JanMary

Q2. (Psalms 42-43). What is the psalmist feeling during this spiritual struggle? He seems to be feeling oppressed, depressed, afflicted by God, judged by others and needing vindication from God, as his enemies taunt him. At the same time, he's crying out to God, who seems distant to him, yet he speaks about God's past deliverances, and better times in his life as he felt close to God and His blessings. He's standing on and recalling what he knows to be true about God's character. How does he combat his spiritual depression? While he's expressing his despair and desperation, he's "talking to himself" about what he knows to be truth! God is faithful, and his stronghold and deliverer! In faith that deliverance will come, he's looking forward to rejoicing and praising God anticipating the rescue and comfort for which he is crying out. Have you ever felt this way? Oh my, yes! Many times! (In the margin of my Bible by these verses I wrote during one of those times years ago: "In a pit of despair over a lifetime of terror, hopelessness, abandonment, abuse, and feeling helpless and without help, wanting to die because the pain is too much to bear." Then a few hours later I wrote: "......(a friend) called at that moment and prayed with me....said the Lord led her to call and to read Psalm 42 and 43 to me. He sent help and deliverance..."Light" in the dark pit. My circumstances have not changed but I can go on, knowing that the Lord is aware of my desperate need and sent comfort and hope." How did you reach out to God at this time? Like the Psalmist, I cried out my pain and distress to God...honesty with God has preceded many breakthroughs. I clung to Him and even though I didn't believe I could go on, I wanted to be with Him...knew He is my stronghold and fortress. (He led me to go through deliverance a short time later, and that kind of oppression has not returned. I was delivered from severe panic attacks, many fears, a death spirit (my parents threatened to kill me and my siblings, and my oldest brother committed suicide which seemed like a good solution to his pain), forgiveness for my abusers. My life changed drastically after that time! I now have joy, and peace and freedom in Christ! How I praise my Lord for sending help and deliverance...and that He hears every cry and sees every tear (saves them in a bottle!) I think there must be a large vat for where mine are stored.

Q1. (Psalm 27) What does it mean that David desires to "dwell in the house of the Lord"? I love this Psalm! It has brought me comfort dozens of times over the years. Like David, I desire to be in God's Presence at all times. I know He will never leave me nor forsake me, and is always in me and surrounding me like the air, and that I don't have to "call Him to me", but merely step into His ever abiding presence. I think this is what David is speaking about, since the house of the Lord is where "God dwelt" in those days (rather than in the hearts of believers through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection and invitation to come in to live by the Holy Spirit). In His Presence is fullness of joy! We are transformed in His presence! His majesty and love are tangible in His presence...that's where I want to LIVE, in close intimate fellowship with Him, ready to respond to His "nudges", aware of His gifts of love to me (sometimes wrapped in rough, black paper, but meant for my good, none the less), open to hear His still, quiet voice. After a life of neglect, abuse, and loneliness, when He took me in as His own daughter (v10), I found my true home in Him. What does it mean to "seek his face"? I've written in my Bible by that verse "Not just His hand".....to remind me that He's promised to meet all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus, and that what He really desires is for me to want to spend time with Him. To come and sit at His feet, as Mary did and to soak up His wisdom and His love. When I take Communion in the mornings, just He and I, in my home, I'm seeking all that He is, and thank Him for all that He does and Has done, and will continue to do. I seek what His desires are for my day and ask that He order my steps....and my stops and that what He wants to accomplish through me will be just that, and not my ideas of what He may want for that day. How does David provide hope at the end of this Psalm? David reminds himself and his readers, to be brave and of good courage, (reiterating V1 Since " the Lord is my Refuge and Stronghold, of whom shall I be afraid?"), and tell us to wait and hope for the Lord. (a definition I love for wait is: To be patient with a confident expectation of His answer.) David adds, and I love this: "in the land of the living". I've been waiting for 30 years for several promises He made to me to be fulfilled. Doubters have said, "He probably meant when you get to Heaven". I'm confidently waiting for His answers here!

Q3. (Psalm 139). In what way does the wonder of creation in the psalm seem to affect the psalmist? I love David's heart...no wonder God loved him so! He is so vulnerable and open before the Lord....an open book laid bare before his maker, aware that God knows every minute detail of his life....his thoughts, his dreams, any dark or "hidden" places. As he talks to God about how every intricate detail is known, he zero's in on how God knitted him together in his mother's womb. (a friend commented one time that when He knits us, he doesn't drop a stitch!) He seems to shrink to embryo size and marvels over how precious he is to God......then focuses on how huge and mighty God is.....and yet how David is never out of His thoughts. (How precious and weighty are Your thoughts to me, O God!). He basks in God's majesty and holiness, and the intimacy in which he is known. Suddenly he is so at one with God that he gets angry at the wicked people around him, and agrees that he hates them as they rise up against God, and as they are enemies against God, they are David's enemies as well. In his concluding prayer in verses 23-24, what does he ask God to do? As David ponders the evil around him and God's infinite knowledge of each individual and of himself, he asks God to search his own heart and inmost thoughts, and if He finds any wicked or hurtful way in him to lead him in the way everlasting! (It's as though he's saying, "In Your presence I feel clean and pure, BUT You know every inch of me....so shine YOUR light in any dark corner and expose it, in case I'm in denial, so it will be cleansed, because I want nothing to hinder this oneness I have with you!")

