Leviticus 11 tells us the foods that the Israelites were permitted to eat. Seems to be a large list of clean and unclean animals. Several creatures that I have never heard of and had to do a few Google searches to find out what they were. This chapter goes on and to me almost sounds like the only way to live was to be a vegetarian. To me it almost reads as if every form of meat is detestable.
In Leviticus 12 it does not seem like being a woman is very nice either. Even after giving birth a woman is unclean and has to make a sacrifice to become clean again. It really seems like there is a sacrifice for everything in the Old Testament. I do not believe I could have lived in this time period. If you did not own animals this must have begun to cost a decent amount of money. I am not sure how you would have went about getting some of these animals if you did not have livestock. Nor could I imagine what it would have been like trying to catch two birds to use instead of livestock.
OK, as for the beginning of Mark 7 I am at a loss. I am not really sure what point he is trying to get across here other then the fact that pharisees are hypocrites.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 13 and Mark 7:14 - 37
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 58
Well, after reading Leviticus 8 I am not sure I would want to be a priest. The whole process of things they must do just seems a little gross to me.
Leviticus 9 shows the priest beginning their life as priest.
Leviticus 10 tells of disappointment from the beginning. Right from the get go we see Aaron's sons put to death by the Lord. The Lord quickly shows his authority and that he will not allow wrong to be done.
The rest of Mark 6 tells the story of the feeding of the 5,000 again. There are a few variances from this telling to the first one that we read. We also read about Jesus walking on the water again. This instance was slightly different from the first version we read as well.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 11, 12 and Mark 7:1 - 13
Leviticus 9 shows the priest beginning their life as priest.
Leviticus 10 tells of disappointment from the beginning. Right from the get go we see Aaron's sons put to death by the Lord. The Lord quickly shows his authority and that he will not allow wrong to be done.
The rest of Mark 6 tells the story of the feeding of the 5,000 again. There are a few variances from this telling to the first one that we read. We also read about Jesus walking on the water again. This instance was slightly different from the first version we read as well.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 11, 12 and Mark 7:1 - 13
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Day 57
Leviticus chapters 6 and 7 continue with more information about the different offerings and what the priest are suppose to do.
Mark 6 begins with Jesus teaching in his hometown. The people there show him no honor. I think it would have been a great honor to say that the king of the people came from my neighborhood. After that we see Jesus giving instructions to the disciples to go out and teach and heal. He has given them all authority to drive out demons. What that must have felt like, I could only imagine. We then finish our daily reading with the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. I still find this story to be very discomforting. I think that is one oath I could have welched on.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 8, 9, 10 and Mark 6:30 - 56
Mark 6 begins with Jesus teaching in his hometown. The people there show him no honor. I think it would have been a great honor to say that the king of the people came from my neighborhood. After that we see Jesus giving instructions to the disciples to go out and teach and heal. He has given them all authority to drive out demons. What that must have felt like, I could only imagine. We then finish our daily reading with the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. I still find this story to be very discomforting. I think that is one oath I could have welched on.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 8, 9, 10 and Mark 6:30 - 56
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Day 56
Leviticus 3 goes into great detail on how to prepare the animals for sacrifice for the fellowship offering.
Leviticus 4 goes into great detail oh how to offer a sacrifice for a sin.
Leviticus 5 continues with information on the sin offering and then goes into detail about the guilt offering.
The last part of Mark 5 tells the story of a young girl who is very ill. Her father pleads with Jesus for Him to go and heal her and He agrees. While on the way to her house another sick woman touches Jesus cloak and is healed by her faith. When arriving at the young girl's house they find out that she has already passed on. Jesus tells them that she is only sleeping and the girl immediately gets up and is healthy. What a truly amazing site this must have been to witness.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 6, 7 and Mark 6:1 - 29
Leviticus 4 goes into great detail oh how to offer a sacrifice for a sin.
Leviticus 5 continues with information on the sin offering and then goes into detail about the guilt offering.
The last part of Mark 5 tells the story of a young girl who is very ill. Her father pleads with Jesus for Him to go and heal her and He agrees. While on the way to her house another sick woman touches Jesus cloak and is healed by her faith. When arriving at the young girl's house they find out that she has already passed on. Jesus tells them that she is only sleeping and the girl immediately gets up and is healthy. What a truly amazing site this must have been to witness.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 6, 7 and Mark 6:1 - 29
Friday, November 26, 2010
Day 55
Today's reading threw me for a loop. Never did I expect to just jump into a random Psalm and then to only read one of them. None the less we are here. So, Psalm 90, what can we say about this song. I personally noted a few verses that I can remember from various songs sung at church. However, I could not read this as a song. I saw it more as a prayer. Which when reading the fine print of my Bible I see that it was. The fine print says "A prayer of Moses the man of God."
Leviticus 1 is instructions on how the Israelites are to prepare their burnt offerings.
Chapter 2 of Leviticus is how to deal with an offering of Grain.
Mark 5 begins with the story of a man possessed by a legion of demons. These demons plead with Jesus and it appears that He has compassion for them. He allows them to leave this man and travel to a nearby heard of pigs. Now, I am not sure if the promise was not to hurt the man or to not hurt the demons. Whichever it is the demons leave this man and enter into a herd of pigs. The pigs immediately run down the hill and drown themselves in the lake. I could only imagine what this Shepherd must have felt like when he had to tell his master that his herd is gone what type of angry he must have been.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 3, 4, 5 and Mark 5:21 - 43
Leviticus 1 is instructions on how the Israelites are to prepare their burnt offerings.
Chapter 2 of Leviticus is how to deal with an offering of Grain.
Mark 5 begins with the story of a man possessed by a legion of demons. These demons plead with Jesus and it appears that He has compassion for them. He allows them to leave this man and travel to a nearby heard of pigs. Now, I am not sure if the promise was not to hurt the man or to not hurt the demons. Whichever it is the demons leave this man and enter into a herd of pigs. The pigs immediately run down the hill and drown themselves in the lake. I could only imagine what this Shepherd must have felt like when he had to tell his master that his herd is gone what type of angry he must have been.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Leviticus 3, 4, 5 and Mark 5:21 - 43
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 54
In Exodus 39 the Israelites continue to build the items the Lord had instructed them to. They build all of the priestly garments, which are the final items to be built. Once everything is completed they bring it before Moses to be inspected. Moses approves of everything and then blesses the Israelites.
Moses sets up the tabernacle in Exodus 40 as he is commanded by the Lord. Everything is put in its place as the Lord had instructed and Aaron and his sons were anointed as priest. One thing that confused me was towards the end of this chapter were we are told Moses is not allowed to enter the tent of meeting. I am not sure why he was not allowed. I do not know if I missed a verse or something somewhere where it is mentioned why he is not allowed to be in the presence of God.
The end of Mark 4 continues with more parables. These parables contain meanings of the growth of heaven and its people. I found it interesting that we hear that even after Jesus tells these parables to the masses that he breaks them down for his disciples when they are alone. The very last portion of this chapter we see the disciples scared and going to Jesus for help. It amazes me sometimes with all the miracles that they see and yet they still doubt that He will take care of them in times of danger.
Well, congratulations one more book completed. We have 4 down and 62 remaining. Does it feel overwhelming at all or has it became such a habit that you do not even think about it anymore?
Tomorrow's reading is:
Psalms 90, Leviticus 1, 2, and Mark 5:1 - 20
Moses sets up the tabernacle in Exodus 40 as he is commanded by the Lord. Everything is put in its place as the Lord had instructed and Aaron and his sons were anointed as priest. One thing that confused me was towards the end of this chapter were we are told Moses is not allowed to enter the tent of meeting. I am not sure why he was not allowed. I do not know if I missed a verse or something somewhere where it is mentioned why he is not allowed to be in the presence of God.
The end of Mark 4 continues with more parables. These parables contain meanings of the growth of heaven and its people. I found it interesting that we hear that even after Jesus tells these parables to the masses that he breaks them down for his disciples when they are alone. The very last portion of this chapter we see the disciples scared and going to Jesus for help. It amazes me sometimes with all the miracles that they see and yet they still doubt that He will take care of them in times of danger.
Well, congratulations one more book completed. We have 4 down and 62 remaining. Does it feel overwhelming at all or has it became such a habit that you do not even think about it anymore?
Tomorrow's reading is:
Psalms 90, Leviticus 1, 2, and Mark 5:1 - 20
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 53
Chapter 36 of Exodus begins with Moses bringing the workers together to begin building the items that the Lord had instructed. The Israelites have been bringing the items needed every morning as offerings to the Lord in order to build those items. It gets to a point where they have brought so much that they have an abundance of material needed to build everything. That goes to show the power of the Lord and what he can do with a group of people. The rest of chapter 36 is the building of the tabernacle.
Exodus 37 is the building of the Ark, table, lampstand, and altar of incense.
Exodus 38 continues with the items being built that the Lord commanded. The altar of burnt offering, basin for washing, and the courtyard. We also then read an account of all the material used. I found this little bit rather interesting. I would not have figured them for keeping track of this type of information.
Mark 4 tells of the parable of the sower. I think this is an amazing story. There is such a meaning in this parable and Jesus spells it out for us in plain text. One area I found interesting was "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'" (Mark 4:11, 12) I think this little portion is very confusing and interesting at the same time.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 39, 40 and Mark 4:21 - 41
Exodus 37 is the building of the Ark, table, lampstand, and altar of incense.
