The House You're Building

  Introduction :  All over the world, no matter what culture or time period, traditions are part of the human experience.  Anticipating a gathering of friends and family, with routines that we repeat annually when we gather is something hardwired into us. The God who created us implanted this desire into humanity and guided His people to memorialize His story of rescue within them.  As we continue our broad survey of Exodus, this week’s section of the book is as familiar as the plagues to most readers-the Passover and exit from Egypt as they miraculously cross the Red Sea.    Not only did God institute these rituals to remind His people in the past of His great power and holiness, He uses them as a symbol for us today.  The Passover commemorated the Israelite’s escape from death, as the blood on the door served as a vivid picture they were sin was covered, which would signal the angel to pass over their home.  As we read of the Feast of Unleaven...

  Introduction:   I have two children and raising them into their teens has taken two different approaches.  My son is pretty straight forward.  He is a logical young man and it’s always been rational conversation that has helped him see the light.  My daughter on the other hand is all heart.  She fires up quickly and needs time to process her emotions before having a conversation where she can admit to wrongdoing.  Though I did my best to treat them the same, their response to my authority had two different outcomes.     In this section of Exodus, we see God the Father begin to parent His children.  He begins His rescue mission by showing His power to the Israelites.  We see two different responses to His displays of power.  In beholding the majesty of God, the Hebrews begin to trust in God and Pharaoh becomes more and more stubborn and determined to rebel.  Despite their ...