Q2. (Psalm 19) Verses 1 to 6 seem very different from verses 7 to 13, but there is a common thread that relates the first part to the second part. What is it? The first six verses tell of the heavenly bodies speaking forth God's Word, wordlessly and the beauty and majesty of God's creation. The second part speaks of the perfection and beauty of God's written Word, which is as inspiring as what he sees when he looks to the heavens. In what way does the psalmist seem to bask in God's Word? David writes very personally about how God's Word affects him....using enthusiastic phrases (he describes the rising of the sun as "a bridegroom coming out of his marital chamber") He describes the written Word as "sweeter than honey", and more desirable than fine gold. He speaks of conviction of sin after reading and meditating on God's Word. Have you ever felt that way? Yes. I love and cherish His Word...it's truly a lamp to my feet and a light to my path....my daily bread! Jesus is the Word....and I receive life, love, inspiration, correction, hope, wisdom....from reading and meditating on what I read. It draws me into worship and intimacy with Him. How does the psalmist's wonder in creation seem to affect him in this psalm? His wonder has drawn him into worship and intimacy with his Creator. His psalm is an outpouring of his love, awe and respect for the Lord. In the classic prayer of verse 14, what is David asking God to do? He's asking the Lord to direct and find his speech to be acceptable, just as He's found God's Word to be pleasing and inspiring to such an extent that it has moved him emotionally and spiritually. He wants his outer actions to reflect the inner purity he finds in the word of God.

Q1. (Psalm 8). What does this psalm teach about God? This psalm teaches that God is our Lord (master, ruler, King of Kings, Lord of Lords). He alone is Majestic and Glorious and is above all of His creation. He can be seen in His creation as we look at the Heavens, stars, shooting stars, planets, galaxies, the sun, and moon....all the handiwork of His awesome power and creativity. It teaches that He loves beauty and symmetry. He is a God of order. It tells us that He has revealed Himself in creation and desires to be known by His creatures. He tells us that praise is due Him, and that we are strengthened as we praise our God, and that praise silences our enemy. It teaches that He has delegated His authority to have dominion over His creation, through His Son (v5), to believers in Christ, ultimately. (by implication...v6) It teaches that He loves and cares for His Son and for us, and for His creatures. What does it teach about human beings? Psalm 8 teaches that man has been created to recognize our creator through His glorious creation, and that we are created to know Him and to make Him known (v2: to our children first of all). It teaches that we are created to and capable of praising Him. It teaches that we are weak and in need of His strength (v2), which comes through our knowledge of Him and our praise to Him. It tells us that we are fallen and have a deadly enemy who needs to be silenced. It teaches us that we are His created ones and that we are on His mind (v4) and that we are to be mindful of Him (v3), in meditation and careful consideration of what we see and know about Him through His creation. It teaches us that contrary to what many seem to believe, we are not God! We are not the masters of our "ships".....He is! What does it teach us about Christ? Verse 5 tells us that His Son Jesus (Who is creator God, second Person of the Trinity, (Gen.1:1 Let US make man in OUR image), lowered Himself to become flesh and dwelt among us, (and by implication, died, was buried, rose again) and was crowned with glory and honor as our Savior and Lord. What does it teach about our responsibilities? This whole Psalm teaches that I am to recognize, know, submit to, worship, honor, and praise my God and Creator, and to make Him known to the next generation (v 2; infants and children) who must be taught about God before they are taught in school that they are nothing more than a freak of natural selection....and an accident of "mother nature" when fish decided to grow feet and walk up on land....and other utter nonsense, such as what I was taught in public school. I still remember the depression I felt when I was told this stuff, and how utterly alone I felt, until age 30 when He revealed Himself to me, and that I'd been taught lies.....oh the joy of knowing I have a Father who not only created me, but who is involved in every aspect of my life, and Who loves and cares for me, Who died for me and redeemed me from the enemy, and claims me as His own daughter.

