Read: Exodus 17-20
Today’s reading is Exodus 17–20. We see the Israelites were brought out of Egypt but stuck walking through the wilderness. Even after witnessing God’s power, they began grumbling and complaining. God took care of them and provided water. It is another reminder that even when people complain, God is still merciful and still provides for His people.
Later in chapter 17, Israel is in battle, and as long as Moses keeps his hands raised, they prevail. But Moses grows tired, and this beautiful picture of support unfolds.
“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on one side, one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” -Exodus 17:12
Godly community matters. Even strong leaders get tired and grow weary. Even faithful people need help. Good company can steady you when you are weak, lift you when you are weary, and help keep you faithful when your own strength is fading. The people around us matter more than we realize!
In Exodus 20, we read the Ten Commandments. They are foundational instructions from God that reveal His holiness and how His people are to live. In summary, they teach us to worship God alone, reject idols, honor His name, keep His day holy, honor parents, and love others by rejecting murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting. These commands were never just rules carved on stone, they reveal the heart of a holy God.
We also see the people respond with fear when God speaks, but this is not meant to be terror like thriller movie kind of fear. It is a holy fear, meaning reverence, respect, and understanding that God means what He says.
“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’” -Exodus 20:20
That reminds me of growing up with a parent whose word meant something. Hi mom! If my mom said that there would be a consequence, it happened. If she made a promise, she kept it. There was security in that consistency but also a level of respect. I knew not to dismiss her words as empty threats. I think that helps explain fear of the Lord. It is knowing God is faithful to every promise, every blessing, every warning, and every consequence. He is not bluffing, changing, or unreliable. Honestly, that is how I try to parent too. If I promise to play, I want to follow through. If I set a consequence, I want my toddler to know that I mean it. Words should carry weight. How much more should we understand that with God? God provides and His words are never empty.
Discussion Questions
- Who has helped hold your hands up in hard seasons?
- Are you surrounding yourself with people who steady your faith?
- How can you reflect consistency and integrity in your own words
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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