Believe it or not, I'm having some issues with our Bible reading plan; it's too fast for me. I never thought I'd say that, but I find myself wanting to liner longer in certain passages. The chapter a day routine is great for understanding the larger scope and context of the Bible, but it's not the best for a devotional reading of Scripture.
The end of Exodus is rich soil to spend time digging around looking for treasure. For example, take the following text from this last week's readings:
The end of Exodus is rich soil to spend time digging around looking for treasure. For example, take the following text from this last week's readings:
"Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?'" (Exodus 33:15-16)
It strikes me that Presence distinguishes God's people from the rest of the world: not miracles, not political preference, not righteous living, not even correct theology. Some of these things are incredibly important but they aren't primary to the faith. Even the 12 Apostles' mandate of preaching, teaching, and healing came secondary to the primary calling to be with Jesus (Mark 3:14).
All the time and effort we spend as Christians trying to change ourselves by our own will and determination is wasted. Just like Moses came down from his encounter with God in Exodus 33-35 changed, so we are changed through encountering Christ. "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3:18). We change by by being changed. Our hearts are transformed by being with Jesus. To borrow a phrase from Mike Bickle: "We become what we behold".
Holy Spirit, give us the grace to encounter the Risen Christ. Let our lives be marked by your Presence. Let our hearts hunger and thirst for more of you.
All the time and effort we spend as Christians trying to change ourselves by our own will and determination is wasted. Just like Moses came down from his encounter with God in Exodus 33-35 changed, so we are changed through encountering Christ. "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3:18). We change by by being changed. Our hearts are transformed by being with Jesus. To borrow a phrase from Mike Bickle: "We become what we behold".
Holy Spirit, give us the grace to encounter the Risen Christ. Let our lives be marked by your Presence. Let our hearts hunger and thirst for more of you.
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