Q4. What about Moses' strengths have inspired you? I absolutely love Moses! I relate to him in so many ways! He was 80 when he got started! (I'm nearly 70 and God has assigned me my most difficult task for this time in my life). I appreciate most of all his meekness. (the Lord gave me a picture of meekness during an earlier study, of a powerful stallion rearing with flaring nostrils and rippling muscles, which has been tamed to the bit and bridle... sensitive to his master's light touch. So calm as to allow small children to ride upon his back without fear). Moses is described as the most meek man upon the face of the earth. I love that about Him! I love that though a stammering, insecure man he surrendered to the call of God on his life. I'm insecure and though I don't stammer, I lack confidence when speaking, and believe that like Moses, God can fill my mouth with what He wants me to say when needed. I appreciate that Moses, though a great and godly man, was so human. That gives me hope that I can be used of God, in spite of my flaws, and frailties. When I started this walk with the Lord, I had read a number of "prairie journals", the writings of women who left the comfort of a home in the East to make the trek to the West with their men. I said many times, "I would not have made it past Missouri!" But I've experienced, as I believe Moses did, that God "works perseverance" into our character through the difficulties and long delays and hardship. Everything about Moses inspires me! What about his weaknesses have been a warning to you? I saw that like all of us, Moses was a work in progress, whose weaknesses were gradually trained out of him. The one which got him into trouble and kept him from leading the people into the promised land was actually a strength misused. He took personally the people's griping and complaining and got angry and struck the rock. But that also demonstrates to me that he was fully invested in them and their welfare...wanted them to love and serve God as he did and ran out of patience at the end. (I used to feel so sad for him until I realized that though he didn't lead them into the land, he was there IN the land on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus and Elijah! Doesn't get much better than that! I think that was more glorious than what could have been had he kept his cool. God is so faithful! The warning to me is that no matter how long and tiresome the journey, (and mine has been long and tiresome, more years in the wilderness than not, and with more sorrow and pain and loss, than joy), to hang on to the Lord's hand and His strength until the journey is complete. I'm at the border of the promised land, surrounded by fiery serpents of betrayal, physical pain, discouragement, depressed and complaining companions, tempted on all sides to give up. But studying Moses and how he blew it at the very end inspires me to waver not in my faith, and to keep believing that God is able to perform that which he promised me 30 years ago! If there is one primary thing God has taught you from Moses' life that you seek to apply to yours, what is it? To love God with all my heart, soul and mind, and to seek to live in total reliance upon God's next Word of guidance/direction. To joy in seeking His face! Thank you Pastor Wilson for this amazing study. You got to the very heart of Moses and the "meat" in those long chapters. It was a wonderful study!

Q3. (Numbers 25; Revelation 2:14) Though Balaam wouldn't prophesy evil against Israel, he was willing to counsel the Moabites how to hurt Israel. How did Balaam's counsel lead Israel into sin? They seduced the Israelites into harlotry with the daughters of Moab....created an emotional and physical attachment to them which further lured them into attending their sacrifices to Moab's gods, eating their sacrificed meat and bowing down to the idols, joining themselves to Baal of Peor and were led away from devotion to God. Why was Aaron's grandson Phinehas so honored for his action? He rose up from the congregation and ran his spear through the sexually engaged couple because he was jealous/zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites by executing judgment. (ps 106:31) What was his reward? God's covenant of Peace. Phinehas and his descendants after him were granted the covenant of an everlasting priesthood. Why are we so often zealous to defend the rights of God's enemies and so slow to defend God's honor? Satan's weapon of "political correctness" has stopped many in their tracks, so that it's become "sin" to call sin, SIN. Mustn't offend anyone, for goodness sake. In olden times, "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching into war", was the hymn of battling God's enemies. Now we've adopted the "ministry of acceptance" and anything goes, even in the church. We've been neutralized, sanitized, and are impotent and indifferent to defending God's honor.

Q2. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-15) What precipitated the plague of snakes? After a great victory when the Lord gave over the canaanites to Israel and they utterly destroyed their cities, they journeyed around Mt. Hor by way of the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. The people became impatient, depressed, and much discouraged because of the trials of the journey. They began to speak against God and against Moses. They loathed the manna and accused them of bringing them into the wilderness to die. THEN the Lord sent fiery, burning serpents among the people..... Is being impatient with God's provision a sin? This was more than impatience...this was all out rejection of God, His plan, His servant Moses. This was the sin: impugning God's character and that of Moses, and accusing them of evil motives. Why or why not? I've grown impatient along the way, waiting for 30 years for the promises I've been given. I've been honest with the Lord that I've grown weary. I don't feel convicted of sin for speaking my heart. I believe God wants us to be honest with Him, but in a respectful way. It's not possible for Him to commit evil or to have evil intentions. What are the points of comparison between the bronze snake in the desert and Christ on the cross? The bronze snake was to be lifted up on a pole and anyone who had been bitten, if they looked (attentively, expectantly, with a steady and absorbing gaze (amp.) would not die. In other words, they had to believe that God's provision of a bronze snake would save them. Jesus was lifted up on the cross which defeated the serpent who "bruised Jesus' heel, but whose head was crushed" when Jesus' sinless blood was shed (prophesied in Gen. 3:15) I was struck by John's words and how they parallel the words regarding being saved from death by snake bite: "Jesus was lifted up on the cross in order that everyone who believes in Him (who cleaves to Him, trusts Him and relies on Him) may not perish but have eternal life and live for ever!" Faith in God's provision and looking to Him alone is the only way to be saved!

