Invisible Infinities

The Infinite King

2010-07-20T00:49:00.002-05:00

Passage: Exodus 38-39

Questions and Comments:

Keep in mind what I said for the previous chapter.
What is all the necessity of this opulence? What is the necessity in recoding this?

Tabernacling with the Invisible

2010-07-16T11:27:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 36:8-38 and Exodus 37

Background:

The tabernacle was literally where God met His people.

Questions and Comments:

What is the purpose of all these (tabernacle, ark, table, lampstand, etc.)?
Although we just read about God's instructions to Moses about how to build all the elements, it's repeated again here to show that the people did indeed follow God's commands. The repetition also stands to emphasize the grandeur.

Blessed by the Infinite

2010-07-14T01:52:00.002-05:00

Passage: Exodus 35-36:1-7

Background:

If you remember, keeping the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20)

Questions and Comments:

Why does God make the punishment for breaking the Sabbath so drastic? In other words, why does God want us to keep the Sabbath?
It's interesting to note that God only asks those who are willing to come forward and give to the building of the tabernacle. Interesting because He's the One who gave them these worldly possessions in the first place.
Bezalel and Oholiab were gifted as craftsmen and they answered God's calling to used their gifts to glorify Him. What kind of talents has God blessed you with and how can they be used of the Kingdom?
O_O at 36:5-7!

Infinite grace

2010-07-12T00:21:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 34

Background:

Asherah was a goddess of the lands around Canaan. Later when Israel strayed, she would be integrated into their culture and elevated to God's partner. Here's a picture of an Asherah pole:

Questions and Comments:

What do you think about v. 7? How about after reading Ezekiel 18:20?
What does it mean for God to be jealous? How is it different than what we usually think of when we hear the word jealous?
Moses spends forty days and forty nights on the mountain with God. To me, this echoes the story of Noah. For forty days and forty nights, God caused rain to fall on the earth, washing away His creation so He could start anew with Noah's family. In Exodus, Moses spends forty days and forty nights with God to wipe clean the sins of Israel and start anew with the new tablets.
After Moses spent time in the presence of God, it was obvious to everyone else the change that occurred.

The glory of the Infinite

2010-07-10T03:59:00.005-05:00

Passage: Exodus 33

Background:

Always remember the context of the passage/the events that occurred beforehand. So in this case, Chapter 33 is following the golden cafe incident.

Questions and Comments:

Why does God divert his whole judgment? Read 2 Peter 3:9
Despite Israel's blatant disobedience, God chooses to extend grace by confirming His covenant promise given to Israel's forefathers. He also promises that His Presence will go out with them and lead them.
Notice Israel's behavior when God's Presence is with them in the tent of meeting. How does this differ from the way we choose to enter into God's Presence? Does it differ?
Meditate on Moses reply to God in v. 15-16. How can you answer God in the same spirit?
Why can't God show Moses the full extent of His glory as Moses was then (besides that Moses would die)?

In Nehemiah 9, Nehemiah confesses Israel's sin. Read v.9-18, 33-34.

Trusting the Invisible

2010-07-07T01:33:00.002-05:00

Passage: Exodus 31-32

Background:

Keeping the Sabbath holy is the only of the 10 Commandments not repeated in the New Testament. It is explicitly not required in Colossians 2:16.
MacArthur writes "Untimely or premature death would constitute being blotted out of the book" of the living (v. 32).

Questions and Comments:

Before judging the Isrealites harshly for turning so quickly to idolatry after God performed many miracles and freed them from slavery in Egypt, try to relate to their actions and motives (making your own plans/solutions instead of waiting on God's timing, mixing up the Christian lifestyle with practices of those around you, lying/blaming others to make your mistakes seem not as bad, etc.).
Notice the Isrealites view Moses as the one who led them out of Egypt, instead of God.
Notice God calls the Isrealites Moses' people instead of His own and He comes very close to doing a Noah's ark repeat. Notice Moses calls the Isrealites God's people.
When we pray for nonbelievers or the unfaithful who may die soon (from cancer, etc.), should we pray like Moses, reminding God of His promises?
Did God change His mind and is therefore imperfect?
Compare Aaron's response to Moses to Adam and Eve's response to God (Genesis 3:9-13).
Notice that despite killing many, Moses loved the Isrealites so much he would sacrifice his own life.

