Exodus 23:14-25:40
Core Claim
God commands Israel to keep three feasts in a year: Unleavened Bread, Harvest, and Ingathering.
Commentary
The three feasts are significant events in Israel's calendar, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt (Unleavened Bread), the harvest season (Harvest), and the end of the harvest season (Ingathering).
These feasts were to be kept at specific times: Unleavened Bread in Abib, Harvest after firstfruits, Ingathering at year's end.
The feasts were a way for Israel to remember their covenant with God and His deliverance from slavery.
The instructions given by God emphasize the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience (e.g., "None shall appear before me empty-handed").
The angel sent by God is to guard Israel and bring them to the promised land, emphasizing God's presence and protection in their journey.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The command to keep three feasts seems arbitrary and unnecessary.
Response: The feasts were a way for Israel to remember their covenant with God and His deliverance from slavery, demonstrating God's sovereignty and care for them.
Response:
<objection>
Response: Why is it necessary to offer sacrifices and follow specific instructions for worship?
Response: Sacrifices and worship were essential for maintaining a right relationship with God, acknowledging His holiness and Israel's dependence on Him.
Response:
<objection>
Response: The command to destroy other nations' gods seems violent and oppressive.
Response: God's instruction was not about violence but about establishing His kingdom and removing idolatry, which would lead to spiritual bondage.
Response:
Tensions
The tension between following God's commands and the temptation to assimilate with surrounding cultures.
The difficulty of maintaining a right relationship with God in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
The challenge of balancing obedience to God's laws with compassion for those who do not follow them.
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant: God establishes a covenant with Israel, promising to be their God and deliverer (Exodus 23:20-33).
- Atonement: Sacrifices and worship are essential for maintaining a right relationship with God (Exodus 24:5-8).
- Image of God: The tabernacle and its furnishings reflect the glory of God, emphasizing His presence among His people (Exodus 25:10-22).
Application Questions
How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our own lives?
What are some ways we can remember and celebrate God's deliverance in our worship practices?
How can we balance our desire for spiritual growth with compassion for those who do not follow God?
Matthew 24:29-51
Core Claim
Jesus Christ warns his disciples about the signs of end times, including tribulation, darkened sun, moon, stars falling, and the appearance of the Son of Man in heaven.
Commentary
The passage is a continuation of Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-28), where he answers his disciples' questions about the end times.
The signs mentioned in this passage are similar to those described in other biblical passages, such as Joel 2:30-31 and Revelation 6:12-14.
The phrase "immediately after the tribulation" suggests that the events described will occur shortly after a period of great distress or suffering (Matthew 24:21).
Jesus' use of the term "Son of Man" emphasizes his divine identity and authority (Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 26:64).
The parable of Noah's days serves as an example of how people will be unaware of the coming judgment until it is too late (Matthew 24:37-39).
Jesus' warning to stay awake and be ready for his unexpected return emphasizes the importance of being prepared for eternity (Matthew 24:42-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:2).
Common Objections
**"Why does Jesus say that no one knows the day or hour of his return?"
Response: ** This statement is not meant to be a denial of God's sovereignty but rather an emphasis on human ignorance and the importance of being prepared for eternity (Matthew 24:36, Acts 1:7).
**"How can we know when Jesus will return if he doesn't give us a specific date or time?"
Response: ** Jesus' point is not to provide a specific timeline but to emphasize the importance of living with an eternal perspective and being ready at all times (Matthew 24:44, Colossians 4:5).
**"What about the idea that Jesus will come back in glory and judge the world?"
Response: ** This passage does describe Jesus' return as a time of judgment, but it also emphasizes his role as Savior and Redeemer (Matthew 24:30-31, Revelation 19:11-16).
Tensions
The tension between knowing the signs of end times and not knowing the exact day or hour of Jesus' return.
The contrast between being a faithful servant who is prepared for eternity and a wicked servant who is unprepared.
- **Covenant theology:** This passage emphasizes the importance of living in light of God's covenant promises, including his promise to return and judge the world (Genesis 3:15, Matthew 24:30).
- **Atonement:** Jesus' return is described as a time of judgment, but it also emphasizes his role as Savior and Redeemer (Matthew 24:30-31, Revelation 19:11-16).
- **Image of God:** The passage highlights the importance of living in accordance with God's character and image, including being faithful and wise servants (Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 25:21).
Application Questions
How can we live with an eternal perspective and be prepared for Jesus' unexpected return?
