“Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go.”

Nehemiah 9:18-19

Last time we saw the Israelites refuse to listen and recount the wonders He’d done among them, along with appointing a new leader to take them back into bondage. Today we see their continued rebellion juxtaposed with Yahweh’s mercy.

“Even when they had made (asah – accomplish) for themselves (lahem – masculine plural) a golden (maccekah – molten metal, covering, cast image) calf and said (amar – say, assign, declare, appoint, boast), ‘This is your God (elohim – creator god) who brought you up (alah – go up, ascend, climb, carried) out of Egypt…'”

They, together, created a golden calf and declared, “This is your creator who carried you out of Egypt.”

Our pastor pointed out recently an interesting aspect of Old Testament idolatry I had not known: often people bowing down to an image did not believe this object was in fact a god, but that it was a way to connect with the god it represented. A good example is most of us do not take stacks of cash and bow down to it, yet we do tend to order our lives around (read: worship) what those stacks of money seem to represent: power, privilege, freedom, comfort, security. And those ideals would be our real idol, not the stacks of cash themselves.

In the same way, when the Israelites gathered all their gold and melted it to form this calf, it is not likely they believed this newly-made thing had carried them out of Egypt, but rather the god it represented. And yet, the real Covenant Yahweh had not made Himself unknown throughout the exodus. He did not hide Who He was or what His name was to be known among them. That is why the following is true:

“…and committed great (gadol – great, bitter, deep, heavy) blasphemies (n’atsah – contempt, scorn, blasphemy; from naats – reject, despise, provoke)…”

They committed heavy, deep rejection toward God.

It took Moses so long on the mountain, and they were in such unfamiliar territory, they resorted to what they had known in Egypt: calling upon false gods rather than the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

If we’re honest, we do this on the regular. God seems absent, taking too long. We’ve never been in this situation before, but it’s not comfortable. Unsure of what to do, we resort to what seemed to help in the past. But we forget the bondage of it.

How about corporately? Not only does God seem to be taking too long in some broken areas of His Church, but things seem to be getting worse. Better to push ahead, move on, go with what seemed to be sufficient in the past, rather than move toward repentance and all the ugliness it entails. The problem with this is it leaves everyone but those seemingly unaffected by a particular issue out to dry. And it shovels fractured pieces into a dustpan rather than watch God breathe new life into them, creating something exquisitely restored by His Spirit.

But mostly, let’s not turn away from the difficult truth that such things are a rejection toward our God. Together, us all showing contempt toward Him and His power to move. And saying, “No. This is what has carried us thus far.” A great blasphemy.

“…yet You (attah – Yourself) in your mainifold (rab – many, much, exceedingly) mercies (racham – compassion, deep mercy) did not forsake them (azab – leave, loose from self, fail, refuse, leave destitute from last time) in the desert (midbar – desert, mouth, speech, wilderness, pasture, open field)…”

Once again, the gospel so sensational. You Yourself, in your exceedingly deep compassion, did not loose them from Yourself or leave them destitute in the wilderness.

And He doesn’t leave us either, friends. In His mercy He won’t refuse us. He will walk us through the dark valleys, the shadow of death. After all, that’s what the pillar of cloud and fire accomplished:

“…the pillar of cloud to lead them (nachah – lead, guide, from Psalm 23) in the way (derek) did not depart (sur – turn aside, avoid, separate, turn away) from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go (halak).”

The columns by which He made Himself obvious led them in the way they should go. Remember, that nachah is also used in the Shepherd’s Psalm, Psalm 23. His leadership will not depart, turn aside, or turn away from us either. He will lead us all, together, in paths of righteousness for His Name’s Sake.

May we follow.

“They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them…”

Nehemiah 9:17

Last time we saw how the exiles’ ancestors stiffened their necks toward Yahweh and His commands. Today we see their further defiance along with God’s unending mercy.

“They refused (maen – to utterly refuse) to listen (shama – listen with intent to obey) and were not mindful (zakar – bring to mind, celebrate, remember, be mindful, recount) of your wonders (pala – to be surpassing or extraordinary, deal marvelously, make wonderful, show your power, accomplish, arise; from pele – a wonder) that you did (asah – accomplished).”

They utterly refused to listen with intent to obey, and did not bring to mind and celebrate your surpassing, extraordinary wonders that you accomplished among them.

Last time our verse pointed out the Israelites did not listen to His commands. Today, the hurt seems to go deeper: they weren’t willing to bring to mind the incredible wonders He’d done among them. Not paying attention to a command is unfortunately common; forgetting and choosing not to bring back to mind all the ways He’d fought for them during the exodus and desert wandering? A real slap in the face.

I wonder how often I do that. I wonder if I looked a little more closely at my worry if it would tell me.

