Irmela

Q3. (Numbers 14) Why is this failure to enter the Promised Land so serious? What did it represent on the people's part? What did it represent on the Lord's part? In your opinion, was the punishment too severe? Why or why not? If the people had moved in faith, how long would their trip from Egypt to Canaan have taken? It is out and out rebellion against God who had proved Himself over and over again as God Who watches over them, Who provides for them, Who protects them. Their fear was born from unbelief. Disobedience, Testing God and treating Him with contempt brought about punishment upon themselves and their children, who had to be in the wilderness until the last of that generation had died. The people chose to lay aside faith and actually chose to go back to Egypt. They were prepared to go back into bondage instead of allowing God to bring them into the Land of Promise. The people that left Egypt, who were older than 20 when they left, all eventually died in the Wilderness. It was a new generation that was given a chance to serve God, Whom their parents had rejected again and again by the way they murmured against Him. (Also Joshua and Caleb) Not too sure of the time.

Q2. (Numbers 12) What was Miriam's and Aaron's motivation for speaking against Moses? Why do people seeking power feel a need to discredit the existing leader? How did Moses handle this provocation? How might he have handled it if he were a proud man? How did the Lord handle it? Firstly they criticized him for marrying someone who was not from the "Children of Israel". If it is Zipporah they are complaining about, then they have no grounds for, as it is, she too was a descendant of Abraham, by Keturah, with whom he had children after Sarah died. This complaint seems to have been a cover up. The main reason was jealousy. They wanted to be acknowledged as leaders. When the existing leader is discredited the position he carries is then legitimately vacant or his authority is discredited. The seekers of power who have pointed out the fault then have pointed to the fact that they' are not faulty of that characteristic or whatever the problem is and are hinting at the fact that they can carry that authority. Moses was a very meek man and he did not fight against his siblings at all. Meekness is being obedient to God and doing His will. The Lord called them one side and asked them if they were not afraid to talk against the Lord's prophet. Moses was different. God spoke to him directly, with others He spoke in visions and dreams. Miriam (who seems to have been the instigator of this plot) was afflicted with leprosy. Aaron begged forgiveness for their foolishness. Moses interceded for her. She was healed but had to endure the same treatment that others endured who contracted the disease. She had to be outside the camp for 7 days. She was rightly judged.

Q1. (Numbers 11:11-15) Why do you think Moses is so frustrated in his prayer? What do you think is going on in him emotionally and physically at this point? Does he have any grounds for his complaints? Do you think this is designed to be a model prayer? Why are we shown this prayer? How did God answer him? The complaining just never seems to stop for very long. I think at this point in time Moses was trying to carry the burden of the people on his own and had sort of forgotten to just pass on the burden over to the Lord. After all they were actually His responsibility, Moses was only an instrument whom He used. Moses was at this point looking to himself as a man. He had taken his focus off God. He seems to be emotionally and physically spent. God has supplied their every need up to this point. He has dealt with the people. He has taught them. He has been patient with them. Moses as human leader has come to the Lord with their complaints and has cried for mercy for them when God was ready to wipe them out. But if we read the complaint properly, we find that Moses is actually complaining about the fact that he, Moses, was chosen by God as leader to lead these people out of bondage. That is his seemingly main complaint. I think it is an honest prayer or cry to the Lord, by a man who at that moment in time was feeling the circumstances he was in and had briefly taken his eyes off God, Who had never left him, to carry this heavy load. We can learn from this, that we are to bring all to the Lord and to leave our burdens with Him. We cannot solve them. Only He can. God allows Moses to choose 70 elders from the people who will stand with him and be a support and He promises a month's supply of meat for the people. In Psalm 106:15 we read that He gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them. In the Amp Version it is put " . . . but sent leanness into their soul and [thinned their numbers by] disease and death."

