Focus 2024: Week 2
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January 07, 2024
January 8th: Why ME?
Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:11-12: “But Moses said to God, ’Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, ’But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’”
So What:
God has just shown up to Moses in a very real way, and invited him to be a part of setting His people free from slavery in Egypt. And what is Moses’, patriarch and hero of the Old Testament, response? “Who am I?” He wonders why on earth God would involve him in the plan at all. And think about it – Moses isn’t particularly important or relevant at this point in the story. He’s run from justice in Egypt, and is now just watching the flock of sheep that belong to his father-in-law. But God chose him anyways, and answers “But I will be with you.” In other words, it’s not really about Moses at all, but rather the fact that God will be with him in the middle of all that he faces.
Now What:
Often, when God calls us towards something, it is beyond our own ability to accomplish. We don’t have the strength, persistence, or capability to achieve all that He’s invited us into. Many of us have had that same hesitation that Moses felt – we don’t feel like we’re enough.
And the truth is, often, we’re not enough.
But the question that believers get to ask is this: Is God enough? Because if the sovereign ruler of the universe who breathed life into existence and sent His Son to rescue us is with us on the journey, we’ve got more than enough to accomplish all that He’ll lead us into.
Questions to Consider:
When God has called you to difficult things, what has your response been in the past? Do you relate to Moses as you think about difficult callings?
What are some ways our normal everyday life is affected by the presence of God in our life? How have you changed knowing that God is with you?
January 9th: Because of Him
Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:13-22: “Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.’”
So What:
As we continue to read God’s response to Moses, we see that the Lord responds by reminding Moses of His own historical faithfulness. God reminds Moses of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how He has rescued and protected His people throughout history. But then God makes a promise in verses 16 and 17. “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt.”
Now What:
We have all made promises in our life that we haven’t been able to (or haven’t wanted to) keep. They were dependent upon our ability to complete the promised end. Whether it was a spouse with a commitment, a child and an activity, or a coworker with a promised assignment, we have all fallen short.
Promises always depend on the individual who is making them. In this case, God Himself, who begins by reminding Moses of his faithfulness and ability to complete His promise, is the one making the promise. When God answers, “I am who I am”, He’s really pointing out that He is who He always was, and who He will continue to be. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” When we ask the question, “why can Moses faithfully move forward to obediently follow God into scary territory”, our answer has to revolve around the faithfulness of God.
Questions to Consider:
We’re 9 days into the new year. Where have you seen the faithfulness of God so far?
Practically speaking, what are some ways you can remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in the middle of upcoming trials?
January 10th: Why Go Alone?
Scripture Reading: Exodus 4:10-17: “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.’”
So What:
Moses has heard the Lord’s response and been shown signs, but he’s still doubting. Again, instead of looking to the Lord’s faithfulness, Moses looks inward. “I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Moses is making excuses, but instead of simply saying he won’t go, he implores the Lord to send someone else. The Lord could have evaporated him out of existence, or chosen to just use someone else, but instead, God…agrees to send someone else with him. His brother, Aaron, will be sent alongside Moses to free God’s people. God shows Himself to be kind to Moses, even in his weakness.
Now What:
God is so kind to us as we look to Him for hope and help. If we were in charge, we might roll our eyes when people need help, ignore them, or be overwhelmed by everything else we have to accomplish. But God, in his kindness, answers our needs as a loving father. He has unlimited resources, He isn’t overwhelmed, and He genuinely cares for us. When Moses asked for help, God answered by sending his community with Moses on his journey. God has done likewise with us. He has surrounded us with believers who care for us, encourage us, and walk with us as we try to faithfully live out the calling God has on our lives. We get the privilege of serving as a community for those around us as well, caring for and encouraging them.
Questions to Consider:
Who has God placed around you to encourage you and empower you to follow Him more faithfully?
God has a calling on your life in this season. Who do you need to share that calling with that God might use to encourage you along the way?
January 11th: Why Should I?
Scripture Reading: Exodus 5:1-9: “But Pharaoh said, ’Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.’”
So What:
Moses and Aaron have come to the Pharaoh. Seemingly, as they begin the conversation with Pharaoh, they’ve low-balled him. Instead of asking for the full and immediate release of God’s people, they simply ask to go and hold a religious feast in the wilderness. But Pharaoh, who doesn’t have a relationship with God, responds poorly – I don’t know God, so why would I listen to Him or to you? But here’s where it gets personal – Instead of simply saying “no”, the pharaoh lays even harsher burdens on the people. If the people were hurting before under his rule, they’re in an even worse state now. It seems like Pharaoh is angry for even being asked. In his ignorance, he wounds the people of God, and in his pride, he refuses to hear from Moses.
Now What:
Ignorance, pride, and anger will keep us from hearing from God and doing His will. In Pharaoh’s case, it’s his unwillingness to listen to others that leads him off the path towards reconciliation. In our case, we can let pride, ignorance, and anger blind us to what God is trying to do in us and through us. Where Pharaoh, in his anger, tries to cling to control, we too have a tendency to hold on to what isn’t ours.
God has entrusted us with so much – families, finances, relationships, and time. When we pretend those belong to us, we’ll move towards anger and pride when God has other plans for what actually belongs to Him.
The book of James tells us to ask God for wisdom. Today is a great day to do just that.
Questions to Consider:
When has anger, pride, or ignorance led you to sin against God or others, or miss what God was up to?
Surrendering our lives, even the parts we cherish, to the Lord can be difficult. What things are easy for you to surrender? What parts of your life are more difficult to give up control of?
January 12th: The Practice of Confession
Scripture Reading: Exodus 6:1-13: “But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?’”