Why do I wonder if He’ll leave me high and dry this time? Why do I start to worry He won’t take care of the details? Keep everyone’s needs in mind? Show up when the answer isn’t obvious?

Pretty sure it’s because I don’t recount, bring to mind, and celebrate how He’s already shown up in such a way in the past. And what a lie that this time I need to take matters into my own hands.

How about all of us corporately? Where are we utterly refusing to listen with intent to obey – and not bringing to mind ways He has shown His power before? In some situations, it might be how He brought corporate discipline after lack of repentance. Or public outcry to injustices the Church had ignored. May we know the holy tremble of answering to the One Who takes personally wounds of the least powerful.

In other situations of corporate Church life, it could simply be lack of faith that anything can change. When we forget ways He has moved in relationships, healing, and revival in the past, our vision will be myopic in how we pray and believe for our today.

“…and hardened their necks (stiff-necked from last time) and in their rebellion (meri – rebellion, bitter; from marah – to be most contentious, rebellious, disobedient, provocation, bitter, unpleasant) appointed (nathan – give, set, allow, appoint) a leader (rosh – head, bodyguard, captain, chief) to return (shub – turn back, return, withdraw) to their bondage (abduth – slavery, servitude).”

They became stiff-necked in their contentious, bitter rebellion, and appointed a leader to turn back to slavery.

I keep thinking about how the situation referred to in these verses was less about the Israelites plowing forward with what they thought best, and more a lack of faith to move forward at all. Their rebellion came from bitterness. God was holding out on them. He delivered them only to fail them. There was no way they could take the land He promised they could possess.

They were so sure the Promised Land was a lost cause, they wanted to appoint a different leader: one who would march them right back to bondage.

Is there anything God wants you to move forward on, but the step of faith it takes makes chains on your wrists seem easier? Better? Less of a hassle?

What about as His Body on our planet during this time? Anything He wants us to move toward but our desire for comfort or sameness or not getting it wrong pulls us toward a spiritual jail cell?

What if, together, we just took that step? What if we all get it wrong but keep getting back up? What if – when the past pulls or our flesh gets in the way – we put courage back into each other to move forward and trust He knows what He’s doing?

Our Israelites did not. In their unpleasant disobedience they chose a different leader and an alternative path.

But God.

“…You (attah) are a forgiving God (Eloah – El selichah – forgiveness, pardon) gracious (channun – gracious; from chanan – beseech, show favor, fair, grant graciously) and merciful (rachum – compassionate; from racham – to love, find mercy)…”

But You are a forgiving God, gracious and fair, compassionate and merciful

I’m a fan of the wording of this phrase in the Hebrew: You Yourself are a forgiving God. It is Your nature, the character You possess. You are not one form of a god who forgives. You are the Most High, Forgiving God. You show gracious favor where none is deserved. You are so secure in Yourself, Your holy, triune Self, You can show compassionate mercy to those Who turn from You.

And it gets even better.

“slow to anger (arek – long, long-suffering, patient, slow; from arak – endure, delay, stick) [to anger – aph – nostril-flaring wrath) and abundant (rab – much, many, great, exceedingly, full) in hesed (checed – favor, goodness, loving-kindness)…”

…sticking with us and slow to inflict the nostril-flaring wrath our rebellion deserves…exceedingly abundant in hesed…

This is such incredible, good news. We’ve seen this nostril-flaring anger on here before, witnessed the depth of His holiness. How we turn not only away from the Beautiful, but toward a prison sentence. That He sticks with us, that He not only loves us, but is exceedingly abundant in favor, goodness, and loving-kindness to us, is a miracle. A logic-defying, mind-boggling miracle.

“…and did not forsake them (azab – leave, loose from self, fail, refuse, leave destitute)…”

…and You did not loose Yourself from them, leaving them destitute.

Of course, this good news cost Him. Nothing but the blood would do. No other way to maintain such absolute purity and never loose Himself from us. Our rebellion required it. Our hearts longed for it. We couldn’t find ourselves in our lostness. We were lost. We had to be found.

May we praise Him forever He has never left us destitute.

“But they, our ancestors, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and they did not obey your commands.”

Nehemiah 9:16

Last time we saw how Yahweh called the Israelites to abide in the land He swore with a powerful, open hand to provide for them. Today we see how they responded once settled.

“They and our fathers (ab – father, ancestors) acted proudly (zud – boil up, seethe, act proudly, presumptuously, rebelliously, arrogant, be insolent)…”

I do not like these synonyms for acting proudly. To be presumptuous – overstep bounds, failing to observe what is permitted. To rebel against a beautiful God and His just laws, show a lack of respect, insulting and contemptuous. These, friends, are not how we want to be described.

I don’t know about in your life, but in mine these words are most descriptive of me when I have unforgiveness in my heart. When I haven’t poured out my heart to Him about something – or haven’t done it over and over as necessary – what comes out is boiling over, overstepping bounds, lack of respect, and spewing hurt.