Before the Infinite pt.3

2010-07-02T01:57:00.002-05:00

Passage: Exodus 30

Background:

The curtain in v. 6 is the one that separates the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. Once a year, the high priest entered into the Holy of Holies to meet with God and to make the atoning sacrifice for the rest of Israel (v.10).

Questions and Comments:

Each one of us has a debt, or ransom, to pay (v. 12). It's important to note that both the rich and the poor pay the same amount. The money isn't literally buying yourself into favor with God, but it serves as a symbol for the ransom that needs to be paid for sin.
The perfumer is the one who makes the sacred anointing oil and incense. What has God gifted you with that you can use to serve Him and the Kingdom?

Before the Infinite pt. 2

2010-06-30T00:05:00.004-05:00

Passage: Exodus 29

Background:

When the priest lays his hands upon an animal before sacrificing, he's transferring sin to the animal.

Questions and Comments:

What is the point to all these offerings? What is up with all the blood?
Why does the sin offering (v. 14) need to be be burned outside of the camp?
In v. 20, the priest puts blood on his ear, hand, and foot. This symbolizes that the priest is consecrating his ears to listen to God, his hands to do the will of God, and his feet to walk in the way of God.
Read Psalm 50:8-15

Before the Infinite

2010-06-28T01:41:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 28

Background:

Gold, blue, purple, and scarlet were all colors of royalty.
I had trouble picturing the priestly garments, so I looked up a picture. The ephod is depicted as the yellow cloth underneath the breastplate.
The priests role was to intercede between the sinful people and the holy God.

Questions and Comments:

The priests wore onyx stones with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on their shoulders and precious stones representing each tribe over their hearts. This symbolized their role in bearing the burden of the people.
The priest wore bells so that those on the outside could hear whether he was still alive, or struck dead by God.
What is the use of all these rules and regulations for coming before God? The priest could be struck down for any deviation from the law. How has our situation changed for coming into God's presence? How is it stayed the same?

The Way to the Invisible

2010-06-25T01:14:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 26-27

Background:

Pure oil of pressed olives gives almost smoke free light.

Questions and Comments:

Does any other sacred text specify to great detail how to build a temple?
What is the significance of the many curtains, boards, bars, veil and screen for the tabernacle and court? How does that deepen your understanding of what Jesus accomplished through His crucifixion and resurrection?
The walls of the court were high enough to prevent anyone from seeing anything inside.
There is only one entrance into the court. (John 14:6)

The Invisible dwells amongst us

2010-06-22T23:51:00.004-05:00

I'm skipping some passages about the laws because I want to focus on things like the tabernacle. You can read the skipped passages if you like, it does, like Paul says in the NT, give you more of an understanding of our sinfulness and God's grace.

Passage: Exodus 25

Background:

The tabernacle was viewed as the literal dwelling place of God on earth.
A cherubim is one type of angel.

Questions and Comments:

What is a mercy seat, or atonement cover (v. 17)? Read Romans 3:21-25 for better understanding.
Did you notice that God does all the initiating? God comes down and dwells among us (v. 8) and He comes to meet with us (v. 22).
Why does God want Moses to construct all these things (i.e. the table, lampstand, etc.)?

To Infinity

2010-06-21T15:26:00.002-05:00

Passage: Exodus 19-20

Background:

A covenant is more than just a contract between two parties. Yes it is a mutual agreement, but the relationship between the two parties isn't based on either party holding up its end of the bargain. A covenant is based on the two parties already having a relationship with each other. No matter whether each end is held up, the relationship still stands.
Before entering the presence of God, the Israelites consecrated themselves by participating in ritual washing of their bodies and clothes. In this time, they were also expected to wash their hearts and minds of any impurities.

Questions and Comments:

God calls Israel a kingdom of priests. What does this mean for them and for those who claim the name of Christ?
I found 19:21 very interesting
Ten simple commandments. Black and white right?

Link to the Invisible

2010-06-18T00:28:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 18

Background:

Remember, Jethro is a Midianite (i.e. not an Israelite)
The mountain of God, Mount Herob, is thought to be another name for Mount Sinai

Questions and Comments:

Moses' testimony of God's work leads Jethro to worship God. What kind of impact can your testimony have?
What do we learn about leadership and discipleship from Moses and Jethro?

