Exodus 17 and 18
Matthew 24
This is Julie Anderson. Pastor Marci is off getting some much needed rest, or whatever it is pastors do on vacation so you are stuck with me for a few days.
In Exodus 17 the Israelites are still on the uphill part of a very long journey. Now instead of bitter water there is no water. Moses fears that his people will stone him, and God comes to the rescue again. He taps a rock with his staff and the water flows just in time for their first battle.
The Amaleks attack and the Israelites must transform from a slave mind set to a warrior mind set. What would it be like to suddenly have to fight after cowering for 400 years? The Bible makes it clear that only with God's help could this be done. There could be some interesting metaphors for Moses holding up his arms to give his people strength. Anyone?
Chapter 18 Moses' father-in-law brings him his wife and children and sees the strain leading a nation is causing Moses. (In a totally unrelated topic, I hope pastor Marci is enjoying her time off!) Actually, I guess it is not so unrelated because even back then it was obvious that one person could not take on all the needs of a large group. Jethro adviced him to delegate responsibility, and it was such a fine idea we are doing it still to this day in the form of elders, deacons and so on.
Matthew 24... this would have to fall on me when Marci is gone.
Jesus is telling his disciples of the destruction of the temple to come, and the return of the messiah. He warns them not to believe all who say they are the son of God.
There is some great Revelation type talk then and it ends with one of my favorite biblical phrases "weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Does anyone else find that reading the Exodus story and the end of Matthew simultaneously interesting? It is like the beginning and end. Moses is starting up this great nation/religion, and hear we have Jesus saying the temple will be torn down and speaking of the end of days. Comments on these two?
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