Category: Old Testament Background

Wading into Unknown Waters

Sometimes God asks us to move forward with a plan and only gives us minimal details. The Bible includes many stories of courageous, faith-filled people doing this, but one of my favorites is found in the book of Joshua.

For the past few weeks we’ve been following a high-level narrative of Scripture in tandem with Elizabeth Woodson’s From Beginning to Forever.1 While Woodson’s swift pace covers lots of ground, I want to pump the brakes here so we don’t miss the incredible story of Joshua leading the Israelites into the promised land.

First, stop and imagine how daunting it must have been for Joshua to receive the mantle of leadership from Moses. His predecessor had confronted Pharaoh and prevailed, spoken directly to God multiple times, and led the unruly and ungrateful Jews in the desert for 40 years. Maybe that’s why God admonishes Joshua three times in one conversation “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6,9,18).

The Lord tasks Joshua with leading roughly two million Jews across the Jordan River at flood stage when the swollen river was probably several hundred yards across. “Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.’ Joshua said to the priests, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.’ So they took it up and went ahead of them. And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’” (Joshua 3:5-8, NIV)

Before experiencing the “amazing things” the Lord would do, the people were required to consecrate themselves. This included bathing and washing their clothes—physically purifying themselves to symbolize spiritual purification and to honor the Lord as holy. “This was often done before making a sacrifice or, as in this case, before witnessing a great act of God. God’s law stated that a person could become unclean for many reasons…God used these various outward signs of uncleaness to illustrate man’s inward uncleaness that comes as a result of sin. The consecration ceremony pictured the importance of approaching God with a pure heart.”2 This couldn’t have been an easy process for people with no modern conveniences who had been living in the desert sands but the process of physical cleansing helped them understand and appreciate the beauty of spiritual purity found only in God.

Once everyone was scrubbed clean and packed up to move forward, the priests walked toward the rushing waters of the Jordan. Bystanders probably held their breath as the priests teetered on slippery rocks at the water’s edge while balancing the holy and precious Ark of the Covenant on poles on their shoulders.

With those steps of obedience, a miracle unfolds before their eyes: “Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away…So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.” (Joshua 3:15, 16a, 17, NIV) Remember, how the Lord parted the waters of the Red Sea when the Israelites’ journey began in Exodus 14? Now, He does it again at the Jordan River as their desert wandering comes to an end.

Keep in mind that Joshua trusted God before the miracle. He followed the Lord’s instructions with the simple promise that He would do “amazing things.” Bible teacher Kristi McClelland explains, “[God] doesn’t promise to tell us everything that’s going on ahead of time. He doesn’t promise we’ll see a blueprint before we start building. The reward is often on the other side of obedience…Life doesn’t always afford us all the facts before we make a decision. But we can always decide to trust God’s character. We can always decide to believe in God’s goodness and steadfast love.”3

By the time this miracle occurs, Joshua had been walking with the Lord for many years. Each time he’d stepped out in trust, God had revealed His character and faithfulness. Joshua had experienced enough miracles to know God could do whatever He said He could do. So, Joshua listened when he was told to be strong and courageous. He walked in faith, believing God’s promise that He would be with him. He took action according to God’s plans and led others with courage and confidence, undeterred by seemingly impossible circumstances. And with each act of obedience, Joshua’s faith in the Lord grew stronger.

Although I’ve never led two million people across a rushing river, I’ve seen how God reveals Himself when I respond to His prompting. Instead of holding back and playing it safe, I’ve trusted the Lord to stretch me beyond my comfort zone—whether it was starting a Bible study for spiritually curious women, spending time with teens building homes in Mexico, or spontaneously praying over hurting people I encounter. He’s used these experiences to stretch me, refine me, deepen my faith, mature me, and reveal His character.

I’m learning that God is always at work and giving us opportunities to join Him. Where might the Lord be calling you to consecrate yourself, step out in faith, and wade into unknown waters? Consider praying and asking Him to show you what He wants you to know and do. Trust Him to walk alongside you and to give you the courage to do what seems uncomfortable, awkward, or downright scary. You’ll find life is fuller, richer, and more meaningful than you could ever imagine.

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1. Elizabeth Woodson, From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Lifeway Press, 2022.
2. Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan & Tyndale, 1991, 338.
3. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 43-44.

Following the Thread of Covenant

Author Elizabeth Woodson explains, “In the Bible covenants are the major thread that connect the sixty-six books of the Bible into one unified story.”1 A covenant is a sacred and binding promise between two parties. Let’s follow the thread of major covenants in Scripture that weave together to reveal God’s incredible plan to redeem fallen humanity and restore His kingdom. The chart below provides a quick overview, but don’t miss the encouraging details that follow it.