How about you? What are some of your tells, ways you can know the pride in your heart is likely deceiving you?

How about us all? As the Bride of Christ, where do we overstep His bounds? In what ways are we collectively rebelling against a beautiful God and His just laws? Perhaps in deference to man-made, cultural laws? How do our lives either confirm or deny respect for the Creator of all?

“…and hardened (qashah – to be hard, severe, fierce, cruel, stiffen [stiff-necked], stubborn) their necks (oreph – neck, back, back of neck; from araph – to break the neck, of an animal, behead, destroy)…”

Unfortunately, in our verse today, it gets worse. The recently-returned exiles’ ancestors also chose to stiffen their necks toward God. This definition of hardened is compelling: to make your neck severe, fierce, cruel. In the same vein as beheading someone or decapitating an animal.

Although I doubt it always shows up in a physiological way, I can remember times in my life when my neck has been hard during rebellion. Not that I could not turn my head each direction, but that I wouldn’t. Jaw set, face forward, no tenderness in my stance toward Him or others in my life. It was a decision. Choices had been made and taking matters into my own hands was the result. It looks so different than having a “yes” on the table to God, willing to go where He leads. In both situations a decision has been made; in one the head is bowed, in the other it must be broken.

Oh may we collectively choose not to make our necks fierce and cruel toward God and others. When He says the word, when His Spirit is clearly moving, may our heads turn toward His activity in corporate delight. When He asks for surrender, may we bow and remain tender. And when we’re not, may we pour it out to Him until our hearts are softened by His love.

“…and did not listen (shama – listen with intent to obey) to your commands (mitsvah – command, prescribed terms, ordinance; from tsavah – conditions, law, ordinance, precept, lay charge upon)…”

In our verse, this section is what the ancient Israelites were stiffening their necks toward: listening with intent to obey His commands. This word mistvah is distinct from torah in that it also includes “moral kindness in keeping the law” (such as loving your neighbor as yourself). There are 613 mitzvot (plural of mitsvah). However, because the Temple is no longer in tact – and because Israel is not the theocratic state it was before – Jewish scholars list 271 mitzvot which are still to be followed today. (source)

When I think of carefully keeping 271 rules (194 don’ts and 77 do’s), I am ever more grateful for a Savior Who kept them all. And I’m grateful His Spirit in us is what allows us to move beyond mere duty of a law and into joyous giving. But these mitzvot give us beautiful insight into the heart of the Command-Giver and His desire for shalom.

And it was this Shalom the people were resisting as they stiffened their necks and went their own way. Remember, this was not simply less peace in their lives; God’s people were drawn into worshipping idols and ultimately taken captive by what promised freedom and life.

We, too, as God’s people have a charge laid upon us. A new command He gives us: love one another. As He has loved us, so we are to love one another. By this all will know we are His disciples.

Let’s love.

“In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them.”

Nehemiah 9:15

Last time we saw God intimately made known both the Sabbath and precepts, laws, and Torah for His people. Today we journey with the ancient Israelites into the wilderness and see how Covenant YHWH provided for them.

“You gave (nathan – allowed, assigned, certainly gave, apportioned, provided, bestow) them bread (lechem – food, loaves) from heaven (shamayim – sky, highest heavens) for their hunger (raab – famine, hunger; from raeb – suffer [hunger])…”

You provided them bread from heaven for their suffering hunger.

Many of us reading this do not truly understand suffering hunger. Never wondered where our next meal would come from; fall asleep full, with the knowledge tomorrow we’ll eat again.

God help us, that is not the case for everyone. With ample hunger still here and wealth of resources in many places, may we be through whom God can apportion, assign, and bestow bread from heaven.

Of course, in the case of our exodus exiles, Yahweh was trying to teach them about provision. His sufficiency in the midst of uncertainty. Desert far as you can see? No crops abounding? Perfect stage set for bread to quite literally fall from heaven. Just enough for today, never a need to hoard, always a chance to trust.

Though your pantry may be full, where do you have suffering hunger? Spiritual hunger is a gift. We are called blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness. When we come to Jesus and His provision for what we lack daily. Can we get to the place where we genuinely thank Him for the ways He has used suffering hunger in our lives to grow us? Cause us to depend on His sufficiency? Refute the lie that an easier life or better circumstances is surely what He would have for us?

This is hard. Fortunately, He will allow us to wrestle it out with Him, even as He certainly provides what’s needed moment by moment. 

But what about those who suffer spiritual or emotional hunger? For which we are called to partner with Him to certainly give relief? If He has shown up in your life, you have something to give away. No need to rescue, never an excuse to speak over others. But you have Hope to share. Let’s share.

