Chapter 9 - The Faith of a Foreign Woman

Ruth 1-4

Introduction to the Reading: Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit – Perhaps someday it will be pleasant to have remembered even these things” – Virgil’s Aeneid.  Do you remember a time from your past that was just miserable, but now you are able to laugh about it?  I remember coming back from a mission trip in Canada.  The trip was great, but I was exhausted.  My grandmother had passed away that spring so we were cleaning out her home and it was getting late. Then, on my way home I crashed into a 1994 Geo Tracker Convertible.  The poor 16 year old girl had just been in an accident that was her fault 2 weeks earlier. She wasn’t hurt, but she was so scared to tell her parents. It turned out, part of the reason I was so exhausted was because I had mono.  I shouldn’t have even been driving.  Now, I can look back on all that and it’s not so terrible.  It was one of those days.  I can even joke about it now.

Today we will read about a woman whose life was "bitter." She had suffered in many different ways: she had endured a famine, lived in a foreign land, lost her husband, and even saw her only two sons die. Nonetheless, in the end, it is a joyful, happy story. It is a love story - a story of love between a couple, love between in-laws, and if you notice - love from the Lord.

Before You Read - Background of the Book of Ruth: The story of Ruth stands in stark contrast to the book of Judges, even though the events occur during the same period. You may think of it as a diamond in the rough: a shining ray of hope during a very dark period for the Israelites. We see love and faithfulness between individuals. More than that, while the Israelites are turning away from the Lord, we see an unbeliever coming to faith in the Lord.

  

Interesting Tidbit: The book of Ruth is traditionally read by the Jews on Pentecost. You may wonder why because we think of Pentecost as the festival of the Holy Spirit. But do you remember why the disciples were gathered together in the first place? Pentecost is a harvest festival. They were having what amounts to the Jewish version of our Thanksgiving dinner. Ruth had something more than just food to be thankful for at the harvest, and so we too are reminded that the Lord has richly blessed us as well.

Time to Slow it Down - Bottom of Pages 122 "Where you go, I will go..." Things weren't going well, were they? Naomi had left home with her husband because of a famine. Now, not only was he dead, but her two sons as well. As a woman, Naomi (whose name actually means "pleasant.") had a problem: she had no way to support herself. On top of it, as a foreigner in Moab she wouldn't get much help from anyone, and the only two individuals who she was close to, her daughters-in-law, had lost their husbands and were essentially in the same boat.

On top of the physical difficulties, we also notice a spiritual problem. Like many of the Israelites during the period of the judges, Elimelek had apparently turned to foreign, pagan nations for help rather than turning to the Lord. Then his sons married the "wrong type of women" for a faithful Israelite - they married Moabites. The Lord said his people were not to intermarry with the pagan nations around them. In fact, do you remember how the Lord sent a plague on the Israelites for having sex with the Moabite women? (p. 82-83; Numbers 25; cf. also Nehemiah 13:23) In many ways, the story of Ruth starts out at a point where "everything is going wrong."

But in the words of Ruth, we see a glimmer of hope. While the book of Judges was a downward cycle, a cycle that keeps repeating, in Ruth the cycle is broken. Ruth takes another path - not away from the Lord but toward the Lord's people. At this point, where is her faith at? I'm really not sure. Does she believe in the Lord or is she just that dedicated to Naomi? Either way, let’s see how following the Lord brought blessings to Ruth…and us.

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder: Ruth chose a difficult path, at least from a lower level perspective. As a widow life was pretty difficult to begin with. I’m sure she was worried how she would provide for herself, nevertheless the mother-in-law she had committed to help. Now throw on top of that a move to a foreign, well actually enemy land. Can you imagine what it would have been like for her to hang out by the harvesters and what they would have thought? It would be like a woman in a burka hanging out by the combines in rural Wisconsin. Do you think the rumors might have begun to fly? And just to make things even more difficult, the Jewish customs and beliefs were still probably a bit foreign to her. I’m sure her parents would have taught her as a kid to worship the Moabite god Chemosh. Ruth was in a very awkward, very stressful place in life.

Yet notice how the Lord blesses her & Naomi. He provided someone to look after their physical needs by giving them food and eventually buying back the family property. He gave her a husband who was loving and respectful. He took care of the family name and inheritance. From a lower level perspective, Ruth and Naomi had much to be thankful for.

But remember how we also need to pay attention to the upper story as well? Maybe as you read parts of the book of Judges you wonder why the Israelites were commanded to fight the Moabites and other pagan nations. If you remember, we discussed a couple of times over the last few weeks how the Lord used the Israelites to bring judgment on the unbelief and wickedness of the Canaanite nations that had occupied the land. But then you might wonder, “What if they became believers?”

The book of Ruth is a reminder that the love of God extends not only to those who are down-and-out or those who can’t take care of themselves. We are reminded that God’s love is for ALL people. In Deuteronomy, as Moses repeats God’s commands to the Israelites before they enter the promised land, he reminds them, “[The Lord] executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing” (10:18). How many of those categories does Ruth fall into? All of them! God’s love is for all people – rich and poor, male and female, foreigner and stranger.