Covenant & Scripture ReferenceParties InvolvedBrief
Overview
Edenic & Adamic
Genesis 1-3		God & Adam, EveDominion over Earth
Cultural Mandate
Sin results in Death
Noahic
Genesis 6-9		God & NoahEarth would never again be destroyed by flood
Abrahamic
Genesis 12, 15, 17
Reiterated to Isaac in Genesis 26:2-6 & Jacob in Genesis 28:13-14		God & AbrahamLand, Descendants, Blessing
Mosaic/ Sinai/ Old
Exodus 19-24		God & IsraelitesBlessings & Curses based on obedience
Davidic
2 Samuel 7		God & DavidKingdom will endure & offspring will rule eternally
New Covenant
Hebrews 9:15
2 Corinthians 5:21		God & Repentant PeopleFaith in Christ and acceptance of His atoning sacrifice that reconciles people to God

Adamic & Edenic Covenant: This is a two-part covenant. The Edenic Covenant spells out how males and females together were created in God’s image and given dominion over the earth. They were given the cultural mandate to be fruitful and multiply physically as well as spiritually and culturally—to advance God’s kingdom in His creation. Eating fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was forbidden and would result in death. 

The Adamic Covenant comes as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin: there will be hostility between Satan and the descendants of Eve, pain in childbearing for women, difficulty in work, death for all living things. Despite all of the negative consequences, God also gave hope that Eve’s offspring would one day crush the serpent’s head (Galatians 4:4, 1 John 3:8 and Ephesians 1:19-23 clarify this is Jesus.) So, even in the midst of pronouncing a curse due to sin and disobedience, God shows grace in providing the hope of salvation. 

Noahic Covenant:  In this unconditional covenant, God promised He would never flood the earth again. God provided a visual sign of this covenant: “Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.” (Genesis 9:14-15, NIV) 

“The lesson to us is that when we see a rainbow we should always be reminded of God’s faithfulness and His amazing grace. We should also be reminded that our God is a holy and righteous God who has a holy hatred for sin and who will not allow sin to go unpunished forever. Also, just as God provided a way for Noah and his family to be saved in the ark, He also has provided a way for us to be saved through Jesus Christ. Noah and his family were saved from the wrath of God that came in the flood, just as those who are in Christ are saved from the ‘wrath to come’ (1 Thessalonians 1:10).”2

Abrahamic Covenant: This unconditional covenant was promised in Genesis 12, sealed with a ceremony recorded in Genesis 15, and identified by the sign of circumcision in Genesis 17. It promises land, a multitude of descendants, and blessing to and through Abraham’s descendants that affects “all peoples on earth.” (Genesis 12:3, NIV) “This promise finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34; cf. Luke 22:20), which was ratified by Jesus Christ, the son of Abraham and Redeemer who will one day ‘restore everything’ (Acts 3:21).”3

Mosaic Covenant: This conditional covenant was made while the Israelites were traveling in the desert from Egypt to the promised land after being freed from 400+ years of slavery. God was establishing them as a nation with a distinct identity and creating their laws and culture.

“It is important to understand that the Mosaic Covenant differs significantly from the Abrahamic Covenant and later biblical covenants because it is conditional in that the blessings that God promises are directly related to Israel’s obedience to the Mosaic Law. If Israel is obedient, then God will bless them, but if they disobey, then God will punish them. The blessings and curses that are associated with this conditional covenant are found in detail in Deuteronomy 28.”4 

The Israelites failed to uphold their commitment to obey God and suffered serious consequences. Thankfully, other covenants found in the Bible are unilateral covenants of promise made by God. He fulfills what He promises regardless of whether the recipients are faithful or not. 

Davidic Covenant: In this unconditional covenant, God promises to give His people a place where they can be planted and “have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.” (2 Sam 7:10b, NIV) He also promises David “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Sam 7:16, NIV) 

In addition to referring to Solomon, David’s son who would inherit his throne, this covenant establishes “Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9.”5

New Covenant: This covenant was predicted by Moses (Deuteronomy 29 & 30), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-33) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 36:26-27) It is between God and repentant people who accept Christ’s atoning sacrifice on their behalf.

