Category Archives: Christian

Prejudice is still the problem (acts 10/1-33), Feb 3, 2015

Today’s Podcast

Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 10:1-33
Set – Exodus 36; Acts 10
Go! – Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

Acts 10:1-33
¹Cornelius, a Roman Centurion and a member of a unit called the Italian Cohort, lived in Caesarea. ² Cornelius was an outsider, but he was a devout man—a God-fearing fellow with a God-fearing family. He consistently and generously gave to the poor, and he practiced constant prayer to God. ³ About three o’clock one afternoon, he had a vision of a messenger of God.

Messenger of God: Cornelius!

Cornelius (terrified): ⁴ What is it, sir?

Messenger of God: God has heard your prayers, and He has seen your kindness to the poor. God has taken notice of you. ^5-6 Send men south to Joppa, to the house of a tanner named Simon. Ask to speak to a guest of his named Simon, but also called Peter. You’ll find his house near the waterfront.

⁷ After the messenger departed, Cornelius immediately called two of his slaves and a soldier under his command—an especially devout soldier. ⁸ He told them the whole story and sent them to Joppa.

⁹ Just as these men were nearing Joppa about noon the next day, Peter went up on the flat rooftop of Simon the tanner’s house. He planned to pray, ¹⁰ but he soon grew hungry. While his lunch was being prepared, Peter had a vision of his own—a vision that linked his present hunger with what was about to happen: ¹¹ A rift opened in the sky, and a wide container—something like a huge sheet suspended by its four corners—descended through the torn opening toward the ground. ¹² This container teemed with four-footed animals, creatures that crawl, and birds—pigs, bats, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and vultures.

A Voice: ¹³ Get up, Peter! Kill! Eat!

Peter: ¹⁴ No way, Lord! These animals are forbidden in the dietary laws of the Hebrew Scriptures! I’ve never eaten non-kosher foods like these before—not once in my life!

A Voice: ¹⁵ If God calls something permissible and clean, you must not call it forbidden and dirty!

¹⁶ Peter saw this vision three times; but the third time, the container of animals flew up through the rift in the sky, the rift healed, ¹⁷ and Peter was confused and unsettled as he tried to make sense of this strange vision.

At that very moment, Peter heard the voices of Cornelius’s delegation, who had asked for directions to Simon’s house, coming from the front gate.

Delegation: ¹⁸ Is there a man named Simon, also called Peter, staying at this house?

^19-20 Peter’s mind was still racing about the vision when the voice of the Holy Spirit broke through his churning thoughts.

Holy Spirit: The three men who are searching for you have been sent by Me. So get up! Go with them. Don’t hesitate or argue.

²¹ Peter rushed downstairs to the men.

Peter: I’m the one you’re seeking. Can you tell me why you’ve come?

Delegation: ²² We’ve been sent by our commander and master, Cornelius. He is a Centurion, and he is a good, honest man who worships your God. All the Jewish people speak well of him. A holy messenger told him to send for you, so you would come to his home and he could hear your message.

²³ Peter extended hospitality to them and gave them lodging overnight. When they departed together the next morning, Peter brought some believers from Joppa.

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the next afternoon just before three o’clock. Cornelius had anticipated their arrival and had assembled his relatives and close friends to welcome them. ²⁵ When Peter and Cornelius met, Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet in worship, ²⁶ but Peter helped him up.

Peter: Stand up, man! I am just a human being!

²⁷ They talked and entered the house to meet the whole crowd inside.

Peter: ²⁸ You know I am a Jew. We Jews consider it a breach of divine law to associate, much less share hospitality, with outsiders. But God has shown me something in recent days: I should no longer consider any human beneath me or unclean. ²⁹ That’s why I made no objection when you invited me; rather, I came willingly. Now let me hear the story of why you invited me here.

Cornelius: ³⁰ It was about this time of day four days ago when I was here, in my house, praying the customary midafternoon prayer. Suddenly a man appeared out of nowhere. His clothes were dazzling white, and he stood directly in front of me ³¹ and addressed me: “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your kindness to the poor has been noticed by God. ³² God wants you to find a man in Joppa, Simon who is also called Peter, who is staying at the home of a tanner named Simon, near the seaside.” ³³ I wasted no time, did just as I was told, and you have generously accepted my invitation. So here we are, in the presence of God, ready to take in all that the Lord has told you to tell us.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say to us:

You have a problem in the church today in getting My message out. It’s the same problem Peter and many in the early church had. It’s called prejudice.

You try to defend yourself and cry out, “But look, we have all races in our church! We have all ethnic groups worshiping in our building! How can You call us prejudice?”

Prejudice comes in all forms. When you minister to yourself and confine yourself to the four walls of your place of worship, shutting the world outside, you exercise prejudice. Sure you think you are an inviting place, but are you? How do you really feel about the prostitute who walks the street to make enough money for that next fix – trying to find something to fill the emptiness in her soul? How do you feel about the radical Islam terrorist taught all his life to kill infidels? How do you feel about the man who brings young teenagers across the border to traffic them into the sex slave market?

Do you see your prejudices come through? I love them all. They are My special creation. They are all made in My image, remember? Oh, I abhor their behavior. I detest evil. I would like to stamp out all of the things that fallen man has done to mar the beauty of My creation. But humankind is still the crowning glory of My creation. Those who stirred those dark feelings of prejudice in you a few minutes ago, I still love. They break My heart and I call out to them to return to Me just like I called to you one day. But how can they respond unless you extend a hand of love to them like someone did for you.

Peter would never have gone to meet with Cornelius without the vision I sent him that day. Fortunately, I broke his prejudices and he saw that all humankind is made in My image. His nation, his race is no more or no less important to Me than another. I made them all. I long for all…all…to come to Me in repentance so I may bring them into My kingdom. So, who will dare to love all humankind and share My mercy and grace to the lost without prejudices getting in the way? Will you stand up to the challenge…with My help?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
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God can even use you (Acts 9/1-20), Feb 2, 2015

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Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 9:1-20
Set – Exodus 33; Acts 9
Go! – Exodus 33-34; Psalms 16; Acts 9

Acts 9:1-20
¹Back to Saul—this fuming, raging, hateful man who wanted to kill every last one of the Lord’s disciples: he went to the high priest in Jerusalem ² for authorization to purge all the synagogues in Damascus of followers of the way of Jesus. His plan was to arrest and chain any of Jesus’ followers—women as well as men—and transport them back to Jerusalem. ³ He traveled north toward Damascus with a group of companions.