God’s love is for us! Did you notice it in our lesson how this story ties directly in to the story of salvation – into your story? Your Savior, Jesus, was a descendant of Ruth! Her son was the great-grandfather of King David, who would become the king of Israel and great-great-great…grandfather of Jesus – the one who paid the price of death to buy you back, to redeem you from the punishment for sin. (cf. Matthew 4)

The story of Ruth is the story of a faithful Moabite during a period of Israelite unfaithfulness. From a lower story perspective it is the story of God’s faithfulness to look after our needs. But more than either of those, from an upper story perspective it’s the story of God looking after our greatest need: a redeemer from sin.

Making it My Own – Questions to ask:

• Who do you know whose life is “bitter?”
• Who do you know that might feel like an outsider?
• Who do you know who may need physical food or care?
• Who do you know who needs spiritual care?
• Who do you know needs to hear the story of Ruth?
• Will you be like Boaz and show them love? How?

Prayer (A Hymn of Thanksgiving):

(Luther reminds us what we mean when we pray “Give us today our daily bread.” He writes in his Small Catechism, “God surely gives daily bread without our asking, even to all the wicked, but we pray in this petition that he would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. What, then, is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that we need for our bodily welfare, such as food and drink, clothing and shoes, house and home, land and cattle, money and goods, a godly spouse, godly children, godly workers, godly and faithful leaders, good government, good weather, peace and order, health, a good name, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.”)

We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator,
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring;
We lay it before you, we kneel and adore you,
We bless your holy Name, glad praises we sing.

We worship you, God of our fathers, we bless you;
Through life’s storm and tempest our guide you have been;
When perils overtake us, you will not forsake us,
And with your help, O Lord, our battles we win.

With voices united our praises we offer,
To you, great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise.
Your strong arm will guide us, our God is beside us,
To you, our great Redeemer, forever be praise.

For those who like more:

• Forward in Christ article "Is He 'The One'?" - Mom gives advice on what to look for when searching for Mr. Right.
• A devotion on what a redeemer was in the Old Testament, and how Christ serves as our Redeemer? http://www.wels.net/spiritual-help/daily-devotion/2010-09/ruth-217-20-september-2-2010

Chapter 8 - A Few Good Men... And Women

Judges 2-4, 6-8, 13-16

Introduction to the Reading and the Book of Judges: Today we are going to read from the book of Judges. Judges covers a time frame of 500 years in about 15,000 words. In addition, The Story abbreviates those 500 years down into 17 pages. What we have in the book of Judges is simply a taste of the period - anecdotal stories of the events and leaders of the nation of Israel. I think this is important to understand because it gives an insight into the book's purpose. The book of Judges isn't meant to give us a detailed rundown of every leader or newspaper headline from the period. The book of Judges wasn't written so that we could memorize the list of Israel's leaders like children learn the list of America's presidents in school. Like every history book, the author's bias and viewpoint of history shows through. The book of Judges is written by the author of HIStory - the LORD - to teach us important lessons - not just about HIStory, but also lessons to be applied to our lives.

The outline of the book, and for that matter the underlying problem, is clearly stated in the introduction to the book of Judges. There is a reoccurring cycle or pattern that the nation of Israel finds itself falling into again and again. Read the first two pages (pp. 103-104) and try to fill in the outline below describing the cycle. Once you've filled in the outline, continue reading the next paragraph.

A)
B)
C) Cry to the Lord for Help
D)
E)
Repeat

So what did you write down? This is how I outline it: A is for apostasy - the people forget the Lord and disobey his commands. B is for battles - the Lord sends enemies to fight the Israelites as a form of punishment. He punishes them not because he is angry, but because he wants to get their attention. Do you remember the religious "revival" after 9/11 that our own nation went through? In a similar manner, the Israelites, when attacked, remember the Lord and cried out to him for help, which is of course letter C "Crying out to the Lord." The Lord, in his grace and mercy, would send a deliverer (the letter D) who was known as a judge. In Hebrew, the underlying word for judge is the same word that the name Joshua or Jesus comes from - it means one who saves. Finally, we get to the letter E - easy sailing. The Israelites would have easy days and a new generation would grow up who were spoiled and didn't know the Lord. Pay attention to this cycle as you read the book of Judges.

On a Personal Note: It is my prayer that even if you have read through the book of Judges before, you will learn more by going through it again here.  Not only will you learn more about the book by seeing parts of it again, but perhaps you will even find it more exciting and see how it applies to you in new ways.  The stories and heroes from the book of Judges would make for a great mini-series or comic book series. The book is action packed and yet the personality of the individuals and the complexity of the their situation is also related. I hope you have as much fun reading from the book of Judges this week as I have.

