I wish to start a series of short insights into Moses. Let us start by examining why Israel went to Egpyt and the birth of Moses. When Israel’s existence came into jeopardy during the famine of the days of Jacob, Israel found protection and care in the land of their forsaken son Joseph. Israel became fertile in a fertile land (1:9-12). But there arose a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph. He feared the multitude of the Israelite people and ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all of the Hebrew boys. After the midwives failed their orders, Pharaoh commanded that all Hebrew boys be thrown into the river. The river that brought life to the land of Egypt is used to bring death Israelite males. But God preserved one of these boys because he had great plans for him.
Two Levites married and bore a son in spite of Pharaoh's efforts to stop Israelite growth. The mother saw that the child "was good." Most English translation comment on the beauty of the boy but this phrase has other significance. The is the same phrase God used to describe each of the six days of creation: "behold it was good." Could there be a connection between the two? Perhaps Moses is another beginning (genesis) and his birth is a new act of creation.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Building a House
We learn from Proverbs that God has a special plan for families. Proverbs 24:3-4 gives three tools for housebuilding:
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge its rooms are filled with all kinds of costly and pleasant possessions.
When these three tools are applied, there is order in the house. Men are commanded to control their anger. Wise women build a house while foolish women tear it down with their own hands (14:1). Children are to be obedient to their parents instruction (4:1).
The three tools used for housebuilding just happen to be the same 3 tools that God used in creation (3:19-20):
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deep [springs] burst open and the dew condenses from the sky.
This suggests that the house is a microcosm of the creative order. So just how important is the family to God? Very important: it is a model of creation!
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge its rooms are filled with all kinds of costly and pleasant possessions.
When these three tools are applied, there is order in the house. Men are commanded to control their anger. Wise women build a house while foolish women tear it down with their own hands (14:1). Children are to be obedient to their parents instruction (4:1).
The three tools used for housebuilding just happen to be the same 3 tools that God used in creation (3:19-20):
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deep [springs] burst open and the dew condenses from the sky.
This suggests that the house is a microcosm of the creative order. So just how important is the family to God? Very important: it is a model of creation!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Moses and Paul
Note these remarks by Moses and Paul:
For I know how rebellious and stiffnecked you are! Here, even while I am still alive with you today, you have rebelled against ADONAI; so how much more will you do so after my death? (Deut. 31:27).
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12)
Let's contrast and compare. Both Paul and Moses received divine commission from the Lord. Moses witnessed the Lord through the burning bush and Paul on the road to Damascus. Both are issuing these words shortly before their deaths. Yet, Moses says that Israel cannot escape the bonds of disobedience, while Paul says the new Israel cannot be contained by the bonds of disobedience. How can two of God's great leaders have such a diametrically opposed message?
What is it about the new Israel that is superior to the Old Israel? Are the nature of the two groups different? NO! Are people in Paul's day inherently better than people of old? NO! Is Paul a better leader than Moses? There is nothing to suggest so. Then what is the difference?
Might I suggest Rom. 1:16. Paul's era has something that gives them more strength. What is so "powerful" about the power of Rom. 1:16 can be seen when we compare the time of Paul with the time of Moses.
Moses experienced the burning bush. He and Israel experienced the 10 plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. The exodus event was such a memorable occassion that it is mentioned repetively in the OT as a reminder that God is devoted to Israel. However, Paul and fellow workers have something even more powerful than the exodus events; they have the Gospel message. Why are Paul's readers so faithful in contrast to Israel of old? They have the Gospel message that is the power unto salvation. It is hard to imagine that a message has more power than 10 plagues and the parting of a sea. And that is the power behind the power. Bu afterall, God's word spoke creation into being, and God's word keeps creation going!
For I know how rebellious and stiffnecked you are! Here, even while I am still alive with you today, you have rebelled against ADONAI; so how much more will you do so after my death? (Deut. 31:27).
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12)
Let's contrast and compare. Both Paul and Moses received divine commission from the Lord. Moses witnessed the Lord through the burning bush and Paul on the road to Damascus. Both are issuing these words shortly before their deaths. Yet, Moses says that Israel cannot escape the bonds of disobedience, while Paul says the new Israel cannot be contained by the bonds of disobedience. How can two of God's great leaders have such a diametrically opposed message?
What is it about the new Israel that is superior to the Old Israel? Are the nature of the two groups different? NO! Are people in Paul's day inherently better than people of old? NO! Is Paul a better leader than Moses? There is nothing to suggest so. Then what is the difference?
Might I suggest Rom. 1:16. Paul's era has something that gives them more strength. What is so "powerful" about the power of Rom. 1:16 can be seen when we compare the time of Paul with the time of Moses.
Moses experienced the burning bush. He and Israel experienced the 10 plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. The exodus event was such a memorable occassion that it is mentioned repetively in the OT as a reminder that God is devoted to Israel. However, Paul and fellow workers have something even more powerful than the exodus events; they have the Gospel message. Why are Paul's readers so faithful in contrast to Israel of old? They have the Gospel message that is the power unto salvation. It is hard to imagine that a message has more power than 10 plagues and the parting of a sea. And that is the power behind the power. Bu afterall, God's word spoke creation into being, and God's word keeps creation going!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