Imagine this: Suddenly a light flashes from the sky around Saul, ⁴ and he falls to the ground at the sound of a voice.

The Lord: Saul, Saul, why are you attacking Me?

Saul: ⁵ Lord, who are You?

Then he hears these words:

The Lord: I am Jesus. I am the One you are attacking. ⁶ Get up. Enter the city. You will learn there what you are to do.

These are shocking, unexpected words that will change his life forever.

⁷ His other traveling companions just stand there, paralyzed, speechless because they, too, heard the voice; but there is nobody in sight. ⁸ Saul rises to his feet, his eyes wide open, but he can’t see a thing. So his companions lead their blind friend by the hand and take him into Damascus. ⁹ He waits for three days—completely blind—and does not eat a bite or drink a drop of anything.

¹⁰ Meanwhile, in Damascus a disciple named Ananias had a vision in which the Lord Jesus spoke to him.

The Lord: Ananias.

Ananias: Here I am, Lord.

The Lord: ¹¹ Get up and go to Straight Boulevard. Go to the house of Judas, and inquire about a man from Tarsus, Saul by name. He is praying to Me at this very instant. ¹² He has had a vision—a vision of a man by your name who will come, lay hands on him, and heal his eyesight.

Ananias: ¹³ Lord, I know whom You’re talking about. I’ve heard rumors about this fellow. He’s an evil man and has caused great harm for Your special people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ I’ve heard that he has been authorized by the religious authorities to come here and chain everyone who associates with Your name.

The Lord: ¹⁵ Yes, but you must go! I have chosen him to be My instrument to bring My name far and wide—to outsiders, to kings, and to the people of Israel as well. ¹⁶ I have much to show him, including how much he must suffer for My name.

¹⁷ So Ananias went and entered the house where Saul was staying. He laid his hands on Saul and called to him.

Ananias: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, sent me so you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

¹⁸ At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see. So he got up, received the ceremonial washing of baptism identifying him as a disciple, ¹⁹ ate some food (remember, he had not eaten for three days), and regained his strength. He spent a lot of time with the disciples in Damascus over the next several days. ²⁰ Then he went into the very synagogues he had intended to purge, proclaiming,

Saul: Jesus is God’s Son!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:
I can use the most unusual people to do My work. Sometimes I use people with great character and seemingly unblemished pasts. People like Joseph who withstood incredible tests of his power to forgive. He forgave his brothers, the jailer, Potiphar and his wife, the cupbearer, so many who could have freed him from a life of prison and slavery long before he met Pharaoh on that fateful day when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams.

But often I use those you might never expect to carry My message. Men and women who understand My forgiveness because they have experienced deep forgiveness themselves. They still suffer the physical consequences of their crimes quite often. They pay in this life with poor health, lost family, wrecked lives for the poor choices they made along their path. But they know My grace and mercy. They experience My forgiveness. They understand peace in their heart and life, sometimes for the first time. And share with others in extraordinary ways.

No one in Saul’s day would have thought to choose him as My spokesperson to the Gentiles. After all, he sought to destroy My church. He sought to find and arrest all who believed My Son was the Way to life eternal. Saul found pleasure in finding, arresting, and trying My believers. Who would think I could use this man as the one to propagate faith in My Son and the doctrine of the New Covenant He established with all people who would trust in Him?

But people forget that “all have sinned and come short of My glory.” No one meets the standards of holiness set out in My laws. It is only by the blood of My Son, Jesus that any can come near. It is only Jesus’ sacrifice that makes it possible for any to find forgiveness and wholeness in life. So whether morally good, like Joseph, or corrupted and out to slaughter My sons and daughters, like Saul, it isn’t until you come to Me in repentance and accept My gift of forgiveness for your sins that you can come into My presence and find your real purpose in life.

When you come to that point, though, what a difference I can make! What a life I can give you! How I can change you inside and out! Try Me and see for yourself. Saul did on that road to Damascus and never looked back. I want to do something special in your life, too…if you’ll let Me.

Lessons from Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40), Feb 1, 2015

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Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 8:26-40
Set – Exodus 32; Acts 8
Go! – Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Acts 8:26-40
²⁶ A heavenly messenger brought this short message from the Lord to Philip during his time preaching in Samaria:

Messenger of the Lord: Leave Samaria. Go south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.

The message was especially unusual because this road runs through the middle of uninhabited desert. ²⁷ But Philip got up, left the excitement of Samaria, and did as he was told to do. Along this road, Philip saw a chariot in the distance. In the chariot was a dignitary from Ethiopia (the treasurer for Queen Candace), an African man who had been castrated. He had gone north to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple, ²⁸ and he was now heading southwest on his way home. He was seated in the chariot and was reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

²⁹ Philip received another prompting from the Holy Spirit:

Holy Spirit: Go over to the chariot and climb on board.

³⁰ So he started running until he was even with the chariot. Philip heard the Ethiopian reading aloud and recognized the words from the prophet Isaiah.

Philip: Do you understand the meaning of what you’re reading?

The Ethiopian: ³¹ How can I understand it unless I have a mentor?

Then he invited Philip to sit in the chariot. ³² Here’s the passage he was reading from the Hebrew Scriptures:

Like a sheep, He was led to be slaughtered.
Like a lamb about to be shorn of its wool,
He was completely silent.
³³ He was humiliated, and He received no justice.
Who can describe His peers? Who would treat Him this way?
For they snuffed out His life.
The Ethiopian: ³⁴ Here’s my first question. Is the prophet describing his own situation, or is he describing someone else’s calamity?

³⁵ That began a conversation in which Philip used the passage to explain the good news of Jesus. ³⁶ Eventually the chariot passed a body of water beside the road.

The Ethiopian: Since there is water here, is there anything that might prevent me from being ceremonially washed through baptism and identified as a disciple of Jesus?