Filling in the Gaps - p. 105:
First of all, isn't "Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram Naharaim" such a cool name? It has a ring to it! It actually probably wasn't his real title, but a nickname since it means, "Cush the doubly evil of Aram of the two rivers." Not the nicest nickname, but a catchy one!

p. 105 after the Commentary:
I can't believe it! They left out my FAVORITE Judge - Shamgar! Well let me fill you in with the story of Shamgar, "After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath became judge. He delivered Israel by striking down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad" (3:31 HCSB). Yep, that's all we know! And if you are asking what an oxgoad is, it's something you goad oxen with. Ok, so maybe that wasn't the best explanation. It's a stick with a pointy end that you poke oxen with to get them to move in the direction you want them to go. Now you know what an oxgoad is!

p. 107 - Deborah:
Who is actually the "judge" in this story? We read in 1 Samuel 12:11, "So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel. He rescued you from the power of the enemies around you, and you lived securely." Barak is actually the judge, isn't he? And yet he is a judge with a flaw: he is a wimp! He doesn't want to stand up and be a man and lead the people!

p. 112 - Gideon
So where did we meet Gideon? In a winepress. Why? Because he was afraid that the Midianites might see him! You almost stop and wonder, what is the Lord thinking? We need a commander for the army, and you find the guy who is cowering in a corner! Did you catch the irony in the Lord's greeting? The Lord calls him a "mighty warrior." Ha! Gideon is no mighty warrior. Time after time we find him doubting how things will go. Yet it didn't matter that Gideon wasn't quite the warrior you'd want leading you into battle. With quite a strange battle plan the Lord made it quite clear who was mighty - not Gideon, but the Lord!

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
Well we ended with probably the most famous Judge: Samson. He's probably also one of the most flawed Judges as well. Samson had some real issues, didn't he? He's a big talker, quick temper, and had a real problem with women!

Have you noticed some trends in the book of Judges? First of all the people seem to get more and more wicked. If you put the Judges on a timeline, you notice that the periods of peace get shorter and shorter. Finally, you realize that even the saviors of the nation of Israel from their enemies are getting more and more flawed. We started by talking about a cycle - a cycle of apostasy, battles, crying for help, deliverance, and finally easy-going. But you also begin to notice that this cycle isn't just going around and around. This summer at the Children’s Museum in St. Paul, MN, my daughter got to put a coin in one of those coin funnels.  As the penny sunk deeper and deeper, it would spin around faster and faster until finally it would fall down the hole in the center. The cycle of Judges is a downward spiral as well. Each time the pattern is repeated things are a little bit worse, until before you know it the nation as a whole is falling apart.

What is the underlying problem in Israel? "They forsook the Lord." The people of Israel were to be holy. Remember what the word means? "Set apart or dedicated to God, and therefore without fault or flaw just like he is." Last week, when Joshua asked the people who they would serve, they replied, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him" (p. 101). Yet we find them doing anything but that. Do you think that happened overnight? No, the story of the book of Judges covers multiple generations. Moses told the people, "6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" (Deut. 6:6-8). The Israelites failed to share with their children all the things that the Lord had told them. They failed to talk about the Lord while traveling, while eating dinner, before bed, and when getting ready for the day. It may have started out one day when they found themselves too busy because there was a lot to do with the harvest, or because the relatives were visiting and things were chaotic. But complacency led to religious compromise. Rather than being totally dedicated to the Lord, the Israelites went after other gods. The problem wasn't an agricultural issue or a problem with their military strength. The problem was spiritual!

So where is our nation at? Are we stuck in a cycle, a pattern circling downward? I'll leave that up to you to answer. Yet there are some definite warning signs. In what percentage of the homes in our nation are the Scriptures read on a weekly basis, nevertheless a daily basis? In our culture, it's ok to pick and choose what you want to believe from various religions. Is the postmodernism of our day that much different than the way the Israelites picked what idols they wanted to worship? When morals are discussed on the talk shows, is the question "what do you believe is right" or is the question "what does the Lord say is right?" When our nation faces financial depressions or our wars aren't going as well as we had hoped, do we think the problem is financial or military, or do we consider that the problem might actually be spiritual? In your life, is your home stuck in the cycle of the Israelites? What are we doing in our homes and families to pass down God's Word to the next generation? Have we considered that our Lower Story problems might really be Upper Story issues?

So we learn about the sins of the Israelites and the warnings for us that come from their faults.  One more lesson stands out even more prominently.  To understand that lesson, I want to quote from the book of Hebrews written over 1000 years later. The author of Hebrews writes about the great "Heroes of Faith" and says, "And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight" (11:32-34).

When I read the book of Judges, what lesson stands out to me is this; "The Lord can use me." Like Gideon, Barak, and Samson I am rattled with flaws. I'm sinful. I doubt. I'm a failure at living up to God's commands. Yet God wants the good news to be spread to all nations. He has sent Jesus to pay the penalty of death for our sins so that we can live forever with him in heaven. Our biggest enemies - sin, death, and the devil - already stand defeated. Now he wants that message spread to the ends of the earth. And what is amazing is that he chooses to use people like me to do that. Unlike the judges, we aren't fighting physical armies, no we are fighting even more powerful enemies: the spiritual forces of darkness. Yet they are no competition for a mighty warrior like me - because like Gideon, the Lord is with me.

