of her hiding place and volunteered to find a woman to nurse the baby (which happened to be his own mother). So, Pharaoh's daughter offered compensation to the baby's mother in order for her to care for her own baby! Pharaoh's daughter named the baby "Moses" meaning "drawn out of the water." God protected Moses, blessed him and planned to use him to respond to the suffering of His people, Israel.
Moses would grow up in the courts of Pharaoh yet knowing all along that he was different. He would also soon learn that his life would be intricately linked to the slave nation known in Egypt as Israel.
Next, the Promise Perfected, part 3: The calling and setting apart of Moses for the task...
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