<\/p>\n
Exodus 13:1-15:27<\/strong><\/span> In Exodus chapter 13 we read about God\u2019s instructions for the dedication of the firstborn.\u00a0 Note that based on this law that Jesus, the firstborn of Mary & Joseph, was dedicated to God in the Temple in Jerusalem as we see in Luke chapter 2 verses 21 through 24: \u201cOn the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, \u201cEvery firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord\u201d), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: \u201ca pair of doves or two young pigeons.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 I think it\u2019s also interesting to note that Mary & Joseph did not present a lamb, but a pair of doves or two young pigeons.\u00a0 This portion of the law came from Leviticus chapter 12 verse 8: \u201cIf she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Below is an image of Jesus being dedicated in the temple:<\/span><\/p>\n Today in Exodus chapter 13 verse 17 we read what I found to be an intriguing verse: \u201cWhen Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, \u201cIf the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 That last sentence really stood out to me.\u00a0 It makes sense.\u00a0 It was wise for God to do this.\u00a0 But\u2026 then I think about our lives today.\u00a0 What if we are faced with a challenging spiritual battle our lives?\u00a0 Will we change our minds about God and return to our \u201cEgypts\u201d?\u00a0 Our Egypts might be the places where we are \/ were comfortable \u2013 enslaved to a sin though we may have been.\u00a0 As I think more about this, I do believe that God is sensitive in our lives, just as he was in the Israelites lives in this verse, as to what we can handle.\u00a0 I do not think he will send us a temptation or a trial greater than we can bear.\u00a0 But I also know that trials do come.\u00a0 And I pray that as the trials come, that we don\u2019t go back to our \u201cEgypts\u201d!\u00a0 but that we press on toward the \u201cPromised Land\u201d.\u00a0 Below are a couple of maps \u2013 both showing the \u201ctraditional\u201d routes of the Exodus.\u00a0 There have been some other routes suggested in recent years \u2013 if anyone has thoughts\/info on these alternate routes, please post up in the Comments below.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In verse 21 we read: \u201cThe LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night.\u201d <\/em>Do you sing in your church the worship song, \u201cLord you\u2019re leading me.\u00a0 With a cloud by day.\u00a0 And in the night.\u00a0 Glow of a burning flame.\u00a0 Everywhere I go I see you.\u00a0 Everywhere I go I see you.\u201d?\u00a0 I LOVE this song \u2013 and today we read about where this song came from.\u00a0 (I think this song is on one of Michael W Smith\u2019s Worship CD\u2019s as well)\u00a0 God\u2019s presence was made manifest among the Israelites in the cloud by day:<\/span><\/p>\n And in the pillar of fire by night:<\/span><\/p>\n Imagine seeing these pillars of cloud by day or fire by night and being led by God out of Egypt and in the desert!\u00a0 And then in Exodus chapter 14 we read about the parting of the Red Sea.\u00a0 Great commentary on Exodus chapter 14 and the Red Sea is at bible.org <\/span>at this link<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n In Exodus chapter 15 we read an amazing song that Moses and the Israelites sing to God after passing safely through the Red Sea!\u00a0 Some commentaries say that this is the oldest recorded song in the world! Music played an important part in Israel\u2019s celebration and worship. Does music play an important part in your celebration and worship of God? (I know not everyone is musically inclined, so don\u2019t feel bad if this is not a yes.) In what ways does worship music manifest itself in your life? In church, do you really sing the songs to God and God only? And not worry about what your voice sounds like to your neighbors? In your car, do you ever bust out with some loud and true worship singing to God?\u00a0 How do you typically \u201csing\u201d your praise to the Lord?\u00a0 (couldn\u2019t resist this photo below\u2026 \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n The other comment to make on the song in chapter 15 is that this song seems to be a very significant development in the relationship of the people of Israel and God.\u00a0 The people of Israel now seem to really embrace and worship God as their God as we see in verse 2: \u201cThe LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father\u2019s God, and I will exalt him!\u201d <\/em>Wow\u2026 I love that language.\u00a0 Is God your strength?\u00a0 And your song?\u00a0 Commentary on The Song of the Sea and Exodus chapter 15 is at bible.org <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong>\u00a0 Today\u2019s readings in Exodus remind me of Sara Groves song \u201cPainting Pictures of Egypt:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
~ Click here to read today\u2019s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~<\/span><\/em>
~ Listen to today\u2019s Scripture with <\/em>The ESV Bible<\/em><\/span> ~<\/p>\n