For those who like more:

• Read the two appendices of the book of Judges:
• Chapters 17 & 18 gives us examples of a typical family and a typical tribe in Israel during the time of the judges. What was the job of the Levites? What instead do we see happening? Fill in the blanks: It was bad enough that Dan ______________ , it was worse that they used __________  to do it, but the real irony is that two tribes of the Lord’s chosen people were about to fight over ____________________.
• Chapters 19 - 21 gives us examples of a typical event and a typical episode during the period of the judges. Much like our own civil war, the Isrealite's story is just as sad. What is the recurring theme throughout these 4 stories? (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25)
• If you haven't had a chance, check out the essays from the symposium a couple years ago at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary focused on Lutheran Schools and their role in passing on the Word to the next generation. Read the three papers at http://wlsce.net/symposium.

Chapter 7 - The Battle Begins

Joshua 1-2, 6, 8, 10-11, 23-24

Introduction to the Reading: Let me start out by saying that I am not a soldier. I have never been in the military. I know nothing about military strategy. But I think anyone would admit that this plan went against all common sense.

Joshua himself was in quite a predicament. Forty years earlier he had said, "If the LORD is pleased with us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us" (Numbers 14:8 HCSB). How many times over the last 40 years didn't he think about those words? How many nights did he fall asleep thinking, "If only..." Now here he was, about to lead a whole nation into battle. Here he was about to go to war. Like the soldiers on the boats at Normandy waiting to hit the shore, I wonder what thoughts now went through Joshua's head. Was he second guessing the passionate, go-get-em remarks he made in his youth when he returned with the other 11 spies? In his maturity was he rethinking the wisdom of taking on the Canaanites? Was he afraid that things might not go so well and that his foot might end up in his mouth?

And what about the soldiers? Were they afraid? Were they ready to face death? Perhaps even scarier, were they afraid that they might let down the expectations of the many generations that had waited for this day?

Not to mention that the enemy wasn't one to joke about. You remember last week what the spies reported, "All the people we saw there are of great size...We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them" (p. 75). According to archaeological explorations, the walls of Jericho were between 11 and 13 yards tall. If bets were being placed, the spread was definitely against the Israelites.

So back to the plan...what did Joshua tell the Israelites they would do to start the attack? Joshua needed a plan to beat the odds. He had to work with what he had. What plan did Joshua follow? First of all they would cross a river without any bridge. Then they would circumcise all the males (not exactly what a coach would recommend before a game nevertheless a general before a war). Finally, they would pack up their weapons - trumpets. Oh, and there was one last command, "Don't be afraid." Really? The men of Israel may have thought Joshua was crazy.

Well I guess I did leave out one detail. This wasn't Joshua's battle or Joshua's plan. This wasn't the Israelites' battle. This was the Lord's battle. Perhaps the odds weren't so bad after all. Let's see how it goes....

Time to Slow it Down - Pages 98 "He left no survivors."
Perhaps you may ask why the Lord told his people to be so violent. If God is such a loving God, why would he promote such destruction? Why not, at least, leave the women and children behind? Why the command to destroy everyone? I've asked myself those questions. But that was until I took a step back and looked at things from an upper story viewpoint.

You remember last week when the Lord told the people why he would drive out the Canaanites? He said, "After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, 'The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.' No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you" (p. 86; Deut. 9:5). The Lord wasn't so much handing the land over to the Israelites as much as he was showing his justice and punishment on the wicked Canaanites.

The Canaanites were a wicked people. Their sins corrupted those around them. Remember last week how the Israelite men began to indulge in sexual relations with the Moabite women? (p.82) In the land of Canaan, not only was prostitution common, it was encouraged. Prostitution was directly connected with the worship of their gods. The thought was that if you could be fruitful, the land would be fruitful as well. You can see where Israelite men would not only be lured into sins against the 6th Commandment, but against the 1st Commandment as well. In addition, worship of other gods in Canaan went as far as burning infants in a fire as sacrifice. The Lord does not tolerate sin. The Israelites were to be a beacon of morality in the world and there could be none of this wickedness among them.

How do people in our society look at God? Often, I think, they have a view that he doesn't mind how you live your life, as long as you aren't hurting anyone around you. It's ok to choose your own idea of who God is and what his will is for life and morals. They believe that he won't punish sin and wickedness. How different a viewpoint of God have we seen! God does not tolerate a willful disregard for his Word.

But doesn't he give us time to repent? He indeed does. And this is where we see his love. He had given the Canaanites over 400 years to turn from their wicked ways. The Lord said to Abraham, "In the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure." The Lord is giving us time to repent. Our lives are a time of grace - a time to turn from sin and trust in his grace and forgiveness.

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
Home...finally. Although it took 400 some years, the Lord did keep his promise. We may wonder when the Lord is going to bring us home. When is the end coming? When will I get to go to heaven? When is the last day? Although we may be scared when the moment of death is imminent, just as the Israelites may have been a bit fearful as they stood on the banks of the Jordan, we know where we are going. Peter reminds us, "The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Like he gave the Canaanites time to repent, he gives us time to proclaim the Gospel to every corner of the world so that they may know of him, his love, and the forgiveness that comes through his Son. But let there be no doubt in our minds what lies ahead: home - forever - with the Lord.

Making it My Own:
Do you remember the pre-game pep talks of coaches you had in grade school or high school or even college?  Some coaches are more subdued, others have long drawn out speeches, and others are straight to the point.

