Overview of Day 29: Moses Returns to Egypt (Bible in a Year — Ascension)
Father Mike Schmitz reads and reflects on Exodus 4–5, Leviticus 4, and Psalm 46. He narrates Moses’ commissioning and return to Egypt, the confrontation with Pharaoh and its immediate fallout, the Levitical rules for sin offerings, and Psalm 46’s assurance that God is our refuge. He then draws pastoral and spiritual applications—especially about God’s personal name, Moses’ reluctance, the purpose of freedom, and the need to be still and worship.
Passages read
- Exodus 4–5: Moses’ signs (rod→serpent, hand leprous/restored, water→blood), Moses’ reluctance, Aaron commissioned, Moses returns to Egypt, Zipporah’s circumcision incident, confrontation with Pharaoh, Pharaoh increases Israel’s burden.
- Leviticus 4: Regulations for sin offerings—procedures for priests, the congregation, rulers, and individuals; atonement for unintentional sin.
- Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength… Be still and know that I am God.”
Key points and main takeaways
- God gives Moses concrete signs to authenticate his mission, yet Moses remains hesitant and appeals to Aaron because of his speech difficulties.
- God reveals his personal name (the Tetragrammaton, YHWH) to Moses—emphasizing God’s personal, covenantal relationship with his people.
- Moses and Aaron’s initial appeal to Pharaoh leads to a worse situation: Pharaoh refuses and increases the Israelites’ oppression by demanding the same brick production without supplying straw.
- Leviticus 4 underscores the sacrificial system for unintentional sin and the means of communal and individual atonement under the covenant.
- Psalm 46 provides a confident, poetic reminder: God is present amid chaos; trust and stillness before God are proper responses.
Notable insights and quotes
- The capitalized LORD in Scripture often signals the sacred name YHWH—God revealing himself personally to Moses.
- “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46) — central pastoral exhortation in the reflection.
- The theological emphasis: freedom is not only “freedom from” but “freedom for” — specifically, freedom for worship/service of God.
- Practical observation: Pharaoh’s tactic (giving more work so people can’t worship) illustrates how busyness can enslave us and prevent communion with God.
Practical applications / action items
- Examine your schedule: identify ways busyness functions as a modern “Pharaoh,” preventing worship and silence before God.
- Make concrete time for stillness and worship—regular practices of prayer or Sabbath rest to “be still and know.”
- Recall that God’s presence and name invite relationship; approach Scripture and prayer as encounter, not just information.
- Pray for mutual support on the journey—Father Mike invites listeners to pray for him and one another.
Resources mentioned
- Bible in a Year reading plan: ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year
- Text for updates: text “CATHOLIC BIBLE” to 33777
Quick summary (one line)
Day 29 shows God commissioning Moses with signs and a personal revelation of his name, narrates the costly initial failure to free Israel (Pharaoh’s hardening/increased oppression), explains Levitical sin offerings, and calls listeners to stop being enslaved by busyness so they can worship and trust the Lord, who is our refuge.