January 30, 2006 - Exodus 23-24 and Matthew 20:1-16
This passage in Exodus shows us that all of the laws in the Old Testament are based on spiritual principles. We may not have to follow the law directly today, but we are held to the principle behind the law. That is why we need to read them and to reflect on them. God can teach us about Himself, His character, and His ways. What did God say to you as you read this passage?
At the beginning of chapter 23 Moses is mainly speaking to the judges he appointed to work beside him in leading the people. He stresses the need for truth and honesty. There is no way to judge correctly if any perversion of truth is present. Also, there must not be a preference given to any group of people. The law is the law. It applies to everyone equally. If bribes are taken, then, justice is not done because the discernment is clouded by the bribe. All in all, Moses is stressing the need to follow the law with out being prejudiced in any way. We need this message today, when we are tempted to follow emotion or anything else. God knows best. It is up to us to obey His clear direction.
The rest of the chapter emphasizes following the Lord in the three feasts each year. These times would keep them on track. They would remember from where God had brought them and how He had delivered them. They would trust Him to provide, and they would thank Him once He did provide. That gives us a good pattern, too. He ends the chapter with strong promises of His blessing if they would follow Him. Did you notice God's provision of an angel to lead them to the Promised Land. (v.20) Isn't that amazing? God desired to direct them so clearly that He assigned one angel just for that purpose. He spoke to them through this angel, and the angel went before them to prepare the way. (v.23) Do you think God has any less commitment to lead His children today? Now we have the Spirit to lead us. He is with us 24/7 to speak to us and to guide us. If we follow Him and keep God's covenant with us, He will bless us wonderfully. That was His promise to the Hebrews and to us. I have always loved His promise to drive out the enemies "little by little" so the land would not be overrun by wild beasts. (v.29,30) That is how God helps us today. He does not change everything all at once. He wants us to trust Him daily, and He will drive out our enemies one at a time.
Chapter 24 is all about worship and receiving God's word. Moses goes to the mountain to receive God's word. In the process he takes Joshua with him, and the 70 elders spend some time in worship, too. It is so wonderful to see God blessing them by revealing Himself to them. (v.10) They saw the Lord. They did not describe a body, because the Father does not have one, but there was no doubt that they saw the glory of God, and they were in His presence. Then, Moses was in His glory for six days, before God spoke to him on the seventh day. Do you think God wants us to experience Him and His glory? I do. Do you think He wants us to enjoy His presence, even without talking sometimes? I do. Moses was there close to Him for 40 days. We will be reading what God told him for the next few days.
Matthew 20:1-16 has a great lesson, too. The Lord is faithful to all who come to Him. He always gives what He has promised. What is that? He forgives our sins and gives us eternal life. He promises us a home in heaven. This is for all believers, whether they are saved for 40 years or 40 seconds before they die. This may not seem fair to some people, but it is totally fair, because salvation is a gift from a gracious God. That is the teaching of this parable. He can decide to do whatever He wants, because He is Lord. The parable does not say that He cannot or does not give extra rewards on top of these. In fact, there are other passages that speak of crowns given for certain things. However, the basic rewards of salvation are the same for everyone. God is so good, and His wisdom is wonderful.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 25-26 and Matthew 20:17-34.
At the beginning of chapter 23 Moses is mainly speaking to the judges he appointed to work beside him in leading the people. He stresses the need for truth and honesty. There is no way to judge correctly if any perversion of truth is present. Also, there must not be a preference given to any group of people. The law is the law. It applies to everyone equally. If bribes are taken, then, justice is not done because the discernment is clouded by the bribe. All in all, Moses is stressing the need to follow the law with out being prejudiced in any way. We need this message today, when we are tempted to follow emotion or anything else. God knows best. It is up to us to obey His clear direction.
The rest of the chapter emphasizes following the Lord in the three feasts each year. These times would keep them on track. They would remember from where God had brought them and how He had delivered them. They would trust Him to provide, and they would thank Him once He did provide. That gives us a good pattern, too. He ends the chapter with strong promises of His blessing if they would follow Him. Did you notice God's provision of an angel to lead them to the Promised Land. (v.20) Isn't that amazing? God desired to direct them so clearly that He assigned one angel just for that purpose. He spoke to them through this angel, and the angel went before them to prepare the way. (v.23) Do you think God has any less commitment to lead His children today? Now we have the Spirit to lead us. He is with us 24/7 to speak to us and to guide us. If we follow Him and keep God's covenant with us, He will bless us wonderfully. That was His promise to the Hebrews and to us. I have always loved His promise to drive out the enemies "little by little" so the land would not be overrun by wild beasts. (v.29,30) That is how God helps us today. He does not change everything all at once. He wants us to trust Him daily, and He will drive out our enemies one at a time.
Chapter 24 is all about worship and receiving God's word. Moses goes to the mountain to receive God's word. In the process he takes Joshua with him, and the 70 elders spend some time in worship, too. It is so wonderful to see God blessing them by revealing Himself to them. (v.10) They saw the Lord. They did not describe a body, because the Father does not have one, but there was no doubt that they saw the glory of God, and they were in His presence. Then, Moses was in His glory for six days, before God spoke to him on the seventh day. Do you think God wants us to experience Him and His glory? I do. Do you think He wants us to enjoy His presence, even without talking sometimes? I do. Moses was there close to Him for 40 days. We will be reading what God told him for the next few days.
Matthew 20:1-16 has a great lesson, too. The Lord is faithful to all who come to Him. He always gives what He has promised. What is that? He forgives our sins and gives us eternal life. He promises us a home in heaven. This is for all believers, whether they are saved for 40 years or 40 seconds before they die. This may not seem fair to some people, but it is totally fair, because salvation is a gift from a gracious God. That is the teaching of this parable. He can decide to do whatever He wants, because He is Lord. The parable does not say that He cannot or does not give extra rewards on top of these. In fact, there are other passages that speak of crowns given for certain things. However, the basic rewards of salvation are the same for everyone. God is so good, and His wisdom is wonderful.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 25-26 and Matthew 20:17-34.