^Philip: ³⁷ If you believe in your heart that Jesus the Anointed is God’s Son, then nothing can stop you.

The Ethiopian said that he believed.

³⁸ He commanded the charioteer to stop the horses. Then Philip and the Ethiopian official walked together into the water. There Philip baptized him, initiating him as a fellow disciple. ³⁹ When they came out of the water, Philip was immediately caught up by the Holy Spirit and taken from the sight of the Ethiopian, who climbed back into his chariot and continued on his journey, overflowing with joy. ⁴⁰ Philip found himself at a town called Azotus (formerly the Philistine capital city of Ashdod, on the Mediterranean); and from there he traveled north again, proclaiming the good news in town after town until he came to Caesarea.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Philip’s experience teaches a couple of things I want you to remember. First, you never know when I might ask you to do something important on a moment’s notice. Philip had a strong evangelical ministry in Samaria. His preaching was bringing in new converts daily just as Peter and John were doing in Jerusalem. He didn’t expect Me to send him somewhere else. He enjoyed his ministry there. No one expected him to leave. But I had another task for him.

So I sent My messenger and told Philip to leave Samaria and head south on the Jerusalem-Gaza road.

Philip didn’t hesitate. He knew I must have a reason and he left. He didn’t ask why. He didn’t ask, “Why are you sending me through this barren desert?” He didn’t question My directions. He just got up and left Samaria and headed down the southbound road as I told him to do.

My Holy Spirit prompted Philip to catch up to a chariot he saw in the distance. No explanation, just catch it. So Philip began to run. Again, no question. Just obedience. When he caught up. You know the story. He found the Ethiopian reading from Isaiah in the chariot. The eunuch turned out to be an important man in Queen Candace’s court. The treasurer made sure armies got their money. Kings and queens didn’t last long when their armies didn’t get paid. Military coups happened when soldiers were unhappy. Messing with pay meant changes in power. This eunuch was at least as important to Candace as anyone in her court.

Lesson number one: When I give you a task to do, just do it.

Second, Philip asked the Ethiopian if he knew what he was reading. The man could have killed Philip for questioning his wisdom or even for interrupting his reading. He had power. No doubt, as treasurer, he did not travel alone and had a retinue of soldiers traveling with him on that deserted road.

Instead of punishment, the treasurer offered Philip a place in the chariot to mentor him on what he read from Isaiah. And Philip began to unfold the events that took place surrounding the death and resurrection of My Son, Jesus. The hope that comes through faith in Him. The good news that we can have forgiveness of sins because Jesus paid the price for our freedom.

Lesson number two: As Peter records in the letter I inspired him to write, “Always be ready to give a testimony of the reason for the hope you have within you.”

My Spirit whisked Philip away after the Ethiopian asked for and received baptism that day. Philip spent enough time with him, he was not only ready to believe in Me and receive My Spirit, but Queen Candace’s treasurer wanted to let all those around him know it through the outward sign of water baptism. Philip did all he could do and then went on to another assignment. He didn’t stick around for pats on the back. He didn’t travel with the treasurer to do what I had in mind for the Ethiopian. He stayed only long enough to do what I asked. Then I gave him another task – preach in every town from Azotus to Caesarea.

I sent the Ethiopian home to minister there. Queen Candace’ court received the impact of his conversion. I ministered through him and Ethiopia became one of the fast growing communities of early Christendom.

Lesson number three: Expect new assignments. Celebrate, but know I will give you new tasks quickly. There are too many that need to hear My Good News to stop or get complacent about spreading My Word.

So who on your path do you need to tell about the good news today?

We always have a choice (Acts 7:20-43), Jan 31, 2015

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Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 7. And God says:

Stephen began to lay out the story of My people well before the Jewish leaders the day of his trial. He pointed out several key issues with every story he relayed to the leaders as he recited their history. In every story I brought to his mind, the key feature was the choice made. In this one, the Israelites made a poor one.

Despite their witness of the plagues on the unbelieving Egyptians, they failed to follow the instructions I gave Moses. Despite the miracle of the Passover and the sacrifice in every Egyptian household while they escaped the death angel’s march, they chose other gods. Despite their crossing of the Red Sea on dry land and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army in their sight, they did not believe Me. Despite the miracles they saw at My hand freeing them from the oppressive slavery in Egypt, they failed to follow Me.

Stephen comes to the climax of his testimony soon. The Israelites chose trinkets they could see instead of the Eternal God of Creation they could not see. They failed to trust Me even though they saw all the miracles I performed for them across those several months to free them and make them into the nation I promised Abraham.

Moses believed and I used him to lead My people. He never lost sight of the promise I had given his ancestors and the promise I made him that day at the bush that burned but was not consumed. Stephen believed and I used him to witness to all who heard his testimony then and in the centuries to come who would hear and read his words. I gave him a special blessing by opening the windows of heaven and letting him view My Son at My side on My throne before he died.

Paul believed and I let him glimpse heavenly wonders few have experienced this side of eternity so he would not waiver in his testimony to the world despite the arrests, beatings, stoning, and other intense persecutions he would face as My messenger. He wrote much of the scriptures and put in place the teachings that would spread around the globe of the love I want others to know because of the relationship I have always wanted with you.

But all of these had a choice, as do you. Each person has a choice as to whether or not you will follow Me. You can choose to believe in Me or to follow your own way. I will warn you of this, though. I made it plain when I walked with man on the earth in human flesh and said, “I am the way, no man comes to the Father except by Me.” You choose. Your way or My way?

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 7:20-43
Set – Exodus 29; Acts 7
Go! – Exodus 28-29; Acts 7

Acts 7:20-43
²⁰ Into this horrible situation our ancestor Moses was born, and he was a beautiful child in God’s eyes. He was raised for three months in his father’s home, ²¹ and then he was abandoned as the brutal regime required. However, Pharaoh’s daughter found, adopted, and raised him as her own son. ²² So Moses learned the culture and wisdom of the Egyptians and became a powerful man—both as an intellectual and as a leader. ²³ When he reached the age of 40, his heart drew him to visit his kinfolk, our ancestors, the Israelites. ²⁴ During his visit, he saw one of our people being wronged, and he took sides with our people by killing an Egyptian. ²⁵ He thought his kinfolk would recognize him as their God-given liberator, but they didn’t realize who he was and what he represented.