The New Covenant promises God’s forgiveness and restored fellowship with Him for those whose hearts choose Him. “Under the New Covenant, we are given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8–9). Our responsibility is to exercise faith in Christ, the One who fulfilled the Law on our behalf and brought an end to the Law’s sacrifices through His own sacrificial death. Through the life-giving Holy Spirit who lives in all believers (Romans 8:9–11), we share in the inheritance of Christ and enjoy a permanent, unbroken relationship with God (Hebrews 9:15).”6

Under the Old/ Mosaic Covenant, the blood of animals had to be sacrificed regularly by priests in the Tabernacle to atone for the sins of the people. The book of Hebrews describes the contrast between the Old and New Covenants: “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:13-15, NIV)

Like a beautiful tapestry with many colors and textures, Scripture weaves together a variety of stories. Despite covering thousands of years and numerous generations, the thread of God’s faithfulness shown through His covenants and the promise of the Messiah remains consistent. Stop for a minute and marvel at God’s ability to tend to both the smallest details and the grand scheme of the narrative at the same time. He alone is worthy of our praise!

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An Ark and A Tower

Studying the grand narrative of Scripture can feel a bit like doing a whirlwind tour of cities in Europe. You hit the highlights like Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and the Vatican, but you don’t linger long in any one place. In the first week of studying From Beginning to Forever, Elizabeth Woodson focuses on Genesis 1-4 covering creation, the entrance of sin into the world and the first promise of future redemption. (If you need a refresher on those portions of Scripture, check out links to posts on Genesis 1-3 at the bottom.)

Woodson wraps up the week saying “Whether it’s the story of Noah in Genesis 5-10 or the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, humanity quickly started to build their own kingdom. But instead of being rooted in the goal of stewardship flourishing and shalom, they were rooted in selfishness, self-preservation, and self-exhaltation.”1

Her description of humanity doesn’t sound all that different from our culture today. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the world was even worse in ancient times. And yet, Scripture tells us:

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’” (Genesis 6:5-7, NIV)

Fortunately, in the midst of pure evil, one man stood apart: “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord…Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.”  (Genesis 6:8-9b)

Many of us know the story because of its fantastic imagery and outrageous events. We marvel at the thought of an enormous ark roughly the size of a football field, the pairs of animals that came to Noah to be herded onto it, and the deluge of rain that lasted forty days and forty nights.

After the flood waters receded and the ark came to rest on dry ground, Noah built an altar and made an offering to the Lord to atone for his personal sins. Then God made a covenant with Noah: “Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” (Genesis 9:15b-16, NIV)

While the Lord keeps His promises and continues to be faithful in the years that follow, the descendants of Noah show signs of drifting off the path of righteousness: “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, ‘Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’” (Genesis 11:1-4, NIV)

Their building techniques show ingenuity, but their motives reveal self-glorification: they wanted to make a name for themselves. The tower wasn’t meant to bring honor to God, but to bring them glory. Instead of following the Lord’s mandate to expand His kingdom on earth, they used their God-given skills and intellect to chart their own course.

Those constructing the Tower of Babel set out to build something that would be widely admired. Author Florence Littauer explains, “Although the word Babel means ‘gate of God,’ our God knew this tower was not a doorway to his holiness but instead a step toward the reverence of humanity.”2 A quick look at Scripture reveals that pride and self-glorification are not the gateway to God:

  • Proverbs 16:18 
    “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
  • Isaiah 57:15
    “For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”
  • 1 Peter 5:5-6
    “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
  • 1 John 2:16-17
    “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

These stories in the Old Testament reveal that the true gateway to God is through humility—through trusting His authority (where Adam and Eve stumbled), valuing His righteousness (where Noah’s contemporaries failed) and seeking His glory (where the builders of the Tower of Babel went astray.) 

We are as susceptible to these sins rooted in pride now as people in Genesis were then. Anytime we want “credit” for something good we’ve said or done, we’re elevating ourselves and slipping into a prideful mindset. Anytime we’re too stubborn to admit we’re wrong or unwilling to apologize, we’re fueled by pride. Anytime we expect to be treated as special or superior, we’re flirting with pride. If we’re seeking glory for ourselves instead of the Lord, the sin of pride is alive and well in our hearts and minds.

Humans have a propensity to build monuments to themselves, but Proverbs 18:10 shows us the wiser choice: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (NKJV) Let’s remain humbly aligned with God and give Him all the glory He deserves.

Want more info on events in Genesis 1-3 that precede the flood and the tower? Check out the links below.

  • 1. Elizabeth Woodson, From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Lifeway Press, 2022, 35.
  • 2. Florence Littauer, Journey to Jesus, p. 58, Hensley Publishing, 2004.

