va'Era (And I appeared)
2) Exodus 6:2-9:35
How would you respond if God appeared and made Himself known to you in a special way? The Jewish lectionary reading this week takes us through the second portion of the second book in the Bible. It is here that God begins to make Himself known to the world in special way—through pouring out judgments and making distinctions.
The name of the portion is va’Era and means “and I appeared.” God is speaking with Moses and telling him about His earlier appearances to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God originally chose Abraham, and is now using Moses, to make Himself known to the nations of the world through one set apart people group—Israel.
In Genesis, God renames Jacob as Israel. Here in Exodus, God will put His Name on Israel at Mt. Sinai through covenant. On the way toward this covenantal “stake in the ground” at Mt'. Sinai, God makes Himself known in a special way to everyone. In fact, the events that unfold in Exodus are the most often referenced in the the entire Bible!
This week’s portion covers the first seven plagues God uses to make Himself known through judgment. But there is an interesting detail that I don’t want you to miss. While the people of Egypt and the children of Israel all experience the first three plagues—blood, frogs, and gnats—something happens during the 3rd plague that changes everything. Listen to what comes out of the mouths of spiritual leaders in Egypt who serve as counselors to Pharaoh:
“This is the finger of God!” the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh.
This is witness. This is significant. The pressure of the plagues opens the eyes of the blind spiritual guides who serve the ruling global power. Once the magicians make this declaration, God makes Himself known even more clearly by making a distinction between the people of Egypt and the children of Israel. Look at:
The 4th plague: “I will make a clear distinction between my people and your people” (8:23)
The 5th plague: “But the LORD will again make a distinction between the livestock of the Israelites and that of the Egyptians. Not a single one of Israel’s animals will die!…and they discovered that the Israelites had not lost a single animal!” (9:4, 7)
the 7th plague: “The only place without hail was the region of Goshen, where the people of Israel lived” (9:26)
This pattern continues in next week’s portion (while not explicitly mentioned, we can safely assume this distinction was maintained for the 6th and 8th plague). The point is this:
While God does not play favorites, He does make distinctions.
God’s sets apart one people group as His rescue plan for all peoples. May our hearts stay unoffended toward God, Whose distinctions are for the good purpose of making Himself known.
With each plague, the tension rises. The pressure increases. The judgment on the gods of this world will reach a climax and the people of God will be delivered. Remember, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And as it was then will be again. According to Exodus 11:7, what is God’s purpose in making distinctions?
“Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.”
This theme of God making distinctions for the purpose of making Himself known is thick throughout the prophets, especially Ezekiel. I encourage you, beloved, to live a set apart life as God reveals Himself to—and through—you! His appearing is glorious!
Even if you haven’t been following along in the weekly Torah portion reading, along with the accompanying readings from the Prophets and Apostles, let me encourage you to jump in this week! Use the links at the bottom of this post to access the free online commentary.
I also want to give a special shout out to my friends in Panama who have recently jumped in together to study these portions. I look forward to connecting with you and finding ways to use this platform to go deeper.
Readings for the Week:
Torah: EXODUS 6:2–9:35
Prophets: EZEKIEL 28:25–29:21
Apostolic Writings: ACTS 7:23–39, 55–60
Click HERE for the online Parashah commentary.
Shalom,
Thomas