Q1. (Numbers 20:1-13) What did God tell Moses to do to bring water out of the rock? God told Moses "Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and TELL THE ROCK before their eyes to give forth to them water out of the rock...." V 8 What did Moses actually do? Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod SMOTE the rock, TWICE, and the water came out abundantly. V.11 In what way did he sin? God said to Moses and Aaron "Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to SANCTIFY Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you shall not enter the land..." Moses disobeyed the Lord, and misrepresented God's heart of mercy and patience toward the people. "Moses was the most meek man on the face of the earth", but in this instance he forgot "his place" as under shepherd to God, and humility and self control were replaced with his angry "I'm sick of you stupid sheep, TAKE THAT!" behavior, which was honest but not what God required of him. What emotions and attitudes were behind his sin, do you think? I've seen this before in tired, burned out leaders who've "grown weary in well doing" having trusted in their flesh to lead rather than in God's strength. It's irritation which has turned into frustration then anger through long trials, then into resentment and finally outbursts of "wanting the sheep to pay for being stupid sheep who need a leader!" What must leaders do when they sin in these ways? Admit their anger and bad behavior to God rather than blaming the sheep or justifying their actions. Repent. Ask to have the heart of a tender shepherd restored, and apologize to the sheep. (Use it as a teachable moment on how NOT TO BEHAVE). Then have an honest look at whether a break or vacation is needed, or delegation of some duties to others is in order if overwhelmed, etc.

Q4. (Numbers 17) What was the root cause of Korah's rebellion? Pride and envy resulting in rebellion and rejection of the the Lord's appointed men of authority. They were dissatisfied with just doing the service of the tabernacle..they wanted to be "lifted up" as priests and therefore judged Moses and Aaron, not understanding that they were not self appointed, but God appointed. Which of their accusations were true or partially true? They said "You take too much upon yourselves, seeing that all the congregation is holy, every one of them. Why then do you lift yourselves up above the assembly of the Lord?"Num 16:3. (Aaron had sinned grievously in making the golden calf, and in talking against Moses, yet had not been punished as Miriam was. Now he'd been elevated above the rest as priest. (God's doing, not Aaron's). The people resented Aaron's role and his seeming "holier than thou position". Why is challenging the authority of a spiritual leader so dangerous to the challengers? Because if the leader has been called by God (rather than self appointed), the challenger is fighting against God. ("You and all your company are gathered together against the Lord. And Aaron, what is he that you murmur against him?" Num. 16:11) That's a no win situation for the challenger, and can result in nothing good! God Himself will mete out the consequence and will stand up for the challenged leader. How is intercession for a sinful people such an important part of a leader's job? The Leader is God's representative and stands in the gap on behalf of the people....he/she must represent God's heart even in the midst of opposition by those he's/she's leading.

Q3. (Numbers 14) Why is this failure to enter the Promised Land so serious? It resulted in the death in the wilderness of every one who came out of Egypt! Only those born in the wilderness would enter the promised land, along with Joshua and Caleb who gave a good scouting report and believed in faith in God's ability to bring them victory in a war with the "ites". What did it represent on the people's part? Blatant unbelief. Rejection of "I Am" as their Lord and His leadership. What did it represent on the Lord's part? His justice. In your opinion, was the punishment too severe? Why or why not? No, I don't think it was too severe. God is a loving Father and a just One....He gave them what they asked for in their rebellion. Sad though that the fearful report of 40 leaders was more powerful than what the people had experienced with God, and resulted in millions of deaths and 40 years of suffering and hardship for those who chose to believe them. I have to remember that He was training a people to endure as believers to keep the lineage pure in preparation for Messiah to come through....it wasn't just about that one generation, but the many who would learn from this example who would read about it through the years and hopefully choose faith in God over men's unbelieving words. If the people had moved in faith, how long would their trip from Egypt to Canaan have taken? I've read that the actual trip would have taken about 11 days.

Q2. (Numbers 12) What was Miriam's and Aaron's motivation for speaking against Moses? Pride, self righteousness, jealousy and a judgmental spirit! They did not approve of his Cushite wife (Now Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses their brother because of his Cushite wife....) Perhaps they felt they were "the real deal" and he was less because he married someone other than a Hebrew. (An Egyptian or a Cushite wife was not prohibited as were Canaanite women) Why do people seeking power feel a need to discredit the existing leader? I think the real motive is that the person doesn't feel qualified on their own merit or they'd have been chosen, so in trying to tear down the leader, they believe they have built themselves up. How did Moses handle this provocation? He interceded for Miriam to be healed. He showed compassion, as the meek man that he was, rather than wanting her to be punished. (I still wonder why only Miriam was leprous when it was written that "Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses......" Perhaps once again, God was preserving Aaron's dignity as he would be the high priest.....just me musing) How might he have handled it if he were a proud man? He more than likely would have left her to her leprosy believing it served her right, and maybe asked that Aaron would get the same punishment. How did the Lord handle it? Swiftly and thoroughly with justice and compassion. "Suddenly, the Lord said to Moses......" He came down in power, confronted them with what they had said, validated and affirmed Moses as His chosen leader so there would be no more questioning his authority, and with a very visible and disgusting consequence for their sin, lest others want to talk against Moses. The Lord heard Moses plea for healing and relented to just 7 days outside the camp to both discipline her rebellion, and as an example to thwart anarchy.

