Exodus 34:28-30
"Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him."
When people are afraid to come near me it's usually because I have not been talking with God. It's amazing how clearly my attitude and countenance change when I am spending lots of quality time in God's Word and prayer. No longer do I walk around laying claim on my rites or what I feel I deserve. In God's presence I am able to fast from even my strongest hungers. When seeking God's face I can deny my flesh. Yet when I skip out of being face to face with God, I become selfish, self righteous, bitter and harsh. People are afraid to be around me.
I wonder what it would be like to walk with God so intensely that others were somewhat afraid - not knowing what amazing or crazy thing God was about to do through me next?
I know a guy named Bill who won't spend a minute with you unless he can pray for 30 seconds of it. He scares me. He scares me for no other reason than his intense love for God and commitment to prayer intimidate me, they overwhelm me. Now I don't want to make people feel uncomfortable... but I guess that just might be the bi product of seeing God face to face. I'll take it... and deal with it.
Perhaps that's why Moses veiled his face?
God, let Your Glory shine in my life so intensely that others know that You are up to something. Give me a boldness of love and grace and mercy that shines so intensely that others are... uncomfortable (in a good way). Drive me to seek your face daily. Amen.
"We must never seek the hand of God unless we first seek the face of God."
Shidanke Johnson
Pastor, church planter &
Shining face of God
in Sierra Leone, Africa
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Bearing Burdens
Exodus 28:9-12
“Then you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: 10 six of their names on one stone and six names on the other stone, in order of their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall set them in settings of gold. 12 And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders as a memorial.
Exodus 28:29
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually.
What a beautiful picture of priesthood. in every way, spiritually, and physically, literally and symbolically, Aaron bore the burdens of his people continually. These practices were a memorial to both Aaron and the people. To Aaron, these were a constant reminder of prayer and intercession on behalf of God's people. To the people, this was a constant reminder of their need for a priest and intercessor to make reconciliation between them and God. Ultimately, these symbols pointed to Jesus, out Great High Priest who bore our sins and the judgement of God as well as became our intermediary between us and God. He bore our cross on His shoulders and our names on His heart. This is the role of the priest. So I ask myself, how have I figuratively and literally, physically and spiritually bore the burdens of those God has entrusted to me? What memorial can be seen in my life that bears others burdens and points them to Jesus and His amazing work on the cross?
Father, make me Holy. Make me worthy to come before you in prayer and bear the burdens of those under my care. Let Your work be seen in me continually and may it point to You, our Great High Priest. Amen
“Then you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: 10 six of their names on one stone and six names on the other stone, in order of their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall set them in settings of gold. 12 And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders as a memorial.
Exodus 28:29
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually.
What a beautiful picture of priesthood. in every way, spiritually, and physically, literally and symbolically, Aaron bore the burdens of his people continually. These practices were a memorial to both Aaron and the people. To Aaron, these were a constant reminder of prayer and intercession on behalf of God's people. To the people, this was a constant reminder of their need for a priest and intercessor to make reconciliation between them and God. Ultimately, these symbols pointed to Jesus, out Great High Priest who bore our sins and the judgement of God as well as became our intermediary between us and God. He bore our cross on His shoulders and our names on His heart. This is the role of the priest. So I ask myself, how have I figuratively and literally, physically and spiritually bore the burdens of those God has entrusted to me? What memorial can be seen in my life that bears others burdens and points them to Jesus and His amazing work on the cross?
Father, make me Holy. Make me worthy to come before you in prayer and bear the burdens of those under my care. Let Your work be seen in me continually and may it point to You, our Great High Priest. Amen
Friday, April 25, 2008
His Sanctuary
Exodus 25:8-9
"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
When I read chapters 25 - 31 I am amazed at the detail described and demanded for God's dwelling. So many times it is recorded that This tabernacle was to be a replica of God's throne room in heaven. This earthly dwelling was to mirror and reflect the glory of his heavenly dwelling. Turning to the NT, I wonder how much detail we miss when we consider His new temple, our bodies. Am I conscious or concerned about what i place inside or how I dress or how I position myself? Not to be legalistic, but to ensure that I mirror and reflect what is in heaven - His glory? Have I made His temple a place where He is honored to dwell?