The Lord gave a bit of a pre-game pep talk to the Israelite soldiers. He told them, repeatedly, "Be strong and very courageous." But did you notice what tactics he advised? Did he tell them, "Remember, the Canaanite's Achilles' heal is..." Or did he say, "Remember to hold your swords just like this..." Not at all. He gives advice that seems to have nothing to do with battle. What was the key to success? "Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go" (p. 89).

How often in life do we tweak ourselves in order to try to gain success? We get more degrees so that we can get a better job. We spend more hours working out so that we can finish better in the race. We take more medications so that we can fight illness. I'm not saying any of these things are bad. The Israelites' men had to do work to conquer the land. They actually fought. They physically ran. There was sweat and sore muscles. Yet, when it came down to it, the key to happiness wasn't found in their victories, but in keeping God's will for their lives.

When the battles were over, like a coach giving a post-game wrap-up, Joshua reminded the people of the importance of making the Lord's will the center of their lives. In words fitting for a family emblem or framed on the family mantle, Joshua strongly shows where his allegiance lies. He says, in effect, "I pledge allegiance to the Lord!" He says to the people, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

It's easy to get caught up in day to day life here in the "lower story" with the thinking that happiness depends on our successes. We are afraid that we might fail in our endeavors because we think happiness rides on our success. But we can be strong and courageous once we realize that this isn't the case. The battle is the Lords. What we do is seek to serve the Lord with our lives - whether it be by taking care of our families, by sharing the Gospel, by being a friend to those around us, or in whatever other place the Lord puts us - and trusting him to bless us, just as he has already given us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.


Hymn:
by. Wilhelm E. Arends

Rise! To Arms! With prayer employ you,
O Christians, lest the foe destroy you,
For Satan has designed your fall.
Wield God's Word, a weapon glorious;
Against each foe you'll be victorious;
Our God will set you o'er them all.
Fear not the prince of hell-
Here is Emmanuel!
Sing hosanna!
The strong ones yield
To Christ, our shield,
And we as conqu'rors hold the field.

Pray: Jesus, all your children cherish,
And keep them that they never perish
Whom you have purchased with your blood.
Let new life to us be given
That we may look to you in heaven
Whenever fearful is our mood.
Your Spirit on us pour
That we may love you more,
Hearts o'er-flowing;
And then shall we,
From sin set free
Sing praise through all eternity.

For those who like more: 
Here's a link you might find interesting if you'd like to pursue a little more what we can learn from archaeology about the fortified city of Jericho and the biblical record of its fall to the Israelites under Joshua.

Chapter 6 - Wandering

Introduction to the Reading: 

On our honeymoon to Yellowstone, we did a lot of hiking through some beautiful country.  I can’t wait to go back!  Then there was Mt. Washburn, which ended up being more of a straight gravel road with a strenuous incline.  “When were we ever going to get to the top?” we wondered.  We were exhausted and even felt kind of sick afterward. All along the way, we kept wondering whether or not we should turn back.  We kept reminiscing about other trails that we enjoyed so much more. 

In our reading today from God's Story, we hear how the Israelites went on quite a journey. They were wandering in the desert on the Sinai peninsula - but they had their share of difficulties. The Israelites wandered in the desert for over 40 years. You can see where some grumbling and even mutiny might begin to occur. But when it comes to grumbling, the Israelites found out that it's never a good idea to grumble against the Lord or his appointed representatives. It's been said, "Life isn't about the destination, but the journey." What lessons do the Israelites learn on their journey in the wilderness? And what lessons can we learn from their lives?

Rest stops Along the Journey - Top of page 73 - So how is the trip going? It's been three days since we set out from Sinai, a relatively short distance from the start, so things should be going well, right? Ha!  Every once in a while you year about giant cruise ships having some major problem out on the ocean, like losing power and everyone having to eat bologna sandwiches the rest of the time.  People come off the ships vowing never to take a cruise again.  The people of Israel wanted meat, so the Lord gave them meat...until they loathed it.  You know the saying, "Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it!" What blessing of the Lord might you have complained about this week?

On each of the following pages, take a moment to stop and ask, "How does the Lord show that maybe instead of questioning his plan, it's best to just trust him?"

• Bottom of p. 74 - What choice of the Lord's did Miriam and Aaron question? In his judgment, how did the Lord give them an opportunity to show their trust in the Lord's decision as to who should be their leader? Have you questioned the choice of leaders God has chosen in your life?
• Top of p. 78 - The Israelites thought that the Lord's choice of a homeland was a bit pricey. Why did they question his decision? Since that generation didn't like the Lord's choice of a home, where would they live instead? What blessings of the Lord have you said "No thank you" to?
• Top of p. 79 - Although Moses seemed always ready to plead for mercy on behalf of the people the Lord had placed him as shepherd over, Moses finally had enough and got frustrated. He had been through enough with the ever quarrelsome Israelites so the Lord essentially said, "Fine, then you don't have to go with them into the promised land." When has your patience grown thin with those God has placed in your life? Have you grown tired of asking for the Lord to be merciful to them?