Q1. (Numbers 11:11-15) Why do you think Moses is so frustrated in his prayer? Moses was the "point man"....the lightning rod for all of the whining and crying and complaining, and yet had no power to do anything about their murmuring. He was eating the same manna and yet was being held responsible for their perception that "God was mistreating them". What do you think is going on in him emotionally and physically at this point? I think Moses, because of the burden, had begun to feel responsible FOR the people rather than responsible TO GOD, Who was responsible for the people. As a result, he was worn out both emotionally and physically. Moses was being "squeezed" by millions of petulant, suffering people who were unaware that they were living and experiencing one of the greatest miracles ever recorded! Does he have any grounds for his complaints? We usually have to get angry before we set boundaries or ask for help when overwhelmed! I think God allowed Moses to reach that point....or in other words, to come to the end of himself...his own strength. Then he would be willing and glad to delegate to others to assist in the leadership. Did he have any grounds? Technically I think God expected/wanted him to bring the "load" to Him, and good for Moses that instead of "stuffing it" and becoming bitter and resentful toward God, he unloaded the burden. I've done the same thing in the past and was angry at God....it's in our fallen nature to blame, especially when we don't understand what God is doing. That was my learning curve for recognizing when I had allowed the "load to shift" from God's shoulders to mine. I thank Him for allowing me to see my limitations, and for the reminder of Who is really in charge! Do you think this is designed to be a model prayer? It's not a great prayer pattern in content, but in intent it's perfect modeling for honesty and authenticity from a child of God to one's Heavenly Father. I've actually experienced sensing God's pleasure when I quit faking it and being "politically correct", so to speak, and became honest to goodness gut level honest with Him. My relationship changed dramatically in intimacy with the Lord when I stopped pretending that I wasn't hurting, discouraged, miserable, angry or in pain, and told Him the truth. Praise God!!! Why are we shown this prayer? I think we're shown this to see that Moses, as great a man of God as he was, and as revered in God's eyes and in Scripture, that underneath, he is "me"...a fallen, needy, struggling child of God in need of a Savior and His strength, wisdom and Spirit every minute of every day! How did God answer him? With no condemnation, no scolding, no humiliating words...just simply told Moses how his need for help to govern would be provided.....as If God was waiting for Moses to ask. Then told Moses the consequence for the people for their complaining and ingratitude toward His perfect provision (manna) would be quail until they were so cloyed with meat that they would vomit it out their nostrils.

Q4. (Leviticus 1:3-9) In the burnt offering for an individual's sin: What is the significance of the offerer laying his hand on the animal's head? I think it was so the sinner made the connection that the sin he/she committed and the resulting guilt, was being transferred to the innocent animal. Why do you think the offerer is to slay the sacrifice rather than having the priest do it? So that the offerer takes responsibility for his/her own sin....it was very personal and I imagine objectionable and expensive, to kill a valuable animal in this way. It made certain that the offerer recognized how offensive sin is to our Holy God and that the price for "covering it" was very high! How is the animal's blood significant in sacrifice? God required that the blood of a spotless, flawless, innocent animal was shed to cover sin....He said "The life is in the blood", and it was poured out as the animals throat was slit. In what ways does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfill all of this? Jesus is the spotless, flawless, sinless and perfect "lamb of God", God Himself, who poured out His own life blood to atone for the sin of the whole world. No other will ever be needed since He died once for all.

Q3. What does the arrangement of the furniture, the tabernacle, and the courtyard teach us about worship? I think these were instruction for how to approach a Holy God before grace came to us in the New Covenant. I thank God that now, since the Cross, we are told to "come fearlessly and confidently and boldly, drawing near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners) that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need...(appropriate help and well timed help), coming just when we need it!" Hebrews 4:16. Amplified I enjoy the freedom of coming to the Lord in whatever state I'm in without observing a formula. (I don't believe that is what Pastor Wilson is suggesting here however) I was taught as a new believer, the ACTS formula for prayer...Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. That hindered me in being transparent and honest in my prayers as I tried to "pray in the correct order". But in corporate worship I appreciate order, especially in Communion, where the Lord's Body and Blood remind me that it was for every sin and failed righteousness on my part, that Jesus suffered and died such a painful death. I love the 45 min. of worship in our church at the beginning of the service, where Jesus is lifted up and where my heart is prepared to receive His Word with gladness and openness. Num 1:50 tells us that the Levites were to carry the tabernacle when journeying and all its furnishings, and they shall minister to it and encamp around it, as a reminder that God's Presence was always near. Prayer is for me, stepping into His Presence rather than "trying to get Him to come to me" via some kind of progression through a formula. Why do you come to the bronze altar and the laver or basin before you reach the tent itself? These represent sin and cleansing.....the laver was made from the bronze mirrors of the women....I expect when one bent over it to wash the hands and face, one's own reflection could be seen....a reminder to examine one's own heart and life for sin needing His cleansing and forgiveness.