Pentecost

Growing up, we had an old-school Children’s Bible with colorful illustrations splashed across the pages. It had a few pictures I’d pore over and examine with great interest. One that particularly intrigued me was a depiction of the disciples at Pentecost, each with a flame of fire dancing on top of his head. None of them appeared to be in pain, their hair wasn’t on fire, and they weren’t burning to death, so the illustration always seemed curious to me. It wasn’t until years later that I learned the significance of the scene that I’d found so fascinating. It was all about the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Probably the least understood and most overlooked aspect of the Triune God is the Holy Spirit. He hovered over the waters during creation and played an active role in bringing the earth into existence (Genesis 1:2). He’s been characterized as water (John 3:5 & 4:14), a fire (Luke 3:16), a wind (John 3:8), and a dove (Matt 3:16), but He is none of these things—they are simply manifestations that reveal different qualities about Him.

During the time of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon different people for fixed amounts of time to accomplish specific purposes, but He didn’t stay with them throughout their lives. We see this with Saul (Israel’s first king-see 1 Sam 16:14), Samson (the mighty man in the book of Judges- see Judges 16:20) and David (Israel’s best known and most beloved king-see Psalm 51:11).

In the New Testament, Jesus promised His disciples: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17a, NIV.) But it wasn’t until after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven that this promise was fulfilled. There was a distinct turning point when the Holy Spirit came to earth to stay. He began taking up residence in the hearts of those who believed in Jesus and trusted Him to be their Savior during Pentecost, a Jewish feast that had been celebrated since the time of Moses.

The story unfolds in the New Testament book of Acts. Faithful Jews from far and wide traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. Jesus’ disciples were there to participate in the festivities and were all gathered together in one place. “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:2-4, NIV)

Other Jews gathered in amazement when they heard the disciples from the backwater town of Galilee communicating in languages spoken around the world. People in the crowd from different nations and cultures heard unschooled men speaking in each of their native tongues as they proclaimed the name of Jesus and shared the good news of salvation offered through Him.

In the midst of the excitement and confusion, Peter stood to address the crowd with boldness and confidence. (This was the same Peter who was one of the twelve disciples, who had walked on water, and who had denied he knew Jesus during His trial). He explained that they were witnessing the fulfillment of a prophecy from the book of Joel in the Old Testament:

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people…And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” (Acts 2:17a & 21, NIV)

Peter told the crowd that Jesus was the Messiah, the long-awaited and much-anticipated Savior that had been promised to the Jews since the time of Abraham. He finished by challenging them to respond to the good news: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39, NIV)

This was a significant turning point for followers of Jesus. It was the start of the Christian faith when access to Almighty God opened to all people. This began a new era when God’s Holy Spirit would live permanently within the hearts of those who believed in Jesus and accepted Him as Savior. And what’s most exciting about this is that it’s not just a lesson about church history, but something that impacts us today. Scripture tells us, “you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13, NIV)

If you’re not sure if you’ve been “included in Christ” you can simply pray something like this:

 Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. I invite your Holy Spirit to take control of my life and to make me the kind of person You want me to be. 

Once you’ve received Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit resides within you–your body is His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Like an official document with a notary’s seal verifying its authenticity, you’ve been marked as “officially” belonging to God. That’s something to celebrate!

This gift of the Spirit is often underutilized and undervalued by believers today. As we study Acts together, consider joining me in praying daily for God to pour out His Spirit on you afresh. Ask Him to equip you and empower you as He did with the apostles in Acts and then be ready to experience Him moving in your life. (And if you prayed to receive Christ for the first time, be sure to tell somebody who can help you learn and grow in your faith!)

Listen to Keith Green’s classic song “Rushing Wind” and make it your prayer of invitation for the Holy Spirit today.

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www.marybethmccullum.com

Photo from The Children’s Bible, Golden Press, 1965

This is a revised version of “The Turning Point” originally posted on January 22, 2019.

Shining God’s Light

Howling winds whipped through the trees; branches shuddered and crashed into one another as rain pelted the ground. Then, with a loud pop and a flash of sparks, the main electrical transformer in my neighborhood shut down. Powerful gusts had pulled the lines out and left them sizzling in the intersection below. A fire truck blocked traffic at the entrance to my neighborhood and kept curious people like me from getting too close to the live wires. 

After talking with the fire crew and watching them reroute a line of cars, I headed home and discovered my house was cold and dark. I assumed we’d have power back within a few hours, but as the sun sank low, electricity still hadn’t been restored. So, my husband and I found flashlights, added blankets to our bed, and prepared for a cold, dark night. We were discouraged to wake up the next morning and find that the screens on our clocks remained numberless. Ultimately, the power outage lasted for fifty-six long hours. When the lights finally flickered back to life on the evening of the third day, I’d never been so grateful for the electricity I usually take for granted. 

