Victory in Christ

Moses was the only judge over the problems of the people. He would sit all day long and listen to their disputes and apply the law to make a judgement. Jethro had some good advice for Moses.  “Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. (Exodus 18:17-18) Jethro’s suggestion was to find men to help him judge these issues. He was specific about who Moses should get to help him. “…men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe…” (vs.21) Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and chose men to help him judge. Like Moses we cannot always handle everything ourselves and at times need help from those who also fear God.

Today’s reading: Exodus 16-18

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After the Israelites were finally able to leave Egypt, Pharaoh and his army chased them. When the soldiers caught up to them, the Israelites were scared and said they would rather serve the Egyptians than die in the wilderness. Even after they had seen God’s power in the plagues that He used to get Pharaoh to let them go, the Israelites still doubted God and complained to Moses. “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.” (Exodus 14:13) This time He showed them His power by parting the Red Sea to allow them to cross safely. We can read this and wonder how the Israelites could have such little faith in God after all He had done for them. We know God’s power and how He always takes care of His people, but are we ever guilty of doubting His plan like the Israelites did?

Today’s reading: Exodus 13-15

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It took ten plagues from God for Pharaoh to finally let the Israelites go from Egypt. The final plague being the death of the firstborn of every Egyptian family and their livestock. After the first nine plagues Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, but after the last one his heart must have been softened some. “Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!” (Exodus 12:32) He went from thinking his magicians could do anything that God could do to now asking to be blessed by God. God knew before He started what it would take to get Pharaoh to let the people go. His plans are greater than we can even understand. “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)

Today’s reading: Exodus 10-12

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God directed Moses in many situations. During one of those times as God was bringing His people out of Egypt, we see how Moses responded. “Then Moses and Aaron did so; just as the LORD commanded them, so they did.” (Exodus 7:6) We have Jesus words on what it means if we also follow what He commanded. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Today’s reading: Exodus 7-9

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Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites for many years. Moses did well in a lot of the things God asked him to do, but at times his faith was lacking. One instance of his lack of faith was when God first told him to go to Pharaoh and lead the people out of Egypt. “But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) As one would expect, God was not pleased with Moses’ response. “Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:11-12) If God spoke to you and told you to do something, how would you respond? Moses still did not respond in a positive way. “But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13) Again God was not pleased. Verse 14 even says “the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses”, but God made other provisions. He told Moses to take his brother Aaron to speak for him. Sometimes God wants His people to step out of their comfort zone in doing His work. Moses’ response in this situation is an example to us of how not to respond.

Today’s reading: Exodus 4-6

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Throughout scripture we see God always taking care of His people when they are following His commands. This passage includes just one more example. “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty.” Exodus 1:20 The same is still true today. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Today’s reading: Exodus 1-3

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After Jacob died Joseph’s brothers were scared he might take revenge on them. Joseph’s answer to the brothers showed once again how much faith he had in God. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20) Joseph had gone thru many undeserved trials in his life, but he always did what was right. Doing the right thing was not always the easiest way for Joseph in the short term, but with faith and patience we see how it turned out. Joseph is a great example for us to see no matter how bleak life may look at times, God knows what is best for us and He is always in control.

Today’s reading: Genesis 48-50

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Jacob’s sons worked as shepherds, but that was not something that would gain them any honor in Egypt. “So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” (Genesis 46:33-34) Our Lord showed a much different feeling toward shepherds. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) We know Jesus’ statement came true and thru that gift and only thru that gift we can have eternal salvation. 

Today’s reading: Genesis 46-47

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Joseph’s brothers were fed during the famine by God’s providence. Joseph told his brothers that, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5) God was able to use sins committed by these brothers to save them from starving years later. God’s ways are beyond our comprehension, but if we live a life faithful to Him we can have that eternal home in heaven with Him.

Today’s reading: Genesis 43-45

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Joseph knew the source of all correct answers. “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:16) Similar words from Jeremiah. “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23) If we look to that same Source, we will never go wrong.

Today’s reading: Genesis 41-42

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