²⁶ The next day Moses was walking among the Israelites again when he observed a fight—but this time, it was between two Israelites. He intervened and tried to reconcile the men. “You two are brothers,” he said. “Why do you attack each other?” ²⁷ But the aggressor pushed Moses away and responded with contempt: “Who made you our prince and judge? ²⁸ Are you going to slay me and hide my body as you did with the Egyptian yesterday?” ²⁹ Realizing this murder had not gone unnoticed, he quickly escaped Egypt and lived as a refugee in the land of Midian. He married there and had two sons.

³⁰ Forty more years passed. One day while Moses was in the desert near Mount Sinai, a heavenly messenger appeared to him in the flames of a burning bush. ³¹ The phenomenon intrigued Moses; and as he approached for a closer look, he heard a voice—the voice of the Lord: ³² “I am the God of your own fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” This terrified Moses—he began to tremble and looked away in fear. ³³ The voice continued: “Take off your sandals and stand barefoot on the ground in My presence, for this ground is holy ground. ³⁴ I have avidly watched how My people are being mistreated by the Egyptians. I have heard their groaning at the treatment of their oppressors. I am descending personally to rescue them. So get up. I’m sending you to Egypt.”

³⁵ Now remember: this was the same Moses who had been rejected by his kinfolk when they said, “Who made you our prince and judge?” This man, rejected by his own people, was the one God had truly sent and commissioned by the heavenly messenger who appeared in the bush, to be their leader and deliverer.

³⁶ Moses indeed led our ancestors to freedom, and he performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness over a period of 40 years. ³⁷ This Moses promised our ancestors, “The Eternal One your God will raise up from among your people a Prophet who will be like me.” ³⁸ This is the same one who led the people to Mount Sinai, where a heavenly messenger spoke to him and our ancestors, and who received the living message of God to give to us.

³⁹ But our ancestors still resisted. They again pushed Moses away and refused to follow him. In their hearts, they were ready to return to their former slavery in Egypt. ⁴⁰ While Moses was on the mountain communing with God, they begged Aaron to make idols to lead them. “We have no idea what happened to this fellow, Moses, who brought us from Egypt,” they said. ⁴¹ So they made a calf as their new god, and they even sacrificed to it and celebrated an object they had fabricated as if it was their God.

⁴² And you remember what God did next: He let them go. He turned from them and let them follow their idolatrous path—worshiping sun, moon, and stars just as their unenlightened neighbors did. The prophet Amos spoke for God about this horrible betrayal:

Did you offer Me sacrifices or give Me offerings
during your 40-year wilderness journey, you Israelites?
⁴³ No, but you have taken along your sacred tent for the worship of Moloch,
and you honored the star of Rompha, your false god.
So, if you want to worship your man-made images,
you may do so—beyond Babylon.

Expect persecution (Acts 6), Jan 30, 2015

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Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 6. And God says:
In the western world you don’t see much persecution. People like to complain they do, the Ten Commandments are removed from public places. The government prohibits prayer to Me in public ceremonies. Christian holiday names are changed to avoid offending others. But I don’t think of that as persecution, really. All those things are nuisances you can put up with if your faith is strong.

Real persecution still goes on, though. More now than ever in the history of My church. Brave men and women hold onto their faith in the face of torture, financial ruin, loss of everything including their family, even death. And in those countries where persecution seems greatest, My church grows faster than ever.

There is something about those who stand for Me in the face of persecution that others see. Like with Stephen, I give them a joy they cannot explain to others in the middle of that persecution. Yes they suffer the temporary pain that the circumstances bring, but they also feel My presence. They know I am with them in the midst of all their suffering and I will not leave them. They know I live and I live in them.

Expect the world to hate you. There has and will be a battle between good and evil until the end of time. But the end of time may not be as far away as you think. Persecution will increase for those who follow Me. I foretold it and it will happen. But remember, I will never leave you alone. I will stay with you. The momentary suffering will seem as nothing compared to the eternal joy I have in store for you.

So, until I return, take lessons from Stephen, Paul, Peter, and the other apostles, the early Christians and today’s Christians in many lands face persecution. None enjoy it, but they face it knowing that they share in the same suffering My Son faced. They know the world hated him for no reason and they will hate you for no reason…other than you carry the name of Christ. Your perseverance will build My kingdom. It will help others recognize My kingdom is not of this world. It will show others I am worth the worship you give Me.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 6
Set – Exodus 27; Acts 6
Go! – Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

Acts 6
¹Things were going well, and the number of disciples was growing. But a problem arose. The Greek-speaking believers became frustrated with the Hebrew-speaking believers. The Greeks complained that the Greek-speaking widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. ² The twelve convened the entire community of disciples.

The Twelve: We could solve this problem ourselves, but that wouldn’t be right. We need to focus on proclaiming God’s message, not on distributing food. ³ So, friends, find seven respected men from the community of faith. These men should be full of the Holy Spirit and full of wisdom. Whomever you select we will commission to resolve this matter ⁴ so we can maintain our focus on praying and serving—not meals—but the message.

⁵ The whole community—Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking—was very pleased with this plan, so they chose seven men: Stephen (a man full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit), Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (a Greek-speaking convert from Antioch). ⁶ These men were presented to the apostles, who then prayed for them and commissioned them by laying their hands on them. ⁷ The message of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples continued to increase significantly there in Jerusalem. Even priests in large numbers became obedient to the faith.

⁸ Stephen continually overflowed with extraordinary grace and power, and he was able to perform a number of miraculous signs and wonders in public view. ⁹ But eventually a group arose to oppose Stephen and the message to which his signs and wonders pointed. (These men were from a group called the Free Synagogue and included Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians.) ¹⁰ The Holy Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom in responding to their arguments that they were humiliated; ¹¹ in retaliation, they spread a vicious rumor: “We heard Stephen speak blasphemies against Moses and God.”