“…and brought them (yatsa – go, come out, brought forth, upheld, assuredly, break out, shoot forth) water (mayim – water, pool, flood) out of the rock (sela – crag, cliff, mountain, rocks, ragged, strong hold) for their thirst (tsama – parched ground, dry, literal or figurative thirst; from tsame – to suffer [thirst])…”

You shot forth pools of water out of a strong hold for their parched ground and suffering thirst.

Parched ground is quite the description. The soil itself longing for relief, for life-giving sustenance. From this desert place the exiles watched Yahweh shoot forth pools of water from a rock. A strong hold, ragged cliff. That’s what He does. The place that has a strong hold on you is the place He is ready to become your Strong Tower. These are not just words to me. It’s the only thing keeping me afloat some days. He has to be Who He says He is or I’m the world’s biggest fool. To be pitied above all people. A meaningless life held together by childish dreams.

But if it’s True? If He is Who He says He is and becomes our Strong Tower? Meaning in the senseless and the actual God of Hope? Then we are holding on to the only thing that matters. Wiser than those hanging on to only what can be seen by eyes. The only kind of life that brings purpose and soul satisfaction, even as the pain claws daily.

“…and told (amar – assign, declare, give order, appoint, plainly say, call, charge, command) to go in (bo – advance, bring to pass, certainly go, enter, abide, besiege) to possess (yarash – inherit, take possession of, come to poverty, make poor, expel, drive out, expel, occupy by drive out previous tenants)…”

You plainly commanded them to advance [abide] to inherit [by implication, expel/bring to poverty previous tenants] the land.

This one strikes me poorly, which is usually my indication I am seeing things only from my limited perspective. So let’s remind ourselves those occupying the land of Canaan were given centuries of patience from a loving Creator to repent.

Now let’s focus on one of the definitions for “go in the land:” to abide. God promised His people a place to make a home. Somewhere they could abide – not just in houses with land, but with Him. I also believe this abiding in Yahweh was where the Israelites gained the courage and spiritual authority to take possession of this land. After all, relying on battle strategy alone wasn’t going to get them far.

But let’s sit here for a moment in light of what is going on in our world today. If anyone has the audacity to take verses like these out of context and somehow justify one race as superior over others and, therefore, called to drive out others, I shudder to think of the judgment coming. And, frankly friends, any ingrained, subconscious partiality toward whiteness individually, corporately, and systemically better bow as well. White supremacy in all its forms is evil.

Now let’s sit on how this does apply to us without violence or war. Where has God plainly commanded you to go, physically or spiritually? And what has He assigned, appointed you to do? Our answers will vary but our methods will likely look similar: abiding in Him for strength as we join His movement to drive out evil and possess His kingdom here on earth. And we have it on good Authority He will bring it to pass:

“…the land which You had sworn with uplifted hand (yad – hand, powerful help alongside; open hand indicating power, means, direction) to give them (nathan again)…”

…which you swore with an open, powerful hand to provide them.

When God swears something will be bestowed, it is with His power and means provided. Never raising us to be independent of Him, His provision rests in the abiding. It is not by human might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

By faith let’s advance together.

“…and you made known to them your holy Sabbath and commanded them commandments and statutes and a law by Moses your servant…”

Nehemiah 9:14

Last time we saw how Yahweh bowed low to loom up on a mountain and give His people pleasing rules, faithful statutes, and beautiful commands. Today we see some of those commands in more detail.

“You made known (yada – know intimately, for certain, surely teach) Your holy (qodesh – apartness, sacredness, consecrated, dedicated) Sabbath (shabbath; from shabath – to cease, desist, rest, celebrate, put away)…”

You surely taught, intimately made known, to your people Your sacred Sabbath – a dedicated time to cease work, to rest and trust God. A time set apart to put away any striving, to celebrate.

I have come to appreciate God’s timing more and more in my life. I am studying a verse about the command, the privilege, of ceasing work in a week when I personally have much of it. And yet, in some moments I feel carried. And in other moments, when I feel it is all up to me, snap at my loves, and wring my hands, I suddenly have an empty house, a computer that freezes up, and a spot on the carpet to nap in the sun. He truly provides.

So how about us all – on a larger level, the corporate level of our churches and ministries and His Global Bride – how well are we resting? Do we cease striving? Intentionally celebrate even as the news cycles tempt us to despair? Sink deep in His intimate knowledge of us and small and large-scale work in this world He died for?

You know what it seems to take? Experience with a faithful God Who shows up when we’re down to nothing. A delight in our weakness being a canvas for Him to show off. And daily, corporate surrender to Him Who is able and knows best.

The good news is, in our verse and our lives today, He has promised to surely teach us. And what a witness to a world convinced it’s all about hustle. If we’re not working and being faithful, God would have something to say to us. But joyful work without striving? What a witness.

