June 28

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR JUNE 28, 2024: EXODUS 13, PHILIPPIANS 4, PSALM 60                               EXODUS 13 God commanded Israel in verse 1 to set aside or sanctify to Himself each firstborn male of humans and animals. After giving further instruction about the feast of unleavened bread, he returns to this topic in verse 11. Firstborn donkeys can be redeemed or bought back by sacrificing a lamb. (If the donkeys aren’t redeemed, their necks must be broken.)  All firstborn human sons are redeemed (no broken necks for them!).  When the sons eventually ask about this process, it is an opportunity to explain the entire story of how God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt.  All Biblical ceremonies are meant to be opportunities to better understand and thank God for His powerful acts of mercy toward His people. This is true today with communion and baptism. They should never be mindless routines. (Read 1 Cor 10:27-30). 

Luke 2:22-24 records the time when Jesus, as the firstborn son, was redeemed: “They [Mary and Joseph] brought Him [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been stated in the Law of the Lord: ‘A pair of turtledoves or two young doves.’” Why didn’t they sacrifice a lamb instead of two doves? Likely because of poverty: “But if she [mother] cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young doves” (Lev. 12:8). 

When reading the epic story of the escape from Egypt and the gory details of redemption, keep in mind to what greater NT events these real OT events were (like neon signs) pointing: 

  • Old Testament Signs. Rescued His people from slavery in Egypt and redemption from death.
  • New Testament Fulfillment. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14).

Ever listen to your GPS and wonder why it sometimes suggests a longer way? If your device is working, there’s probably a good reason. God takes Israel on a long detour because He, in His greater wisdom, knew they weren’t ready to encounter the dangerous Philistines. Has God ever taken us the longer way, which in hindsight ended up for our own good? Israel didn’t have GPS technology, but a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night wasn’t too shabby. 

PHILIPPIANS 4 The famous church women Euodia and Syntyche struggled to get along and the news of it spread to Paul in Rome. Interestingly, Paul seems to suggest it’s the job of the entire church to help them be reconciled. Despite their less than perfect behavior, Paul is certain that their names are written in the book of life, which is another way of saying they are born again, saved, believers, Christians, or followers of Jesus Christ—all New Testament terms meaning the same. Even though it’s not good these two didn’t agree, isn’t it a bit reassuring to know other churches have had these minor personal challenges without losing their effectiveness? 

READING FOR JUNE 28, 2024 CONTINUED: PHILIPPIANS 4, PSALM 60                                          As we age, perhaps we gain new insight into the Bible. For example, to a young person in great health with a bright future, the idea of rejoicing in the Lord might mean being thankful to God for positive circumstances. For those of us in diminished health with few professional and even ministry opportunities, rejoicing in the Lord might be more of a spiritual discipline done out of obedience rather than how we feel. The fact that Paul states the same command twice in verse 4 suggests he means it.  We had better do it! 

But, isn’t it disingenuous to force ourselves to rejoice when the feeling isn’t there naturally? Maybe not. Paul says we can still plead with God about our requests. It’s not either or. Plus, we are not hypocritically rejoicing about our present problems. We are rejoicing in and for a God who will never leave us, who died for us, and who is preparing a stunning place for us with Him in heaven. God promises if we do this, we can enjoy a peace that makes no worldly sense and protects our hearts and minds. Sounding better all the time. 

Paul then expands from shaping our prayers to directing our thoughts to positive places, not allowing our minds to wallow in negativity or falsehood. This is related to what psychologists call metacognition. Here is definition from Psychology Today: “Metacognition is the practice of being aware of one’s own thinking. Some scholars refer to it as ‘thinking about thinking.’”  Paul, however, goes further by not only monitoring thoughts but consciously directing them. 

Paul concludes this letter much the same as he began it: by complimenting the church. He specifically mentions their generosity to him. He has an unorthodox way of thanking them, saying he would have been fine financially without their gift, but was happy for what it shows about their heart for God. The last greeting is from believers in Caesar’s house. Curious.

PSALM 60 The historical context for David’s prayer seems somewhat captured in the following: “King David also dedicated these to the Lord, with the silver and the gold which he had carried away from all the nations...Moreover, Abishai the son of Zeruiah defeated eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became servants to David. And the Lord helped David wherever he went” (1 Chron. 18:11-13). The beginning of this Psalm mentions setbacks Israel experienced due to God’s displeasure with them. David acknowledges this but also mentions Israel still has been a banner of truth to raise and asks for God’s help in doing so. David reminds God (not that He forgot) of the specific places yet to be given Israel, for God’s sake. David then asks for God’s help for victory despite the current discipline they are suffering. He admits it is hopeless without God but will be a valiant victory with Him.  The passage from 1 Chronicles shows God completely answered this prayer. Do we have abanner of truth to raise in Yorktown? Perhaps we could confess any shortcomings and plead for Kingdom victories.