Leading God's people

2010-06-16T01:55:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 17

Background:

The Amalekites were the descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau (the older twin brother of Jacob)

Questions and Comments:

I think the two groups of people we give the hardest time when reading the Bible are the Israelites under Moses and the Jews during Jesus' time. Both lacked faith in the face of such great signs and miracles. There are lots of questions I could ask with that introduction, but the one I'm asking is: What are the dangers of living on a diet of miracles?
Why would Moses only show the water from the rock miracle to the elders?
Notice how God is raising Joshua up as a leader?

Invisible Providence

2010-06-13T23:14:00.006-05:00

Passage: Exodus 15-16

Background:

A natural explanation for the quails is that they were migratory birds that often fell to the ground from exhaustion. There are ancient Egyptian paintings of people catching these quail with nets.
Manna comes from an older way of asking "What is it?"

Questions and Comments:

There is a sharp contrast in Moses' song between his words of praise to God and the enemy's words of arrogance (15:9). Are your words to God (for example prayer) filled with I's or You's?
Miriam is the first woman to be called a prophet.
Don't be quick to judge the Israelites for complaining about bad water and no food right after being so gloriously saved from enslavement by the Egyptians. How many times have you grumbled about small annoyances or inconveniences? Meditate on the last sentence of 16:8.
As a society we are obsessed with security what with insurance and hoarding, etc. While some excuses go along the lines of taking care of what God has given us, there is the sin of not trusting that God will provide. Try living with the awareness that your life, all aspects of it not just food, are dependent upon God's will alone. How will that change how you approach handling money, time, etc.?

Fire and Clouds

2010-06-12T01:41:00.004-05:00

Passage: Exodus 13-14

Background:

In 13:9 and then again in 16, the sign on the hand and forehand are called phylacteries, and are still observed today in modern Jewish culture
Fun fact: Joseph’s body was embalmed like a mummy! (Genesis 50:26)

Questions and Comments:

By giving up the firstborn male, the Israelites are placing their trust in God to provide them with a way to multiply their crops and to carry on their names through their sons
Often times in the rest of the OT, God is referred to as the God who brought Israel out of Egypt. After He delivers Israel into the promise land, He is then associated with that. Why does God constantly remind Israel of what He has done?
How does God provide for His people?
Did you notice in 14:21 God took the whole night to split the Red Sea with a strong east wind? But I guess that’s not cinematically appealing…

Read Psalm 20 (especially pay attention to v. 7)

Deliverance comes from the Infinite

2010-06-10T01:49:00.001-05:00

Passage: Exodus 11-12

Background:

The Passover is one of the central rituals that sets Israel apart from the rest of the nations

Questions and Comments:

Read chapter 12 especially carefully. It has EVERYTHING to do with Christ. From Christ being the firstborn to Christ being the Lamb of God.
Why does God target the firstborn son? Alternatively, what is the significance of the firstborn son?
Why does God tell the Israelites to exclude yeast? 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

Signs from the Invisible

2010-06-07T17:51:00.004-05:00

Passage: Exodus 8:20-10:29

Background:

Hapi - god of the Nile
Heqet - goddess of fertility (had the head of a frog)
Geb - god of earth
Khepri - god of the dawning sun (associated with scarabs and flies)
Apis - sacred bull
Imhotep - god of healing
Nut - goddess of the sky
Nepri - god of grain
Ra - god of the sun

Questions and Comments:

What is the purpose of miracles and signs? Matthew 11:2-5
Each time Pharaoh comes to Moses to lift a plague, he is admitting that the corresponding Egyptian god/goddess is helpless before Yahweh
Even though it’s Pharaoh sinning, all of Egypt suffers, including the animals and the earth (think Big Picture diagram)
How is the plague of hail different from the previous plagues in its association with who it affected?
Moses said, "Let my people go, so that they may serve God," and Pharaoh replied no. Not only is Pharaoh not serving God, one of the ways man glorifies God, he is preventing the Israelites from fulfilling their purpose.
This is off topic, but... In all other instances God allows Israel to suffer because of their unfaithfulness. But in the case of the enslavement of Israel, the Bible is silent on what sin they were guilty of committing. What do you think?

Read Psalm 17: 6-15

This is a long passage, so next post will be on Thursday instead of Wednesday.

Infinitely powerful

2010-06-04T16:20:00.004-05:00

Passage: Exodus 6:13-8:19

Background:

The Nile River was the most important water source for the Egyptians during Moses’ time. The Egyptians used the water for drinking, bathing, washing clothes, watering their crops, catching fish, etc. Because of its importance, the Egyptians also worshiped the Nile.