Exodus 38 continues with the items being built that the Lord commanded. The altar of burnt offering, basin for washing, and the courtyard. We also then read an account of all the material used. I found this little bit rather interesting. I would not have figured them for keeping track of this type of information.
Mark 4 tells of the parable of the sower. I think this is an amazing story. There is such a meaning in this parable and Jesus spells it out for us in plain text. One area I found interesting was "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'" (Mark 4:11, 12) I think this little portion is very confusing and interesting at the same time.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 39, 40 and Mark 4:21 - 41
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Day 52
Exodus 34 has a few interesting tidbits in it. The Lord tells Moses that He will give him a second chance basically with the stone tablets. Moses is to carve our two more tablets and bring them up Mount Sinai the following morning. We then read a few of those rules over again. Reading them this time around made me wonder, exactly how big were those stone tablets? I would like to point out one verse that really stood out to me from this chapter. The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation. (Exodus 34:6, 7) I really think those verses give an amazing description of our God.
Exodus 35 repeats a lot of what God told Moses. This time it is Moses telling the Israelites. The Israelites seem to be moved by what he says and begin to bring offerings to the Lord.
The rest of Mark 3 tells the story of Jesus being possessed by Beelzebub, at least that is what the teachers of the law claimed. Jesus makes sure to put them in their place with some well spoken words. It ends by describing who our family is. Our family is not made up of blood like we consider it but is made up by those who do God's will. I think that shows a interesting point in the life of Jesus and one that we should consider a little more as we continue our studies in the Bible.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 36, 37, 38 and Mark 4:1 - 20
Exodus 35 repeats a lot of what God told Moses. This time it is Moses telling the Israelites. The Israelites seem to be moved by what he says and begin to bring offerings to the Lord.
The rest of Mark 3 tells the story of Jesus being possessed by Beelzebub, at least that is what the teachers of the law claimed. Jesus makes sure to put them in their place with some well spoken words. It ends by describing who our family is. Our family is not made up of blood like we consider it but is made up by those who do God's will. I think that shows a interesting point in the life of Jesus and one that we should consider a little more as we continue our studies in the Bible.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 36, 37, 38 and Mark 4:1 - 20
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day 51
Exodus 31 is a very quick read. We learn about two craftsman that the Lord has blessed. We also learn about consequences of working on the sabbath. At the end of this chapter Moses is given the tablets that are to be put in the ark of covenant.
In Exodus 32 Moses comes down off the mountain to find that the Israelites have begun to worship a golden calf. Moses becomes angry and throws the tablets that God had given him to the ground where they break. The golden calf is melted down and then I am a little confused but it read like a huge number of the Israelites were slain. Moses then goes back up the mountain to try and make an atonement for their sins.
Exodus 33 left me rather confused. I am not sure what to say about it.
Mark chapter 3 continues with instructions about the sabbath. Jesus also heals more people and a crowd begins to gather. Jesus then goes up into the mountain and calls his apostles to him. The twelve that he appointed were Simon (named Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 34, 35 and Mark 3:20 - 35
In Exodus 32 Moses comes down off the mountain to find that the Israelites have begun to worship a golden calf. Moses becomes angry and throws the tablets that God had given him to the ground where they break. The golden calf is melted down and then I am a little confused but it read like a huge number of the Israelites were slain. Moses then goes back up the mountain to try and make an atonement for their sins.
Exodus 33 left me rather confused. I am not sure what to say about it.
Mark chapter 3 continues with instructions about the sabbath. Jesus also heals more people and a crowd begins to gather. Jesus then goes up into the mountain and calls his apostles to him. The twelve that he appointed were Simon (named Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 34, 35 and Mark 3:20 - 35
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Day 50
Exodus 29 talks completely about how to consecrate the tent of meeting, altar and the priest.
Exodus 30 is a chapter on how to prepare things for a period of atonement.
Mark 2 starts out by telling a story of a paralytic man. His friends knew where Jesus was at and knew that they would not be able to get through the crowd. So, they took him to the roof where Jesus was and dug through the roof. I imagine this took a good bit of work, once through they lowered him to Jesus. Jesus healed him and forgave his sins. We then read about the calling of Levi and also have a verse I think it would be wise for all of us to remember. Jesus said "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17) The last little bit of this chapter seems familiar again as if we have read it before.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 31, 32, 33 and Mark 3:1- 19
Exodus 30 is a chapter on how to prepare things for a period of atonement.
Mark 2 starts out by telling a story of a paralytic man. His friends knew where Jesus was at and knew that they would not be able to get through the crowd. So, they took him to the roof where Jesus was and dug through the roof. I imagine this took a good bit of work, once through they lowered him to Jesus. Jesus healed him and forgave his sins. We then read about the calling of Levi and also have a verse I think it would be wise for all of us to remember. Jesus said "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17) The last little bit of this chapter seems familiar again as if we have read it before.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 31, 32, 33 and Mark 3:1- 19
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Day 49
Exodus 27 and 28 continue with some more instructions, a little boring in my opinion.
The rest of Mark 1 continues with several stories we have read already in Matthew.
I apologize for this being such a short post but I am just unsure as to how to talk about these three chapters. The two chapters of Exodus very dry to me and I feel like I have already said all that I could say about the Mark verses when I talked about it in Matthew. Hopefully Mark starts to pick up with some new stuff or I may get a little bored with it.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 29, 30 and Mark 2
The rest of Mark 1 continues with several stories we have read already in Matthew.
I apologize for this being such a short post but I am just unsure as to how to talk about these three chapters. The two chapters of Exodus very dry to me and I feel like I have already said all that I could say about the Mark verses when I talked about it in Matthew. Hopefully Mark starts to pick up with some new stuff or I may get a little bored with it.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 29, 30 and Mark 2
Friday, November 19, 2010
Day 48
I apologize, I am a little behind. I have barely had time to get on a computer the last few days and I am going to try and make up for it tonight. So, just in case you are following along and I miss a day please do not hesitate to keep reading. If you need a copy of the schedule, please use the link below.
1 Year Reading Plan
Exodus 25. Well, I guess I am a little confused. I am assuming that Moses is still on the mountain, but I do not know for sure. Anyway, the Lord is still giving instructions to Moses on how the Israelites are to live. Chapter 25 begins with the types of offerings that are to be brought to the tabernacle. One of those items had my mind saying "what is that?" I had no idea what a sea cow was so I had to Google it and this is what I found. The next little portion we read is on the ark. The ark reads to be an amazing item and one that would be sought after by people still today. Some more information on the ark can be found here. We then learn of a special table that is to be built and I am unaware of its exact purpose. We then read of a special lampstand that was built out of pure gold. If I am not mistaken we may know it better as a menorah today.
Exodus 26 is a very descriptive chapter on how to build the tabernacle. What this might have looked like is pictured below.
Mark 1 begins with John the Baptist. We learn a little about John and what he did preaching the good news about Jesus. We then read of the baptism of Jesus and the temptations he faced after that. We then see Jesus entering Galilee and calling four of his disciples to him. I am going to hold off on the next 2 verses till tomorrow's reading. I feel this book is restating a lot of information that we have already read. I am sure that it will go further then the previous time or we quickly switch to stuff that we have not read about.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 27, 28 and Mark 1:23 - 45
Exodus 26 is a very descriptive chapter on how to build the tabernacle. What this might have looked like is pictured below.
Mark 1 begins with John the Baptist. We learn a little about John and what he did preaching the good news about Jesus. We then read of the baptism of Jesus and the temptations he faced after that. We then see Jesus entering Galilee and calling four of his disciples to him. I am going to hold off on the next 2 verses till tomorrow's reading. I feel this book is restating a lot of information that we have already read. I am sure that it will go further then the previous time or we quickly switch to stuff that we have not read about.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 27, 28 and Mark 1:23 - 45
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Day 47
Chapter 23 of Exodus contains more laws to follow. The first part is laws of justice and mercy. It contains a lot of rules about how to treat your fellow man and enemy. It basically tells us that we should be compassionate to everyone around us no matter how much we dislike them. The next portion really intrigued me. It talks about the sabbath day and how we are only to work six days a week and to rest on the seventh. The part I found interesting was the first little bit about working the land for six years and on the seventh year letting the land lie unplowed and unused. I will admit I am not a farmer by any means but just wonder how this might effect crop growth in those first six years. We then learn about three festivals that they are to have to worship the Lord. The Lord gives a few instructions for these festivals. The last portion of chapter 23 talks about the angel the Lord is going to send before the Israelites. The Lord basically tells them that he is going to protect them as long as they do not worship other gods or practice their ways. To me this sounds pretty simple and a no brainer of a situation, but I have a feeling that it will be difficult for them since they seem to be very stubborn.
Exodus 24 tells of the covenant the Lord makes with the Israelites. After the Lord finishes speaking to the Israelites they make an alter and offer up sacrifices. The Israelites agreed to all that the Lord had to say. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu along with seventy elders then went up the mountain as God had commanded. Moses continued up to the top of the mountain as God had instructed. For six days a cloud covered the mountain, finally the Lord spoke to Moses and told him to enter the cloud. Moses was in the cloud for forty days and forty nights. I can not fathom what the Israelites must have thought about this time period. To hear that your leader has entered into a cloud and then the waiting. You would have to believe that they started to believe that something had happened to him and he was not coming back.
