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For I know the plans I have for you,declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11 |
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| Archived Manna: | |
Dear
Friend,
If you do not already have a habit of gathering daily manna the first thing in the morning (we can look at the example given to us in Exodus 16 and find the pattern for make it a habit. Establish your life and your schedule to allow you the necessary time to do your daily collection first thing every morning to give you the strength to make it through the day. And remember that today’s manna will not be sufficient for tomorrow; tomorrow’s manna must be collected tomorrow morning. Saturday, February 20, 2021
Today's Passage : Today's Passage :Pillars of Cloud and Fire Bible Verse:Exodus 13:21-22 (ESV) "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. Exodus Map - Hammond Exodus Map 2 " Message:
The Difficult Shift to Monotheism
The identity of the pillars is unknown. Although the text speaks of two “pillars,” only one is visible at any time. Possibly, God manifested Himself as one pillar that changed appearance. Or perhaps it is not an appearance of God in a visible form — a “theophany” — at all, for it is later described as “an angel,” which is an actual being sent by God as a messenger. The pillar changes appearance not only to remain visible, but also, to represent comfort against the elements: cloud, associated with cool shade and rain, during the hot day, and fire, representing light and heat in the dark and cold desert night.
Exodus|Pillar of Cloud
Not that God is approachable or actually provides cover and physical comfort; the pillar is not in the midst of the horde, but always in the distance showing them the direction of travel. It calls to mind the Star of Bethlehem. It is a directional beacon and a living promise of comfort to come, if people will only follow.
Even more important than a directional beacon, though, is the constant reassurance that God is present. He is with them. The actual God is differentiating Himself from the gods of Egypt. To the Egyptian, like all the ancients, the gods and goddesses were fickle, capricious beings, often bickering and fighting among themselves, and absorbed with their own existence. Although powerful, they occupied space and time; one needed to catch their attention and hope that one might convince them to use their power helpfully.
The concept of a loving and constant God was difficult to grasp. Pharaoh cannot grasp it, at all; his behavior, which seems so irrational to us, becomes more coherent when we understand that he expects this slave god to tire of the game and wander off at some point.
And the same fear lies in the minds of the Hebrews. What will become of them if this Yahweh simply disappears? Their belief is fragile, so God nurses it along and forgives them their many doubts. And to help them, He stays with them 24/7, as if they are newborns. The pillar is not an empty reminder sent by God, however; it is either God Himself, made manifest, or his personal messenger.
Meditation : Prayer : As I travel through the rest of my day, may the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope........Amen |
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