“…You laid upon them the charge of Your precepts (mitsvah), statutes (choq), and laws (torah)…”

Not only did He intimately show them about Sabbath, He laid a charge upon them of precepts, statutes, and laws. As we step into our daily tasks, there is a set of guidelines to take up which show us how life works best. How He designed us and this world. To ignore those is to invite His correction – and not always gentle correction.

And let’s remember together these precepts are not just moral, individualistic rules. Rather, these were statutes that showed how justice and love come together communally. We as a Body cannot assume to ignore the corporate law and expect no correction.

Aren’t you so glad today is Ash Wednesday? Liturgical background or not, we can all acknowledge we are from dust and to dust we shall return. That as we begin the season of awaiting the resurrection, we can celebrate our humanness and His perfect goodness.

And, wonder of wonders, He uses us. After all it was “…by the hand (yad) of Moses Your servant (ebed)…” He chose to spell out the precepts, statutes, and laws. Just as human as the next person, willing to listen and obey Yahweh, awaiting for the Ultimate Servant to be the Law in perfection.

He truly has made all this known. Let’s listen and obey.

“You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them right rules and true laws, good statutes and commandments…”

Nehemiah 9:13

Last time we looked more closely at how Covenant Yahweh guided the Israelites after the exodus in the way they should go: A conspicuous column of cloud by day, and a the resplendent illumination of fire at night. Today we see the way this God gave His Law to the people.

“You came down (yarad – go down, descend, bow, bring low, shed) on Mount (har – hill country, mountain, promotion, loom up) Sinai…”

I particularly like how the coming down happened on an area rising up. He bowed low to loom up for His chosen people.

I’m so grateful we serve a God Who bows low to meet with us. And as He does, we’re lifted up. He is not interested in mockery, doesn’t strip us of our dignity. Rather He speaks to us.

“…and spoke among (im – among my belongings, before, behalf, within, in conjunction with; from amam – to darken, dim, overshadow by huddling together) them…”

I like the first listed definition of among is “among my belongings.” I read this week in Isaiah, “I have summoned you by name. You. Are. Mine.” But His isn’t an unhealthy possessiveness; it’s pure freedom. And when He speaks to us, it’s on our behalf, for our betterment, never at our expense. His Words are life-giving.

And do you not love “overshadow by huddling together”? The God Who bowed down to loom up on a mountain overshadowed it as He spoke to Moses as a friend. But it was not only this duo who huddled together. The result was for an entire people whose job it would be to represent Him to those who did not know.

“…from heaven (shamayim – the highest heavens) and gave (nathan – give, put, set, commit, establish, pledge, utter, appoint, bestow)…”

Yes, this people would be appointed the ways of God. He would bestow a pledge by uttering His commands, establishing a people for Himself.

“…and gave just (yashar – straight, conscientious, proposal of peace, upright, equity; from another form of yashar – smooth, agreeable, made straight, make smooth, pleasing, fit) rules (mishpat – right ordinance, due justice, kind manner, proper regulation, rightful sentence, worthy verdict, proper decree)…”

First step: straight, peaceful, smooth and pleasing rules. This mishpat is our Old Testament term for justice. The term means not simple equality where everyone has the exact same, but equity, where everyone has what is needed for fairness, success. Where due justice is given no matter one’s ability to buy it. A kind manner with rightful sentencing, versus verdicts based on skin color or social status.

If we ever wonder if the God of the Bible cares about justice, mishpat, all we need to see is the definition. Then His righteous anger when His people fail to abide by it. He will always defend the fatherless, support the widow, despise unjust scales, and cry out against unrighteousness.

But not only did He huddle together with His people to give just rules, He also gave “…true (emeth – firmness, faithfulness, lasting, truthful, stability, trustworthiness; from aman – confirm, support, believe, guardian, nurse, verified, sure, assurance) statutes (choq – allotment, boundaries, conditions, limit, fixed order, permission, required amount, commandment, decreed, appointment)…”

True statutes. Firm and faithful boundaries, truthful and stable limits. Lasting decrees and trustworthy commands. And did you notice “permission?” We tend to see rules and statutes about what not to do. But, like any good parent, God gives us a “no” because He has a better “yes” for us. We need boundaries for our good, and permission to create and try, love and learn within those boundaries. Our Good, Good Father delights in giving us just that.

And the final thing bestowed upon our ancient Israelites in today’s verse is…”good (towb – beautiful) commandments (mitsvah – commandment, prescribed, terms; from tsavah – conditions, law, ordinance, precept, law charge upon)…”

Beautiful Commands. A Law which, when followed, produces the kind of life for which we were created. A transparent, thriving relationship with the Creator and flourishing relationships with others and the Earth. Shalom.