We have come to my favorite chapter of Matthew. Chapter 28, the greatest part of the crucifixion. We begin by seeing Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to see the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest. An angel comes upon the tomb like a violent earthquake. He is so bright that the guards are basically scared to death. The angel then appears to both of the Marys and tells them that Jesus has risen. Yep, that is right, He has risen. The best part of the whole book of Matthew right there. He has risen, nope just can't say it enough. The joy we have of knowing that we have a God that has defeated death. The next portion tells how the guards were bribed to make it sound like the disciples came in the night and stole Jesus body. This confabulated story is mentioned a few times in other chapters of the Bible. Jesus then meets with the disciples in Galilee and gives them advice that not only they are to follow but we are to follow as well. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18 - 20)
Well, guess what? That brings us to the end of our third book of the Bible. Those still reading congratulations. Tomorrow we will begin reading the book of Mark.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 25, 26 and Mark 1:1 - 22
Exodus 24 tells of the covenant the Lord makes with the Israelites. After the Lord finishes speaking to the Israelites they make an alter and offer up sacrifices. The Israelites agreed to all that the Lord had to say. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu along with seventy elders then went up the mountain as God had commanded. Moses continued up to the top of the mountain as God had instructed. For six days a cloud covered the mountain, finally the Lord spoke to Moses and told him to enter the cloud. Moses was in the cloud for forty days and forty nights. I can not fathom what the Israelites must have thought about this time period. To hear that your leader has entered into a cloud and then the waiting. You would have to believe that they started to believe that something had happened to him and he was not coming back.
We have come to my favorite chapter of Matthew. Chapter 28, the greatest part of the crucifixion. We begin by seeing Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to see the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest. An angel comes upon the tomb like a violent earthquake. He is so bright that the guards are basically scared to death. The angel then appears to both of the Marys and tells them that Jesus has risen. Yep, that is right, He has risen. The best part of the whole book of Matthew right there. He has risen, nope just can't say it enough. The joy we have of knowing that we have a God that has defeated death. The next portion tells how the guards were bribed to make it sound like the disciples came in the night and stole Jesus body. This confabulated story is mentioned a few times in other chapters of the Bible. Jesus then meets with the disciples in Galilee and gives them advice that not only they are to follow but we are to follow as well. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18 - 20)
Well, guess what? That brings us to the end of our third book of the Bible. Those still reading congratulations. Tomorrow we will begin reading the book of Mark.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 25, 26 and Mark 1:1 - 22
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Day 46
The first part of Exodus 21 is about how you are to treat your servants. Laws seem to be very specific in the old testament. The bible seems to leave nothing out. We learn how we are to serve the Lord, how to take care of our family and even how to take care of our slaves. I found it interesting that there were different rules for male and female servants. The last portion of this chapter is about injury. Seems like death would have happened a lot.
Chapter 22 of Exodus begins with the protection of property. So many rules about property about land, animals, and other things. The last portion of this chapter gives some more specific instructions. I still can not believe how much death was a punishment for. If death is not the punishment it seems that things are to be paid for several times over.
Matthew 27 continues with the death of Jesus. As soon as Jesus dies the temple curtain was torn. The ground shook from an earthquake and tombs were opened. Several tombs of known holy people were opened and there occupants walked out. We finish off this chapter with a disciple by the name of Joseph who took the body of Jesus and prepared him for burial. A stone was rolled over the tomb. This was not good enough for the pharisees, they went to Pilate to demand more. They told him that Jesus planned to rise 3 days later and wanted more security so that the disciples could not steal the body. Pilate allows them to do this and the tomb is sealed and a guard is posted to make sure.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 23, 24 and Matthew 28
Chapter 22 of Exodus begins with the protection of property. So many rules about property about land, animals, and other things. The last portion of this chapter gives some more specific instructions. I still can not believe how much death was a punishment for. If death is not the punishment it seems that things are to be paid for several times over.
Matthew 27 continues with the death of Jesus. As soon as Jesus dies the temple curtain was torn. The ground shook from an earthquake and tombs were opened. Several tombs of known holy people were opened and there occupants walked out. We finish off this chapter with a disciple by the name of Joseph who took the body of Jesus and prepared him for burial. A stone was rolled over the tomb. This was not good enough for the pharisees, they went to Pilate to demand more. They told him that Jesus planned to rise 3 days later and wanted more security so that the disciples could not steal the body. Pilate allows them to do this and the tomb is sealed and a guard is posted to make sure.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 23, 24 and Matthew 28
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 45
In Exodus 19 the Israelites travel to Mount Sinai. While there Moses continues to talk to God and is given some more instructions. The Israelites are not to touch the mountain or God will punish them. During this time the Lord will come upon the mountain so that all my hear his voice. After the whole group hears the voice of God, He calls Moses to come up to the top of the mountain but nobody else is to touch the mountain. The Lord tells Moses once again that nobody is to touch the mountain and he is to go down and make sure they know this and then come back with Aaron.
Exodus 20 gives us the ten commandments. Which are:
1. you shall have no other gods before me
2. you shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
3. you shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God
4. remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
5. Honor your father and your mother
6. you shall not murder
7. you shall not commit adultery
8. you shall not steal
9. you shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
10. you shall not covet your neighbor's house, wife, servants, animals, or anything that belongs to him
We also learn that when they are to build an alter it is to be of stone. And it must be stone that has been untouched by any tools. The alter should be natural with no gold or silver.
The last portion of Matthew 27 begins with the soldiers mocking Jesus. He is put in a scarlet robe and given a staff and a crown of thorns. He is then put back in his own clothes and sent to Golgotha. When He is placed on the cross He is insulted over and over. The soldiers, the crowd, the priest, and even the two robbers that are being crucified beside him insult him. During a portion of this time it becomes dark and Jesus calls out to his father. Then shortly after he cries out one more time and with that he gives up his spirit. Now, I do not want to go into to great depth on this portion as I feel we should all find an understanding of it in our own heart and mind.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 21, 22 and Matthew 27:51 - 66
Exodus 20 gives us the ten commandments. Which are:
1. you shall have no other gods before me
2. you shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
3. you shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God
4. remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
5. Honor your father and your mother
6. you shall not murder
7. you shall not commit adultery
8. you shall not steal
9. you shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
10. you shall not covet your neighbor's house, wife, servants, animals, or anything that belongs to him
We also learn that when they are to build an alter it is to be of stone. And it must be stone that has been untouched by any tools. The alter should be natural with no gold or silver.
The last portion of Matthew 27 begins with the soldiers mocking Jesus. He is put in a scarlet robe and given a staff and a crown of thorns. He is then put back in his own clothes and sent to Golgotha. When He is placed on the cross He is insulted over and over. The soldiers, the crowd, the priest, and even the two robbers that are being crucified beside him insult him. During a portion of this time it becomes dark and Jesus calls out to his father. Then shortly after he cries out one more time and with that he gives up his spirit. Now, I do not want to go into to great depth on this portion as I feel we should all find an understanding of it in our own heart and mind.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 21, 22 and Matthew 27:51 - 66
Monday, November 15, 2010
Day 44
Exodus 16 continues the journey of the Israelites know as the exodus. The Israelites are beginning to grumble once again and saying that it would be better for them to have stayed in Egypt. They are having a hard time finding food and felt that it would have been better to stay in Egypt where they had plenty of food. Now God hears their complaints and tells Moses and Aaron that they will be taken care of. He gives Moses and Aaron instructions once again to hand out to the masses. Once again the instructions are very specific. The Lord tells Moses that He will provide bread of a morning and meat at night and there will be enough for everyone. Some of the instructions that they were given was that they are to collect no more then they can eat for that day. If they try and save any for the next day it will become rotten. On the sixth day is the only day that the rules change. On the sixth day they are to collect twice as much as they usually do because the seventh day is a day of rest. No one is to work on the seventh day in observance of the Sabbath. Now some of the people did not listen to what Moses and Aaron have said and save some for the following day and wake up to spoiled and smelly food. I am still finding it hard to believe that after all they have seen that they can still doubt Moses and Aaron. One other fact I found very interesting was that the desert was named sin. I am not sure if there is any type of significant meaning behind that in this story or not.
Exodus 17 continues once again with the Israelites testing God. This time they are thirsty and quarrel once again with Moses. Moses ask why they continue to test the Lord, but once again Moses goes to the Lord. The Lord once again provides for them by having Moses strike a rock with his staff. Water springs up from the rock in abundance. To end chapter 17 we see that the Israelites are confronted with a battle against the Amalekites. The Amalekites were from Amalek who was the son of Eliphaz and the grandson of Esau (Gen. 36:12). Joshua is sent into battle with a following of the Israelite men while Moses, Aaron and Hur go up to the top of the hill. Now while Moses holds his hands up the Israelites win but if he puts his hands down the table turns and the Amalekites win. Moses, Aaron, and Hur come up with a solution to allow Moses to keep his hands up so that the Israelites win the battle.
Chapter 18 of Exodus we see Moses receiving advise from his father-in-law. Jethro hears of all the things that Moses is doing and comes to see Moses. As he observes all that Moses is doing he gives him advice as ways to make improvements. Moses puts into practice what Jethro has said and it appears that it works.