Ironically, the power outage happened the same week I was learning about the construction of the Sanctuary in Exodus. Not surprisingly the description of the lampstand in the Holy Place caught my attention: “Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them.” (Exodus 25:31, NIV) Further study revealed this significant detail: “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.” (Leviticus 24:1, NIV)

The Lord instructed Moses to make the Sanctuary’s exterior from animal skins and heavy fabrics, which would shroud the Holy Place inside in utter darkness. So, God told Moses to make a lamp that would be continually burning. As the high priest, it would be Aaron’s job to tend to the lamps every morning and evening so that they would burn without ceasing. They would be a visible reminder of what Scripture tells us: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5b, NIV)

The theme of light and darkness threads throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:1-4, NIV)

John’s gospel opens by describing God’s choice to send His son to earth: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4, NIV) Jesus took this a step further by making a bold statement followed by a promise: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, we receive the joy, hope, and peace of salvation. God’s light not only shines on us with His blessings, it also shines through us. Jesus explains this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

During the power outage, my husband and I were fortunate to have good friends nearby who shared their electricity with us. Thanks to them, our food stayed cold in their refrigerator, our computers charged in their outlets, and our bodies were cleansed in their hot shower. It would have been a much harder week without these small luxuries. And just as our friends shared their power with us, we are called to do the same with God’s light residing within us.  

Imagine a sunset over the ocean. The rays of light affect everything they touch so that the glow of the sun shines on the water and reflects off the wet sand, creating vibrant hues and stunning shades of color. In the same way, the warmth and light of the Lord’s love affects everyone who encounters it. As we receive God’s love, it changes us so that we color the atmosphere around us by radiating His love, grace, and peace. As conduits of His light, we reflect the Lord’s glory and become sources of hope for a world that is mired in spiritual darkness.

If you’ve never thought about it before, start inviting God to let His light shine through you. Ask Him to fill you with His presence so you shine brightly wherever you are. Pray that He’ll connect you with other believers so you can build community that radiates the warmth of God’s love outward. Draw strength and confidence from Christ’s light within you and let it bless others wherever you go.

Take a moment right now to worship Jesus by enjoying “Light of the World” by We the Kingdom. Click here to listen.  

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 6.

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Revering God’s Name

After living under the rule of Pharaoh and his slave drivers for 430 years, the Israelites needed to learn how to live free. To function effectively as a nation, they had to understand how to relate to authority and to one another. So, God established commandments that would free them to have right relationships both vertically and horizontally. Moses delivered these commandments to them at the base of Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 20. 

The first five commandments focus on relating to the authority of God: “You shall have no other gods before me…You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below…You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name…Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:3, 4, 7, 8, 12, NIV)

Times are different, but these commandments still have relevance for us today. I could write multiple posts on each of them, however I’d like to focus on the one sandwiched right in the middle. Breaking it has become so commonplace that even devoted followers of Jesus do it without a second thought. There are numerous ways to misuse the Lord’s name, but let’s explore one that’s most obvious and easiest to correct when we’re intentional.

Do you remember the first time you read an abbreviation in a text message? Maybe it was “LOL” (laughing out loud) or “FYI “(for your information) or “BTW” (by the way). I’ve incorporated several into my texting vocabulary, but there’s one that I’ve never added and never will: OMG (oh my God). Even writing it here makes me cringe a little. 

From the time I was a child, my parents were emphatic about their kids not saying this common exclamation. For them, it was on par with using forbidden swear words. This confused me because I heard other kids use the phrase regularly with no reaction from adults. My parents had a similar stance about using “Jesus Christ” to express frustration, anger, or disgust—it was definitely not ok, ever. I followed these rules without thinking much about them, mostly because I didn’t want to get in trouble.

As I grew older those two phrases became more and more common among my peers, in popular culture, movies, and TV shows. Even people I knew and respected used them. But as I studied the Bible more, my negative reaction to hearing God’s name misused began to match my parents’ feelings about it.

 One commentary explains: “The third of the Ten Commandments forbids taking or using the Lord’s name in an irreverent manner because that would indicate a lack of respect for God Himself…The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.”

In the New Testament, Jesus models the most fitting way to treat God’s name in the opening lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9b, KJV) The word “hallowed” here is a transliteration of the Greek “hagiazó” meaning “to make holy, consecrate, sanctify.” When a name is hallowed, it’s set apart as holy and treated with special honor and care. 

In Scripture, God’s name represents His nature, attributes, and entire being. His name reflects His glory and commands awe, wonder, and praise, as we see in these psalms:

 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1, NIV)

“He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever–holy and awesome is his name.” (Psalm 111:9, NIV)

By hallowing His Father’s name in the opening 0f the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus shows us that honoring and praising God should be the first thing we do when we engage Him in prayer.  One commentary explains, “Too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous ‘to-do lists’ for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, His awesomeness, and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His. That we are even allowed to come before His throne is due only to His gracious, merciful love for His own (Hebrews 4:16). We must never take that grace for granted.”