¹² Their rumor prompted an uprising that included common people, religious officials, and scholars. They surprised Stephen, grabbed him, and hauled him before the council. ¹³ They convinced some witnesses to give false testimony.

False Witnesses: This fellow constantly degrades the holy temple and mocks our holy law. ¹⁴ With our own ears, we’ve heard him say this Jesus fellow, this Nazarene he’s always talking about, will actually destroy the holy temple and will try to change the sacred customs we received from Moses.

¹⁵ The entire council turned its gaze on Stephen to see how he would respond. They were shocked to see his face radiant with peace—as if he were a heavenly messenger.

Don’t chase shiny things, chase God (Exodus 23/20-33), Jan 29, 2015

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Today’s background scripture comes from Exodus 23. And God says:
From the very first, My plan was to give the lands I promised Abraham to his descendants through Jacob’s line. I also knew the new nation must grow large enough to inhabit the land and care for it and it would take time to conquer it completely. I knew this delay would test the faith of the new nation, collectively and individually. I gave them directions to help them in the early days of their new faith. Get rid of every idol. Destroy them. Pulverize every pillar. Obliterate every sign of every other deity.

I knew humankind’s tendency to marvel at things they could put their hands on and touch. The shiny gold and silver idols would attract their attention. They would ask the inhabitants what they meant and some would fall prey to the incitement these pieces of metal brought. The stories of their gods would intrigue the faithless and they would fall away. Then they would teach their children about these false gods and whole generations would turn away from me.

My commands to annihilate the inhabitants of the promised land didn’t come because I hated them. It came about because I knew they would entice My people to fall away from Me. Just like Adam and Eve, centuries before, they would listen to the lies they could see instead of the truth of the Eternal. I made the gold. A person made the idol. How could they think that lump of metal do what only I can do? But man can create incredible fables from his imagination at times.

It still happens today. It even happens with lumps of gold and silver. More often, men bow to jobs, numbers in bank accounts, titles and position, power. They forget all of the things they want I created in the first place and can take away in a moment. It takes focus and constant vigilance to avoid the traps the world puts in place to entice you away from Me. The shiny baubles the world offers is nothing, though, compared to the riches I have in store for you. Just hang on. Trust Me. Know that I will see you through.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Exodus 23:20-33
Set – Exodus 23; Psalms 14
Go! – Exodus 23-24; Psalms 14; Acts 5

Exodus 23:20-33
²⁰ Look! I am going to send a heavenly messenger before you to protect you during your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. ²¹ Pay attention to all he shows you and obey whatever he tells you. Do not cause him any trouble. He will not forgive you if you rebel against him for he carries My name in him.

²² If you are obedient to his voice and follow all of My instructions, then I will be an enemy to all of those who are against you, and I will oppose all those who oppose you. ²³ When My messenger moves ahead of you and leads you to the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites—I will annihilate them. ²⁴ Do not bow down to their gods, worship, or serve them in any way. Do not engage in any of their wicked practices. Instead, you must destroy every idol you find and shatter their sacred pillars into tiny pieces.

²⁵ Worship and serve only the Eternal your God, and I will bless you with an ample supply of wholesome food and clean water. I will take away all sickness from you, ²⁶ prevent miscarriages and barrenness, and give you long, productive lives. ²⁷ My fear and My dread will move ahead of you, and wherever you go people will greet you with panic and confusion. I will see to it that all of your enemies turn and run from you. ²⁸ I will unleash hornets ahead of you; and they will drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites from the land before you. ²⁹ Now I will not do all this in a single year, because the land would become a wasteland, overpopulated with wild animals that would roam unchecked. ³⁰ Rather, I will drive them out a little at a time—a few here, a few there—until your numbers grow and you are strong enough to take over the land and its care. ³¹ I will set your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea west of where the Philistines live and from the desert to the Euphrates River. I will give to you all those who inhabit the land, and you will drive them all out. ³² But do not make a covenant-treaty with them or agree to serve their gods. ³³ They must not be allowed to live in your land; otherwise they will cause you to sin against Me, the only True God. If you serve their gods, you will be trapped and be drawn into sin.

A new day dawned (Acts 4:1-22), Jan 28, 2015

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Today’s Devotional

Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 4. And from it God says:
I love the Jewish Leaders’ question to Peter and John after making them cool their heels in jail overnight. They must have stayed awake all night crafting that question. It was remarkable, don’t you think?

“Who gave you the authority to create that spectacle in the temple yesterday?” What a question!

Of course, the spectacle involved a man over forty years old, lame from birth who stood at the name of Jesus, My Son. The power resident, even in his name, transferred through the faith of Peter, John, and the lame man caused him to walk out of the temple and into worship. The crowds saw the same man they had seen for forty years walking around, leaping before the Lord, praising Me for the miracle performed on his behalf.

What would you expect but the for the crowds to start praising with him? The temple atmosphere that day turned from one of somber, long faced prayers asking where I was to one of celebration thanking Me for My presence. It wasn’t just a spectacle. It was spectacular. And who authorized it? Me, that’s who! I want My people to celebrate when I’m there. I want people to sound the trumpets, clash the cymbals, let out all the stops. Why, because the God of all creation chose to visit you.

Their decision ended up being a little ridiculous, too. “Don’t talk anymore about what I’m doing through them.” How can they do that? How can anyone hold back the joy and excitement that happens when I intervene in life. Peter answered correctly and it shook their well-schooled, intellectual prowess to the ground. “Is it better that I obey you or God?”

What could they say? They were supposed to lead according to what I tell them, so how could they deny others doing what I tell them to do? What a great day to show a new day dawned for those who believe in Me.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 4:1-22
Set – Psalms 12; Acts 4
Go! – Exodus 21-22; Psalms 12; Acts 4

Acts 4:1-22
¹The conversation continued for a few hours there in Solomon’s porch. Suddenly, the head of the temple police and some members of the Sadducean party interrupted Peter and John. ² They were annoyed because Peter and John were enthusiastically teaching that in Jesus, resurrection of the dead is possible—an idea the Sadducees completely rejected. ³ So they arrested Peter, John, and the man who was healed and kept them in jail overnight. ⁴ But during these few afternoon hours between the man’s miraculous healing and their arrest, Peter and John already had convinced about 5,000 more people to believe their message about Jesus!

