Feb 25th

Exodus 8     Job 25     Luke 11     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

The finger of God

The plagues continue; however, the Egyptian magicians are not able to replicate the plague of the gnats and therefore warn Pharaoh (v19): “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh still doesn’t listen.

Jesus uses the same expression in Luke’s gospel when He defends Himself against the accusation that He is driving out demons by Beelzebub. He points out the logical flaw that Satan would be fighting himself if this were the case; therefore the logical conclusion is that Jesus is driving out demons by the finger of God (v20). He goes on to explain that it is not enough to drive out an evil spirit, since it will return with seven even more wicked spirits, if the void is not filled with God’s presence (by listening to the word of God and obeying it).

Thanks to Jesus we don’t have to be concerned, like Bildad in Job 25, about how we can be righteous before God. But God’s graciousness goes even further than that (Luke 11:8-13): Jesus encourages us to approach God with boldness and persistence since God answers prayers and will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You, that when we ask, we will receive, when we seek we will find and when we knock the door will be opened.  Please fill us with Your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

(homegroup member)

Feb 24th

Exodus 7     Job 24     Luke 10     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Judgement

A righteous sufferer himself, Job describes many forms of injustice done to the vulnerable. He acknowledges that the perpetrators, although they may be exalted for a little while, will ultimately be judged; he asks God, however, why there is delay.

In Exodus, the forms of the miracles and plagues chosen by God spell judgement against Egypt in themselves. For example, pharaohs used to wear a cobra head-dress as a symbol of their sovereignty and, due to its life sustaining importance, the river Nile was worshipped as a god.

We read in Luke’s gospel how Jesus prepares seventy-two disciples before sending them out. He warns that there will be more severe consequences on judgement day for those who reject Jesus despite hearing the gospel or seeing the miracles, compared to those who hadn’t had the gospel of the kingdom preached to them. When they return with joy following their experience of demons submitting to them in Jesus’ name, Jesus tells them that he gave them the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. However, instead of rejoicing in spirits submitting to them he tells them they should rather rejoice that their names are written in heaven, since their salvation is more important.

Lord Jesus, thank you that because of you our names are written in heaven and we don’t need to fear judgement.  Amen.

(homegroup member)