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? Why do you think the offerer is to slay the sacrifice rather than having the priest do it? How is the animal's blood significant in sacrifice? In what ways does Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfill all of this? By laying his hands on the animal's head, the offerer, is confessing his sins and laying them on the innocent lesser being. The animal was taking his place. The offerer slays the sacrifice , to make it personal and more real. Life is in the blood. So the blood makes atonement for ones life. I was guilty of sin and should have been killed, but Christ came and took my sins upon Himself, then He offered Himself up to be beaten so His blood was spilt for the atonement of my life. He gave His life for me. He took my place. Thank You Lord for this MERCY and GRACE.

Q3. What does the arrangement of the furniture, the tabernacle, and the courtyard teach us about worship? (there is certain 'protocol' to follow. You cannot just barge in and worship, it doesn't work.) Why do you come to the bronze altar and the laver or basin before you reach the tent itself? (for cleansing) The brazen altar is where sin is dealt with (without a sacrifice, there is no remission of sin) Christ is the One Who paid the Ultimate price, He is the sacrificial Lamb Who takes away the sins of the world. So here it would be confessing of sin. Sin needs to be dealt with before we can go in to worship. At the bronze laver we are cleansed (as saints) and receive forgiveness. The Lord Jesus, when He washed the disciples feet, showed that we need cleansing from the "contamination of the world." Then we can come in to worship in the Holy Place. In the Holy Place you find the Golden Lampstand or Menorah, which was made of one piece of gold. The lampstand held up the lighted lamps. (Worship has to do with walking in the light.) The oil in the lamps represents the Holy Spirit. The Table of Shewbread speaks of Christ as the Bread of Life. (1) A Table of Salvation. A border around the table was a "Crown of Gold", in this way the bread would not fall off. There were 12 loaves of bread representing the 12 tribes. They were all important. One was not more favoured than the other. Equality for all. In Matthew 22:1-14, Christ speaks of the invitation for the meal which the originally invited guests failed to come to and then the invitation given to the the "world/Gentiles" - the bad and the good - to come to the feast. (2) A Table of Provision - God as Creator provides food for man and beast. (3) The Table also speaks of the Lord's Supper. Speaks of Christ being the the sustainer of spiritual life. The Altar of Incense. This stood right by the veil. The incense is a symbol of prayer and praise. Then came the Holy of Holies in which were the Ark and the Mercy Seat, which was where God's presence came. In short one can say before you come to worship, cleanse yourself and then enter where you can be part of the Light, partaking of the Bread of Life and offer prayer and praise to God, Who is at the Mercy Seat with Christ sitting at His right hand.

Q2. (Exodus 25:10-22) What is the significance of the Ark in the Holy of Holies? What did it represent? Why was it considered so holy? If no one really sat upon it, why was it so important? The Holy of Holies was where God's presence dwelt. The Ark served as the portable throne of Jahweh. The lid was of pure gold and was called the Mercy Seat. There was a cherubim on each end, with wings spread upward looking down where the Blood was placed. (The blood made it the Mercy Seat.) God Almighty being enthroned between the cherubim. This was the place where God would meet with the Children of Israel. The Ark was made of shittim wood, overlaid with gold. This is symbolic of Christ in His humanity (wood) and His deity (gold). He was fully God, but laid that aside and was fully man. The contents of the Ark was a golden pot with manna (speaks of Christ being the Bread of Life) ; Aaron's rod that budded (speaks of the resurrection) the rod was a piece of dead wood, yet it budded. Christ died and then rose again. ; Tables of the covenant (speaks of the Kingship of Christ).

Q1. (Numbers 2:1-3:39) Why was the camp of the Israelites laid out as it was? What did this layout teach the Israelites? Why were the Levites and priests camped closer than the other tribes?? God is a God of order. There was a great number of people that were moving from one place to the next. Doing this in order was the only way for it to be achieved. Up till now the Israelites had been a group of families..... Now these were all being placed together to form a nation. From this layout we can see that everyone is important. Everyone has their duties to perform. The Tabernacle, reminding them that God's presence was right in the centre. The Levites were the ones responsible for the carrying etc of the tabernacle and everything that was part of it. They were to perform the duties pertaining to the tabernacle etc., so they were placed closest.