⁵ The next morning, the Jewish leaders—their officials, elders, and scholars—called a meeting in Jerusalem ⁶ presided over by Annas (the patriarch of the ruling priestly clan), along with Caiaphas (his son-in-law), John, Alexander, and other members of their clan. ⁷ They made their prisoners stand in the middle of the assembly and questioned them.

Jewish Leaders: Who gave you the authority to create that spectacle in the temple yesterday?

Peter (filled with the Spirit): ⁸ Rulers and elders of the people, ⁹ yesterday a good deed was done. Someone who was sick was healed. If you’re asking us how this happened, ¹⁰ I want all of you and all of the people of Israel to know this man standing in front of you—obviously in good health—was healed by the authority of Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed One. This is the same Jesus whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead. ¹¹ He is “the stone that you builders rejected who has become the very stone that holds together the entire foundation” on which a new temple is being built. ¹² There is no one else who can rescue us, and there is no other name under heaven given to any human by whom we may be rescued.

¹³ Now the leaders were surprised and confused. They looked at Peter and John and realized they were typical peasants—uneducated, utterly ordinary fellows—with extraordinary confidence. The leaders recognized them as companions of Jesus, ¹⁴ then they turned their attention to the third man standing beside them—recently lame, now standing tall and healthy. What could they say in response to all this?

¹⁵ Because they were at a loss about what to do, they excused the prisoners so the council could deliberate in private.

Jewish Leaders: ¹⁶ What do we do with these fellows? Anyone who lives in Jerusalem will know an unexplainable sign has been performed through these two preachers. We can’t deny their story. ¹⁷ The best we can do is try to keep it from spreading. So let’s warn them to stop speaking to anybody in this name.

¹⁸ The leaders brought the prisoners back in and prohibited them from doing any more speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ Peter and John listened quietly and then replied,

Peter and John: You are the judges here, so we’ll leave it up to you to judge whether it is right in the sight of God to obey your commands or God’s. ²⁰ But one thing we can tell you: we cannot possibly restrain ourselves from speaking about what we have seen and heard with our own eyes and ears.

^21-22 The council threatened them again, but finally let them go because public opinion strongly supported Peter and John and this man who had received this miraculous sign. He was over 40 years old, so his situation was known to many people, and they couldn’t help but glorify God for his healing.

Do your part, but don’t do it all (Exodus 18/13-27),Jan 27, 2015

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Today’s background scripture comes from Exodus 18.
Moses learned an important lesson from Jethro most of My leaders today still do not understand. Moses tried to do everything himself as leader of the fledgling nation of Israel. Jethro saw he would soon wear himself out with the tasks he took. Much of the work others could do if he would let them. Some of the tasks I reserved for him alone.

Like many, Moses forgot I gave others special gifts to help him. He would need those others and their skills soon to help build the tabernacle, the furniture, and utensils that I would instruct him to build. He could not do it alone. I would give Moses the instructions, but others would carry out the work. Men I gifted specifically for the tasks. Men endued with artistic skills Moses did not have.

Too many of My leaders today think they must take on the task of doing all the work in their churches. Sometimes, those led by the pastors are too comfortable letting them do the work. But I did not give them the gifts to do everything necessary to build My church. I gave them some gifts, those necessary to carry out their responsibilities, but I expect everyone who is part of the body of Christ to do their share in keeping that body whole and healthy.

When everyone does their part, the work gets done. The loads stay light enough for each to accomplish what must get accomplished each day. And each is blessed with the joy of knowing they have done their part in building the kingdom. So many feel like asking others to help is an imposition when really, it provides a blessing when it is a task I’ve given them gifts to perform in My church. Never take away someones blessing by refusing to let them use the gifts I’ve given them. I don’t fail to find those blessing by refusing to use your own gifts. I’ve given them to you for a reason.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Exodus 18:13-27
Set -Exodus 18; Acts 3
Go! – Exodus 17-20; Acts 3

Exodus 18:13-27
¹³ On the next day, Moses sat and served as judge, settling disputes among the people. Those with grievances surrounded him from sunrise to sundown waiting to present their case. ¹⁴ Jethro noticed all Moses was doing for the people.

Jethro: What do you think you are doing? Why are you the only one who is able to judge the disputes of all these people who surround you from sunrise to sundown?

Moses: ¹⁵ These people come to me seeking direction from God. ¹⁶ When two people are arguing and can’t resolve their differences, they come to me; and I settle the matter between them. This is one way I help God’s people understand His requirements and instructions.

Jethro: ¹⁷ What you are doing is not good for you. ¹⁸ The responsibility is just too much. You are going to wear yourself out. Not only that, you’re going to wear out the people too. You can’t do it all by yourself. ¹⁹ I am going to give you a piece of advice, so listen up and God will be with you. You should represent the people before God, and carry their concerns to Him. ²⁰ Teach them God’s requirements and pass on His laws. Show them the right way to live and the kind of work they should be doing. ²¹ As for all these other duties you have taken on, choose competent leaders who fear God, love truth, despise dishonesty, and won’t take bribes. After you divide and subdivide all the people into various groups of a thousand, hundred, fifty, and ten, put the men of integrity you selected in charge over the various groups. ²² Let these righteous leaders be ready to judge the people whenever it is necessary. If there is some major problem, they can bring that to you. Otherwise, these select leaders ought to be able to handle the minor problems. This will be much easier for you, and they will help you carry this burden. ²³ If you do what I advise and God directs you, then you will be able to handle the pressure. Not only that, but all these people standing around needing help, they will be able to return to their tents at peace.

²⁴ Moses accepted Jethro’s advice and did all that he said. ²⁵ He chose competent leaders and put them in charge of the community of Israel. He divided and subdivided the nation into groups of a thousand, hundred, fifty, and ten, and he appointed a leader over each group. ²⁶ The righteous leaders judged the people whenever disputes or problems arose. Any major quarrel, they brought to Moses for his judgment; but every minor argument, they judged themselves.