Matthew 27 begins in kind of a somber manner. We immediately learn that Jesus has been condemned and will be put to death. When Judas hears this he is convicted and feels remorse for what he has done. The priest however do not care and basically tell him that he must deal with his own concerns. Judas can not handle what he has done and goes out and hangs himself. Jesus is then handed over to Pilate who basically ask him the same things the priest had asked him. Now the governor was throwing a feast and it was his custom to release a prisoner during the event. He asked the crowd who he should release and they all replied to release Barabbas. Barabbas was a notorious prisoner. Pilate is then confronted by his wife and she gives him warning that he should not be involved in this man's death. Pilate ask what he should do with this man called Jesus and the crowd tells him that he should be crucified. Pilate then washes his hands of Jesus and says that his death will not be on his head. I think this was a brave move for Pilate and would love to learn how God treated it. Pilate shows some restraint and does not want to do any damage to Jesus who he finds to be innocent. The crowd on the other hand do not share his mind set and are the ones that are responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 19, 20 and Matthew 27:27 - 50
Exodus 17 continues once again with the Israelites testing God. This time they are thirsty and quarrel once again with Moses. Moses ask why they continue to test the Lord, but once again Moses goes to the Lord. The Lord once again provides for them by having Moses strike a rock with his staff. Water springs up from the rock in abundance. To end chapter 17 we see that the Israelites are confronted with a battle against the Amalekites. The Amalekites were from Amalek who was the son of Eliphaz and the grandson of Esau (Gen. 36:12). Joshua is sent into battle with a following of the Israelite men while Moses, Aaron and Hur go up to the top of the hill. Now while Moses holds his hands up the Israelites win but if he puts his hands down the table turns and the Amalekites win. Moses, Aaron, and Hur come up with a solution to allow Moses to keep his hands up so that the Israelites win the battle.
Chapter 18 of Exodus we see Moses receiving advise from his father-in-law. Jethro hears of all the things that Moses is doing and comes to see Moses. As he observes all that Moses is doing he gives him advice as ways to make improvements. Moses puts into practice what Jethro has said and it appears that it works.
Matthew 27 begins in kind of a somber manner. We immediately learn that Jesus has been condemned and will be put to death. When Judas hears this he is convicted and feels remorse for what he has done. The priest however do not care and basically tell him that he must deal with his own concerns. Judas can not handle what he has done and goes out and hangs himself. Jesus is then handed over to Pilate who basically ask him the same things the priest had asked him. Now the governor was throwing a feast and it was his custom to release a prisoner during the event. He asked the crowd who he should release and they all replied to release Barabbas. Barabbas was a notorious prisoner. Pilate is then confronted by his wife and she gives him warning that he should not be involved in this man's death. Pilate ask what he should do with this man called Jesus and the crowd tells him that he should be crucified. Pilate then washes his hands of Jesus and says that his death will not be on his head. I think this was a brave move for Pilate and would love to learn how God treated it. Pilate shows some restraint and does not want to do any damage to Jesus who he finds to be innocent. The crowd on the other hand do not share his mind set and are the ones that are responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 19, 20 and Matthew 27:27 - 50
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Day 43
Exodus 14 continues with some very specific instructions given to the Israelites. The Lord tells them where they are to set up their camp for the night. While they are resting the pharaoh and his army catch begin to catch up to them. The Israelites see pharaoh's army approaching and begin to cry out to Moses. They begin to say that it would have been better to serve pharaoh then to die in the desert. Moses is instructed by God to have the people prepare to flee and then he stretches out his hands and the Red Sea begins to part. The Lord provides a way of escape for the Israelites by allowing them to walk through the Red Sea on dry ground. Once the Israelites are safe on the other side and pharaoh and his men have entered into the Red Sea, the Lord gives more instructions to Moses. This time Moses stretches out his arms and the Red Sea closes in on itself killing all of the pharaoh's men. To me this is when the Israelites really began to listen to Moses. We get a hint of that in verse 31 "And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant."
Chapter 15 of Exodus is rather confusing to me. It is basically a song about Moses and Miriam. Miriam if you do not remember is Moses's sister. This whole song to me is rather confusing in the simple fact that it does not rhyme or carry any form of structure that I associate with song lyrics. I tried reading it in several various ways trying to make it flow like a song, no such luck for me.
As we continue in Matthew chapter 26 we visit the garden of Gathsemane. Jesus has traveled to this place to pray. Jesus takes three of his disciples further then the rest and ask if they will watch with Him. As he prays they fall asleep. Not only did they fall asleep once, but they fell asleep three times. I think this little section shows us a good description of Jesus's human side. We see that his physical self is nervous about what is about to happen and he in sorts kind of pleads to God. He knows that there is no changing though and says in verse 42 "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." As He is speaking to his disciples Judas and a large crowd approach. Judas kisses Jesus as a sign for the crowd and the crowd then takes Jesus as a captive. All of the other disciples flee after Jesus says a few words about fulfilling scripture. Jesus is put before the Sanhedrin and put on trial. His trial was not fair by any means but He shows a form of humility throughout the whole ordeal. When they finally accuse Jesus they begin to slap and beat Jesus with their fist. Let me just say that I am glad that I was not one of them and I can only hope that they found forgiveness later on and repented of their way. To finish off chapter 26 we read of the three times Peter denies Jesus. Immediately after that third denial the rooster crows and Peter remembers what Jesus had told him. Peter goes out and by that I can only imagine that he went outside the city and he wept bitterly. If I were in his place I don not know if just weeping bitterly would suffice. I think I would be wailing like a lost sinner that was just recently sent to hell.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 16, 17, 18 and Matthew 27:1 - 26
Chapter 15 of Exodus is rather confusing to me. It is basically a song about Moses and Miriam. Miriam if you do not remember is Moses's sister. This whole song to me is rather confusing in the simple fact that it does not rhyme or carry any form of structure that I associate with song lyrics. I tried reading it in several various ways trying to make it flow like a song, no such luck for me.
As we continue in Matthew chapter 26 we visit the garden of Gathsemane. Jesus has traveled to this place to pray. Jesus takes three of his disciples further then the rest and ask if they will watch with Him. As he prays they fall asleep. Not only did they fall asleep once, but they fell asleep three times. I think this little section shows us a good description of Jesus's human side. We see that his physical self is nervous about what is about to happen and he in sorts kind of pleads to God. He knows that there is no changing though and says in verse 42 "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." As He is speaking to his disciples Judas and a large crowd approach. Judas kisses Jesus as a sign for the crowd and the crowd then takes Jesus as a captive. All of the other disciples flee after Jesus says a few words about fulfilling scripture. Jesus is put before the Sanhedrin and put on trial. His trial was not fair by any means but He shows a form of humility throughout the whole ordeal. When they finally accuse Jesus they begin to slap and beat Jesus with their fist. Let me just say that I am glad that I was not one of them and I can only hope that they found forgiveness later on and repented of their way. To finish off chapter 26 we read of the three times Peter denies Jesus. Immediately after that third denial the rooster crows and Peter remembers what Jesus had told him. Peter goes out and by that I can only imagine that he went outside the city and he wept bitterly. If I were in his place I don not know if just weeping bitterly would suffice. I think I would be wailing like a lost sinner that was just recently sent to hell.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 16, 17, 18 and Matthew 27:1 - 26
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Day 42
WOW, where to begin. Exodus 12 has so much in it, I am unsure how to put any words to it. The Israelites are given some tremendous instructions in this chapter. The Lord gives Moses and Aaron a list of what is to be done for the passover. The passover is a period of time that they are to celebrate and follow specific commands so that the firstborn in their household shall be overlooked by the Lords hand. We then read that the pharaoh finally breaks down and lets the Israelites go. As the Israelites go they basically plunder the Egyptians as the Egyptians give them gold and silver from their houses so that they will leave.
Chapter 13 is a rather short chapter. Moses gives the Israelites some instructions about the consecration of the firstborn. We also learn that the Lord did not send them through to the promise land by the easiest route. He guides them by day with a giant pillar of dust, my mind pictures this giant tornado that does no damage. At night they are guided by a pillar of fire. We also see the oath to Joseph being held. They take with them Joseph's bones so that he can be buried with his people.
Matthew 26 begins showing us the plot to kill Jesus. Jesus and the disciples are in Bethany preparing to celebrate the passover. A woman with a very expensive jar of perfume comes and anoints Jesus. The disciples are thrown off by this and begin to give this lady some grief. Jesus rebukes them for what they are doing and uses this chance to teach them a few more things. We then learn about Judas agreeing to betray Jesus and he does this for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus knows that a certain disciple is going to betray him and tells his disciples this during what we know as the Lord's supper. Jesus tells them about his broken body and spilled blood which we refer to as communion. We then end our reading by learning that Peter is going to deny Jesus three times before the night is over. Peter tries to defend himself by saying "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." (Matt. 26:35).
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 14, 15 and Matthew 26:36 - 75
Chapter 13 is a rather short chapter. Moses gives the Israelites some instructions about the consecration of the firstborn. We also learn that the Lord did not send them through to the promise land by the easiest route. He guides them by day with a giant pillar of dust, my mind pictures this giant tornado that does no damage. At night they are guided by a pillar of fire. We also see the oath to Joseph being held. They take with them Joseph's bones so that he can be buried with his people.