Q4. (Exodus 33:7-11) Why is Moses' pre-tabernacle "tent of meeting" so important in Moses' ministry? Why is it called the "tent of meeting"? What would it take for you to spend longer periods of intimate time seeking God? How do you think this would affect your ministry? This is where Moses meets with God and spends time with Him. The people can see him entering the tent and they can see the Cloud of God's presence moving to the door of the 'tent of meeting'. When Moses comes out there he has to veil his face because it shines so. The people know without a doubt where and with Whom Moses has met. I think this brings a great respect for Moses from the people. It seems to have been in a tent which Moses pitched outside the camp and where he spent time with God. Where he met with God.

Q3. (Exodus 32:11-13, 30-35; 33:12-17) Why is interceding for the people so important in Moses' ministry? Why is this such an important role for pastors and lay leaders today? To intercede effectively before God, why must we know both His character and His promises?? Moses was the go between anyway between the people and God. He was the LEADER God had chosen to use, to talk for and physically lead the people, out from bondage. The people themselves were out of Egypt but Egypt was not out of them yet. They were in the throes of learning and still mostly had very little faith. Later one can see when the spies sent to spy out the land, 2 out of the 12 proved to have faith enough to go on and trust God to see them though. That makes it only about 17%. So much intercession was necessary. God was aware that the people were a stiff-necked people and this needed to change. For this to happen, it was important to pray for them. To intercede for them. God wanted His people to be an example to other nations, so these too would turn to Him. For this to happen much change had to take place. Moses interceded for the people for them not to be destroyed because of their unfaithfulness towards God again and again. People today are still very much the same. Apostasy is rife. Liberalism is waiting to slip in by the doors of the churches. Jesus set an example and spent much time with God the Father. Pastors and leaders (in fact everyone of us) should do the same. We need to know what there is offered to us for us to be able to ask for it. if we do not know what God has to offer how do we know what to ask for. To get to know what is available we need to know God, thereby getting to know His character and we need to know His Word and His promises, which are found therein.

Q2. (Exodus 32:21-24) What was the nature of Aaron's sin with the golden calf? Why won't he take responsibility for his actions, do you think? Why do you think he gets off so easily? Why must leaders be accountable for their actions? What is necessary for leaders to be able to learn from their mistakes? It was idolatry. In v5 we find that after having crafted the idol, Aaron proclaimed a feast unto the Lord for the following day. So it was kind of compromising and trying to soften the blow, as it were. Not a complete turning away, only letting the people be happy in seeing something tangible to claim to have led them. Just keep the peace. I guess he feels he was doing what the people demanded and it was kind of unfair that Moses disappeared for so long and had him see to this people who were a stiff necked people, a murmuring bunch. Given to be quarrelsome and complaining. Indirectly he was blaming God (for having called Moses away for so long), Moses (for having left the responsibility to him for so long) and thirdly, the people because they would have made life absolutely impossible if he had not given in to their request. In Isaiah 55 we are reminded that God's ways are not our ways. In the book of Jonah there is proof that God knows things that man does not. Who am I to even guess apart from saying God is full of grace and mercy and He knew Aaron's heart and God's ways are best. Everyone is accountable for their actions, not only leaders. Upon repentance God does forgive but there are still consequences for ones actions for years to come. To acknowledge that it was wrong. Take responsibility for ones actions. To be teachable as well as accountable for ones actions.

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? Why do you think Aaron facilitated their sin? How do you think the golden calf made God feel? What idols do Christian churches allow that lead them away from pure worship of God in our day? It is rather hard to answer these questions and very easy to point fingers. There but for the grace of God stand I and do the same. In Genesis 35:4 we find that the ear-rings were part of items of idolatry. From this one can see that idolatry was still part of their make-up. It had gotten entwined into their lifestyle again. Aaron asked for these items to fashion a corporate idol , viz., the golden calf, which was visible to all of them. Moses, the leader, who stood between them and God, was nowhere to be seen. The last was that he had gone up into the mountain. As the days rolled by and he did not return, the people started thinking differently about what they had promised, viz., to worship only One God. They then came to Aaron, the leader in Moses absence, and asked for gods to be made to go before them. They surrounded him. A picture is given of a mob saying , do this or else . . . Aaron does have the calf fashioned and then he builds an altar saying there will be a feast to Adonai. So he mingles worship of idols and worship of Adonai. I guess this made God feel rejected and very angry. When the people in later years clamored for a king, God said the people have REJECTED Me. Different churches allow different things. I guess very much the WORLD has entered the churches. Love of money, fame, fortune, grandeur,

