Daily Reading Passages
Click below for access to the passages. Biblegateway.com is an excellent site with many versions of the Bible. The link below opens in NIV. Youversion.com is a new site that allows you to annotate your own Bible, make notes, and comments once you create an account. That link opens in the TNIV version. Other versions are available at both sites.
Coaching Comments
The Old Testament reading is Exodus 2:11 - 3:22. As we move into Exodus the narrative shifts from being about one specific family (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) to being about the great nation that God had promised to make of them. Israel (Jacob) came into Egypt through the circumstances of Joseph's life, and time passed. Generations later Israel (the people) would leave Egypt through God's direct intervention, as we witness through the story of Moses. The covenant God made with Abraham, and subsequently affirmed to Isaac and Jacob, is the background for everything that happens (good and bad) to the Children of Israel. The goal of the covenant, a special people through which God could bless the world, is the overarching purpose for everything that we will read for many books to come.
When we left off yesterday, a special Hebrew boy, from the tribe of Levi, was adopted into Pharaoh's household and named Moses. While this was happening, the Hebrews were facing worse and worse treatment and oppression at the hands of the Egyptians who once respected them.
Years later Moses becomes an adult. And as an adult, he sees for the first time, the harshness of the Egyptian treatment of his own people. His first response was to take things into his own hands. This turns out to be a disaster. As a result, Moses was forced to flee Egypt. Moses found himself in the land of Midian where his heart to right wrongs and fight injustice earned him a wife.
Years passed and Moses found himself with own family and a whole new career. Egypt was long forgotten. That's when God appeared to him in a burning Bush. During Moses's little conversation with God we come across a fascinating passage. Here God reveals his name. He calls himself, "I AM." In Hebrew the true name of something represents its essence. The name that God revealed essentially means, "I am that I am" or "I will be what I will be." It is a name that indicates God's supreme sovereignty. Of all things, only God can determine His own fate without fail. What an encouragement to Moses to know that He was accompanied by the God who was the source of all being and able to fulfill all of His promises.
The New Testament reading, Matthew 17:10-27, contains three episodes. First, Jesus and the disciples are returning from the transfiguration, and he continued to teach them about what is going to happen. Second, He heals a demon-possessed boy and teaches the disciples about faith, and third, talks with Peter about paying taxes. I'd sure like to reel in a fish and find my annual tax payment there!
The Psalms reading for today is Psalms 22:1-18, the first half of the Psalm. This is a very important Psalm on many fronts. First, it is another great example of a lament. The author is expressing soul-deep distress, begging God to come to his aid. And yet at the same time, like so many Psalms, expressing hope and faith in God's providence. Second, you will immediately recognize some of these words as words that Jesus spoke while hanging on the cross. This is the passage that Jesus had in mind while He was dying in agony at Golgotha. Part of that is because this passage so perfectly expressed the agony He was going through (and the coming victory, which we'll see at the end of the Psalm tomorrow). But also because this Psalm is from beginning to end, a Messianic prophecy.
It's a powerful encouragement in several ways. It does my heart good to see a Psalm express such deep anguish, and yet still have hope in God. I need that for my own dark days. But then the passage also builds my faith by showing the amazing way that God worked through prophets. Several of the verses here describe down to the detail the circumstances of Jesus' crucifixion. Always remember to keep the bigger picture in mind, because that's where God is leading - even this far back in the Old Testament.
In the reading from Proverbs, (Proverbs 5:7-14), Solomon's warning against adultery continue. But he also paints a compelling picture of someone who comes to the end of their life after turning away from Godly wisdom over and over again.
2007 Cohort Comments
Comments (5)
LuDell Parrett said
at 8:53 am on Jan 26, 2009
Good Morning:
I have one question... what was significant about Moses needing to take off his shoes? What does being barefoot have to do with standing on "holy ground"?
Blessings to you!
Jacqui Wheelhouse said
at 1:14 pm on Jan 26, 2009
The only thing I know about this act of worship was in those days, it was akin to taking off ones' hat. A way of honor and respect in our day. Taking off the shoes displayed a sense of submission and regard to the "Holy" one. I think I read somewhere that this was a well known custom among Egyptians etc. The people would remove their shoes in the presence of Pharoahs etc. As in honor to the one in authority over them. Anyone else have insights into this? I may be WAAAAYYY off.
Aaron L Huddart said
at 2:17 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Jac, that has always been my understanding as well. However, I can't remember where this understanding came from. I also had the thought that removing of the shoes would also occur when entering the house of someone of importance or the temple. Somewhat like my understanding of Muslims when they enter a Mosque. I believe this is were foot washing also comes from is this same, is in this same line of tradition. But again, I can't find anything to support this, so it may just be some idea that has been altered over the years. Just seems to make sense this way though, who knows.
Have a Blessed day and always keep the Son in your eyes.
A
Marc Schelske said
at 4:41 pm on Jan 26, 2009
You know, as far as I know this story is the origin of the removing shoes in sacred spaces concept - at least within the Judea-Christian tradition. I don't think God was banking on any particular custom when He spoke to Moses. I think He was creating a custom. It became an act of worship because of this moment where God asked for it.
Aaron L Huddart said
at 5:07 pm on Jan 26, 2009
I can see that. Considering how early Moses and the burning bush was in the history of things. And I can see Moses putting this act into effect as he began leading the Israelites, and then eventually building the tabernacle in the wilderness. Thanks Marc, that makes even more sense in the whole scheme of things.
A
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