Welcome,
We’re delighted you’ve chosen to dig more deeply into the Scriptures and consider what God has for you through this sermon.
These sermon practices are ideally intended to be discussed with others, so find a friend, family member, or roommate to join you. If you haven’t yet joined a life group yet, check out our groups page or stop at the Welcome Center for more info.
EXPLORING SCRIPTURE: Strange Scripture
Today's reading is one of the more difficult passages to understand. Hebrews scholar, Robert Altar, describes Exodus 4:24-26 this way, “ This (cryptic) story is the most (puzzling) episode in all of Exodus. It seems unlikely that we will ever resolve the enigma it poses, but it nevertheless plays a pivotal role in the larger narrative, and it is worth pondering why such a haunting and bewildering story should’ve been introduced at this juncture.”
Our goal with today’s practice is not to provide perfect clarity, but to practice how we might approach the more mysterious and confusing sections of scripture.
Read aloud Exodus 4:24-26
- What seems clear to you and what is confusing?
- What seems sensible and what is disturbing?
As a reminder of the importance of circumcision, rewind to Genesis 17:1-14.
- Why do you think God chose circumcision as the sign of his covenant with Israel?
- What was to happen to any male that was not circumcised?
Back to Exodus 4:24-26
Below is a list of things we don’t know for sure about this passage…
- Who was God about to kill? It seems like Moses, but it might have been his son (see v. 23)
- Why was his son not circumcised? We assume his son is not young.
- How did Zipporah even see this event unfolding, and how did she know what to do?
- Why did she touch the “feet” of Moses with the blood?
- What does she mean by “groom of blood”? Very rare use of this word and is unclear.
- Who is she calling a groom: Moses, the cut flesh, the surgery?
- Why does God not say a word?
- Why would he want to kill Moses or his son?
Managing Confusion
Often we want clarity from God that we don’t get. When we don’t get the answers we’re looking for, we must search for understanding instead. God will not always give you clear answers, but he will always increase your understanding if you will humbly obey him and wait upon him.
This is also how we approach Scripture. Sometimes it is very easy to understand and comforting, while other times it is very confusing and even disturbing. It’s during these times of confusion that we need to seek him in prayer and reflection over a period of time. When you get stuck in confusion and discomfort in reading the Bible (and in life) - take your eyes off what you can’t see, and search for what you can see. Don’t stare at what you don’t know, search for what you do know.
- Describe a time in your life when you didn’t get the answers you wanted God to give you, but you did gain more understanding about God, yourself, and life.
Let’s practice with what we’ve read so far. Here are a few things we do know from the passage:
- Moses had not humbly obeyed God regarding the circumcision of his son.
- By faith, Zipporah took dramatic actions of humble obedience.
- The blood of the son brought salvation.
- Name a few principles we can learn from these observations.
In the reflection section, we’ll practice “learning from what we know” by exploring Zipporah’s role in the story. For greater understanding of why God would threaten to kill Moses, review this Sunday’s sermon. (vchurch.org/sermons - Exodus Series, entitled “Strange Scripture” from June 23rd)
REFLECTION: The Power of Humble Obedience
Zipporah is a Hero of Faith
She stepped forward in bold obedience. She was, literally, along for the ride, but she stepped into the lead roll for a moment. She stepped out of the background and into the spotlight in order to move people towards God‘s loving and life-giving covenant.
She became the leader.
She became the standard bearer.
She became the initiating worshiper.
She became the catalytic faith-exerciser.
She became the rightly motivated pain inflictor.
She became the most passionate believer in God‘s word.
Zipporah is a model for Moses. Despite her low social-status and lack of authority, she comes out of the background, emboldened by the power God has placed within her. She steps out of her nurturing pastoral role and embraces the confronting role of a prophet. She calls her husband and her son, and herself, to a life of full obedience. She leads her husband, and her son, and herself through a moment of painful obedience.
Sometimes we have to call people to cut away all that is separating them from God, no matter how painful it is. Sometimes we must challenge people to enter the pain of obedience; and must we do it with urgency, prompting them to embrace their agency to obey at great cost.
Zipporah is a model for us all.
Are you understanding your importance to the work of God? Too often we see ourselves as powerless and unimpressive. Yet, because of the righteousness we receive from Christ, there is no limit to the number of people who can step forward and do the right thing. There is no limit to the number of those who can step forward in bold acts of humble obedience.
What is your next step of humble obedience?
- Where might God be calling you to greater trust and increased obedience to him? (If nothing comes to mind right away, take some time for silent prayer & reflection as a group)
How do you feel about humbly calling others to greater trust and obedience to Christ?
Remember that if a person has never placed their trust in Jesus, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for them to try and live like a Christian. We aren't called to challenge non-believers to live like mature believers. Our challenge to them is focused on receiving Jesus.
- Of those near you that profess faith in Jesus, who do believe you are to humbly challenge them to greater obedience to Jesus?
- How could you encourage them even as you challenge them? Before you say anything to them, be sure you pray for humility, love and grace, and that they will receive what you have to say, if in fact it is from God.
PRAYER
Pray for each other that you would joyfully increase in your humble obedience to Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit will guide your prayers to trust Jesus, and to experience his presence, more everyday.