Week 7 - Exodus

Well I don't know about you, but as I read these chapters - the Prince of Egypt music kept singing in my head. Funny how a movie adaptation can change your perception of the scripture. As you read this week, consider these questions.

1. Pharaoh's hard heart...Sometimes we make really unwise choices. We know they are unwise, but we do it anyway. Sometimes the consequences of these choices is a disastrous path for ourselves that is impossible to escape. The result of unwise choices. We have, in essence, hardened our heart to God's wisdom by our insistence of doing what we know is unwise. I wonder if Pharaoh was this way? Have you made choices that have hardened your heart? Choices that have consumed your life and you feel you have no way out? (For more insight on this see page 110 of the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible).

2. Have you given God the hard spots of your heart? What hardens your heart to God's presence?

3. My 21st century mind struggles with God killing all the firstborn. I remember my sister saying to me at a young age "Don't put your God in a tidy, little box." While our conversation was not about this scripture, I am reminded that God is not easy, nor is He always understood. We like to believe what we like about Christianity and ignore the pieces we don't understand. God is mysterious. God is Holy. We are not in control. We see things dimly (I Cor 13:12). We cannot take Him for granted. How do you respond to these thoughts?

4. The pillar of cloud & fire - God leads constantly. Are you allowing Him to lead your life?

5. The parting of the Red Sea. If the people of Israel had known this was coming, would they have followed Moses? Sometimes we want life all laid out. God demands faith and obedience. Sometimes we have to step out in faith knowing that God will part our personal Red Seas. Why are you hesitating? He is waiting to part your personal sea.

6. Manna - In Hebrew "manna" means "What is it?" Sometimes God feeds us in unexpected ways. "We must be careful not to turn away from something because it appears odd and unfamiliar. Many times God does something and we say, "What is it?" - only to find out it is the very thing we need." (Quote from Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible notes on page 121) Sound familiar? It certainly does to me.

7. Exodus 18:18 "You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone." In the previous chapter Aaron and Hur hold up Moses' weary arms. Moses appoints judges to assist with the governing of all these people. As we grow spiritually, we must admit to our limitations. Going it alone is never a good idea. Today allow sometime to hold up your arms. Today allow someone to walk beside you. Personally, I find this difficult. In my head I know it's right. I'd still rather go it alone. Dumb.



Many of the thoughts and questions this week have been inspired or taken from the notes in the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible. I highly recommend this Bible as a reference for those of you who want to read scripture with a spiritual formation angle. There will be one in the church library in a couple weeks for your reference if you want to check it out.