Matthew 26 begins showing us the plot to kill Jesus. Jesus and the disciples are in Bethany preparing to celebrate the passover. A woman with a very expensive jar of perfume comes and anoints Jesus. The disciples are thrown off by this and begin to give this lady some grief. Jesus rebukes them for what they are doing and uses this chance to teach them a few more things. We then learn about Judas agreeing to betray Jesus and he does this for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus knows that a certain disciple is going to betray him and tells his disciples this during what we know as the Lord's supper. Jesus tells them about his broken body and spilled blood which we refer to as communion. We then end our reading by learning that Peter is going to deny Jesus three times before the night is over. Peter tries to defend himself by saying "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." (Matt. 26:35).
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 14, 15 and Matthew 26:36 - 75
Friday, November 12, 2010
Day 41
Exodus 9 continues with more plagues. The first plague in this chapter is another plague that only effects the Egyptians, it is a plague on livestock. The next plague was one of boils. Then came a plague of hail. This was the worst storm that Egypt had ever seen. Egyptians were started to believe in the Israelite God but the pharaoh still had a hardened heart.
Exodus 10 has yet more plagues. The first plague is one of locusts. The locusts destroy all that is left in Egypt. You have to begin to wonder how the pharaoh can still not believe. His heart is hardened for sure. These chapters are beginning to make me wonder if these plagues are why Egypt is covered by so much sand. The next plague is one of darkness. I cannot imagine how dark it must have been for the Egyptians. Three days with no light what so ever would tend to make a few people a little crazy.
Chapter 11 of Exodus tells us that the Lord is going to through the land of Egypt and every firstborn son will die. He tells them that their will be no distinctions what so ever. Pharaoh or slave every firstborn will die.
The last portion of Matthew 25 explains that the good will be separated from the evil. The good shall receive a eternal home in Heaven while the evil are sent to the devil. We learn that we should be humble to others, we are to serve others. While serving these others we are actually serving God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 12, 13 and Matthew 26:1 - 35
Exodus 10 has yet more plagues. The first plague is one of locusts. The locusts destroy all that is left in Egypt. You have to begin to wonder how the pharaoh can still not believe. His heart is hardened for sure. These chapters are beginning to make me wonder if these plagues are why Egypt is covered by so much sand. The next plague is one of darkness. I cannot imagine how dark it must have been for the Egyptians. Three days with no light what so ever would tend to make a few people a little crazy.
Chapter 11 of Exodus tells us that the Lord is going to through the land of Egypt and every firstborn son will die. He tells them that their will be no distinctions what so ever. Pharaoh or slave every firstborn will die.
The last portion of Matthew 25 explains that the good will be separated from the evil. The good shall receive a eternal home in Heaven while the evil are sent to the devil. We learn that we should be humble to others, we are to serve others. While serving these others we are actually serving God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 12, 13 and Matthew 26:1 - 35
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Day 40
In Exodus 7 we begin reading of all the miracles that Moses and Aaron are doing before the pharaoh. The Lord talks to Moses again at the beginning of this chapter and gives him more advice as to what to say. We then see the first meeting of Moses and the pharaoh. Moses directs Aaron to throw down his staff and it becomes a snake. The pharaoh's magicians are able to do this miracle as well, as to what form of magic they use to do this it is unknown. I think it is an interesting note to remember that Aaron's snake/staff eats the other snakes. I am puzzled as to why the Lord is using a snake as the first sign? I mean I thought the snake was one of the lowest creatures. The next miracle they do the pharaoh's magicians are capable of doing as well. Moses has all the waters of Egypt turned to blood. The stench that must have come from this is unimaginable. Neither of these miracles were able to persuade the pharaoh to let the Israelites go. My Bible has a very interesting little side note on this chapter that I would love to post.
The Egyptian Priests and Their Snakes
Exodus 7 The Bible frequently records particular events without explaining how they happened. Exodus 7, for example, reveals that Egyptian magicians mimicked Moses' changing of his staff into a snake "by their secret arts" (v. 11). This could mean that they employed supernatural power and actually changed staffs into snakes. The Bible, however does not explicitly state whether or not supernatural agents, either divine (Nu 22:21ff.) or demonic (Dt 18:10 - 11; Job 2:7), were involved.
The majority of scholars believe that the Egyptians used mere trickery on this occasion. Throughout the ancient world pagan priests regularly deceived gullible people (e.g., a priest would hide in a large, hollowed-out idol and speak for the god). so the Egyptians could have used sleight of hand (analogous to modern stage magicians performing tricks with animals). Evidence also reveals that Egyptians regularly practiced a method of snake charming that allowed them to put snakes into a kind of catalepsy, whereby they would remain as stiff as a rod until awakened. This trick is still practiced in Egypt today.
It is helpful to recognize that the purpose of this Biblical text was not to debunk Egyptian magic but to t show that the power of Israel's God was greater than any power Egypt possessed. When Moses snake swallowed the Egyptians" snakes, the event predicted disaster for the pharaoh. A representative snake from Israel's God had defeated one of Egypt's national symbols--the serpent--an animal considered sacred in Lower Egypt where Moses' confrontation with the pharaoh was taking place.
NIV Archaeological Study Bible. China: Zondervan, 2005.
The plagues begin in Exodus 8. The first plague is of frogs, the second plague was of gnats, the third plague was one of flies. Now the first plague the magicians were able to produce as well. The second however the magicians could not reproduce and they began to believe that it is from God. The third plague really shows the power of God and only affects the Egyptians. Through all of these plagues the pharaoh's heart remains hard.
Matthew 25 begins with a very important parable. We need to learn from this parable that we are to be ready at all times to meet the Lord. We do not know when He will be returning. Since we do not know we are to live a pure life and be ready at all times. The next parable is about using and increasing what the Lord has given you. The Lord gives each and every person a talent and we should not hide it. We should use it and increase what He has given us. Just to make things interesting here is a little tidbit. A talent in their time is a form of money, it is worth more then a thousand dollars. So, just imagine this master gave out over 8,000 dollars to his servants to see what they will do for him.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 9, 10, 11 and Matthew 25:31 - 46
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Day 39
Exodus 4 continues with God speaking to Moses. Moses continues with his talk about sending someone else because he is not a good speaker. God tells Moses what he is going to do and shows him some miracles that he will perform in front of the pharaoh.
Exodus 5 begins a series of talks with Moses and the pharaoh. Pharaoh's heart is definitely hardened. He not only does not let them go but he increases their workload. Now not only are they working harder they are getting beaten for not meeting the demands put on them by pharaoh. Moses then cries out to the Lord as to why He sent him there. He is not delivering them from their current condition but is making it harder for them.
Exodus 6 is basically another genealogy chapter.
The remaining portion of our Matthew 24 reading continues with the coming of the Son of Man. We learn that no one will know when it is to happen. It will come at a time it is least expected. We are to remain faithful to the final day.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 7, 8 and Matthew 25:1 - 30
Exodus 5 begins a series of talks with Moses and the pharaoh. Pharaoh's heart is definitely hardened. He not only does not let them go but he increases their workload. Now not only are they working harder they are getting beaten for not meeting the demands put on them by pharaoh. Moses then cries out to the Lord as to why He sent him there. He is not delivering them from their current condition but is making it harder for them.
Exodus 6 is basically another genealogy chapter.
The remaining portion of our Matthew 24 reading continues with the coming of the Son of Man. We learn that no one will know when it is to happen. It will come at a time it is least expected. We are to remain faithful to the final day.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 7, 8 and Matthew 25:1 - 30
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Day 38
I apologize for not getting a post up yesterday. To make up for it I am doing a double posting today.
Exodus 1, its a whole new book. We begin by learning that Joseph and all his brothers have passed away. A new pharaoh is in place in Egypt and is not as friendly to Joseph and his family. He puts them into slavery. While in slavery their family continues to grow. The pharaoh does not like this and puts out orders to basically have all males killed when they are born. Now the maidservants that were in charge of delivering the babies feared God and could not do this. It must have been nerve wrecking for those women as what punishment might come from the pharaoh. He does not punish them and I just have to imagine that God is watching over them.
In chapter 2 of Exodus we learn of the birth of Moses. We learn that he was hidden for three months with his mother but she could not hide him any longer. She placed her son in a basket and put him in the Nile where he was found by the princess. She had him taken care of and adopted him as her own son. Now when Moses was older he ended up killing an Egyptian. I have never heard about this or the fact that he had ran away. While he was in hiding he became married and had a son.
In Exodus 3 God speaks to Moses. He speaks to him through a burning bush. Could you imagine what it must have been like to see that? I have seen many things burn in my lifetime but never seen something burn and not be destroyed at the same time. You can tell Moses is scared when God is giving him instructions. He even confronts this by saying who am I to do this. God reveals that he will be with him and give him guidance on what to do to bring his people out of Egypt.
Our Matthew reading is very ominous. It almost feels as if I am reading from Revelations. The disciples are asking Jesus how they will know when he returns. Jesus describes it in details. A key note that sticks out from these verses is one that we are not to be swayed by false prophets.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 4, 5 ,6 and Matthew 24:29 - 51
Exodus 1, its a whole new book. We begin by learning that Joseph and all his brothers have passed away. A new pharaoh is in place in Egypt and is not as friendly to Joseph and his family. He puts them into slavery. While in slavery their family continues to grow. The pharaoh does not like this and puts out orders to basically have all males killed when they are born. Now the maidservants that were in charge of delivering the babies feared God and could not do this. It must have been nerve wrecking for those women as what punishment might come from the pharaoh. He does not punish them and I just have to imagine that God is watching over them.