Father make me attentive to the details of Your temple. Keep me pure and holy and a place where you are honored to dwell. Amen.
"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
When I read chapters 25 - 31 I am amazed at the detail described and demanded for God's dwelling. So many times it is recorded that This tabernacle was to be a replica of God's throne room in heaven. This earthly dwelling was to mirror and reflect the glory of his heavenly dwelling. Turning to the NT, I wonder how much detail we miss when we consider His new temple, our bodies. Am I conscious or concerned about what i place inside or how I dress or how I position myself? Not to be legalistic, but to ensure that I mirror and reflect what is in heaven - His glory? Have I made His temple a place where He is honored to dwell?
Father make me attentive to the details of Your temple. Keep me pure and holy and a place where you are honored to dwell. Amen.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
I Belong to Him
Exodus 20:5b-6
For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Romans 8:28)
God is just when He becomes jealous of my life, because I rightfully belong to Him. I am not by own, for He both created me and bought me with the price of His Son; I belong to Him. An all that I have has been given by Him under His mastership of my life; it all belongs to Him (ch. 21). He desires and demands all of me - and rightfully so; I belong to Him. And why should I withhold anything from Him? As with the children of the Exodus, He has proven Himself faithful. And His will for me is not burdensome but a blessing for thousands of generations (Mt. 11:29-30). So why hold back? Why reserve my praise or limit my tithe or guard my time or ration my talents? Why not ask, "What more can I offer to my faithful master that He may be blessed and let His blessing rest on me and my family for generations?"
God, show me what & where I am holding back from you.
Pry my selfish fingers off my life and take from me whatever you want.
Amen.
For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. (Romans 8:28)
God is just when He becomes jealous of my life, because I rightfully belong to Him. I am not by own, for He both created me and bought me with the price of His Son; I belong to Him. An all that I have has been given by Him under His mastership of my life; it all belongs to Him (ch. 21). He desires and demands all of me - and rightfully so; I belong to Him. And why should I withhold anything from Him? As with the children of the Exodus, He has proven Himself faithful. And His will for me is not burdensome but a blessing for thousands of generations (Mt. 11:29-30). So why hold back? Why reserve my praise or limit my tithe or guard my time or ration my talents? Why not ask, "What more can I offer to my faithful master that He may be blessed and let His blessing rest on me and my family for generations?"
God, show me what & where I am holding back from you.
Pry my selfish fingers off my life and take from me whatever you want.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Intercession
Exodus 18:19-22
"Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you."
I'm not sure if I ever really caught this part of Jethro's advice to Moses. He didn't advise Moses to select trustworthy and capable men to judge and listen to Israel's troubles so that Moses didn't have to... Jethro was calling Moses out to intercede on behalf of Israel for all their troubles! What an amazing challenge and picture of what a pastor is called to be and do. Too often I put myself in the position to solve the problems that those in my ministry set before me. Instead I must set before God those in my ministry that have problems. The strength of my ministry and the amount of God's moving will be due to my wisdom, intelligence, strategies or even hard work... but in my dedication to be a pastor of prayer and to intercede on behalf of those God has entrusted to me.
Lord - Make me a pastor of prayer. Make me a man of prayer. Drive me to my knees daily so that You may move and have Your way around me. Amen.
"Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you."
I'm not sure if I ever really caught this part of Jethro's advice to Moses. He didn't advise Moses to select trustworthy and capable men to judge and listen to Israel's troubles so that Moses didn't have to... Jethro was calling Moses out to intercede on behalf of Israel for all their troubles! What an amazing challenge and picture of what a pastor is called to be and do. Too often I put myself in the position to solve the problems that those in my ministry set before me. Instead I must set before God those in my ministry that have problems. The strength of my ministry and the amount of God's moving will be due to my wisdom, intelligence, strategies or even hard work... but in my dedication to be a pastor of prayer and to intercede on behalf of those God has entrusted to me.