Q4. (Exodus 24:8; Matthew 26:27-28) What is the function of the "blood of the covenant" in Exodus? What is the "blood of the covenant" in the New Testament? How is the Old Covenant similar to the New Covenant? How are they different? The blood was shed to make the Abrahamic covenant valid. Christ shed His blood and this is the "blood of the covenant" in the New Testament. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. In both covenants a sacrifice was made. In the Old Covenant it was the blood of animals and it was done again and again and again, it was not adequate. There was no human being that could be sacrificed as the sacrifice had to be without spot, without blemish or defect. There was no one like that. In the New Covenant, Christ, Who had laid aside all His glory and came as a man, to go through all that humans do, WITHOUT SIN , gave Himself as that Sacrifice that would take away the sin of the world. Now the price has been paid and no more sacrifice is needed.

Q3. (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9) In what sense is Israel a "holy" nation? What does it mean to be holy? Why do you think that personal holiness is de-emphasized in our time? Those who are holy have been set apart from the common or ordinary to be sacred, devoted to, belonging exclusively to, the holy God. Because they are holy, they are not to contaminate themselves with worship of other gods or practices that are forbidden by God. The above description is word for word as per the notes and it answers the first two questions. As soon as someone is different to the norm, not willing to break out and do, then it is taken that the person is a spoiler of sport. This way to stand out and be different is not encouraged or not the in thing. The norm these days is certainly not living a set apart life.

Q2. (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9) What did priests do in the Old Testament? In what sense are you a priest? How do you function as a priest? In what sense are you a "royal" priest? In what areas can your personal priestly function improve? The Priests were the ones who were set apart for God's service. They were acting as God's representative to His people, and then also, one can say as go-between the people and God. I am God's possession and should be available to act upon His leading to the person or persons He sends me to. Because I am working for the King of kings and above all have been adopted into His family, I am called as a 'royal' priest. To pray and intercede more for the people God lays on my heart.

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? How was the idea of "treasured possession" fulfilled in Israel? What does it feel like to be God's treasured possession -- as we Christians clearly are according to 1 Peter 2:9? If I understand the first question correctly, you are asking about a thing or an item, not as I understand Israel to be called. Then it would be old photos which bring back memories of treasured times with families and friends. I am afraid it doesn't often happen as it is sometimes too overwhelming. The heart becomes so full and so emotional but at the same time grateful to God for His love and kindness to us. It is not always easy to handle the situation. The other treasure is my Bible, which has been my companion through thick and thin. Unfortunately it is falling to pieces. God showed again and again in spite of their disobedience and falling away that Israel was a treasured possession. He has not thrown them away or discarded them. He sent Moses as a deliverer to them to lead them out of the slavery they were in when the time was right. In spite of their complaining He did not wipe them out. He showed them that He treasured them. They were given food which was full of nourishment. No substitute was needed. Their clothes did not grow into shreds. The shoes did not wear out. They were indeed a treasured possession. Because Christ died for me and I accepted this gift of life, poured forth by His grace, He really has proved His words to hold weight, that I belong to part of those termed to be a treasured possession. It is truly overwhelming and blessed to be part of God's treasured possession.