This is what Covenant Yahweh entrusted to His rescued people. He moved over and over on their behalf to show His heart. Then He spelled that heart out in His Law. The next time you struggle with seeing His commands as restrictive and outdated, remind yourself He Who created you knows best how life should go. And He loves you too much to allow you to stray far from His heart and pure joy.

But, by all means, in those moments huddle together with Him and pour out your heart. Share with Him how you have a hard time replacing examples of poor human authority with Divine Love.

And ask Him to help you see His commands as Beautiful.

“By a pillar of cloud you led them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night to light for them the way in which they should go.”

Nehemiah 9:12

Last time we saw how God cast down the Israelites’ pursuers into the Red Sea while they crossed over on dry land. Today we move into a new section of worship for the remembering exiles: how Covenant Yahweh led them in the wilderness.

You led them (nachah – to lead, guide, bring, station, bestow, govern, lead forth) with a pillar (ammud – column, post from amad – to stand, take one’s stand) of cloud (anan – cloud, heavy mist – from anan – to soothsay, practice magic, cloud over/act covertly)

Once the returned exiles’ ancestors were safely across the Red Sea, they worshipped God for His stunning redemption on their behalf. Moses begins a praise song, and Miriam leads the women in a tambourine parade.

But after that? Wilderness. And a lot of grumbling from the people. But we’ll get to that. First we get to celebrate the way Yahweh led the people through this wilderness: He guided, governed, and led them forth with a pillar of cloud during the day.

Even in the face of unknown territory, little proof of food and water, and desert heat, God guided His people. He makes a way for us no matter how hopeless circumstances may seem. This word nachah is also used in Psalm 23, the Shepherd Song:

“The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want…

He guides (nachah) me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake…” (Ps 23:1, 3b)

And the way God guided and governed them was with a pillar of cloud. Pillar is ammud: a column, post. It comes from amad – to stand, take one’s stand. The cloud which showed them where to move or when to rest was in an obvious column. A clear post showing the people how to stand on Him as their Leader. The One Who would perfectly guide in a way no human could.

And this conspicuous column was a cloud (anan – cloud, heavy mist; from anan – to soothsay, practice magic, cloud over/act covertly). In other words, the origin of this idea of a misty cloud is more like pulling the wool over someone’s eyes. A smoke show. To look good and seem to clearly know the future, but in reality to cloud over the Genuine Good. Just like any idol.

In a beautiful reversal of this definition of covert – acting in secret, veiling truth – God uses the heavy mist of a cloud to make Himself obvious. He is not hidden, hasn’t spoken to us in secret, nor told us to seek Him in vain. The heavens declare His glory. The skies proclaim His work. Their voice goes into the entire world.

And, of course, we have what the ancient Israelites did not yet: His flawless Word, revealing all we need to know in order to have relationship with Him. He is the Genuine Good. Not the Wizard of Oz behind a smoke screen, but the Powerful Creator of the Universe, fully engaged in His creation, openly displaying Love for people.

But this clear exhibition of love and leadership from God to His people was not only during the day. When the sun went down, He also governed them with a pillar of fire – esh – a fire, blazing, burning coals, flaming, flashing, burning, fiery.

No street lamps or flashlights, among wildlife and possible bandits, no clear map or understanding of the topography, Covenant Yahweh provided. And He did it at night (layil – midnight season, a twist away of the light, adversity; from lul – winding staircase, enclosed space, spiral step; as compare to lulaah – loop).

Indeed, most of us have been in a midnight season. When our circumstances seem to turn from light, adversity feels multiplied. Or our innermost self spirals, anxieties and fears on a loop in our heart, seemingly suffocating in an enclosed space.

Ever been there? If so, you recognize the intensity of darkness. Hopefully you also have known the aching delight of light. Because that is what His overt display of guidance was for: to give [them] light (or – to be or become light, bright, dawn, enlightened, illumine, kindle, shine, resplendent, luminous, glorious, set on fire).

He is the One Who turns our darkness into light.

And He did not give this resplendent illumination simply to help them in the moment, but to show the way (derek – way, road, distance, journey, direction, path, walk; from darak – tread, march, lead) they should go (halak – to go, travel, walk, increasing, brighter, grew steadily).

This is good news for us collectively, friends. We are in a spiraling time, where many whose job it is to lead us are turning away from light. Fortunately, we serve the One in Whom there is no darkness. He will brighten the direction we march together. Remember that path of righteousness He leads us in? Because of His governance, we as His Bride can grow increasingly steady, brighter in the future, even knowing in this life, darkness will be along for the ride.

And we can take this direction, the path of light, into any dark corner of civic life. We can set on fire our workplaces and schools, our businesses and neighborhoods, our hospitals and stores by living out His Word. Remember, there is no law against the Fruit of the Spirit. This life in Him transcends conventional borders and divisions. The light shines in increasing lumens, growing steadier and bolder.