Like God the Father, the name of Jesus also deserves to be handled with reverence and awe. Between the book of Acts and Revelation, the New Testament invokes the name of Jesus thirty times to bless and heal people. Using Jesus’ name enabled His disciples to perform miracles and to speak with authority. One of the best New Testament passages that shows the power of His name comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:9-11, NIV)

Knowing that all people will one day bow at the mention of Jesus’ name should cause us to feel humility and awe. How could we ever debase it by using it as a cuss word? And why would we want to use the name of His Father as a careless exclamation in conversations or text messages?

If “Oh my God” or “Jesus Christ” are phrases you misuse, please don’t feel judged or criticized, but do consider asking the Lord if you’re showing Him the reverence He deserves. If you’re feeling convicted, confess it and ask Him to tame your tongue (and your typing fingers). Let your intentions mirror David’s: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NIV)

Marvel at the power of Jesus’ name by listening to Natalie Grant’s “Your Great Name.” Click here to listen.

Commentary quotations from:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Lords-name-vain.html

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 3.

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Passover Parallels

The more I study the Bible, the more I marvel at how seamlessly it weaves together God’s plan of deliverance for all people. The story of the first Passover in Exodus 11 & 12 includes so many rich symbols that point the way to Jesus in the New Testament. There are incredible parallels between the tenth and final plague in Egypt and Jesus’ blood that was shed to save humankind. For me, this magnifies God’s capacity to focus on vast plans and intimate details at the same time. Rather than trying to explain or interpret the similarities between the deliverance of the Israelites and the deliverance of all people from sin, I’m going to let the Scriptures speak for themselves. If you’re unfamiliar with the story of the first Passover, take a peek at Exodus 11 & 12 for fuller context. 

Death of Firstborn

“Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well.” (Exodus 11:5)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

New Beginning

“This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year…Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.” (Exodus 12:2 & 17)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17)

Lamb Without Blemish

“Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household…The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight.” (Ex 12:3, 5-6)

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29)

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Saved by Blood

“Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs…The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” (Exodus 12:7 & 13)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:8-9)

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

Jesus Celebrates the First Communion Using the Passover Meal

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover…

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”(Matthew 26:17-19, 26-29)

After the tenth plague, the Israelites walk freely out of Egypt and leave slavery behind. After Jesus’ death, everyone who believes in Him walks freely out of the slavery of sin. Click here and celebrate this incredible act of mercy and grace by listening to Micah Tyler’s “Walking Free.”

Post inspired by Jen Wilkin’s God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, Lifeway Press, 2021.

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Not OK with OMG

Remember the first time you read an abbreviation in a text message? Maybe it was “LOL” (laughing out loud) or “FYI “(for your information) or “BTW” (by the way). Once you learned what the different abbreviations meant, you probably saw them as quick and easy ways to communicate simple sentiments. I’ve incorporated several into my texting vocabulary, but there’s one that I’ve never added and never will: OMG (oh my God). Even writing it here makes me cringe a little. 

From the time I was a child, my parents were emphatic about their kids not saying, “Oh my God.” For them, it was on par with using forbidden swear words. This confused me because I heard other kids use the phrase regularly with no reaction from adults. My parents had a similar stance about using “Jesus Christ” to express frustration, anger, or disgust—it was definitely not ok, ever. I followed these rules without thinking much about them, mostly because I didn’t want to get in trouble.

As I grew older those two phrases became more and more common among my peers, in popular culture, movies, and TV shows. Even people I knew and respected used them. But as I studied the Bible more, my negative reaction to hearing God’s name misused began to match my parents’ feelings about it.

Two of the most well-known places in Scripture that show why this matters are the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament and the Lord’s Prayer in the New Testament. Let’s start with the Old Testament when Moses delivers the Ten Commandments to the Israelites. Since they were newly freed slaves, these laws helped them to establish their own society. The commandments were applicable then and still are now. The first three explain the relationship between God and His people. The Lord starts off by commanding us not to have any gods before Him and not to make or worship idols. In the third commandment He says, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” (Exodus 20:7, NIV)

 One commentary explains: “The third of the Ten Commandments forbids taking or using the Lord’s name in an irreverent manner because that would indicate a lack of respect for God Himself…The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.”

In the New Testament, Jesus models the most fitting way to treat God’s name in the opening lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9b, KJV) The word “hallowed” here is a transliteration of the Greek “hagiazó” meaning “to make holy, consecrate, sanctify.” When a name is hallowed, it’s set apart as holy and treated with special honor and care. 