In chapter 2 of Exodus we learn of the birth of Moses. We learn that he was hidden for three months with his mother but she could not hide him any longer. She placed her son in a basket and put him in the Nile where he was found by the princess. She had him taken care of and adopted him as her own son. Now when Moses was older he ended up killing an Egyptian. I have never heard about this or the fact that he had ran away. While he was in hiding he became married and had a son.
In Exodus 3 God speaks to Moses. He speaks to him through a burning bush. Could you imagine what it must have been like to see that? I have seen many things burn in my lifetime but never seen something burn and not be destroyed at the same time. You can tell Moses is scared when God is giving him instructions. He even confronts this by saying who am I to do this. God reveals that he will be with him and give him guidance on what to do to bring his people out of Egypt.
Our Matthew reading is very ominous. It almost feels as if I am reading from Revelations. The disciples are asking Jesus how they will know when he returns. Jesus describes it in details. A key note that sticks out from these verses is one that we are not to be swayed by false prophets.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 4, 5 ,6 and Matthew 24:29 - 51
Monday, November 8, 2010
Day 37
Wow, Genesis 49 leaves me thinking that I am glad that I am not one of Jacob's sons. It seems like the only one that got anything from their father's blessing is Joseph. You have to wonder if it is because of what they did to Joseph when he was younger. Maybe this is the way that God has chosen to give them what they deserve. Then we read about Jacob's death and how he wants to be buried with his people. I think it would be extremely scary to know as much as he appears to know. He gives his final blessings at the perfect time and then crawls into bed and breaths no more.
Genesis 50 begins with the preparation of Jacob's body and then the burial. His sons honor his oath and they take him to the cave of Machpelah to be buried with his people. After the burial they return to Egypt. The next portion of this chapter we see that Joseph's brothers are scared that he may get revenge on them now that their father is dead. They appeal to Joseph and he forgives them all for what they did. Joseph does not see what they did to him as an evil thing at all. He sees it as God's work. Joseph kind of reminds me of Job in this instance, since he is able to find faith in God in a good or bad situation. We end this chapter with the death of Joseph. We find out that Joseph lived a long and peaceful life with his brothers in Egypt. He sees many generations pass before he dies.
The last portion of Matthew 23 has Jesus describing the teachers of the law and pharisees. Over and over he describes them as hypocrites. He states that they are only putting on appearances and are unclean on the inside. He really shows them no compassion at the moment. He even goes as far as telling them some of the things that they will do in the future. I think this would be one instance I would not want to be in the presence of Jesus. He shows some anger here and to be in their sandals or even in that place would scare me to death.
Well, we have officially made it through two entire books of the Bible. How does it feel? Feels pretty good for me, it really is becoming a habit to read my Bible every day.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 1, 2, 3 and Matthew 24:1 - 28
Genesis 50 begins with the preparation of Jacob's body and then the burial. His sons honor his oath and they take him to the cave of Machpelah to be buried with his people. After the burial they return to Egypt. The next portion of this chapter we see that Joseph's brothers are scared that he may get revenge on them now that their father is dead. They appeal to Joseph and he forgives them all for what they did. Joseph does not see what they did to him as an evil thing at all. He sees it as God's work. Joseph kind of reminds me of Job in this instance, since he is able to find faith in God in a good or bad situation. We end this chapter with the death of Joseph. We find out that Joseph lived a long and peaceful life with his brothers in Egypt. He sees many generations pass before he dies.
The last portion of Matthew 23 has Jesus describing the teachers of the law and pharisees. Over and over he describes them as hypocrites. He states that they are only putting on appearances and are unclean on the inside. He really shows them no compassion at the moment. He even goes as far as telling them some of the things that they will do in the future. I think this would be one instance I would not want to be in the presence of Jesus. He shows some anger here and to be in their sandals or even in that place would scare me to death.
Well, we have officially made it through two entire books of the Bible. How does it feel? Feels pretty good for me, it really is becoming a habit to read my Bible every day.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Exodus 1, 2, 3 and Matthew 24:1 - 28
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Day 36
Genesis 46 list a genealogical reference of all of Jacob's family that went to live in Egypt. Joseph gives orders to his family on what they are to tell pharaoh. He does this so that they will be able to settle in the land as Egyptians despise shepherds.
Genesis 47 begins with Joseph's family coming before pharaoh. Pharaoh offers them the land that Joseph has shown them and ask if they may take care of his herds as well. The next portion of 47 continues to tell how Joseph acquired all of the land of Egypt for the pharaoh. Joseph seems to show some amazing business skills while serving the pharaoh. At the end of this chapter we see that Jacob is dying and he makes Joseph promise that he will return his body to be buried with his fathers.
Genesis 48 we find that Jacob is close to death and wish to speak with Joseph again. Joseph brings his two sons with him and Jacob blesses them. Jacob switches his hands while he blesses Joseph's sons. I am not sure what exactly this means but it appears to be a bad thing. Jacob explains that the younger brother will be greater then his older brother. It seems that we are reading this a lot recently.
Matthew 23:1 - 22 begins a long section of Jesus speaking. I do not know why buy lately I have been having a hard time interpreting what Jesus is saying. Some of the things I can see from this reading is that we need to be humble, we should not be afraid to serve, and we should be held by our oaths.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 49, 50 and Matthew 23:23 - 39
Genesis 47 begins with Joseph's family coming before pharaoh. Pharaoh offers them the land that Joseph has shown them and ask if they may take care of his herds as well. The next portion of 47 continues to tell how Joseph acquired all of the land of Egypt for the pharaoh. Joseph seems to show some amazing business skills while serving the pharaoh. At the end of this chapter we see that Jacob is dying and he makes Joseph promise that he will return his body to be buried with his fathers.
Genesis 48 we find that Jacob is close to death and wish to speak with Joseph again. Joseph brings his two sons with him and Jacob blesses them. Jacob switches his hands while he blesses Joseph's sons. I am not sure what exactly this means but it appears to be a bad thing. Jacob explains that the younger brother will be greater then his older brother. It seems that we are reading this a lot recently.
Matthew 23:1 - 22 begins a long section of Jesus speaking. I do not know why buy lately I have been having a hard time interpreting what Jesus is saying. Some of the things I can see from this reading is that we need to be humble, we should not be afraid to serve, and we should be held by our oaths.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 49, 50 and Matthew 23:23 - 39
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Day 35
Genesis 43 tells a continuing story of the famine. Once again Joseph is confronted by his brothers because they have ran out of food again. This time his brothers bring Benjamin along with them much to their father's dislike. They not only bring the silver they took the first time they double that amount to make sure that Joseph knows they are not trying to cheat him. Once Joseph sees all of them he sends them to his house where a meal is to be prepared for them. Joseph's brothers begin to get scared because they think Joseph is going to attack them. When they find out that they are to eat with Joseph they begin to relax.
In Genesis 44 we have some tables being turned. Joseph once again has the silver put back into their sacks but this time he adds a silver cup to Benjamin's sack. He sends his servant after them to return what was taken from his master. The brothers make an agreement that if anything is found they will be maid a servant. When the cup is found in the youngest sack they all go back to Egypt to speak with Joseph. They plead to allow one of them to stay in the place of Benjamin. Joseph makes no such deal and says that they must leave their brother as his slave.
Genesis 45 has a complete turn around by Joseph. Joseph can no longer control his emotions and tells his brothers who he is. They do not believe him to begin with. They finally believe him and begin to believe what he is saying. He gives them instructions to return to their father and bring him and all that he has back to Egypt. They return and tell their father all that they had learned. Their father believes what he has been told when he sees all that Joseph had sent him.
The first portion of our Matthew 22 reading is giving us a glance into some of what is to come during the time of the resurrection. The next section gives us the ultimate commandment. We are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mine." (Matt. 22:37) With the last portion of Matthew 22 we see Jesus answer some teachers once again. Jesus gives them an answer from scripture once again. After this they determine that Jesus is real and that He is a very wise man, they decide that they should not question him any further.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 46, 47, 48 and Matthew 23:1 - 22
In Genesis 44 we have some tables being turned. Joseph once again has the silver put back into their sacks but this time he adds a silver cup to Benjamin's sack. He sends his servant after them to return what was taken from his master. The brothers make an agreement that if anything is found they will be maid a servant. When the cup is found in the youngest sack they all go back to Egypt to speak with Joseph. They plead to allow one of them to stay in the place of Benjamin. Joseph makes no such deal and says that they must leave their brother as his slave.
Genesis 45 has a complete turn around by Joseph. Joseph can no longer control his emotions and tells his brothers who he is. They do not believe him to begin with. They finally believe him and begin to believe what he is saying. He gives them instructions to return to their father and bring him and all that he has back to Egypt. They return and tell their father all that they had learned. Their father believes what he has been told when he sees all that Joseph had sent him.
The first portion of our Matthew 22 reading is giving us a glance into some of what is to come during the time of the resurrection. The next section gives us the ultimate commandment. We are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mine." (Matt. 22:37) With the last portion of Matthew 22 we see Jesus answer some teachers once again. Jesus gives them an answer from scripture once again. After this they determine that Jesus is real and that He is a very wise man, they decide that they should not question him any further.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 46, 47, 48 and Matthew 23:1 - 22
Friday, November 5, 2010
Day 34
Well, if you are keeping track or looking ahead you will notice we are about done with our second full book. Honestly, I can not wait. Genesis has been a very long book for me, it has way to much genealogy for my liking but it does contain several amazing stories. As soon as we are done with Genesis we will begin reading Exodus, which hopefully has no genealogy at all.