Q2. (Exodus 25:10-22) What is the significance of the Ark in the Holy of Holies? The ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, where sinful mankind could not approach. And only the High Priest could enter once a year on the day of Atonement, shielded by the specified blood sacrifice. Even this was not taken lightly, as he had a rope tied to his ankle, lest he die. He could be pulled out without the loss of life of the rescuer. What did it represent? It represented the portable throne of God...His earthly place to dwell with men. Why was it considered so holy? It contained the books of His Holy law. It was covered by His mercy seat. It was the representation of His perfect Holiness, righteousness and justice, wrapped up in the Covenant He made with His people, "signed" in innocent, sacrificial blood . If no one really sat upon it, why was it so important? Just as the wayward Israelites wanted a gold calf, a visible symbol, to lead them, the Ark of the Covenant "contained" the Holy God who would lead them through the wilderness. Though they could not see it, they knew God (his visible representation) was leading them. (The type and shadow of Jesus, the visible representation of the invisible God of the New and better Covenant who leads us daily) He said "Make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them" Ex 25:8, then gave the instructions for building the Ark, which was so Holy it could not be touched, v 15, but rather carried on the shoulders of the Levites by poles inserted through rings attached to the Ark. (We now carry our Savior in our "temples of the Holy spirit" as we move about.)

Q1. (Numbers 2:1-3:39) Why was the camp of the Israelites laid out as it was? The layout was God's design. He does nothing without plan and purpose. I notice that the layout is in the form of a cross, with His presence at the very hub or center. Though the cross was unheard of at the time, it's a type and shadow of the crucifixion that would save all mankind, if received. It was hinted at again when the bronze serpent was placed upon the top of a wooden pole, and anyone who had been bit by the serpent, would be saved upon looking up at the serpent. God is always revealing Himself to His creation whether in a blazing sunset, a newborn baby, His universe and it's perfect clock-like precision....and even in the shape of this encampment. What did this layout teach the Israelites? It was designed to teach them that He is the One to look to for everything. Their lives and encampment revolved around Him in a precise design to demonstrate order, function, place, privilege (the Levites and priests), etc. Though the tribes had differing strength and numbers and therefore differing duties and tribal offerings, they were ranked in such a way that each tribe had equal honor and access to the Altar....just as we have today....God is no respecter of persons, no favorites. We all have equal honor and access to Him. Why were the Levites and priests camped closer than the other tribes? They were the assigned ministers unto Him. They attended to all of the tabernacles functions. We can look at the "picture" and see our place as believers, near to His heart and Presence, dependent upon Him for everything....and now He tabernacles within each one who is HIS, in our "temples".

Q4. (Exodus 33:7-11) Why is Moses' pre-tabernacle "tent of meeting" so important in Moses' ministry? This is where Moses set up his tent outside the camp so he could spend private, intimate time alone with God, away from distractions.... God's cloud of glory would descend at the door and the Lord would speak to Moses face to face. Moses was modeling to the people the necessity and the privilege of meeting with God. Why is it called the "tent of meeting"? Moses tent was where he met with God. What would it take for you to spend longer periods of intimate time seeking God? This is something I value greatly and have been spending more time with Him, alone, in the morning before the day starts in the special place where I have a cup of coffee, my Bible, a notebook and pen to write down what He says, etc. How do you think this would affect your ministry? It is amazing how that personal interaction is preparation for the day, both in terms of strength, wisdom, insight, His love being poured into me so that it can be poured out! When I get too busy, I lose out on all of that and it's time I can't get back....

Q3. (Exodus 32:11-13, 30-35; 33:12-17) Why is interceding for the people so important in Moses' ministry? God called and raised Moses up to be His visible representative to the people (as Jesus came in the flesh to show us Who God is and to reveal the heart of God) The success of the "mission" depended on Moses revealing God's heart to the people and knowing God brought Moses' heart into alignment with God's desires. These verses in Exodus, were tests for Moses leadership as God said He would destroy the people and raise Moses' seed into a great nation....pride and arrogance did not win out! The humility and dependence upon God Moses had learned during the abasing time in the wilderness, had "worked their work" and he proved himself a faithful leader through his intercession....God's heart for the people had become Moses heart. Why is this such an important role for pastors and lay leaders today? At one point Moses felt responsible FOR the people more than responsible TO GOD. Stress is about how I relate to what I do. Intercession not only brings God into the lives of people, it moves pastors and leaders into right relationship with God and brings clear perspective on Who is responsible FOR the people...God. Intercession shifts responsibility to God's shoulders where it belongs. I Peter 5:6, 7 addresses this I think. Intercession keeps us humble. "Therefore humble yourselves, demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares about you watchfully." Prayer changes our own hearts, and allows us to "partner" or align our desires/prayers with His desires. Intercession is what changes peoples lives, not our leadership skills. To intercede effectively before God, why must we know both his character and his promises? Intercession is not about me trying to manipulate God to do my will in others lives...it is about praying His will and purposes into those lives....impossible to do effectively if I don't know God or His Word of promise. In my early days, intercession was all fear based and crying out to God so that my loved ones wouldn't ever hurt emotionally or feel pain or discomfort of any kind as I had experienced. When I began to "know" Him (not about Him) and to learn His Word, my prayers changed to His hearts cry! For restoration, and salvation, and growth and maturity in Christ, and the crucifixion of the flesh that hinders those things.....and yes there has been pain and discomfort and loss for some, but the rewards in Christ are far greater! Praise God!)