Let’s call out darkness in any wilderness in which we find ourselves. Then let’s watch Him brighten the path forward.

And you divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on dry land, and you cast their pursuers into the depths, as a stone into mighty waters.

Nehemiah 9:11

Last time we saw how God acted against Pharaoh with appearing signs and conspicuous wonders, making a Name for Himself that continues to this day. Today we see His final act in this historical redemption story being remembered by our returned exiles.

You divided (baqa – to cleave, break open or through, breach, tear open, split) the sea before them (paneh – before their face)

“You broke open the sea before the face of Your people…”

Been thinking about how the Red Sea wasn’t a sin. Not a mistake, put there by Creator God, giving life to all who lived nearby. But God divided it, broke it, tore it open for the sake of His people and against the sin of their pursuers. And He did it before their very eyes.

Sometimes the biggest movements of God are the small, daily miracles of perseverance. And that’s where transformation happens. But for the Israelites, who had just seen God move on their behalf and against their oppressors, this movement of God before their bewildered faces surely was to prepare them for what was ahead. Filling them with faith when they needed it most.

“…so they passed through in the middle of the sea and the dry ground…”

It struck me the word for dry in dry ground has roots in synonyms like “withered, ashamed, disappointed.” (yabbashah – dry ground, land from yabesh – to be dried up, withered, ashamed, disappointed). And yet, in this scene, the dryness of the ground was the miracle. The answered prayer and road to freedom.

Ever happened to you? Ever looked at something dry that should be full of waves and movement and life-giving saturation, and realized the gift of disappointment? That the wonder came from what was withered?

If God Himself is drying up certain areas in His Church, we can rest in the road to freedom it will lead to. If something disappoints us, we can find appointing in Him. And if there is anything coming to light which brings shame, we can joyfully turn our faces to His and trust that He has a way to transformation, if only we’ll let Him.

“…so they went through (abar – alienate, alter, carry over) the midst (tavek – among, home, interior, middle, midst, within) of the sea…”

Surrounding the bug-eyed Israelites was this crushing body of water. I picture either side like a mile-high aquarium, yet without the protective glass. They were in the midst of this sea – smack in the middle, within the life teeming around them. And yet they passed through: were carried over by the Unseen Hand altering the waves.

Do you think it took some courage to take those first few steps? How did they know the water walls would hold? Surely they wondered if they would crash down upon them and their new home would require gills they did not have.

Instead the only thing crashing down in this verse were their pursuers:

“…you cast (shalak – to throw, fling, bring down, hurl) their pursuers (radaph – chase, persecute, hunt, press, put to flight) into the deep (metsolah – bottom, depth, from tsulah – oceans deep, abyss, to sink).

The dramatic conclusion of our story does end in those walls of water crashing down. But only upon those hunting God’s obeying people.

Can we agree to stop chasing those who are seeking to obey God’s call on their life? Could we no longer persecute any fellow image bearer? Shall we stop putting to flight others from our tribes because they don’t toe the correct line?

Instead, could we throw out all self-righteousness and pride? Fling far away from ourselves evil in prayer and repentance? Let’s hurl down together anything that blocks others from knowing an all-satisfying God Who has finished it all to restore relationship with us.

“…[you cast] like a stone (eben – charm, cornerstone, slingstones, weight; from banah – to build) into the mighty (az – strong, fierce, raging, insolent, greedy, powerful…from azaz – to be strong, bold, prevail, fixed, to harden, stout) waters.”

Love-destroying, life-killing sin will be hurled down once and for all by our Precious Cornerstone one day. It has to be judged. Never arbitrarily or without mercy. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? But so the imagery in Isaiah will be our forever reality once again and forever:

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God…

A voice cries:

In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

And every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,

and all flesh shall see it together,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Isaiah 40:1, 3-5

Anything hardening your heart, keeping you from bowing before the Rock in repentance, will suffocate you. Oh, but how He will flip it in your life if you let Him. How strong, stout, fixed we become in our hearts tendered and emboldened by Him. Remember, that mighty, raging sea referred to in this passage was not the sin in question. It was fulfilling its purpose by design.

Covenant Yahweh will show us, too, how to wield just power for His glory in our day.

“You sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his officials and all the people of his land, for you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians treated them. You made a name for yourself, which remains to this day.”

Nehemiah 9:10

Last time we looked more deeply into the God Who sees and hears: not only the Israelites enslaved by the Egyptians, but everyone on the giving or receiving end of injustice. Today we see more details of how Covenant Yahweh acted on what He had seen and heard.