In Scripture, God’s name represents His nature, attributes, and entire being. His name reflects His glory and commands awe, wonder, and praise, as we see in these psalms:

 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1, NIV)

“He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever–holy and awesome is his name.” (Psalm 111:9, NIV)

By hallowing His Father’s name in the opening 0f the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus shows us that honoring and praising God should be the first thing we do when we engage Him in prayer.  One commentary explains, “Too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous ‘to-do lists’ for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, His awesomeness, and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His. That we are even allowed to come before His throne is due only to His gracious, merciful love for His own (Hebrews 4:16). We must never take that grace for granted.”

Like God the Father, the name of Jesus also deserves to be handled with reverence and awe. Between the book of Acts and Revelation, the New Testament invokes the name of Jesus thirty times to bless and heal people. Using Jesus’ name enabled His disciples to perform miracles and to speak with authority. One of the best New Testament passages that shows the power of His name comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:9-11, NIV)

Knowing that all people will one day bow at the mention of Jesus’ name should cause us to feel humility and awe. How could we ever debase it by using it as a cuss word? And why would we want to use the name of His Father carelessly in conversation or a text message?

If “Oh my God” or “Jesus Christ” are phrases you use, please don’t feel judged or criticized, but do consider asking the Lord if you’re showing Him the reverence He deserves. If you’re feeling convicted, confess it and ask Him to tame your tongue (and your typing fingers). Desiring to give God the honor and respect He deserves is a prayer that aligns perfectly with His will.

Take some time to reflect on the power of Jesus’ name by listening to Natalie Grant’s “Your Great Name.”

Commentary quotations from:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Lords-name-vain.html

Tying a Bow on Genesis

The book of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is alive and active. Having just finished studying Genesis for the third time, I can attest to the truth of this statement. I’ve delved into the stories of Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebekah, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Joseph, Judah, and Tamar at different seasons in my life; although the tales remain the same, the truth I glean from them continues to expand.

Here are a few of the things that stood out to me in my most recent journey through Genesis:

  1. God is sovereign.  He possesses supreme and ultimate power. He gives us free will and doesn’t force us to follow His ways, but He is still the One who is ultimately in control. Because of this, I’m better off trusting Him than trying to do things my own way.
  2. God keeps His promises. It may take a long time, but He does come through in the end. (Think of Sarah, who waited 25 years to get pregnant with the child promised by God.) This means He’s trustworthy and I can rest in that knowledge even when I don’t see how He’s working in the moment.
  3. God is faithful. He remains true to us even when we doubt Him, make poor choices, or disobey. Seeing the Lord’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants despite their many blunders encourages me. Even when we fail, God’s plans prevail. We are fickle, but He is faithful.
  4. God is worthy. He deserves our honor, praise, and obedience. Seeing how He accomplishes His plans despite the ways people try thwart them (intentionally or unintentionally) inspires me to yield to Him as Lord of my life.

Knowing these truths, I’d be wiser to exert my energy trusting God than trying to control things using my own strength and wisdom. I’m striving to be less anxious when I don’t see or understand what the Lord is doing. My goal is to trust Him as I wait for answers, clarity, or direction. Rather than concerning myself with how events unfold, I want to focus more on what God is teaching me and how He wants to use me with the people and circumstances I encounter. I want to be less focused on why He’s allowed certain things in my life and more attuned to how He can use them to deepen my faith and impact others.

Reading the stories of Sarah and Rebekah has convicted me of my tendency to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting God. I overthink many things and try to play out scenarios multiple steps ahead of where I am. Rather than trusting God with how a situation will unfold, I try to anticipate each option and make contingency plans for it. My knack for being capable and productive doesn’t always leave room for God to work in His way and His timing. Realizing this is humbling and convicting.

The story of Joseph provides powerful examples for training me in righteousness. Seeing his faithfulness to God in difficult times while surrounded by unbelievers inspires me to be true to God and His ways. Like Joseph, I want to be honest and authentic about the Lord’s presence in my life instead of downplaying it in certain company. I’m also inspired to follow Joseph’s example by using my gifts to bless others in every setting, not just ones where people already love and honor God. I don’t want to be timid about pointing others to the solid foundation He provides.

Studying Genesis also bolsters my faith in the consistency of God’s Word from Old Testament to New. It always delights me to recognize the many elements that point us toward Christ. The lives of Joseph and Judah include many examples that I’ve discussed in other posts. During this season of studying Genesis, I was also struck by Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28:

“He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: ‘I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.  I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’” (Genesis 28:12-15, NIV)

Until Jen Wilkin’s teaching in God of Covenant, I’d never understood that the stairway between heaven and earth is Christ Himself. When we reach toward Jesus to intercede for us, we stand at the gate of heaven. He is the mediator between God and humans—the One who makes it possible for us to access the Almighty.

