... the Bible reading for week of June 22-28, 2020 (Exodus 1-3)

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Exodus 1:20

So God dealt well with the midwives and the people kept increasing and becoming very mighty.

The midwives were told by the king to kill the sons but preserve the daughters. But, they feared Jehovah. So, it is obvious that the faith in God was passed down to the next generation. Because they obeyed Jehovah rather than man, they were blessed with families of their own. Jehovah truly appreciates efforts by his servants to remain obedient.

It is also clear that Jehovah did not abandon the Israelites, but helped them to prosper and become many, despite the oppression they suffered at Egypt's hand. He had told Abraham that they would be oppressed for 430 years, then he reaffirmed his promise to Jacob that the Israelites would be taken from Egypt and given the land of Canaan.

Ex. 2:10

... She [Pharaoh's daughter] named him Moses

This was interesting. In the new system, it would be cool to ask Moses what name his own mother called him. Also, it was Jehovah who caused the events to allow Moses to be nursed by his mother (and she got paid for it), so druing this time, she taught him about Jehovah. He did not forget his roots, though he grew up in the education that Egypt provided.

Ex. 2:17

... At this Moses got up and helped th womenand watered their flock.

Even at the time, when he ran from Egypt because he was wanted for murder, Moses was a humble man, and helped these women. He was approximately 40 years of age at this point, because he was 89 when Jehovah assigned him to deliver Israel and he has spent 40 years living in Midian.

Moses helped these women ithout expecting anything in return. He didn't demand payment or request anything. He decided to stay when Reuel, the father of the women, invited him and and gave him one of his daughters in marriage. His act of kindness was blessed by Jehovah.

At the end of chapter two, it talks about how Jehovah "remembered his covenant with Abraham", but Jehovah was right on time in delivering His people from bondage in Egypt.

Chapter 3 starts off with naming Moses' father-in-law as Jethro, not Reuel (in chapter 2). Research indicates that Jethro may have been a title, and that it was also common for Arabian chiefs to have more than one name, but Jethro/Reuel refer to the same person.

Ex. 3:9

The outcry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen also the harsh way the the Egyptians are oppressing them.

People who say that God doesn't see what's going on in the world today are mistaken. He is aware of everything, how people treat each other, how husbands and wives treat each other. In time, He takes action in ways that glorify His name and His sovreignty. Those who think He won't do anything will be in for a surprise!

Ex. 3:14

..."I Will Become What I Choose to Become"...

This is what Jehovah's name means. Simply put, He does whatever he wants to accomplish His will. Absolutely nothing can stop his will from succeeding. With the nation of Israel, He was their Savior, He fed them plentifully, He was their Leader, their Protector, their Law-giver. He does whatever He chooses becuase He truly has abolute freedome. A name to fear and respect.

Exodus is good to read how Jehovah dealt with his people, even when they acted foolishly and rebelled and complained many times.

Keep reading and stay safe!

... the Bible reading for week of June 15-21, 2020 (Gen. 48-50)

Genesis 48-50

Gen. 48:14

However, Israel put out his right hand and placed it on Eʹphra·im’s head, although he was the younger, and he placed his left hand on Ma·nasʹseh’s head. He purposely laid his hands this way, since Ma·nasʹseh was the firstborn.

This was interesting, but after researching this, it may have been a result of what happened to Jacob, when Isaac blessed him instead of his older brother, Esau. The right hand signifies favor. Both boys became many, and were listed as part of the 12 tribes of Israel, replacing Joseph. The tribe of Levi got no land, so both Ephraim and Manasseh received their land allotments.

Gen. 49;4 refers to Reuben defiling Israel's bed. This happened when Reuben had sexual intercourse with Jacob's wife, Bilhah, given to him by Rachel.

Gen. 49:10

The scepter will not depart from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shiʹloh comes, and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong.

Jesus was a descendant of Judah and fulfilled this prophecy.

Gen 49:24 Jacob acknowledged Joseph's suffering at the hends of his brothers, but attributed Jehovah, "the shepherd, the stone of Israel" with protecting and blessing Joseph through his tenure in Egypt.

Gen. 50:17 showed that Joseph's brothers still felt guilty of what they had done to Joseph and were afraid that now that their father was dead, Joseph would get revenge, so they sent an apology, asking for forgiveness. This touched Joseph's heart, even thout he had forgiven them already.

We all still feel guilty over what mistakes we've done in the past. Jehovah is loving and kind. When He forgives, he truly forgives and drops it. This is a comfort to me, as I have had a long history of mistakes. Other people may not be as forgiving, but I trust my God, Jehovah, that His forgiveness is perfect. It's not limitless, meaning that if we willfully continue sin, He may not forgive us. It's important to continue to ask for forgiveness in our prayers, but we should work along with praying for it, with actions that prove that we are repentant. This may include going to the elders when it is something really serious, or some other act of atonement.

Looking forward to the lessons we can learn about Jehovah in Exodus.