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder: It seems that everyone learned a lesson along the way! And for someone who was worried he couldn't speak well, Moses gives quite the retirement sermon, doesn't he? He sums up the lessons from his life so well. He stands before what in his eyes are a bunch of kids, and reminds them of all the things that they and their parents went through. He begs with them to remember the lessons they learned along the way.

There are plenty of sins that he could have reminded them of: their ingratitude, their grumbling, their complaining, their sexual immorality, their idolatry, their impatience, etc, etc. Isn't it ironic that the people complain that they didn't have milk and honey, when the very reason they didn't have it was because they didn't take the land of milk and honey that the Lord was holding out to them! They blame God instead of themselves. Moses himself learned plenty of lessons:  He learned that years of service doesn't give you the license to disobey God. He learned that instead of looking down on others, that he should plead for them...again, and again, and again. 

When it comes down to it, the biggest lesson the Israelites had to learn was the meaning of the First Commandment. I'm not talking about the "Thou shalt not..." part. Oh they had to learn that too - they were all to quick to worship idols, weren't they? But what I'm talking about, is the part Luther explains this way, "We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things."

Trust! Wasn't the underlying problem a lack of trust? Wasn't it a big ego that said, "I think the best route is to take this path," when the Lord had the map that led straight to the promised land? Wasn't the sin getting caught up in the lower story, when God was in the process of working out the upper story? From our perspective we shake our heads at the Israelites for loosing focus after three days. But instead we should be looking in the mirror and seeing our own sin. After a post this blog, I wander how many minutes it will be before I think "well this is my plan today" and get frustrated when it doesn't go according to the map for the day I've made. I know myself: like the Israelites, I'm going to loose focus on the fact that God is working out a bigger story for my life and trying to lead me to a land flowing with milk and honey - a home in heaven. 

In spite of our lack of focus, how clearly the Lord's mercy shows through. Did the people suffer for their sins? Yes. Would their life have been better had they followed the Lord's map? Of course! But did he forgive their sins and keep his promise to bring them to heaven? Surely! Just as repetitive as hearing about the Israelites screwing up is the refrain, "The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion" (p. 77). Would the Israelites get the land of Canaan because they were such good people? What did Moses say? "Do not say to yourself, 'The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.'" Some people wonder why God allowed his people to make war and take other people's land. It wasn't because the Israelites deserved it. The Israelites were only the tool of the Lord to bring punishment on the unbelieving and wicked Canaanites (p. 86). But the reason the Lord gave them the land was because of his promise - his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He forgave them so that his glory might be known to the nations (p.77), and the most amazing aspect of his glory is his loving mercy.

Making it My Own: When I tell my daughters that I am going to make some popcorn and we can sit and watch a movie together, I have their full attention.  I can tell them to get ready for bed, and they do, right away.  But then, as soon as I bring fresh popcorn off the stove for them, their attention moves from me, the giver, to the gift, the popcorn.  (That’s why we get ready for bed first!)  Our eyes too quickly move from the giver of all and his story, to our own story and simply the things he has given us.

So how do we overcome this shortsightedness. Over his 120 years, Moses went from being a quick tempered, self-solving kid to a patient, Lord-trusting leader. What lesson did this man who experienced so much and who even saw God face to face want to pass on to the next generation? His advice for keeping focus was this, "The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (p. 85). I'd sum that up this way, "Since there is only one God, make him and his Word your passion."

Does your day feel empty if you don't read God's word? When you are drive down the road with your kids, do you talk about God's word? When you go to bed at night, do you discuss God's word with your spouse? I'll admit, there are times even I get tired of telling my kids Bible stories.  Sometimes I get tired of preparing stuff for The Story.  It's another thing on my to-do list for the week. But knowing you are reading this, knowing that you are reading The Story with me, encourages me to stick with it. If I sometimes get weary, how much more your spouse or friends? Just as much as you encourage me and let me know you are reading these posts and The Story, encourage those around you to keep reading The Story with you.

Why is it so important? Well let me tell you a quick story. My friend who originally wrote these blogs went to Germany and visited one of the concentration camps. He showed me pictures that would make your heart stop.  There are some scary, creepy, terrifying sites: rooms full of shoes from those who died, pictures of piles of bodies, large furnaces where bodies were cremated. One of the most terrifying sites was a simple sign in the museum: "Those who cannot remember the past are bound to repeat it."

We can learn from the Israelites. Just as Moses wanted the next generation to learn from the mistakes of his, so we too can learn from them. What's the secret to happiness? The answers are right in front of us! They aren't "up in heaven so that you have to ask, 'Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it.'" They aren't, "Beyond the sea so that you have to ask, 'Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' (p. 86-87). "No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" (p. 87). It's no secret: the Lord gives us the answers - he gives us the way to happiness and the road-map to heaven. When we read God's word our focus is brought back to the upper story, to the giver of everything good, and to our Savior Jesus. Make it a point to read - yes even memorize - God's word. Like Moses, pass it on to the next generation. Put his word in your heart. Make a point of studying and talking about it every day. What piece would you like to memorize? When will you talk about it with those around you? When will you read it tomorrow?