In Genesis 41 the cupbearer finally remembers Joseph and the power of his interpretations. Pharaoh has had two dreams and calls for all his magicians and wise men in Egypt to interpret the dreams. None of these men are capable of doing this. The pharaoh then hears of what Joseph has done and calls for him out of prison. Joseph is cleaned up and brought before the pharaoh. The pharaoh then tells Joseph his dreams. Joseph then interprets the dreams for pharaoh. One thing I have noticed about Joseph through these stories is how amazingly devoted he has stayed to God. Even this gift of interpreting dreams he takes no credit for. After interpreting the pharaoh's dreams Joseph gives him advice on how to prepare for the coming famine. The pharaoh is pleased with what has come about and decides to put Joseph in charge of his palace. The last portion of Genesis 41 shows Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. The land experienced a seven year period of abundance just as Joseph had predicted. During this time the pharaoh gave Joseph a wife who gave him two sons. After the seven year abundance a famine began just as was predicted in pharaoh's dream.
Genesis 42 tells a story of a meeting between Joseph and his brothers. Jacob learns that Egypt has grain and sends ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain for them to eat. The brothers travel to Egypt and meet Joseph to buy grain. They do not recognize Joseph as they bow down to him just as he had dreamed. Joseph makes them believe that he thinks they are spies and puts them in prison. He then gives them specific instructions to prove that they are not spies. He holds one of them in prison and loads the rest of them with grain and sends them on their way back to Canaan. The final part of their instructions is to bring their youngest brother back to him to prove that they are not spies. They depart from him and travel back to Jacob where they open their grain sacks and find them full and that they still have their money. They tell Jacob what has happened and he refuses to send his youngest son to Joseph. This is where we end. I can not wait for the next chapter to finish reading this story, for some reason this particular story is holding my interest.
The first portion of Matthew 22 tells us a parable which shows a very grim existence in my opinion. In my mind it prepares Christians for the troubles they will have in trying to bring people to Christ. It also shows us another instance of Jesus working with those who have sinned rather then those who have already found faith. The next portion we see the pharisees once again trying to trap Jesus. Jesus uses simple wording yet again to prove to them what they need to hear. We learn another lesson here as well. Jesus says "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." (Matt. 22:21) This little quote tells us that we are to give to our government what is due them as we are to give to God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 43, 44, 45 and Matthew 22:23 - 46
In Genesis 41 the cupbearer finally remembers Joseph and the power of his interpretations. Pharaoh has had two dreams and calls for all his magicians and wise men in Egypt to interpret the dreams. None of these men are capable of doing this. The pharaoh then hears of what Joseph has done and calls for him out of prison. Joseph is cleaned up and brought before the pharaoh. The pharaoh then tells Joseph his dreams. Joseph then interprets the dreams for pharaoh. One thing I have noticed about Joseph through these stories is how amazingly devoted he has stayed to God. Even this gift of interpreting dreams he takes no credit for. After interpreting the pharaoh's dreams Joseph gives him advice on how to prepare for the coming famine. The pharaoh is pleased with what has come about and decides to put Joseph in charge of his palace. The last portion of Genesis 41 shows Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. The land experienced a seven year period of abundance just as Joseph had predicted. During this time the pharaoh gave Joseph a wife who gave him two sons. After the seven year abundance a famine began just as was predicted in pharaoh's dream.
Genesis 42 tells a story of a meeting between Joseph and his brothers. Jacob learns that Egypt has grain and sends ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain for them to eat. The brothers travel to Egypt and meet Joseph to buy grain. They do not recognize Joseph as they bow down to him just as he had dreamed. Joseph makes them believe that he thinks they are spies and puts them in prison. He then gives them specific instructions to prove that they are not spies. He holds one of them in prison and loads the rest of them with grain and sends them on their way back to Canaan. The final part of their instructions is to bring their youngest brother back to him to prove that they are not spies. They depart from him and travel back to Jacob where they open their grain sacks and find them full and that they still have their money. They tell Jacob what has happened and he refuses to send his youngest son to Joseph. This is where we end. I can not wait for the next chapter to finish reading this story, for some reason this particular story is holding my interest.
The first portion of Matthew 22 tells us a parable which shows a very grim existence in my opinion. In my mind it prepares Christians for the troubles they will have in trying to bring people to Christ. It also shows us another instance of Jesus working with those who have sinned rather then those who have already found faith. The next portion we see the pharisees once again trying to trap Jesus. Jesus uses simple wording yet again to prove to them what they need to hear. We learn another lesson here as well. Jesus says "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." (Matt. 22:21) This little quote tells us that we are to give to our government what is due them as we are to give to God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 43, 44, 45 and Matthew 22:23 - 46
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Day 33
Genesis 39 is anther chapter the I like. Even though Joseph is sold into slavery he still finds faith in God. God takes care of Joseph while he is Egypt. Everything he does the Lord is in and he prospers. Potiphar notices this and decides to put him in charge of all that he has. Once this was done Potiphar began to prosper as well. Potiphar's wife on the other hand begins to have other ideas for Joseph and wants to lie with him. Joseph refuses all of her advances and runs out. She fabricates a story that she tells Potiphar who then puts Joseph in jail. While in jail Joseph is still in God's favor and is put in charge of the jail.
Genesis 40 brings two more people into the care of Joseph while he is in prison. While they are there they each have a dream. Joseph interprets these dreams. We find out that the cupbearer will be lifted back up to his position. The baker however will be put to death. Now each of these interpretations came to be and Joseph is forgotten.
The rest of Matthew 21 tells a few more stories. The first one that we read today I do not understand it. The next story which is of two sons I think has a lot of meaning. It shows us a sense of repentance. It shows that we can be wrong and still correct our ways and enter the kingdom of Heaven. The last part of this chapter I really have no clue what to think. I am at a lose as to what is actually happening in this parable.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 41, 42 and Matthew 22:1 - 22
Genesis 40 brings two more people into the care of Joseph while he is in prison. While they are there they each have a dream. Joseph interprets these dreams. We find out that the cupbearer will be lifted back up to his position. The baker however will be put to death. Now each of these interpretations came to be and Joseph is forgotten.
The rest of Matthew 21 tells a few more stories. The first one that we read today I do not understand it. The next story which is of two sons I think has a lot of meaning. It shows us a sense of repentance. It shows that we can be wrong and still correct our ways and enter the kingdom of Heaven. The last part of this chapter I really have no clue what to think. I am at a lose as to what is actually happening in this parable.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 41, 42 and Matthew 22:1 - 22
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Day 32
Genesis 36 is once again a genealogy chapter. This one also list the kings in the land.
Genesis 37 begins to tell us the story of Joseph. Joseph is a son of Jacob and is most loved by Jacob. Joseph has a few dreams where his family is bowing down to him. This does not make his family happy as he is the youngest. The end of chapter 37 is the story we are probably most familiar with in regards to Joseph. We read about how his brothers plot to kill Joseph. One of the brothers convince them not to kill him as he is of the same flesh as they are. They agree and end up selling him to so Midianites who in return sell him to Potiphar when they reach Egypt. His brothers then tear his robes and dip them in goats blood and take that to their father. Jacob goes into mourning and no one is able to comfort him.
The next chapter of Genesis which is 38 has a lot of twist in it. We find a woman named Tamar who ends up being married to both Er and Onan. Er and Onan are both sons of Judah. The Lord could not find favor in either one of them and they both die before they can produce offspring. Tamar then goes out to live with her father until the younger son is old enough to take her. She then tricks Judah into sleeping with her and produces a child from him. She is later to be found as a prostitute and goes to Judah. He spares her life and she gives birth to twins.
Matthew 21 begins with Jesus entering a town on a donkey. The people come out to great him and lay their coats and branches from trees to pave a way for the Lord. As they follow him into the city they sing songs of praises. The next portion we see Jesus enter the temple and is not very please. The people have turned the temple into basically a place of robbery. He overturns everything and begins to heal the blind and the lame. Children are shouting praises as this is happening. This must have been a site to see. The last portion of our reading for today has a important message for us. Jesus is hungry and comes to a fig tree, however the tree is bear and Jesus tells it that it will never bear fruit again. Immediately the tree withers and dies. The disciples are amazed by this and ask how it is possible. Once again Jesus tells them that with faith you can tell a mountain to go and throw itself into the sea and it will be done. It shows us that we need to have faith and that their is power in prayer.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 39, 40 and Matthew 21:23 - 46
Genesis 37 begins to tell us the story of Joseph. Joseph is a son of Jacob and is most loved by Jacob. Joseph has a few dreams where his family is bowing down to him. This does not make his family happy as he is the youngest. The end of chapter 37 is the story we are probably most familiar with in regards to Joseph. We read about how his brothers plot to kill Joseph. One of the brothers convince them not to kill him as he is of the same flesh as they are. They agree and end up selling him to so Midianites who in return sell him to Potiphar when they reach Egypt. His brothers then tear his robes and dip them in goats blood and take that to their father. Jacob goes into mourning and no one is able to comfort him.