Questions and Comments:

What does it mean that Moses will be God to Pharaoh (7:1)?
Keep in mind that each miracle/plague God does has a purpose.
Also, think about the order of the plagues.

Faith in the Invisible

2010-06-02T14:56:00.002-05:00

Passage: Exodus 5-6:12

Background:

The Israelites had to leave Egypt to sacrifice to Yahweh because the Egyptians found their sacrifices detestable

Questions and Comments:

Compare v. 21 with 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
Moses received a clear calling from God (Exodus 3), does exactly what God tells him to do, but when he goes to talk to Pharaoh, he doesn’t get the result he expects (5: 22-23). How does God respond?
How does kingship under Pharaoh differ from kingship under God?

Get ready for plagues!!!!!

Infinite provision

2010-05-31T01:56:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 4

Background:

Circumcision had significance as a rite of marriage or of puberty in the ancient world before it became part of the identity of the Hebrew people
In v. 24-25, Moses may actually refer to Moses' son

Questions:

What are Moses' excuses? How does God provide?
Why does God identify himself with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
Why does God harden hearts? [Hint: Romans 1:18-32]
What is stopping you from saying yes to God's calling?

And on the seventh day God rested......

2010-05-30T01:49:00.003-05:00

Invisible Infinities pauses on Sunday. Go over your sermon notes :) Will resume tomorrow.

He is infinitely........

2010-05-28T11:07:00.003-05:00

Passage: Exodus 3

Background:

Forget about the bush burning blue like in the Prince of Egypt
In v. 14-15, "I AM" and "LORD" refer to the Hebrew Yahweh, which is associated with the personal/relational character of God vs. Elohim, the transcendent Creator of all things

Questions:

How does God feel about human suffering?
What's stopping Moses from saying yes to God's calling? How does God answer Moses?
Would you have more questions for God, or would you just go?

Comments:

Notice in v. 8, God comes down to us
When Moses is in doubt, God promises Himself

Invisible, but apparent

2010-05-26T11:46:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder, inductive Bible study starts with good observations, that lead to good questions, that then hopefully lead to correct interpretation/application.

Passage: Exodus 1-2

Background:

Abraham fathered Isaac, who fathered Jacob (aka Israel), who then fathered 12 sons (known as the 12 tribes of Israel)
God's covenant/agreement with Abraham written in Genesis 12:1-3
If you want to read about how Israel came to be in Egypt, read the story of Joseph in Genesis 37, 39-47
The Midianites were the descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah

Some questions to consider as you read:

How does the fear of man and the fear of God influence how people act? Look at the Egyptians, midwives, Moses' parents, and Moses.
How does God bless and protect His people?

Read/pray Psalm 20

The extent of Infinity

2010-05-12T02:08:00.004-05:00

Let me explain to you the beginnings/purpose(s) of this blog:

Last week I had an eureka moment during QT. I hit upon a particularly awesome passage of the Bible. So as I lay there thinking how great this was, I had an overwhelming desire to share this with someone. But since it was 3 am, I felt like I couldn't just call someone, and even if it wasn't 3 am, I didn't know who I would call. I got to thinking about this, and my ADHD mind started thinking about the movie Julie and Julia. I have no idea why I thought about that movie, but it got me thinking about blogs. And that's when it hit me. The big eureka moment. Why don't I start a blog about the thoughts that go through my head during my devotionals?

Which leads me to the purposes of this blog. I see this as a way for me to share with the Body what I've been reading/learning through QTs and hear from others what they think about the passage. This idea is also influenced by all the talk I hear from others about how it's so hard to do QTs over the summer. It's also influenced by the talk I hear about the Bible being difficult to read sometimes. This is just one solution to those problems. If we all go through the same passages, we're more likely to keep up with it, understand it better, etc. etc. Of course this takes both effort from me and from anyone who wishes to participate. I envision this to be an interactive process where we can bounce ideas off each other in search for a greater meaning in our QTs than just the surface.

At this point I don't know which book of the Bible I want to go through. I'm not so sure people are as adamant about going through the part of the Bible I'm currently in for QTs. And if you want to know which passage spurred on this eureka, it's Job 9:32-35. It has crazy parallels to Hebrews 4:14-16.

BTW, I'm not starting until after REC WEEK. See you then.