And you gave (nathan – give, put, set, allowed, appointed, executed, perform, bestow, commit) signs (oth – sign, pledge, witness, mark, miracle, signal, beacon [probably from uwth – consent, agree, appearing] and wonders (mopheth – portent, marvel, conspicuousness, miracle)…

Remembering our Perfect Elohim does not have insecurity issues or authority problems, we can know the miracles and signs he performed against those who mistreated the Israelites come from a God of patience and justice. One Who gives time for repentance and actively shows kindness toward that end.

These signs (appearing signals) and wonders (conspicuous marvels) were allowed by such a God to show His worth, His justice, and His power. And, likely, as He made Himself so conspicuous, any who decided He was the Most High God and worthy of their worship had time to repent and follow.

The Hebrew in our verse today is specific on the intent of these appearing signs and conspicuous wonders: in/against Pharaoh, all (kol) his servants (ebed), and against all the people (am – folk) of his land (erets).

In case you haven’t read the spectacular account of the Exodus (beginning in Chapter 7), these signs and miracles were things such as plagues of locusts, flies, gnats, boils, hail, and darkness; they were not pretty, happy wonders. And the Hebrew uses the through/upon/in preposition. This was judgment.

Why? “…for You knew (yada – personal knowledge, well aware, know for certain) they [the Egyptians] acted proudly (zud – boil up, seethe, act presumptuously, arrogant) toward (al – hovering over) Your people.”

Oh, take it seriously. Acting presumptuously, seething toward those who belong to Him is not in your best interest. Yahweh yada. He knows – is well aware, has intimate knowledge of – how His children are treated. Even by each other.

And not only did He execute these judging miracles in Pharaoh, his officials, and the common folk, but by doing so He also “…made (asah – accomplished) a name (shem – a name, famous, repute, renown) as it is to this day (yom).”

He accomplished His renown to all who saw or heard about the God of Israel’s signs and wonders. His reputation preceded Him, His Name feared among the nations.

Don’t you love thinking how, when others consider treating you poorly, they stop and consider Who your Father is? And If He is Covenant Yahweh, through the blood of Jesus, they ought to think twice? It gives me joy to think of those who don’t know Him hearing stories of how He shows up on behalf of His people, and it not only gives them pause, but draws their hearts toward the One of such great renown.

But I think we have a bit of a different problem in our time right now. I think we who profess Jesus are instead often those either acting proudly toward one another – based on political or other stances – or, in fear or ignorance, being presumptuous toward those who do not follow Christ. Rather than showing the world we follow Him by how we love one another and love our neighbors, we instead can act like the Pharaoh in our verse today.

Asking myself at the same time, how often do you seethe toward others? Are you arrogant toward people who may not know what you do – about a particular subject or, really, anything? Does boiling ever describe your emotions? How often do you presume to know about someone or a situation without getting the facts?

These questions are kicking my tail today. The good news? We have a God Who made a Name for Himself that remains to this day. The one that began with a sun rise and new mercies. This God Who performed signs and marvels in their day is the same One Who will show up in our arrogance and fear, pride and seething in ours.

Let’s ask arrogance to be stripped from us. Let’s pray we would fear God above our opinions, trust His Word over boiling emotions. Seek to know our neighbors and those who think differently, getting to know people rather than ideologies.

And praise the One of perfect character and majestic renown.

Today I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy’s post on what is saving my life this winter. The idea is most of us can articulate what is killing us in a particular season, but it takes discipline to name what is saving us.

So, in the spirit of 10 degree temps, here is what is warming my heart:

Remembering I like to cook. Some evenings when the boys and I get home from school, all I want to do is sit. And sometimes I do. But when I put on some fun Pandora music and create in the kitchen, everyone wins.

Setting an early alarm most weekdays to get reading, praying, thinking, and some writing done. Plus the Y.

Coming home for lunch most days. This one is something I don’t take for granted, as working in our neighborhood school where our boys go is such a gift. But eating at home is cheaper, I can breathe, maybe load the dishwasher, and try for a green smoothie.

Having mostly empty weekends on the calendar. Seems like things always come up, but our winter schedule has been rest punctuated by activity rather than the other way around.

A renewed love for our library during the course break. Something about not having required reading energizes me to pick up something intriguing.

I realized this morning we have had 7 directly impactful deaths over the past year – 4 being extended family members. So, it has helped to remember our little family need not grieve as those with no hope.

Neighborhood community carpooling. Just knowing we have each other’s backs (particularly during flu season) is heartwarming.

Rediscovering music, library, art, and P.E. classes this semester. Working with Pre-K for two semesters was amazing, but it kept me out of this goodness. But I’m back and loving it.

Living room furniture that encourages reading, snuggling, and spending time together upstairs with no TV in sight.

Allowing for some hibernation behavior in myself – without complete withdrawal.

We Rate Dogs on Twitter – this is guaranteed to get me snuggle time with all three of my guys. We narrate and goofy giggle and fall in love.

So…what’s saving your life this winter?