Justin Houtz

Exodus 6, Luke 9, Job 23, 1 Corinthians 10

DateVersionReading Plan
@February 23, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

Exodus 6

Exodus 6:12, 30 (ESV) 12 But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?” … 30 But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?”

Moses continues his self-deprecating tone in that he lacks ability to speak to the people. The term “uncircumcised” is used here derogatorily with regard to speech but is also used elsewhere in Scripture to describe hearing (Jer. 6:10) as well as Israel’s enemies (Judges 14:3; Judges 15:18; 1 Sam. 14:6; Jer. 9:26; Ezek. 28:10).

Luke 9

Luke 9:23 (ESV) 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

There is a detail in Luke regarding the taking of one’s cross that is absent in the other two synoptics (ref. Matt. 10:38; Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:24), namely the word “daily”. This is important to note because the burden we bear as His ambassadors requires daily sacrifice. Let no words be minced, this is a painful journey, but there is no faithful walk with the Lord that excludes a constant death to self and sin.

Job 23

Job 23:13–14 (ESV) 13 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. 14 For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.

God’s will is perfect, omniscient and immutable, bringing all things to completion for His glory. There is no work He sets out to do that will remain undone. As with Job, this often means seasons of testing and refinement, intentionally appointed to foster deeper need and faith in Him. These are to be seen as opportunities to draw nearer to Him, grateful for His grace and the sanctifying work of divine conformity.

1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10:14 (ESV) 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

With our hearts set at enmity against God, idolatry is our natural course. Because we are drawn to all things not of God, the escape from idolatry must be an active process. The fleeing from idols requires willful movement toward the Lord in devotion and surrender. When we are saturated in the truth of the gospel, we are displaced of the fleeting satisfaction of sin and worldliness.

Carson on Luke 9

The closing verses of the chapter highlight the same contrast [between devotion and hunger for power] (9:57–62). The three who protest the loudest about how eagerly they will follow Jesus are firmly put in their place: they have not counted the cost of discipleship, and so their pious protestations take on the ugly hue of self-love.

Carson makes an important point that discipleship is about humility rather boasting in one’s faith. It is about the removal of oneself for the sake of Christ and kingdom rather than self-exaltation. To think of yourself or your faith as greater than another is mindset that demands swift repentance.

Resources