Q2. (Exodus 32:21-24) What was the nature of Aaron's sin with the golden calf? I think the main thing was rebellion! He had been with Moses, an eye witness to God's miracles in Egypt in delivering the people. He had heard God's voice! He willfully transgressed against God. Secondly, He was in charge and had let the people become "unruly and unrestrained" so that they had become a derision and object of shame to their enemies. He had failed to lead them, by yielding his delegated place of authority to Satan, who then took over, and he let the people direct or lure him into idolatry. He didn't as yet have the 10 commandments, but he knew that idolatry was an abomination to the God who had called him to follow Him and He alone. And lastly, just plain foolishness or stupidity in giving the people what they wanted instead of what they needed (Correction, guidance, leadership) Why won't he take responsibility for his actions, do you think? His excuse cracked me up! "I threw the gold into the fire and out came this golden calf!" He sounds like Adam who when God confronted him for abdicating his leadership to Eve, then following her into sin, blamed her. Then she blamed the "serpent". It's the old "the dog ate my homework" scenario, rather than admitting "I was wrong!" It's the fallen nature refusing to admit to weakness, sin, mistakes, being wrong...PRIDE. Why do you think he gets off so easily? I wonder if it was that since his destiny was to eventually be the High Priest and he would be the spiritual leader, that God didn't want to cause him to be diminished in the people's eyes where they would laugh at him in disrespect as a result of being severely corrected....he left him his dignity to be able to lead with credibility later on. Why must leaders be accountable for their actions? Leaders are the "point guards"....they have God's delegated authority (if they've been called rather than self appointed), and therefore have more accountability than those under their authority. God holds leaders to a higher standard than others. "As the leader goes, so goes the nation (or so go those under his/her leadership). What is necessary for leaders to be able to learn from their mistakes? Humility, and being teachable and pliable in God's hand (with a desire to grow and become a more effective leader) wisdom, and eventually, maturity.

Q1. (Exodus 32:1-6) Why do you think the people of Israel were so quick to make idols, even after hearing the monotheism of the Ten Commandments that forbade graven images? They'd SEEN and experienced the glory cloud shielding them from the Egyptian army before crossing the Red Sea. Moses had been a very visible leader as well, and they were afraid since he'd been gone a long time. Now they wanted something they could SEE to lead them. The very first temptation was the same...Eve SAW that the fruit was good, and disobeyed God to have it. Satan has not changed! He just "repackages" what works in each age. Faith is believing what God has promised, to the exclusion of what we SEE in our circumstances. Satan's job is to stab us with fear, then get us so focused on the adverse circumstances that we buy his lies and doubt God's Word! Too often we trust what we SEE and are deceived and fall into sin. Why do you think Aaron facilitated their sin? I thought of several possible reasons....one being that he may have had a resentment about being second in command and wanted to be in charge...this was his "15 minutes of fame" time to shine as number one. Another reason might be that he was afraid they'd riot and making them an idol might keep them from tearing him and the camp apart. His excuse (he blamed the people....and said "they gave me their gold and I threw it into the fire and out came this golden calf!") and the fact that he didn't hesitate to make the idol, nor did he encourage them to wait upon God since His promise was to take them into the promised land, nor did he reassure them that Moses would indeed come back makes me think it was the former. How do you think the golden calf made God feel? He was angry and wanted to destroy the people and start over with Moses as the beginning of a great nation. Moses reminded God of the covenant He'd made with Abraham and "Your servants", and God relented. (God SEES the future and knew they were going to rebel, so this may have been a test for Moses leadership motives) What idols do Christian churches allow that lead them away from pure worship of God in our day? Some have allowed their huge buildings and mega congregations to turn their heads. Traditions....to the exclusion of the Holy Spirit's influence and leadership. (pleasing people rather than God) Angels have become increasingly the focus in some churches ("angel dust" being sprinkled on members, "jewels" falling from the sky which "angels" have thrown down to be found, feathers from angels floating down during the service. Since these detract from Jesus it's clear to me that they are demonic in nature). Status in the community....and then there are all of the many idols that individuals in the church pursue, which is endless, from their children, to their activities, to their possessions, etc. Anything which is more important than God qualifies as an idol.

Q4. (Exodus 24:8; Matthew 26:27-28) What is the function of the "blood of the covenant" in Exodus? It was the "sealing" of the covenant or contract with the people in keeping God's law. (The people had arrogantly declared "All that the Lord has spoken we WILL DO". Until the law was given at Mt.Sinai, God's people from Abraham on were under grace.) What is the "blood of the covenant" in the New Testament? In the New Testament, Jesus in being crucified, dying, and rising from the grave, fulfilled God's Holy requirement for sin and removed the necessity and impossibility of keeping the law. (If one was broken, all were broken). His broken body and shed blood ratified the New and better Covenant, where Grace now eradicates sin and forgiveness is freely given. How is the Old Covenant similar to the New Covenant? They were similar in that they were both between God and man, they were both binding and could not be broken by either party. They were both "signed" in innocent blood. They both spelled out the conditions for relationship, both vertically and horizontally. How are they different? They were different in that the Old Covenant required the constant shedding of innocent animal blood to cover each sin. In the New (and better) Covenant, Jesus' innocent blood was shed once for all, never to be repeated. It so satisfied God's Holy requirement that rather than "covering" sin, sin was completely removed "and buried in the deepest part of the sea". (Micah 7:19) and as Corrie Ten Boom said "Then He puts out a "no fishing" sign. In the New Covenant, those washed in His blood are seated with Christ in Heavenly places. In the Old Covenant you were only as forgiven as your last sin and what you had offered in sacrifice.