Prayer/Hymn:

1. Jesus, lead us on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand
To our fatherland.

2. If the way be drear,
If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us;
For through many a woe
To our home we go.

3. When we seek relief
From a long-felt grief;
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore
Where we weep no more.

4. Jesus, lead Thou on
Till our rest is won.
Heavenly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, control, protect us,
Till we safely stand
In our fatherland.

For those who like more:

• John 3:14-15 The Israelites will later turn the bronze snake into an idol. The Lord's point wasn't that they should worship it. According to John, what was the snake on the pole a picture of? Who must we look to be saved from death?
• Moses realized the importance of passing God's word on to the next generation. The symposium this last year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary focused on Lutheran Schools. Read the three papers at http://wlsce.net/symposium.

Chapter 5 - New Commands and A New Covenant

Introduction to the Reading: What has the latest mass shooting story in the news been?  Almost always, when you listen to the reporters and all the speculation as to the possible causes what do you see?  They focus on relationships. What was the suspect’s relationship with his family? What was his relationship with his teachers? And most notably, why had his relationship with his friends deteriorated so much over the last few months?

Relationships can be tricky. Even the best relationships can be tough. When I lived in the dorms, I roomed with my best friend a few years. It was interesting that although we got along great, inevitably once a year there would be a week when we would just get on each other’s’ nerves. The closer you get to people, often the more work it is to make that relationship work. I'm sure that you have had relationship struggles, be it with a friend, spouse, or your parents. Relationships are tricky.

Our chapter this week comes from the latter parts of Exodus. Usually when people read this part of HIStory, one word comes to mind: law. But I don't think that the law is the primary thing God is trying to teach us, nor was it the primary thing that Moses was trying to remind the Israelites of when he recorded this HIStory, nor was it the primary lesson the Lord was showing to his people. I'd argue that the main lesson revolves around this: relationships.

Today, on each page of this chapter, I'd suggest you ask yourself a few questions:

• What relationships are we learning about here? 
• What do we learn about the various individuals by their relationship to one another? 
• Are the relationships improving or getting worse on this page? Why? 
• What lessons can I learn in order to improve the relationships I have with those around me?
• What lessons do I learn about God's relationship with me?

Breaking it down - page by page:

p. 59 - Don't miss it! Remember last week? What sign did the LORD give Moses that he would keep his promise? Oh yeah! Moses would worship God on Mt. Sinai. It's been quite a journey so far for the Israelites, and I'm sure not at all what they or even Moses anticipated, but God has kept his promise! Are you surprised?

Speaking of relationships, an important word comes up on this page that we need to define: "Holy." While the word definitely has religious overtones, it comes from the Old English word hal meaning "whole, complete, entire." Yet the Hebrew word used here not only means "holy," but also "sacred" or "set apart." It has the feeling of separateness. Think of it this way: you might have fine china or crystal glassware that you have set aside in a special cabinet and bring it out to use on special occasions. It's something that is set aside for a special purpose because it doesn't have chips or flaws like your everyday dishware. (We are also going to come across the word "consecrate" today which is the English word that means "to set aside for a special, sacred purpose.") God says, "Although everything belongs to me since I created and rule everything, I want to set you aside to be complete and without flaw - I want you to be my special people." God had a special purpose for the Israelites: to be the nation through whom the Savior would come.

Oh, and remember to ask yourself the questions in the introduction before going on to the next page!

p. 60 – If you watch any movie about intergalactic heroes they are almost always portrayed as being more amazing than we are by the damage they can cause on human society.  Explosions and disaster abound in movies like Transformers or Independence Day. We don’t worship aliens because they aren’t real.  On Mt. Sinai God did show his power and might. He is the true God. Why did the LORD show the people his power now? What was he trying to teach them about himself? 

Did you also notice the words "holy" and "consecrate" on this page? What is God teaching the people about his relationship with them? He's showing them that he is holy - without flaw or defect - complete in every way. In order for them to have a relationship with him, they too need to be holy - their lives need to be set apart and dedicated to serving him. There can't be any sin. Does that thought cause you to shake like the Israelites did?

p. 63 The only way to live in God's presence and have a good relationship with him is to be like he is: holy. The people say, "We will do everything the Lord has said," and yet we know full well that they will fail at that. How do we know? Because we are human just like they are, and we know exactly how impossible it is. 

But God wanted to have a relationship with these people! He says that he wants to live among them! The Tabernacle, a tent set apart for God, was a sign to the people that he was with them. However, it was also a reminder of how sin had separated them from God. It was a reminder of the broken relationship - only after sacrifice, only after the shedding of blood - could the priests who had been set apart even enter into the tent. Among the laws handed down to Moses are going to be law after law about sacrifices that had to be made. The priests had to be busy all day sacrificing animals. We may wonder, "Isn't it unfair that an innocent animal had to die to make peace with God? It's just so unfair!" But that is exactly the point! The sacrifices were a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice Christ would make. It is unfair how he took the punishment we deserve. We all - without the sacrifice of Christ, without his blood shed on the cross - would have no way of approaching God or living in his presence. But he did it for us - because he wanted to have a relationship with us, with me... with you!

