Six Months in Exodus

 

Yesterday was a marker-day in my slow study of the Bible. On January 1 this year, I started my way through the book of Exodus. I completed the study yesterday. Six months (and a few days) slowly plodding through the book, combing through familiar stories and finding new insights bursting forth from the familiar.

            When I studied Genesis, my heart grew attached to the accounts of the patriarchs, and I even cried as I read the accounts of their deaths. In Exodus, I developed a profound respect for the leader Moses grew to be throughout his life. I felt his pain in the beginning as he wrestled with insecurities and begged God to find someone more equipped to the task at hand. Then I celebrated as he embraced the task before him and did it zealously, even when the days were hard and discouraging. When the people complained and rebelled.

            I memorized most of Exodus 20 and have recited the words over and over, grateful for the foundation they provided, not just for the people at the base of the mountain, but all of us who have come behind.

            I studied the intricacies of the Tabernacle and developed a new appreciation for the specific instructions God gave and the obedience of the people as they crafted each piece.

            The pages of my Bible are underlined, highlighted, and noted, and I closed the book with great appreciation and joy. And even though the shipping tracker said my Leviticus study wasn’t coming until next Monday, it arrived in the mail yesterday, reminding me how attentive God is to little details – even things like Bible study needs.

            So today I begin Leviticus, and while I never thought I would be excited to dive deeply into this book, I am excited. I have no idea what specific lessons God has in there for me to learn, but I’m looking forward to whatever He has.