Lord - Make me a pastor of prayer. Make me a man of prayer. Drive me to my knees daily so that You may move and have Your way around me. Amen.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
For my Children
Exodus 13:14
"So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come saying, 'What is this?' that you shall say to him,'..."
Three times during the passover story God reminds Moses that this remembrance is for generations - to be lived out before their children so thy never forget the mighty hand or work of God.
What types of traditions and habits do I live openly before my kids so that they ask and see and hear about the mighty things God has done for us? What can I do as a father that would lead my kids to ask, "Dad, what's the meaning of this?" and allow me to answer with amazing stories of all that God has done for our family?
Special meals, special moments, trips, signs or decorations, clothing or jewelry... all of this was found at passover. How can I celebrate this gift daily before my children?
God - let my children see Jesus always, consistently in our home and in my life.
"So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come saying, 'What is this?' that you shall say to him,'..."
Three times during the passover story God reminds Moses that this remembrance is for generations - to be lived out before their children so thy never forget the mighty hand or work of God.
What types of traditions and habits do I live openly before my kids so that they ask and see and hear about the mighty things God has done for us? What can I do as a father that would lead my kids to ask, "Dad, what's the meaning of this?" and allow me to answer with amazing stories of all that God has done for our family?
Special meals, special moments, trips, signs or decorations, clothing or jewelry... all of this was found at passover. How can I celebrate this gift daily before my children?
God - let my children see Jesus always, consistently in our home and in my life.
Monday, April 21, 2008
I AM
Exodus 6:2
God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD."
Exodus 6:6
"Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.
Exodus 6:7
I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.
Exodus 6:8
And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.' "
Exodus 6:29
he said to him, "I am the LORD. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you."
Exodus 6:12
And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”
Exodus 6:30
But Moses said before the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh heed me?”
I AM. What a wonderful name for Almighty God! He does not change. He is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is constant. He is mighty enough to speak into existence all that was made and mighty enough to sustain it. He has demonstrated His power through creation so that men are without excuse who doubt His power at work today. He does not change. The God who intervened for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still intervenes for Moses and His people and still intervenes today. He is and He does not change.
And although I know this, like Moses, I still focus on who I am rather than I AM. How often have I gotten discouraged by my inadequacies or opposition and missed out on seeing the mighty hand of I AM at work? How often have I said, "I don't have the money... the time... the energy... the words... the favor... the courage...."
Five times in this chapter alone God reminds Moses of His power and provision through His mighty name, I AM. And yet Moses still has the nerve to utter the phrase, "I am of uncircumcised lips."
God - remind me daily of Your name. Help me see your sufficiency and sovereignty every day. Keep me humble and in a place where I need your power and provision constantly. Speak to my heart when I get fixated on who I am or who I am not. Remind me of Your Name. Amen.
God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD."
Exodus 6:6
"Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.
Exodus 6:7
I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.
Exodus 6:8
And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.' "
Exodus 6:29
he said to him, "I am the LORD. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you."
Exodus 6:12
And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”
Exodus 6:30
But Moses said before the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh heed me?”
I AM. What a wonderful name for Almighty God! He does not change. He is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is constant. He is mighty enough to speak into existence all that was made and mighty enough to sustain it. He has demonstrated His power through creation so that men are without excuse who doubt His power at work today. He does not change. The God who intervened for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still intervenes for Moses and His people and still intervenes today. He is and He does not change.
And although I know this, like Moses, I still focus on who I am rather than I AM. How often have I gotten discouraged by my inadequacies or opposition and missed out on seeing the mighty hand of I AM at work? How often have I said, "I don't have the money... the time... the energy... the words... the favor... the courage...."
Five times in this chapter alone God reminds Moses of His power and provision through His mighty name, I AM. And yet Moses still has the nerve to utter the phrase, "I am of uncircumcised lips."
God - remind me daily of Your name. Help me see your sufficiency and sovereignty every day. Keep me humble and in a place where I need your power and provision constantly. Speak to my heart when I get fixated on who I am or who I am not. Remind me of Your Name. Amen.
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