²⁷ When it was time for Jethro to return to his own land, Moses sent his father-in-law on his way.

Pentecost, more than a feast day (Acts 2/1-21;43-47), Jan 26, 2015

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Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 2
Pentecost had come and gone countless times for the Hebrews through the centuries. People came from everywhere to Jerusalem to celebrate Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost. The day commemorates the giving of My Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. But after My Son returned to heaven, My Spirit came as He promised. What better day than Pentecost for Him to settle upon the hearts of men and women ready to receive Him fully?

Some special things happened that day that many concentrate on when talking about Pentecost, the sound of rushing wind, the flames of fire on each person in the room, the languages spoken and heard by each person in the crowd. Certainly, those things should not be forgotten. They were important in letting both those present and future generations know something different, wonderful, and miraculous happened when My Spirit came to inhabit hearts. But the audible and visible signs of the day were not what made Pentecost special to Me.

What made Pentecost special were the changed lives seen by everyone around them. Luke recorded some of those changes in later verses of the second chapter of Acts, often overlooked because of the spectacular events in the opening verses. But I want you to think about the real change and what I find most important.

Luke describes an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed. Did you get that? No fighting each other, no gossip among that group, no back-biting or slander. They had an intense sense of togetherness. That’s My Church! They were generous with their material goods helping not only their fellow believers, but others in the city in need. They were unified in worship in the temple – day after day! They enjoyed each other’s company and shared meals together, opened their homes to each other, shared each others burdens, joys, and sorrows. Luke describes My newly filled people with glad and generous hearts enjoying the goodwill of all the people of the city.

Why did they enjoy the goodwill of the others? Because they were genuine in their generosity, genuine in their compassion, genuine in their love. How can they exhibit those characteristics in an occupied city whose leaders a few weeks early killed their Savior? Because My Son lives…forever! And My Spirit, His Spirt, We, now lived in them. We can live in you, too. If you let Us. You can experience the same genuine joy they did on that Pentecost day Luke describes in his letter to Theophilus describing the acts of the apostles. As promised to Joel, My Spirit is poured out for the asking. But like any gift, He must be accepted into your life. Do it today.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 2:1-21; 43-47
Set – Exodus 15; Acts 2
Go! – Exodus 14-16; Acts 2

Acts 2:1-21; 43-47
¹When the holy day of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover, they were gathered together in one place.

² Picture yourself among the disciples:

A sound roars from the sky without warning, the roar of a violent wind, and the whole house where you are gathered reverberates with the sound. ³ Then a flame appears, dividing into smaller flames and spreading from one person to the next. ⁴ All the people present are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in languages they’ve never spoken, as the Spirit empowers them.

⁵ Because of the holy festival, there are devout Jews staying as pilgrims in Jerusalem from every nation under the sun. ⁶ They hear the sound, and a crowd gathers. They are amazed because each of them can hear the group speaking in their native languages. ⁷ They are shocked and amazed by this.

Pilgrims: Just a minute. Aren’t all of these people Galileans? ⁸ How in the world do we all hear our native languages being spoken? ⁹ Look—there are Parthians here, and Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, and Judeans, residents of Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygians and Pamphylians, Egyptians and Libyans from Cyrene, Romans including both Jews by birth and converts, ¹¹ Cretans, and Arabs. We’re each, in our own languages, hearing these people talk about God’s powerful deeds.

¹² Their amazement becomes confusion as they wonder,

Pilgrims: What does this mean?

Skeptics: ¹³ It doesn’t mean anything. They’re all drunk on some fresh wine!

¹⁴ As the twelve stood together, Peter shouted to the crowd,

Peter: Men of Judea and all who are staying here in Jerusalem, listen. I want you to understand: ¹⁵ these people aren’t drunk as you may think. Look, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning! ¹⁶ No, this isn’t drunkenness; this is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. ¹⁷ Hear what God says!

In the last days,
I will offer My Spirit to humanity as a libation.
Your children will boldly speak the word of the Lord.
Young warriors will see visions,
and your elders will dream dreams.
¹⁸ Yes, in those days I shall offer My Spirit to all servants,
both male and female, and they will boldly speak My word.
¹⁹ And in the heaven above and on the earth below,
I shall give signs of impending judgment: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will become a void of darkness,
and the moon will become blood.
Then the great and dreadful day of the Lord will arrive,
²¹ And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be liberated into God’s freedom and peace.

⁴³ Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. ⁴⁴ There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust. ⁴⁵ They sold any possessions and goods that did not benefit the community and used the money to help everyone in need. ⁴⁶ They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. ⁴⁷ The new disciples praised God, and they enjoyed the goodwill of all the people of the city. Day after day the Lord added to their number everyone who was experiencing liberation.

Passover is more than a once a year festival (Exodus 12/1-30), Jan 25, 2015

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Today’s Devotional

Today’s background scripture comes from Exodus 12.
Passover is one of the most important of the festivals for remembrance I directed for My people. It changes the calendar for the Israelites and becomes the first month of the year because of its significance. Passover brought freedom to My people. It broke their chains of slavery to their Egyptian masters. It marks the beginning of the life of the new nation just as it marked the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household.

What do I want you to remember from Passover? You already surmise a lot of symbolism can be found throughout the entire Passover festival from the time of year I chose for you to celebrate it, to the foods you eat, to the clothes you wear. But I want you especially to think about three things today.

Second, Passover is about urgency and preparedness. I demanded My people eat with their shoes on, their cloaks on, and a walking stick in their hand. I wanted their bags packed and nothing left to do before they walked out the door because they would leave in a hurry. The Passover had an urgency about it because as soon as the death angel visited at a time of My choosing during the night, the Egyptians would cry out and Pharaoh would tell My people to leave. I wanted them to go immediately.

It will be the same when My Son returns. Waiting for Him should create an urgency and a measure of preparedness in you. Just like with My people at the first Passover, those that were not ready could not go. They were lost to the exodus. My command for My people was to go when commanded. Don’t wait, don’t dawdle, don’t prepare anything else. Grab your pack, get on your feet, and get out of Egypt! When My Son returns, He will come in the blink of an eye to take His church. Those who are ready will come home with Him. Those who are not will remain. There is urgency in the remembrance of the Passover.