The next chapter of Genesis which is 38 has a lot of twist in it. We find a woman named Tamar who ends up being married to both Er and Onan. Er and Onan are both sons of Judah. The Lord could not find favor in either one of them and they both die before they can produce offspring. Tamar then goes out to live with her father until the younger son is old enough to take her. She then tricks Judah into sleeping with her and produces a child from him. She is later to be found as a prostitute and goes to Judah. He spares her life and she gives birth to twins.
Matthew 21 begins with Jesus entering a town on a donkey. The people come out to great him and lay their coats and branches from trees to pave a way for the Lord. As they follow him into the city they sing songs of praises. The next portion we see Jesus enter the temple and is not very please. The people have turned the temple into basically a place of robbery. He overturns everything and begins to heal the blind and the lame. Children are shouting praises as this is happening. This must have been a site to see. The last portion of our reading for today has a important message for us. Jesus is hungry and comes to a fig tree, however the tree is bear and Jesus tells it that it will never bear fruit again. Immediately the tree withers and dies. The disciples are amazed by this and ask how it is possible. Once again Jesus tells them that with faith you can tell a mountain to go and throw itself into the sea and it will be done. It shows us that we need to have faith and that their is power in prayer.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 39, 40 and Matthew 21:23 - 46
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Day 31
I particular like Genesis 33. It tells a great story of how a brother can forgive another brother. The sins committed between the two were very large and held significant meaning in their time period. Then all of a sudden we meet Esau who has his arms wide open to accept his brother Jacob. The way they talk it sounds as if God has blessed both of them with numerous amounts of livestock and children.
Genesis 34 is a furious chapter. We first learn that one of Jacob's daughters is defiled. Now, I can understand how Jacob and his sons must have felt. If anyone were to defile one of my children I do not know how I would react but it would most likely not be a pleasant thing. Now the sons of Jacob take it upon themselves to get revenge. Hamor comes to meet them and tell them that his son, the one that defiled Jacob's daughter, has fallen in love with her and would like to have her as his wife. Well, Jacob's son agree to allow this on one condition. All of the men in Hamor's town must be circumcised. Hamor and his son agree to this and have it done to every man in their village. As the village men are recovering Jacob's sons attack and kill every male in the city. When Jacob hears of what his sons have done he becomes scared because he is afraid that the people of the land will come together and wipe his family out. Jacob must be furious as to what his children have done. I wonder what I would feel if I were in Jacob's place? On the one hand I can see why he is mad at his children but on the other I think I would feel grateful that they felt it was necessary to look out for their siblings.
Genesis 35 shows us Jacob moving is family, servants and livestock from their current location to that of Bethel. God puts fear in those not belonging to Jacob so that no one will follow them. They then establish their place where God told them to go. The last portion of this chapter is a little more genealogy and sadly the deaths of Rachel and Isaac. Rachel dies while giving birth to another son who Jacob names Benjamin. Isaac then dies and is buried by both of his sons.
The first part of our Matthew reading is Jesus predicting his death. He has predicted this before and mentions it to all of his disciples as they travel into Jerusalem. The next portion of this chapter has a mother asking that her two sons be able to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in Heaven. Jesus tells that this is not possible as he is not the one to decide who sits in those places. He tells that his Father will decide those who are worthy to sit in such a place. He then tells the disciples that it is better to serve then to be served, at least that is how I interpreted that little discussion with the disciples. The last portion of this chapter has two blind men receiving the gift of sight. Jesus has compassion on them as they are being persecuted by those in the crowd following Jesus. He touches their eyes and immediately they have sight and get up and follow Him.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 36, 37, 38 and Matthew 21:1 - 22
Genesis 34 is a furious chapter. We first learn that one of Jacob's daughters is defiled. Now, I can understand how Jacob and his sons must have felt. If anyone were to defile one of my children I do not know how I would react but it would most likely not be a pleasant thing. Now the sons of Jacob take it upon themselves to get revenge. Hamor comes to meet them and tell them that his son, the one that defiled Jacob's daughter, has fallen in love with her and would like to have her as his wife. Well, Jacob's son agree to allow this on one condition. All of the men in Hamor's town must be circumcised. Hamor and his son agree to this and have it done to every man in their village. As the village men are recovering Jacob's sons attack and kill every male in the city. When Jacob hears of what his sons have done he becomes scared because he is afraid that the people of the land will come together and wipe his family out. Jacob must be furious as to what his children have done. I wonder what I would feel if I were in Jacob's place? On the one hand I can see why he is mad at his children but on the other I think I would feel grateful that they felt it was necessary to look out for their siblings.
Genesis 35 shows us Jacob moving is family, servants and livestock from their current location to that of Bethel. God puts fear in those not belonging to Jacob so that no one will follow them. They then establish their place where God told them to go. The last portion of this chapter is a little more genealogy and sadly the deaths of Rachel and Isaac. Rachel dies while giving birth to another son who Jacob names Benjamin. Isaac then dies and is buried by both of his sons.
The first part of our Matthew reading is Jesus predicting his death. He has predicted this before and mentions it to all of his disciples as they travel into Jerusalem. The next portion of this chapter has a mother asking that her two sons be able to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in Heaven. Jesus tells that this is not possible as he is not the one to decide who sits in those places. He tells that his Father will decide those who are worthy to sit in such a place. He then tells the disciples that it is better to serve then to be served, at least that is how I interpreted that little discussion with the disciples. The last portion of this chapter has two blind men receiving the gift of sight. Jesus has compassion on them as they are being persecuted by those in the crowd following Jesus. He touches their eyes and immediately they have sight and get up and follow Him.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 36, 37, 38 and Matthew 21:1 - 22
Monday, November 1, 2010
Day 30
Well, we have made it a full month. I hope those following along are gaining as much as I am. If you have yet to start do not be afraid it is a worth while adventure.
Genesis 31 begins with Jacob learning that it is time to flee from Laban. Laban begins to grow restless toward the fact that Jacob's wealth and flocks are growing and feels that Jacob is stealing from him. God speaks to Jacob and tells him that it is time to return to the land of his father. He calls for his wives to meet him in the field and tells him what he was told. Jacob and his wives with all his livestock and goods travel off to the land of his father with out telling Laban. After three days Laban learns that they have left and travels after them. Why it took him three days to realize they were gone still has me puzzled. Laban overtakes Jacob and his flock and begins to search for items that were taken from his house. Rachel stole some of the household gods that he was talking about but no one knew about. After Laban searched for these and could not find them Jacob and Laban make some oaths to each other. I am not sure that I completely understand the whole search for the gods thing. I am hoping that we will learn more about it in a later chapter.
Genesis 32 continues with Jacob traveling to the land of his father. He sends word to his brother Esau that he is coming and wishes to put behind them the troubles they have had. Jacob's servant returns with word that Esau is coming with four hundred men. Jacob comes up with a plan to split his belongings into two portion so that if Esau does attack a portion of what he has will survive. It is a great thought in my mind. He also puts a plan in motion to give his brother many gifts of livestock in hopes that it will appease his brothers hatred for him. The last portion of this chapter I am sure has multiple meanings but I am unsure as what they all are. The meaning that stands out to me the most is the struggle. Jacob struggles with a man while he is alone and becomes injured when this man touches Jacob's hip. I see this as a struggle between man and God. In my mind it shows how the slightest touch of God can change our whole life.
I am really at a lose on what to say about Matthew 20:1 - 16. We once again see the statement "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matt. 20:16) As of yet I have not come to a full understanding as to what this means. I feel like I have let you down for this portion of the reading but my lack of understanding on this chapter has left my mind blank. If any of you have any thoughts or ideas I would love to hear them.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 33, 34, 35 and Matthew 20:17 - 34
Genesis 31 begins with Jacob learning that it is time to flee from Laban. Laban begins to grow restless toward the fact that Jacob's wealth and flocks are growing and feels that Jacob is stealing from him. God speaks to Jacob and tells him that it is time to return to the land of his father. He calls for his wives to meet him in the field and tells him what he was told. Jacob and his wives with all his livestock and goods travel off to the land of his father with out telling Laban. After three days Laban learns that they have left and travels after them. Why it took him three days to realize they were gone still has me puzzled. Laban overtakes Jacob and his flock and begins to search for items that were taken from his house. Rachel stole some of the household gods that he was talking about but no one knew about. After Laban searched for these and could not find them Jacob and Laban make some oaths to each other. I am not sure that I completely understand the whole search for the gods thing. I am hoping that we will learn more about it in a later chapter.
Genesis 32 continues with Jacob traveling to the land of his father. He sends word to his brother Esau that he is coming and wishes to put behind them the troubles they have had. Jacob's servant returns with word that Esau is coming with four hundred men. Jacob comes up with a plan to split his belongings into two portion so that if Esau does attack a portion of what he has will survive. It is a great thought in my mind. He also puts a plan in motion to give his brother many gifts of livestock in hopes that it will appease his brothers hatred for him. The last portion of this chapter I am sure has multiple meanings but I am unsure as what they all are. The meaning that stands out to me the most is the struggle. Jacob struggles with a man while he is alone and becomes injured when this man touches Jacob's hip. I see this as a struggle between man and God. In my mind it shows how the slightest touch of God can change our whole life.
I am really at a lose on what to say about Matthew 20:1 - 16. We once again see the statement "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matt. 20:16) As of yet I have not come to a full understanding as to what this means. I feel like I have let you down for this portion of the reading but my lack of understanding on this chapter has left my mind blank. If any of you have any thoughts or ideas I would love to hear them.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 33, 34, 35 and Matthew 20:17 - 34
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