Monthly Archives: March 2012

Exodus: the precious presence

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 25    The tabernacle was not about the glory of the place but about the precious presence of God.  He wanted to dwell in the midst of his people.  He still does.  When the LORD dwells among us, we remember … Continue reading →

Posted in dependence upon God, discipleship, fellowship, Holy Spirit, relationship with God, sanctification, scriptures | Tagged | 1 Comment

Exodus: access

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 24 The ESV Study Bible explains that the distinctions made between three groups is “preparing Israel for the tabernacle.”  It was a symbol, preparing people for the symbol.  Moses could commune with God face to face, and represented the … Continue reading →

Posted in fear, forgiveness, grace, holiness, worship | Tagged | 1 Comment

Exodus: the three-way covenant

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 23:10-23     The covenant the LORD made with the Israelites involved a third party, and that fact determined the nature of the agreement.  The nation knew that their exodus from Egypt was not complete.  God wanted them to not only … Continue reading →

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Exodus: a holy people

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 22:16-23:9      God wants a holy people, dedicated to him and not other gods, and not consumed by their own desires.  These laws reflect the fact that unless the Israelites purge themselves of the the urge to take advantage of … Continue reading →

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Exodus: Restitution

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 21:12-22:15     Violence and loss are part of living in a fallen world, but that fact does not absolve anyone of his personal responsibility toward those he has wronged. A nation of former slaves needed to know that each person … Continue reading →

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Exodus: spirituality and servanthood

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 20:18-21:11     These rules must be understood in their context. Altars in Egypt had been places to flaunt one’s wealth and power. Now that the Hebrews were free, the LORD warned them against abusing religion for selfish purposes. Servanthood was … Continue reading →

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Exodus: second exodus

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 20:1-17     The same powerful LORD who rescued the Israelites from Egypt now demands that they go through a second exodus. They must purge themselves of polytheism, insincerity and selfishness. Likewise, the same Jesus who died for us on the … Continue reading →

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Exodus: the mountain

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 19      Mount Sinai serves to transition the reader of Exodus from the theme of deliverance by grace to the theme of sanctification. The mountain is a dangerous place and should not be treated casually. God is there, and he … Continue reading →

Posted in discernment, fear, relationship with God, submission | Tagged | 1 Comment

Exodus: teamwork

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 18     Jethro’s advice showed wisdom because Moses could not have continued to serve as judge over every situation for the people. It was clear that an eldership had already existed (12). But Moses had not taken advantage of the … Continue reading →

Posted in leadership, ministry, wisdom | Tagged | 1 Comment

Exodus: one solution

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Exodus 17     Moses used the same staff at Massah and Meribah that he had stretched over the Nile in Egypt. He held that same staff in his hands as he prayed for Joshua’s troops as the fought the Amalekites. It … Continue reading →

Posted in dependence upon God, prayer | Tagged | 1 Comment