January 27

The OT reading covers the familiar burning bush when God calls Moses to free His people from the Egyptians.  I love this section because of Moses lack of confidence and how God patiently provides for every area that Moses is concerned about.    I definitely get the feeling that Moses was trying to get out of his assignment but God kept meeting every worry until there was no option.  When I compare this section to a little further ahead when Moses, his wife and sons start back toward Egypt I find another interesting thing.   In this section, there is a passage that says that God was about to kill Moses  but his wife circumcises their son and that's takes care of things....  (my paraphrase of course)  Here is why I find that so interesting:  God was very patient with Moses lack of confidence, and He provided for every worry with regard to that.  However, He was absolutely not going to accept lack of obedience.  Moses knew the law with regard to the covenant of circumcision, and he had not obeyed - no patience granted.  It does seem like it might have come up at the burning bush conversation.  "And Moses"   Says God.  "Yes Lord"  answers Moses.  "About the covenant of circumcision, I'm completely serious about that, and you are going to be in big trouble if you don't hurry up and mind me."  "Ok, God, I'll get right on it, sorry I'm tardy."   It's odd because clearly our all knowing God knew that Moses (who he was calling for a big job)  had a bit of an issue to deal with, and He didn't mention it to Him at the time, or at least if He did, it's not recorded for us to know about.  In any event, what I take from that is the encouragement that God will be with me and help me overcome areas where I lack confidence and  He will make sure I have everything I need to serve Him effectively.  At the same time I see the warning that He takes obedience VERY seriously as well.  He's patient with lack of confidence, but not lack of obedience.  Thanks be to God that we live on this side of the cross of Christ, so no worries that He will Kill us for our lack of obedience.  Even still we are called to live for Him and with His help we need to be obedient.

Still in Matthew for the New Testament Readings.  Today's reading had another section of scripture that I am really fond of and has such great advice.  It teaches of handling conflict appropriately.  When someone does you wrong here is the formula:  Go talk to them about it.  Do that first, don't talk to everybody but them about it!  If that does not work out well then go to them again but bring a witness with you... and it goes on from there.  I think that as a rule people really stink at this.  We'd rather talk to everybody about a situation than deal with it head on.  Of course it isn't easy, but it's the right thing to do. 

I didn't blog yesterday, but the NT reading from Matthew 17 was timely.... I wish I could catch a fish that would pay my taxes....  Cool miracle.