TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Exodus 5:22-7:25
Matthew 18:21-19:12
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 5:22-23
Exodus 5:22 — Why hast thou sent me? Moses seems pretty distraught, as did the first American foreign missionary, Adoniram Judson.
“Judson’s wife and all their children died in the first 14 years of his missionary career, and he became very despondent. He questioned: Did he carry death with him like a contagion? In the beginning there had been Harriet Newell and her baby; followed by Samuel Newell, who died a few years later in Bombay; then Judson’s own son Roger; his wife Ann; and now his daughter Maria. He hoped—he believed—he carried the gift of life eternal into the next world, but wondered why he carried the gift of death in this?”
In Hebrews 11:24, Moses is listed in the Hall of Faith – even though he doubted, he had faith. Count how many times in Exodus 6 God uses the phrase “I will.” Moses could have doubted, but he had faith in God.
Exodus 6:25 — We see a name briefly mentioned, Phinehas. We’ll meet him several times throughout this year (just don’t confuse Phinehas the son of Eleazar with Phinehas the son of Eli)!
Matthew 18:33 — Compassion is mentioned 21 times in the New Testament. Fourteen times in the Gospels – either Jesus was described with compassion, declared His compassion, denoted others with compassion, or others desired His compassion.
Psalm 23 — This Psalm inspired the John W. Peterson song “Surely Goodness & Mercy” (performed by Martha Garvin/Musical Memories). In this Joy of Music program, organist Diane Bish goes to the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City where she plays the pipe organ for the Marble Choir and Festival of Voices as they sing “Psalm 23”. This isn’t just relaxing music, though; this is a promise for you if you are one of His sheep!
Proverbs 5:22-23 — In contrast to the sheep of the Lord’s flock, the wicked will not stay on the paths of righteousness but will be led astray. We’ll continually see this sharp contrast between the way of wisdom and the way of the wicked.
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