Exodus 11:1-10
Reflect
The “scandal of particularity” is a theological term to describe the difficulty of wrapping our minds around the truth that the incarnation of Christ in the person of Jesus, born of Jewish heritage to a virgin, at a particular time and place, is the only source of salvation and reconciliation to God for all people. The “scandal”, if you’re not familiar, is that God would be so particular and exclusive in His relationship with us, His creation. This scandal, though, has roots that go back further into history.
Genesis begins the record for us of God interacting personally: Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah… In Exodus 11, we read another example of the particular, God setting a nation apart during the plagues. “Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.” A nation set apart to know God personally and for all to bear witness.
Throughout history, we observe and may personally know how ordinary individuals (like Moses), communities (the Moravians of Herrnhut), and regions (the Hebrides revival) encounter the living God for profound purposes. The foremost and foundational way for us to know God is through Jesus Christ. God is not content for us know Him in abstract concepts. He comes in close, sometimes in unusual manners.
Apply
How have you witnessed God personally? Are you sharing with others how God is at work in particular and personal ways?
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.