Top of p. 64 - Talk about a slap in the face! It's almost like God's wedding day, the day he waited for so long! On Mt. Sinai God is making a covenant with the people - they are exchanging vows. God is promising to make them his special people, to love them, to take care of them. The people are to promise to keep his commands, obey, and serve him. In the midst of this ceremony, where are the people? Cheating on the LORD with other gods! How is the relationship now?

God still is going to keep his promise, but he says he won't go with them. This is a relationship on the rocks. The people are "stiff-necked." Try to picture dogs to go one way when they are set on going the opposite way.  They stiffen up and you can’t move them.  It makes you wonder in what ways you are "stiff necked," what sinful habits you resist changing.

Top of p. 69 - Moses pleads with the Lord for mercy. He asks the Lord to once again promise to go with the people on their journey. Once more we learn again about our God, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God," how loving he really is. In spite of his glorious perfection, he has compassion on his people and goes with them.

We also hear how he is jealous. Isn't jealousy wrong? But why is it OK for God to be jealous? Why is he so upset when his creation worships other gods? I guess another way to ask it; Is his jealousy for selfish reasons or for our benefit? Who is really hurt when we turn to false gods?

When You're Done Reading - The upper story meets the lower story: Knowing that God is perfect can be scary. It is more frightening than any sci-fi movie because it's not fiction. God exists. He is powerful. He is perfect.

We want a relationship with God. We need a relationship with God. Yet we realize full well what happens when the "upper story" meets the "lower story." Like Moses learned, no sinful human can see God's glory and live. How can we stand in God's presence? How can we live with him eternally?

Moses needed to plead with God on behalf of the people. He went between the LORD and the people. We also have one who intercedes for us. I'm sure you know who it is! Paul writes, "Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us" (Romans 8:34). How can we have a relationship with a perfect God? Because God himself, the judge of the world, is the same one who wants to have a relationship with us and found a way to make it happen. Christ, human for our sake yet perfect God, is our intercessor and our sacrifice. 

Making it My Own: On page 61 and 62 we read the Ten Commandments. They might be some of the best known words in all of scripture. Even many unbelievers recognize these commands and acknowledge that they are wise rules of life. Although debated these days, often the Ten Commandments are placed in public places.

Yet when people hear the Ten Commandments, the first thought that comes to mind (once again) is "laws." They view the Ten Commandments as restrictions - rules that prohibit them from doing something.

Luther didn't picture the Commandments as a restrictive code. As we've seen today, the Lord's purpose in giving commands to his people wasn't to make life tough on them. He gave them his laws so that he could bless them. So that their relationship could be blessed. Instead of looking at the Commandments as a law book, perhaps they might be better viewed as a "10 step program." I know it's not the perfect comparison, but my point is that like steps in a self-help book, God's commands aren't meant to make life tougher. They are meant to make life better. Luther, in explaining the Commandments, made a point of not only pointing out what God is trying to keep us from doing, but also what he wants us to do! Notice that every command is really a guide to a better relationship with God or a better relationship with your neighbor. I've even heard the Commandments pictured as little safes, each one protecting one of the blessings God has given us. Yes the Ten Commandments clearly show us our sin and where we have failed, but they are also a guide to a better relationship with God and those around us. Motivated by God's love for us, we want to show our love by improving our relationships with him and our neighbor.

What role do the Ten Commandments play in your life? Should they play a more significant role? How often would you like to read the Ten Commandments? Read the Ten Commandments, along with Luther's explanation. As you read, ask the following questions about each Commandment:

• With this command, is God giving me guidance on my relationship with him or my neighbor?
• What blessing is God protecting in this safe? In his love, what has he given me that he wants me to cherish?
• How can I use this commandment as a guide to improving that relationship and that blessing God has given me?

Prayer/Hymn:

By: Salomo Franck
1) O God, forsake me not!
Your gracious presence lend me;
Oh, lead your helpless child;
Your Holy Spirit send me
That I my course may run.
Be you my light, my lot,
My staff, my rock, my shield.
O God, forsake me not!

3) O God, forsake me not!
Lord, hear my supplication!
In every evil hour
Help me resist temptation;
And when the prince of hell
My conscience seeks to blot,
Be then not far from me.
O God, forsake me not!

4) O God, forsake me not!
My heart your grace addressing,
O Father, God of love,
Grant me your heavenly blessing
To do when duty calls
Whatever you allot,
To do what pleased you.
O God, forsake me not!

5) O God, forsake me not!
Lord, I am your forever.
The true faith grant to me;
Grant that I leave you never.
Grant me a blessed end
When my good fight is fought;
Help me in life and death.
O God, forsake me not!

P.S. Remember! If you have questions, comments, insights...please post a comment! We'd love to hear from  everyone!

For those who like more:

• Matthew 22:34-40 - Jesus explains the Commandments
• What one word can be used to summarize the Ten Commandments?
• 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 - This portion of Paul's letter to the Corinthians is fascinating.
• According to Paul, why did Moses put a veil over his face. It wasn't because it was glorious, per se, but because the glory was _______. 
• However, the glory of the gospel is _________.
• If you would like some help meditating on the Ten Commandments, you can check out this Forward in Christ series.