The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Night Is Darkest... Exodus 6 OT S1:E46

"Night is darkest just before the dawn." The Israelites learned the hard way the truth of this statement when Pharaoh made their lives unbearable. God was not deterred because He was determined to secure the freedom of His people. In this chapter, we count ourselves among the Israelites when things get worse before getting much better. 

You’re Lazy! Exodus 5 OT S1:E45

When Moses asks Pharaoh's permission for Israel to leave and worship God, Pharaoh responds by increasing the burdens of his Israelite slaves. Conflict erupts between Israel, her leaders, Pharaoh and Moses is left crying out to God, "what have you done to your people?" In this episode, we consider how we respond to difficulties and how we treat our leaders. It seems people are way more interested in taking the easy way out than being patient and doing what it takes to see lasting positive change. 

Forgiven We Forgive, Matthew 18 NTS1:E26

Matthew 18, particularly 15-17, is one of the most weaponized passages in scripture. But the message of this chapter is not condemnation, but rather one of restoration and forgiveness. As we consider the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Unforgiving Servant, we learn how God's children seek to restore broken relationships in the spirit of humility and forgiveness, not willing that anyone should be lost.

God’s Words And Works, Exodus 4 OT S1:E44

The powerful signs God gave Moses to demonstrate his authority as a prophet of the Most Big God were unmistakable. The perfect correlation between God's words and works gives us opportunity to consider how our words and actions are not always in alignment. Moses was living proof of this fact, wavering between faith and fear even on the mountain with God. Yet, God had mercy on Moses, and sent Aaron to be his spokesperson, accommodating Moses waffling faith.

Burning Questions, Exodus 3 OT S1:E43

Moses has all sorts of questions when a mysterious God speaks to him from a bizarrely burning, oh wait, not burning, bush. God answers his questions with affirmation and promises, pledging to use Moses to redeem His people from slavery. Here we learn that God will not be overcome by our questions or doubts, but will rather overcome them by His mighty power to save.

Transforming Glory, Matthew 17 NTS1:E25

At the Transfiguration, the Father spoke a blessing over His Son, who was determined to go the cross. "You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased." What powerful words of affirmation to carry Jesus to and through His time of suffering. This blessing gives us strength as well, because we know that in Jesus, God is well-pleased with us.

God Sees and Knows, Exodus 1-2 OT S1:E42

The Exodus begins by highlighting two women as saviors of God's people, in particular, saviors for the Hebrew boys who were sentenced to death by Pharaoh simply for being born to the wrong parents. Despite the Egyptians doing all they could to oppress God's people, Israel grew to become a great nation. Moses was one of the Hebrew boys born an outlaw. Against all odds, by the end of chapter two, Moses, a fugitive and an outcast, would be well prepared for leadership among God's people.

God Is Faithful, Genesis 50 OT S1:E41

Joseph's dying wish was that Israel take his bones to Canaan when they depart Egypt. This bold request was an expression of his deep faith in the God Who was faithful to him and prospered him despite his afflictions. Little did he know it would be some 400 years before Israel would leave Egypt, but his dying wish was a bold testimony of faith to the nation that would go from being loved to loathed by the Egyptians. From Joseph we learn how to leave an enduring legacy of faith.

Hero Or Anti-Hero? Matthew 16 NTS1:E24

Peter stars in this chapter as both a hero and a villain. He is the first disciple to proclaim Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. But in the very next passage, he rebuked Jesus when told that Jesus must suffer and die. In Peter, we receive encouragement for when we get it right, and grace when we get it wrong.

Patriarch and Prophet, Genesis 49 OT S1:E40

In this episode, Jacob blessed each of his sons before his passing. These blessings contained many prophecies about the tribes who became Israel. Some wouldn't be fulfilled for thousands of years, yet they testify to us that God had the plan for His people laid out long before they realized. These prophecies are a great encouragement to us because we see God's faithfulness proven as He keeps His promises even when His people don't deserve it.