The Passover is about family and community. The Passover meal was never eaten alone. There was a reason a whole lamb or goat was required. One of the most important, a large number of people must gather together to consume it. Families must mend the differences between them and eat together. Neighbors must tear down any barriers between them and eat together. Newcomers on settlement were invited into homes to become part of the community. Meat in Goshen was too scarce to waste when many dined on onions and leeks. A lamb or goat as the Passover meal meant something extravagant and not for Me, but also something not to be wasted, so houses were filled with family and friends ready and waiting to begin the journey to a new life.

Finally, Passover is about sacrifice. It’s easy to think about the lamb and the goat that lost its life for the passover meal, but each Egyptian family also lost their firstborn in sacrifice for their failure to believe in Me, the One True God. Freedom takes sacrifice. Whether from the chains of slavery or the chains of sin, sacrifice remains a necessary component. For you, I already paid the ultimate price in the blood of My perfect Son, Jesus. The blood on the doorpost represent for you the blood of My Son, as well, to remember your salvation isn’t free. It comes at a price.

Jesus, My Son, instituted a remembrance at the last Passover meal He celebrated that many call the Lord’s Supper, Communion, the Eucharist, or other names. Like the first Passover, it brings with it a remembrance of His sacrifice for your sins, urgency and preparedness for His return, and togetherness as My family, My children, born of blood and spirit. Born into My kingdom…if you believe in Him. Passover didn’t just happen as an historical event, it remains as a permanent reminder of My grace in the lives of those who dare to believe in Me.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Exodus 12:1-30
Set – Exodus 12; Psalms 21
Go! – Exodus 12-13; Psalms 21; Acts 1

Exodus 12:1-30
Eternal One (to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt): ^1-2 Mark this month as the first month of all months for you—the first month of your year. ³ Declare this message to the entire community of Israel: “When the tenth day of this month arrives, every family is to select a lamb, one for each household. ⁴ If there aren’t enough people in the family to eat an entire lamb, then they should share a lamb with their nearest neighbor according to how many people are in the neighbor’s family. Divide the portions of the lamb so that each person has enough to eat. ⁵ Choose a one-year-old male that is intact and free of blemishes; you can take it from the sheep or the goats. ⁶ Keep this chosen lamb safe until the fourteenth day of the month, then the entire community of Israel will slaughter their lambs together at twilight. ⁷ They are to take some of its blood and smear it across the top and down the two sides of the doorframe of the houses where they plan to eat. ⁸ That night, have them roast the lamb over a fire and feast on it along with bitter herbs and bread made without yeast. ⁹ Do not eat any meat raw or boil it in water; only eat the meat after the entire animal has been roasted over a fire with its head, legs, and intestines attached. ¹⁰ Eat whatever you can, but don’t leave any of it until morning; whatever is left over in the morning burn in the fire. ¹¹ Here is how I want you to eat this meal: Be sure you are dressed and ready to go at a moment’s notice—with sandals on your feet and a walking stick in your hand. Eat quickly because this is My Passover.

¹² I am going to pass through the land of Egypt during the night and put to death all their firstborn children and animals. I will also execute My judgments against all the gods of the Egyptians, for I am the Eternal One! ¹³ The blood on the doorframes of your houses will be a sign of where you are. When I pass by and see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague will not afflict you when I strike the land of Egypt with death.

¹⁴ This will be a day for you to always remember. I want you and all generations after you to commemorate this day with a festival to Me. Celebrate this feast as a perpetual ordinance, a permanent part of your life together. ¹⁵ You are to eat bread made without yeast for seven days. On the first day get rid of any yeast you find in your house. Anyone who eats bread made with yeast during the seven festival days must be cut off from the rest of Israel. ¹⁶ On the first day of the festival and again on the seventh, gather the community together for a time of sacred worship. No one may work on those two days except to prepare what every person needs to eat. ¹⁷ Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread because it commemorates the day that I led your forces out of Egypt. Honor and celebrate this day throughout all your generations as a perpetual ordinance, a permanent part of your life together. ¹⁸ From the evening of the fourteenth day of that first month to the evening of the twenty-first day of that month, eat bread made without yeast. ^19-20 No yeast is to be found in any of your houses during the seven festival days. Whoever eats anything that has yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel. It doesn’t matter whether he is a foreigner or a native; the same standards apply. During the seven festival days, do not eat anything made with yeast; wherever you live and gather together, be sure you eat only unleavened bread.

²¹ Then Moses called all of Israel’s elders together and gave them instructions.

Moses: Go and pick out lambs for each of your families, and then slaughter your family’s Passover lamb. ²² Take a handful of hyssop branches, dip them down into the bowl of blood you drained from the sacrifice, and mark the top of the doorway and the two doorposts with blood from the bowl. After you do this, no one should go out that door until the next morning.

²³ The Eternal will pass through the land during the night and bring death to the Egyptians. But when He sees the blood-markings across the tops of your doorways and down your two doorposts, He will pass over your houses and not allow His messenger of death to enter into your houses and strike you down. ²⁴ You and all your descendants are obligated to keep these instructions for all time. ²⁵ Even after you arrive in the land the Eternal has promised you—the land flowing with milk and honey—you must keep these instructions and perform this ritual. ²⁶ When your children ask you, “What does this ritual mean to you?” ²⁷ you will answer them, “It is the Passover sacrifice to the Eternal, for He passed over the houses of the Israelites when we were slaves in Egypt. And although He struck the Egyptians, He spared our lives and our houses.”

When Moses finished these instructions, the people bowed down and worshiped.

²⁸ The Israelites went and did as they were instructed; they were obedient to what the Eternal had commanded Moses and Aaron.

²⁹ Now this is what happened: at midnight, He struck down all the firstborn sons in Egypt—from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoners locked in the dungeon, and even the firstborn of all the livestock in the land. ³⁰ Pharaoh woke up during the night. He wasn’t the only one. His servants, as well as all of the Egyptians in the land, had awoken. A great scream shattered the night in Egypt, for there was not a single Egyptian house where someone was not dead.