Q4. (Exodus 18:13-27; Numbers 11:10-30) Why do you think it took Moses so long to delegate his judicial role to others? What were the qualifications of these judges? How is Moses' role similar to the role of leaders in Ephesians 4:11-12? What is the importance of the anointing of the Spirit in Christian leadership? Sometimes an outsider can see things more clearly than those who are doing the work. Moses was trying to do all the work himself (and was wearing himself out,) and was not making a distinction between the major matters and the minor problems. He needed assistants and needed priorities. Jethro made suggestions to choose leaders from the people to help with the simple matters) In v23 we read that Jethro expected Moses to seek God's will in the matter. What seems like good counsel from men might be bad counsel in God's sight. Always ask for God's directions. {Warren Wierbse} According to Vernon McGee there are two kinds of wisdom, the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world. He reckons that Jethro's proposal was based on the wisdom of the world. The qualifications of the judges was that they must fear God, must be men of truth, they must hate covetousness. Apostles (representatives) Prophets (speaking a message of God to the people) Evangelists (spread good news of salvation) Pastors and teachers (to shepherd guide and instruct) Moses' role was like the above. In Numbers we read that the ones chosen were given some of the Spirit that was on Moses, to equip them for the task. The anointing of the Spirit is very important for such a daunting task, to lead a diverse multitude all at different stages of spiritual growth.

Q3. (Exodus 16) Why did God provide manna for the people? Why did the manna finally cease? Why do you think that the people gradually began to take the manna for granted? What provision of God are you taking for granted? God had promised to take care of the Children of Israel, when He led them out of Egypt. Manna had all the nourishment that was needed by the body. The fact that it 'rained down from heaven', on a daily basis except on the Sabbath day, (the day before allowing everyone to collect a double portion ), just shows that God was the provider. Only when they were camped in Gilgal and ate of the produce of the land , did the provision of manna cease. I personally think that the ones who grumbled, were the ones who would have grumbled about anything. Nothing would have satisfied them for a long time anyway. Whatever they would have been given, they would have complained about. May I never stop to be thankful for God's provision.

Q2. (Exodus 16:7-8) Why can grumbling against a leader really be a symptom of grumbling against the Lord? Are there any cases where this might not be true? Why do leaders tend to take complaints so personally? What does it take to learn that "it's not about you." The leader presumably spoken about is one chosen by God and one who is fully surrendered to Him. As he would be deemed to be a spokesperson of God, or God's arm extended, reaching out to the ones God has placed him over, then any complaints against him could be said are actually complaints against God, that is if he is properly fulfilling his role. If and when this so called leader, as described above, is not acting in compliance to God's leadership, then to my understanding it would not be against the Lord. Then again it would need to be handled in a way that is not grumbling, but prayerfully confront him, not just by one person, but by the persons who feel that he is out of sinc. It would not be right to become a gossiping subject. Complaints are taken personally because they are the ones fulfilling the action. Prayerfully lay the known complaints before God, and await His way of handling it.

Q1. (Exodus 15:24) What are the reasons that people grumble and complain? How do fear and faith relate to grumbling? What symptoms of grumbling do you see in your own life? What should you do about it? The wilderness journey had begun. Three days into the trek and they had found no water. That already was hard and then they found water but it was undrinkable. So these people grumbled and complained because their needs were not met. They were faced with the unknown and a very real desperate need. Grumbling and complaining often is initiated by fear of how a need will be met. How one will cope in a new situation. A way out seems impossible. The norm in life has been disrupted. A life of faith is non existent to the grumbler. Dissatisfaction because the obvious is not being done and it affects the everyday movement of life. The future norm is stared in the face and it is scary. PRAY and trust God that He still moves mountains in this day and age. This too will change and come right.

Q4. (Exodus 14:4, 17-18) Why is God's glory important in the Exodus? How is recognition of His glory important to faith? To holiness? To reverence? What happens when leaders take for themselves the credit and glory that should go only to God? How can leaders keep themselves from pride? God's glory/honor is important because not only the Egyptians but all nations will come to know of what He has done, of how He led His people out of slavery. Pharaoh was slanting God's name when he said "Who is he, that I should let you go?" In spite of everything Pharaoh had witnessed , in his heart of hearts, he still wanted to destroy the faith of the Hebrew and bring them back to slavery, this is termed, he hardened his heart, and would not let them go. When the Sea parted for the Israelites and they crossed on dry ground, Pharaoh and his army followed and when those waves crashed back and swallowed them they knew they had to do with the Maker of Heaven and Earth and sure recognized His glory before they drowned. The Egyptians that had stayed back sure too acknowledged and witnessed God's glory. By recognizing God's glory it boosted their faith and the Israelites could cross over the sea on dry ground. Just to think that is what my God can do, is just amazing. It sure does boost one's faith and makes one 'fear and revere' Him, more than ever. It makes one desire to live holy as He is holy and calls us to live. Help me dear Lord, I fail so often. Pride comes before a fall and so often one finds when the leader is put on a pedestal, not much later, stuff comes to light, bringing his downfall. When a leader is shown honor, the best is to give that to God immediately and remain humble.

Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn't Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism? How do the people respond to Moses' words? The people seem to be between a rock and a hard place. They are terrified and feel vulnerable. They blame Moses because he is visible to them. Fear has made them to forget what the slavery was like and also it has made them forget the miracles they have already witnessed that God had wrought in the past few months and even days. All they see and hear is this army of at least 600 advancing chariots coming at them at a speed of knots and the drumming of the horses hooves; they are thrown into a panic and do not think clearly. It seems that they are blaming Moses but they are actually blaming God. Moses points them to God. So far He had proven that He was with them and He was not about to leave them now. They are to stay calm and see what God will do next. In fact he gives them three things to do: FEAR NOT STAND STILL (BE UNDISMAYED) KEEP SILENT (REMAIN CALM) I guess this keeps their eyes off the imminent danger and brings them back to focusing on God.

Q2. (Exodus 12:50) Why was obedience so important to the people's deliverance? Why is obedience so important to our deliverance from "sin, the flesh, and the devil"? Is there any discipleship without obedience? Does a person who says he believes in Jesus but doesn't obey him have real faith? They had to obey to be delivered. If they had done their own thing, followed their own plan and maybe not killed the lamb and put the blood on the doors as they were told, then the destroyer would have entered their homes and they too would have had the firstborn killed. If they had not gotten their things ready to move as soon as they were told they would have been left behind. There was no time then to still run around to do this or that. They had to have their things packed and ready for their journey out of Egypt. So it was very important for their deliverance that they were obedient and worked together as one, as a unity. So too it is of paramount importance that we too are obedient to God's Word, to His leading if we want deliverance from sin, the flesh and the devil. The Word tells us to "resist the devil", that is what we then must do. Pointless playing with him, giving in to his lure and think I won't be caught. I will then be caught in his net. Steer clear from sin if you don't want to fall for it. Don't tempt it. Flee from the places where you will be tempted. Same as giving in to the desires of the flesh , stay away from those places!!!!! If you are a disciple you will follow and be obedient to your leader. If you are not obedient to your leader, you cannot really call yourself a true disciple or follower of that leader. You are then doing your own thing. If you do not follow Jesus instructions , you are lacking in faith. Believing in Him, your desire will be to serve Him and be obedient to His teaching. There will not be deliberate disobedience, without feeling so incredibly guilty, it consumes you.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19) In what sense is Christ our Passover Lamb? In what sense are we marked with his blood? In what sense does God's judgment pass over us because of Christ's blood? As sinners we are guilty and deserving of death. An innocent life was to be shed as substitute for the guilty. Christ shed His blood on the cross for us. He died as the Innocent Passover Lamb, so "death" would pass us over. His blood is seen and not our sins. (Oh Jeshuah, thank You.) As the Angel struck in each place where there was no blood stopping him, so if we do not have the covering of the Blood Sacrifice, we too will be smitten. It is Christ's Blood that is staying the Hand of God and setting us free.

Q4. Why do we tend to fight our battles "in the flesh" rather than using spiritual weapons? Why do we so often mistake the human enemy for the spiritual enemy? When will God fight our battles -- and when won't He? I guess many times we don't recognize the battle as being spiritual. Then we actually fight the wrong opponent. It is a spiritual warfare. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers , against forces of darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. For this we need the armor God has provided for us. Then stand firm and hold our ground. (no compromise). We need to be sure that the battle engaged in is not of our own doing. That will destroy us.

Q3. Why didn't Moses accept Pharaoh's compromises? In what instances should church leaders accept compromise? In what instances is it wrong for church leaders to compromise? Moses did not accept pharaoh's compromise because that was not what God had told him to do. He was sold out to following God's leadership, nothing else.