Q3. (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9) In what sense is Israel a "holy" nation? Israel was chosen by God and set apart to the worship of God. What does it mean to be holy? Set apart to the worship of God. (That's why we were created!). Webster's says "Spiritually whole, unimpaired innocence". I love that! God sees me, because I am in Christ as spiritually whole and my innocence unimpaired! Nothing but the blood of Jesus can achieve that righteousness! Thank you Lord for the Divine exchange....my sin for Your righteousness, forgiveness, and eternal life! Why do you think that personal holiness is de-emphasized in our time? "SIN IS IN"...could be the new catch phrase: Satan has been fiercely at work and at war with God, tearing down God's creation until a great shift has occurred! Morality and holiness is now ridiculed as old fashioned, out of date, stuffy. Many Christians, in order to "fit in" and to "belong" in the world we were told we are not a part of, have forgotten why we were created, and no longer live "set apart" lives. Chameleon living...set apart for God on Sundays, and entrenched in the world the rest of the week. The Gospel has been watered down as well, and many churches no longer talk about the blood of Jesus, sin, or holiness, because those things offend and may prevent a pastor from having a mega church and huge popularity! I've lived long enough to have seen the names for sin totally changed so as to make light of it...Murder is now "taken out, taken down, offed, etc. Stealing is now "ripped off, pocketed, etc. Sacrificing infants to appease the gods is now "aborting fetal tissue", "getting rid of an inconvenience", "a medical emergency", etc. and on and on it goes....sin doesn't sound anything like God calls it anymore. God is the same yesterday, today and forever....Sin is sin, no matter what we choose to rename it. The solution is still the same...I John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness".

Q2. (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9) What did priests do in the Old Testament? The priests stood daily as intermediaries between man and God, offering animal blood sacrifices when brought to them by the sinner, to "cover" their sin. They ministered unto God in offering incense, grain, and other offerings, kept oil in the 7 branched candle stick, cared for first the tabernacle then the temple and it's "furnishings", such as the altar, laver, etc. In what sense are you a priest? How do you function as a priest? Jesus my High Priest completed all of those priestly duties when He died, was buried and rose again. I'm a priest appointed by God as a believer to minister praise and worship unto Him, and to offer the "incense" of my prayers. How do you function as a priest? My function is to rest in Him, and to walk in the Spirit in obedience to His leading, wherever He leads. In what sense are you a "royal" priest? I'm a royal priest, because I'm a daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.....a joint heir of Jesus Christ, our One and only High Priest, having been purchased by His blood and appointed. In what areas can your personal priestly function improve? I've struggled with "resting"......He and I are working on that! When I'm not resting, my worship is hurried and my prayers are sparse...because I'm wanting to get on with the "next thing".

Q1. (Exodus 19:5; 1 Peter 2:9) From an emotional standpoint, what does it feel like to take out and look over one of your treasured possessions? The possessions I treasure most are the things passed down through generations of family...the ring worn by my great grandmother, engraved inside with a message of love to her from my great grandfather, the photo of my great grandfather at age 4, in pantaloons and a plaid dress! The tiny hinged Bible belonging to my great grandmother, and her profession of faith recorded inside. The book I inherited written by my 5th great grandfather.....when I look at them I feel a sense of awe at the continuation of life...and God's plan for me in that lineage and a longing to have known these ancestors whose faith and values shaped them and some of which were passed along to their children's children. The possessions and the knowledge about their owners has given me a sense of "place" in God's plan. How was the idea of "treasured possession" fulfilled in Israel? God had singled out Abram, then He "breathed grace" into him calling him Abraham and the process began and continued through Isaac and on down the line until having been kept separate from the Egyptian culture for 400 years, they became a nation of millions. As He delivered them through Moses, they were told that He'd carried them on eagles wings and brought them to Himself....His own treasured, peculiar possession. He sealed them to Himself through covenant. What does it feel like to be God's treasured possession – as we Christians clearly are according to 1 Peter 2:9? Unlike what I was taught in school, that I was a freak of nature's natural selection, I rejoice that I belong to my Heavenly Father...was designed by Him and for Him, to worship Him, to serve Him, and to be His very own precious daughter...and that I am His forever, secure in His love and care. How does that feel? Too wonderful to express adequately in words....great awe and humility, privileged, valued, treasured, precious, beloved and adored, priceless, cherished, honored, secure, .....don't quite say it!