Friday, January 30, 2009

January 30, 2009 (Day 30)

Exodus 10:1 - 12:13
Matthew 20:1 - 28
Psalm 15:1 - 15
Proverbs 6:6 - 11

6 comments:

  1. 2 points that come out from this passage in Exodus. The first is that it strikes me that Pharaoh's "repentance" is much like many Christians today. Here Pharaoh quickly tells Moses he's sorry and makes apology to him and God. Each time it's because of the circumstances that surround him and affect him. Not because of a true change of heart. So often, we go to God because things are tough and we are living in the consequences of bad actions and so we go to God to say we're sorry hoping God will get us out of our predicament. As I read scripture, true repentance is a change of heart where, no matter the circumstances or consequences of our actions we truly repent and change our ways. The second point is the passover. Have you ever wondered why God required the Jews to sacrifice a lamb and then wipe it's blood on the doorposts of their homes. I mean surely God knew who his people were and was able to differentiate between them and the Egyptians? God has always required us to work with him in partnership so to speak. He knew that in partnership, that is we have to do something, God will indelibly imprint upon our minds and hearts what He has done and is doing. And we get to be a part of His plan.

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  2. Matthew 20
    The parable of the workers in the vineyard
    I found this online while looking up the meaning of this parable and thought it was a COOL rap. The signification of this parable is so very comforting to us all as it is not only refering to when you become a Christian but also to those who may have taken a break and come back to Christianity!
    We are all but workers! Praise the Lord

    "There once was a man who owned a vineyard
    And needed some men to work very hard
    He hired some men early in the day
    And told them a denarius would be their pay
    And every few hours he hired more men
    Telling them the same again and again
    Then in the evening he gave them their wage
    But the ones who came early expressed outrage
    "We worked harder than anyone here.
    Aren't you being just a bit unfair."
    "I'm not being unfair to you.
    A denarius was what you agreed to."
    Now take your pay and go.
    Even though you thinks it's low.
    For I'll be gracious to whom I want.
    I'll be generous even though you aren't.
    For many who are victims of circumstance.
    And hiring you early was a matter of chance.
    There are Christians who live quite a long time.
    Laboring all day taking care of the vine.
    But some get saved after they are old
    Or live a short while after entering the fold
    But nonetheless on judgement day
    Both may end up receiving the same pay
    For the point is not simply doing his biz
    But rather revealing how gracious he is."

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  3. When reading the Pharaoh passage, it occurred to me how he "wanted" to allow worship... but not totally. He'd let the men go in this passage, but didn't want the women to go, or the flocks. How easy it is to want to honor God with everything...except that one certain area.

    Re the workers in the vineyard parable, I've always drawn a parallel between that and those that get saved late in life/early in life, or those who have it very easy in this life/those who are born under a truck in India...what other parallels am I missing?

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  4. A recent Cambridge study has determined that the chemical serotonin can change "easygoing desert locusts into terrifying swarms". This is the same chemical that doctors try to increase in humans to ease depression. I find it fascinating that God used locusts in His plan to free Israel from their slavery and oppression. The locust plague in fact elicited a "Forgive my sin" from Pharoah.

    Also, concerning the darkness plague - Exodus 30:33 "During all that time the people scarcely moved, for they could not see. But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived."
    I loved that light as usual part and pray that during these and all dark times that we God's people would have a revelation of "light as usual".

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  5. I really like your first point Bill. That is such a good picture of how people interact with God sometimes. I'm sure there are many people who have said a prayer out of fear of hell or uncontrollable life circumstances, just to get out of their situation. I know that I did this when I was teenager. But my heart went right back to being hard after I got what I wanted. Pharaoh's story is such a cool picture of that.

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  6. It is peculiar to ourself,and our studies is so happily diffused as to give the grace of novelty to domestic scenes and daily occurrences. He never "o'ersteps the modesty of nature," nor raises merriment or wonder by the violation of truth........

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