What are some signs or indicators that Jesus is near, and how should we respond to them?
How can we balance knowing the signs of end times with not knowing the exact day or hour of Jesus' return?
Psalm 30:1-12
Core Claim
The Lord's favor is for a lifetime, but His anger is only for a moment.
Commentary
David dedicates the temple with a song (Psalm 30:1), reflecting on his past experiences and God's faithfulness.
He praises God for drawing him up from his foes (Psalm 30:1-2) and healing him (Psalm 30:3).
The psalm contrasts God's anger with His favor, weeping with joy (Psalm 30:5-6), emphasizing the temporary nature of suffering.
David reflects on his past prosperity and God's favor in his life (Psalm 30:7-8) and cries out for mercy, asking what profit is in death (Psalm 30:9-12).
The psalm highlights God's sovereignty over life and death, as He turns David's mourning into dancing and clothes him with gladness (Psalm 30:11-12).
Common Objections
<objection> "How can we trust that God's favor will last a lifetime when we face suffering?"
Response: <response> The psalm encourages us to look beyond our current circumstances, trusting in God's character and promises.
<objection> "Why does David seem to be gloating about his past prosperity?"
Response: <response> David is actually reflecting on God's faithfulness, acknowledging that his past blessings were a result of God's favor.
<objection> "How can we apply this psalm when we're facing death or loss?"
Response: <response> The psalm reminds us to cry out for mercy and trust in God's sovereignty over life and death.
Tensions
The contrast between God's anger and His favor raises questions about the nature of God's justice.
The psalm's emphasis on God's sovereignty over life and death can be difficult to reconcile with human experiences of suffering.
David's reflection on his past prosperity may seem insensitive or self-centered, especially in light of modern understandings of humility.
Doctrinal Links
- Covenant: The psalm highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing God's faithfulness and favor.
- Atonement: The psalm touches on the theme of atonement, as David reflects on his past experiences and God's healing power.
- Image of God: The psalm emphasizes God's sovereignty over life and death, reflecting His image as Creator and Sustainer.
Application Questions
How can we apply the psalm's emphasis on trusting in God's favor to our own lives?
What does it mean to "sing praises" to the Lord, and how can we do this in our daily lives?
How can we balance the psalm's emphasis on God's sovereignty with our human experiences of suffering?
Proverbs 7:24-27
Core Claim
The seductive woman's ways lead to destruction, death, and Sheol.
Commentary
The speaker addresses the sons as "O sons" (v. 24), emphasizing their relationship and responsibility towards them.
The command to "listen to me" and be "attentive to the words of my mouth" (v. 24) highlights the importance of heeding wisdom's warning.
The phrase "Let not your heart turn aside" (v. 25) suggests a deliberate choice, underscoring the need for intentional decision-making.
The seductive woman is described as having "laid low many a victim" and her slain being a "mighty throng" (v. 26), indicating the severity of her influence.
Her house is explicitly stated to be the way to Sheol, emphasizing the ultimate destination of those who follow her paths (v. 27).
The use of "many a victim" suggests that this is not an isolated incident, but rather a pattern of behavior.
The contrast between the seductive woman's ways and the path to death highlights the gravity of the choice.
Common Objections
<objection>
Response: The passage seems overly negative; why focus on the dangers of one person?
This objection overlooks the purpose of warning: to protect from harm. The speaker is not merely highlighting a danger, but urging the sons to make wise choices.
Response:
<objection>
Response: Why emphasize Sheol and death as the ultimate consequences?
The emphasis on Sheol and death underscores the severity of the seductive woman's influence, making it clear that her ways lead to eternal separation from God.
Response:
<objection>
Response: Is this passage only applicable to women or is it a broader warning?
This objection misunderstands the scope of the passage. The focus is not on the gender of the individual, but rather on the seductive nature of their influence.
Response:
Tensions
The tension between following wisdom's guidance and being drawn to the seductive woman's ways.
The difficulty in recognizing and resisting the allure of sin.
The contrast between the path of life and the path of death.
Doctrinal Links
- The passage highlights the importance of covenantal relationships (between God and His people) and the need for intentional decision-making.
- It also underscores the concept of atonement, as those who follow the seductive woman's ways are ultimately separated from God.
- The image of Sheol and death serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin.
Application Questions
How can I recognize and resist the allure of sin in my own life?
What steps can I take to prioritize wisdom's guidance over tempting influences?
In what ways can I model wise decision-making for others, particularly those who may be vulnerable to seductive influences?