Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Wednesday April 25, 2007 (Happy Birthday Addison)

Exodus 19-20/Matt 27:27-50
Tomorrow’s Reading:
Exodus 21-23/Matt 27-51-66

Exodus
Israelites are at the foot of Mt. Sinai, gathered around viewing God's glory as he descends in the form of a cloud. Reminds me a little of the movie 'Close Encounters of the 3rd kind'

Matthew
Jesus is beaten/flogged, mocked, and goes to the cross. In our reading, Jesus is paying the price for our sins. We hear that often,... but today, we get an idea as to what that price is.

As we're tempted today, try to associate each failure to another minute of suffering He endured, possibly you (and/or me) standing in the crowds as one of the mockers, or another lash on his back. This is what it's all about guys... our faith that he suffered/died/arose for us!




UPDATE: Addison's party was great - Shawn, Balloon Guy, was just unreal. All you 'locals', you gotta hire this guy for your kid's party!

This is Amelia - our 3.5 year-old... just wanted to give her some 'air time' too!

6 comments:

C. Scott Baker said...

Exodus
Setting: Moses/Israelites at the foot of Mt. Sinai, #8 on the map, about 1446 BC.

Chapter 19 describes conversations between Moses and God – God descends down to the top of Mt. Sinai is a cloud, showing His Glory in form of a cloud, thunder/lightning, the mountain shakes, trumpets sound (wonder if this is where Elves gets the idea of grand entrances) and all the Israelites gather at the foot of the mountain to watch.

Chapter 20; ten commandments; 1) no other gods before me 2) no idols 3) don’t misuse name of God 4) remember the Sabbath 5) honor your mother and father 6) don’t murder 7) don’t commit adultery 8) don’t steal 9) don’t give false testimony 10) don’t covet.

Matthew
Setting: Sanhedrin and crowds have chosen Jesus to be crucified. NIV notes: Roman floggings were sometimes so brutal, the people died even before getting to the cross. Suggested reading: The Case for Easter; Lee Strobel ($2.99) http://www.amazon.com/Case-Easter-Journalist-Investigates-Resurrection/dp/0310254752

Jesus taken to Governers official residence while in Jerusalem, the Praetorium. This is where they ‘dress Jesus up’ in a kings attire; a rob, staff, and a crown of thorns – mocking/tormenting Him. He is taken to Golgotha (=The Place of the Skull), mass crowds continue to mock and I get he picture almost of a celebration/frenzy.

Jesus says on the cross ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Jesus is now bearing all of the worlds sin – from the past, during that moment, and for the rest of time – God had turned his back on Jesus during this time. The crowds think Jesus is calling out to Elisha, who was taken by God into the heavens, escaping death. Thoughts here?

Anonymous said...

Matt said ...

RE: Calling out to Elisha.

My NIV translation says that they thought Jesus was calling out to Elijah - different than Elisha, right? My study Bible also notes that some translations say, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabbachthani." while other translations say, "Eli, Eli, lama sabbachthani."

I'm sure in the physical state that Jesus was in then that it was difficult to understand His words. As we all do, people heard what they wanted to hear. Those who knew Jesus was the Son of God and Messiah recognized His words as calling on God the Father: recognized that our sin caused the Father to turn away. Those who were skeptical thought Jesus was calling out to another prophet.

Wasn't Satan's first ploy in the Garden of Eden about twisting God's words?

Anonymous said...

Hey Scott,
This is so very cool! Thanks for sharing this with Tony and me!
- Adele Dorris

P.S. Hope you made it to karate on time, and Tina's that much closer to having a blanket knitted!

Anonymous said...

Oh - yeah... Happy Birthday Addison!

C. Scott Baker said...

Matt.. thanks for the 'catch' - my notes too say Elijah. Just seeing who was reading and/or paying attention (wink/wink).

See.. it takes 'the body of Christ' to make up the whole!

C. Scott Baker said...

Welcome Adele.. awesome! Hope you and Tony are able to hang out from time to time and/or 'jump in'.