February 19, Reading 1 – Exodus 10

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The great paradox in Exodus is where it says Pharaoh hardened his heart (9:34), and I the Lord have hardened Pharaoh’s heart (10:1). God is totally sovereign in all things. We are totally responsible for our actions/lives. In the dimensions of eternity, both statements are equally true, though mutually exclusive in the dimensions of our existence.

SJA Notes

* Just and Holy God, You alone save us – Please show us today more of who You are.

“So he went out from Pharaoh and pleaded with the LORD.”

Again we see Moses petitioning the Lord God for mercy upon those who were the enemies of God’s people.

For the man who continued to harden his own heart against God and His people.

Moses keeps on going back to the Lord in prayer for this man!

God has already outlined previously what we see building here, back in chapter four when He gives these words for Pharaoh,

“If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.”

At this point then, toward the end of the plagues, Moses is most likely dwelling on this word from God. Wrestling with it.

These plagues (judgements) were building toward a terrible and powerful work of deliverance from the Lord for His people.

And even with this he continues to bring Pharaoh’s requests for mercy to the Lord, who continues to grant mercy.

How manifold is the good of our Lord that He would bring mercy even to those who reject Him, those who are His enemies.

That was us!

* Gracious Father God in Heaven,

Thank You for Your grace – giving to us what we do not deserve.

Thank You for saving us from our sin, from the just punishment for our sin – That we stand in the righteousness of our King, the Lord Jesus, You in the Person of the Son.

Thank You Lord!

Amen.

February 19, Reading 2 – Psalm 42, 43

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

This second section of Psalms has a mixed authorship. When you read the psalms, you realise that life has never been easy. Both these psalms have the refrain: put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him! Knowing God, His character, His past behaviour, all combine in the believer as that sure hope!

SJA Notes

* Good Teacher God, You send us out as sheep in the midst of wolves, please help us be and mark us as wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Both psalms in today’s reading end with the same words.

This is a question for us to ask ourselves, at all points in life. In any situation, any circumstance.

Whatever we are feeling, however our heart beats, whatever the turbulence in our minds – We can come to this.

Why is my soul cast down?

And not so much _why_ as in “How did I get here?”, but _why_ as in “There is something that is before this, something deeper.”

What is that something?

HOPE IN GOD!

In any and every situation that we are confronted within in our lives this truth permeates and weaves through.

We can put our hope in God.

He is worthy of our trust. His love is steadfast and His faithfulness is without end.

He is our salvation – We shall praise Him!

* God Above,

You alone are worthy of our praise, Hallelujah!

You alone are worthy of our trust, thank You!

You alone are God.

Amen.

February 19, Reading 3 – Acts 4:32-5:11

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

This account of Ananias and Sapphira comes at the same place in the history of the early Church as the account of Achan in the entry of Israel into the Promised Land. What lessons can you learn from this incident?

SJA Notes

* Dear Lord God, please aright our hearts today, fix our eyes on You.

“… sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Ananias and Sapphira seem to have acted after news of another disciples’ selfless act was made known.

When we see brothers and sisters serving the Lord with humility and generosity of spirit – What is our response? What are our thoughts?

Are we encouraged?

Is there any part of us that holds back, that makes us a scrooge of spiritual service that mars and blackens our life-as-offering?

This passage is both an encouragement and a challenge and exhortation to us.

What is the reality of our service?

Is it true religion that wraps up and drives our hearts?

Are our decision made to pursue holiness, to see our Lord Jesus – Or are they filtered by our own human wants and desires?

* Great Lord,

Please save us. Save us unto good works, to glory Your Name.

May our lives be living sacrifices, lifted up to You in holy and reverent fear.

Mark us as faithful servants, Your people Lord.

Amen.