So What:
God’s people are still suffering under the unjust rule of Egypt, but God has reminded Moses that He, without fail, is going to rescue His people. Moses is still struggling in the midst of God’s plan though – He continues to ask why anyone would listen to him, since he’s not completely holy. (“I am of uncircumcised lips.”)
Now What:
This week, as a part of our Friday practice, we’re inviting you into intentionally practicing confession before the Lord. Like Moses, we struggle with sin, with our calling, and with keeping our minds and hearts set on His faithfulness.
This week’s practice is the practice of confession. For some of us, we may picture sharing our deepest darkest secrets with a priest sitting right around the corner. For some of us, we may think that it’s just the act of revealing something to God. Instead, confession is the practice of sharing what’s true about God, sharing what’s true about you, and then, because we know the character of God, practicing gratitude.
Questions to Consider:
Have you ever felt stuck? Like God had you in a place, job, or situation that felt impossible? How did that grow or change you?
Are you holding back on what God has called you to because you don’t feel qualified, or like you’re good enough? Take these feelings to the Lord, and ask Him to show you how He’s equipped you.
January 13th: The WHERE
Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:1-17: “And he said to him, ’If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’”
So What:
We’ll jump back into Moses’ story shortly, but it’s worth pausing at this point in the journey. Here’s why: we don’t really know where we’re going. Sure, we know God is leading the people out of Egypt, but to what end? It would be easy to say the promised land. But in this passage (found right after the golden calf in the previous chapter), Moses is given the opportunity to head on towards the promised land. The only problem – God says he’ll send an angel with them, but He won’t go, Himself, “lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”
Now What:
Where are we headed? For the people of Israel, this was an opportunity to check their hearts. What were they really after? It would have been easy to say that they were running towards a place filled with food and an easy, slavery-free existence. That’s partially true. But Moses’ answer brings us to a better “where”. “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” The place that the people of Israel were headed to was God’s presence, not just a beautiful landscape.
For us, it’s worth asking. What are we really after with the Lord? Do we want His stuff, or His presence? By stuff, we could fill that in with any sort of blessing we can think of; Healing for a sick relative, financial providence, peace from anxiety. None of those are bad things. The question for us is this: Do we want those things more than we want God?
Moses shows us that what we’re really after is the Lord’s presence.
Questions to Consider:
When have you felt closest to God in your life? If that’s not today, what’s different? What are some things you could do to intentionally get into God’s presence in this season?
Are there things that you’ve desired more than to be in God’s presence? How can you hand those back to the Lord, so that He can put them in their rightful place?
January 14th: Where God is at Work
Scripture Reading: Exodus 7: “Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ’When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Prove yourselves by working a miracle,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.’”
So What:
Jumping back into Moses’ story, we see God instructing Moses in how his confrontation with Pharaoh is going to go down. Shortly after, two wild miracles happen in this chapter; Moses staff turning into a snake and devouring the similar tricks of Egypt’s priests, and the turning of the water of the Nile into blood. As the life source of Egypt, the removal of the water of the Nile would have been a devastating blow against its people and leadership.
As we consider yesterday’s reminder of moving, not just towards a promised land, but into God’s promised presence, it’s important to see something here: God is already doing things that go beyond the power of men. To be in his presence is to be a witness to incredible things that go beyond our own ability and strength.
Now What:
In God’s presence, we can experience things that go beyond our own ability and understanding. From the beginning of Moses’ story until this chapter, we have seen Moses experience incredible conversations with God, and manifestations of His power in the world.
For us to experience the healing we hope for, unity in our families, and ability to follow through with what God has called us to, we don’t need to run after those things. We need to run as hard as we can after the presence of God. God will meet us in our need, and change everything, simply by being with us.
Questions to Consider:
God has promised that He’ll always be with us. For believers, where do we see this in Scripture? How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
If someone were to share with you that they feel distant from God, how might you advise them to move back towards the Lord?
January 15th: Where God Reigns
Scripture Reading: Exodus 8-10: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ’Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.’ So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days.”
So What:
Today was a longer reading, but it’s a great opportunity to see the battle that wages between Pharaoh and Moses. When you think about it though, it’s not just a battle between two men. It’s a battle between: freedom and slavery; darkness and light; pride and humility. Consider the remarkably different attitudes, even between Moses and Pharaoh. Moses comes to the battle scared of rejection, unsure of himself, but certain that God is with Him. Pharaoh shows up aggressive and proud, sure of himself, and uncertain about this God that he hasn’t dealt with before. By the end of today’s reading, we see God over all, working through darkness, plagues, his people, and nature itself to win the battle and set his people free.
Now What:
Where God reigns and rules, there is freedom and hope. But along the way, there is a battle to be fought. In this particular reading we see two kingdoms that we can be a part of. In one kingdom, there is a King looking to set his people free. This King will do everything in His power to rescue, save, and free. He has demonstrated power over nature and the universe – in fact, He created it all, and rightfully deserves the allegiance of every member of His creation.
In the other kingdom, we see a leader looking to control and enslave his people. This king will do everything in his power to hold on to his power and submit to no one. He has demonstrated the power to enslave, the power to withhold good gifts, and the power to oppress. He has created nothing, but through force, secures his hold on others.
As followers of Jesus, we’re invited to choose which kingdom we will belong to. We can choose to submit to our good God who loves us, chose us, and invites us into life. Or we can choose to submit to the kingdoms of the world who will use us, abuse us, and invite us into death.
We can choose to be in the kingdom where God reigns over all, lovingly and graciously.
Questions to Consider:
When you consider the idea that there are two kingdoms, one of light and darkness revealed in scripture, how would you describe God’s kingdom as found in the Bible?
What pieces of our old kingdom and our old lives do you still need to get rid of? False allegiances and old habits hold us back from living out our kingdom calling.
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