The ten weeks of studying the book of beginnings have come to an end. The “seed plot of the Bible” has provided rich soil for digging into relevant topics for our lives today. The stories and people in Genesis are messy and complicated, but God used them for His redemptive purposes, just as He does with us. Some situations make us scratch our heads in confusion or blush at sordid details; we wonder how a sacred book could be filled with such broken and sinful people. And yet, it’s these unsanitized stories and flawed characters that show Scripture’s authenticity. They give us hope that no one is disqualified from being accepted by God or used to advance His kingdom.

Understanding these truths prompts me to pause for a moment of worship. “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship beautifully shares the story of the gospel. Listen now and be in awe of our sovereign, faithful God who keeps His promises and is worthy of our praise.

Jen Wilkin, God of Covenant: A Study of Genesis 12-50, Lifeway Press 2018.

The phrase “seed plot of the Bible” was originally coined by Arthur W. Pink in Gleanings in Genesis.

Jesus: Our Kinsman Redeemer

Sometimes things we encounter in the Bible are hard to understand without a bit of historical or cultural context. Reading through the Old Testament book of Ruth, we learn that Boaz is identified as a kinsman-redeemer of Naomi and Ruth. Although this isn’t a term we use in current times, understanding it will help us see how the idea of a kinsman-redeemer relates to us.

You may remember that Ruth, the impoverished Moabite, gleaned in Boaz’ fields to provide food for herself and her mother in law, Naomi. After Ruth reported how kindly she was treated by Boaz, Naomi encouraged her daughter in law to make a bold move, saying:

“Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

Ruth willingly followed along with Naomi’s somewhat risky plan. Here’s what happened next:

“When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! ‘Who are you?’ he asked.‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she said. ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.’” (Ruth 3:2-4, 7-9, NIV)

Uncovering Boaz’ feet was an act of humility and submission for Ruth. By asking him to spread his garment over her, she was requesting his protection over her through marriage. While all of this may sound like ancient history, there is significant personal application for us today because as a kinsman redeemer, Boaz stands as precursor or “type” of Jesus. 

“Through his actions, Boaz communicates Christ. His person and character illustrate the incredible hesed [love, goodness, kindness] that Christ possesses for his people, as well as, the great measures he is willing to take to redeem his bride. Though Ruth arrives at Boaz’s bed, empty-handed and humbled to the core, Boaz treats her with respect and kindness (3:10-13). Disgraced by her position and despised for her ethnicity, the young Moabite woman appears to have little to offer. Yet, despite all this, Boaz views her as a worthy woman (3:11). Though Ruth comes from a family that has turned their backs on the Lord, the Lord turns his face towards Ruth and reveals himself to her through Boaz. Boaz foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate kinsman redeemer who will redeem a bride for himself—the church…Though Boaz redeemed the line of Elimelek, Jesus would come to redeem all the people of God. It was him to whom Boaz’s position pointed to, for in the person and work of Christ was found the true definition of kinsman-redeemer.”1  

Boaz paid a high price financially and socially to redeem Ruth, bring her into his family, and make her his bride. In a similar but greater way, Jesus paid the ultimate price to redeem us from sin and death and to reconcile us with the Father by cleansing us of our sin: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:8-11, NIV)

Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth and Naomi, Jesus redeems those who place their faith in Him and lavishes them with His love and grace: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,” (Ephesians 1:3-7, NIV)

Through Christ, we gain direct access to God and all the blessings that come with it. We transition from being outsiders to members of God’s family:“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”  (Ephesians 2:12-13, NIV)

Because of Boaz, Ruth’s status changed dramatically–she ascended from being a poverty-stricken outcast to a beloved wife. She was grafted into the most esteemed family tree among the Israelites–the line that would produce Jesus, the Messiah and King of Kings. Like Ruth, our status changes dramatically when we accept Christ. Let’s rejoice in having a kinsman-redeemer who delivers us from a life of spiritual poverty and gives us a new identity as chosen, accepted, and beloved members of God’s family.

Listen to the lyrics of “My Story” by Big Daddy Weave and praise God for how they fit both the story of Ruth and Boaz and the story of Jesus and those who put their faith in Him. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIHmYBKkGa8

1. Stephanie van Eyk, “The Ultimate Kinsman Redeemer” https://www.ligonier.org/blog/ultimate-kinsman-redeemer/

Nicki Koziarz, A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit, Lifeway Press, 2018.