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On today’s episode God begins to give very specific commands to the Israelite people on what it looks like to be fair, kind, and gracious to one another. The Lord’s justice is severe for those who are selfish and outright rebellious, but gracious toward those who have no intention of causing harm. As you listen, it can be tempting to think that these are dry or irrelevant, but put yourself in the shoes/sandals of the original audience, whose livelihood wasn’t based on cash or money, but on livestock, crops, and community with one another. Imagine yourself in each situation, & the text becomes much more interesting. Exodus 21 – 1:10 .  Exodus 22 – 7:02 .  Exodus 23 – 13:08 .  Exodus 24 – 19:34 .  Proverbs 4 – 23:02 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

As the nation of Israel begins their journey into the wilderness, they find themselves without food and water, but rather than turn to the Lord, they complain to Moses. The Lord graciously provides for his people despite their grumbling, giving them, not only food and water, but a moral code by which they might live; this Decalogue, more commonly known as the Ten Commandments, allowed Israel to know how they could live a life that pleased the Lord. After witnessing the plagues on Egypt, the columns of cloud and fire, and the Red Sea’s parting, it would have been no small thing for Israel to receive this sense of assurance. Exodus 16 – 1:12 .  Exodus 17 – 7:46 .  Exodus 18 – 11:02 .  Exodus 19 – 15:54 .  Exodus 20 – 20:30 .  Proverbs 3 – 24:38 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

Pharoah finally releases Israel from Egypt, but not before the Lord devastates the people of Egypt with a final plague that kills the firstborn of every family. The lord distinguishes between Israel and Egypt once again by giving them a new to be passed down from generation to generation as a testament to the power of God. By covering their doorways with the blood of a prescribed sacrifice, the people of Israel indicate that they are covered by the blood of another and the Lord passes over them. Throughout the history of Israel through both prose and poetry, God’s people remind each other of the Lord’s power and deliverance by observing the Passover. Later, Christ becomes the ultimate fulfillment, for he is both the sacrificial lamb that covers us and the firstborn who dies for the sins of the rebellious. Exodus 11 – 1:11 .  Exodus 12 – 3:07 .  Exodus 13 – 12:18 .  Exodus 14 – 16:37 .  Exodus 15 – 22:51 .  Proverbs 2 – 27:57 . : ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

Today we begin to examine the ten plagues sent upon Egypt that testify to the power of the great I AM. It has been suggested that each plague is designed to show pharaoh, and all of Egypt along with him, that their gods are no match for the God of Israel, systematically robbing them of any power they claimed to have. When Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go into the wilderness to worship the Lord, God sends plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, boils, and darkness, but the king of Egypt will not back down. While he is bested by God Almighty over and over again, and His own people beg him to relent of his stubborn opposition, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. Exodus 7 – 3:40 .  Exodus 8 – 8:46 .  Exodus 9 -14:46 .  Exodus 10 – 21:21 .  Proverbs 1 – 27:30 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

This is the beginning of the book of Exodus, a pivotal story in the history of Israel. Throughout Scripture, Israel is often reminded that God is the one who led His people out of bondage and out of Egypt; it’s a way to point to His power, His kindness, and His covenant faithfulness to fulfill His promises. We meet Moses, the lowly Hebrew who is rescued from destruction, raised in pharaoh’s house, grows up only to kill another man, and flee town. When given instructions from the Lord, He cowers and makes excuses. This is not exactly the kind of guy we might choose to deliver a nation from oppression, but that’s kind of the point. God regularly uses weak and sinful people to show His power and divine authority. Exodus 1 - 1:13 .  Exodus 2 – 4:28 .  Exodus 3 – 8:44 .  Exodus 4 – 13:49 .  Exodus 5 – 20:10 .  Exodus 6 – 25:03 .  Psalm 23 – 27:23 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

We’re covering the last three chapters of Mark today, which includes Mark’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus. In our text, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, Judas betrays the Lord, Peter denies any relationship with Jesus, the chief priests and scribes hold court and convict Jesus of blasphemy, and send him to Pilate to be crucified. You’ll notice that Jesus references Psalm 22 before he breathes his last, signifying not only his agony, but the fulfillment of that particular psalm, which we will read soon thereafter. When he dies, the curtain of the temple is miraculously torn in two, signifying the atoning work of the crucified Christ allowing unrestricted access to God the Father for those who trust in Him. Mark 14 – 1:12 .  Mark 15 – 14:30 .  Mark 16 – 21:33 .  Psalm 22 – 24:57 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

The path of Jesus leads to Jerusalem, where many rightly assume that this teacher is the long awaited Son of David. However, they wrongly assume that Jesus will ascend to an earthly throne and subdue Israel’s earthly enemies. The kingdom that Jesus will bring about, however, is one that extends beyond geographical bounds and instead lays claim to the hearts of the faithful. The chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees all take aim at Jesus with the intention of trapping Jesus in His words, but they are all unsuccessful against the infinite wit and wisdom of the son of God. Later, Jesus warns his disciples of a time yet to come when persecutions and natural catastrophes will escalate, signaling the return of the Christ, who comes in the clouds with great power and glory. Mark 11 – 1:06 .  Mark 12 – 6:17 .  Mark 13 – 14:48 .  Psalm 21 – 20:53 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

While the disciples display great faith and devotion, they often don’t comprehend the extent of Christ’s power or his ability to provide all that they need. As a means of commenting on their clouded perception of reality, Jesus takes heals a blind man partially before fully opening his eyes (much like the disciples who did not fully comprehend, but whose eyes would later be opened to the truth). Jesus begins to make his way toward Jerusalem, and as he does so, he warns his disciples that he will soon be killed only to rise again from the dead. On the way, Jesus teaches his followers about devotion, faith, divorce, riches, and service. Mark 8 – 1:10 .  Mark 9 – 8:11 .  Mark 10 – 16:26 .  Psalm 19 – 25:36 .  Psalm 20 – 27:58 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

The crowds continue to seek after Jesus as His miraculous healings and exorcisms gain notoriety across the land. It’s clear that His power and authority over nature, over sickness, and over demons are a surprising and puzzling sight for those encounter these miracles. They incite fear in those who understand the gravity of His power and they spark hope in those who see His compassion. His teaching comes across as strange, yet authoritative, and His wisdom is unparalleled. The religious leaders grow increasingly angry with Jesus, as he continues to rebuke them openly. Jesus directed his ministry and teachings to the Jews first, then the Gentiles, but when a Gentile mother displays both faith and humility, Jesus commends her and heals her daughter. Mark 5 – 1:11 .  Mark 6 – 7:54 .  Mark 7 – 17:16 .  Psalm 18 – 23:33 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

The gospel of Mark is one of the three synoptic gospels, “Synoptic” basically means “seeing the same thing,” the other two of which are Matthew and Luke.  Historical evidence from early church fathers affirms that the apostle Peter is the one who passed these reports on to his attendant and writer, John Mark. Mark’s gospel is the shortest, but the most action-packed, as he includes a number of accounts and moves quickly from one scene to the next. connecting his stories with phrases like “immediately,” “just then” and “as soon as.” We also get a sense for how hectic life must have been for Jesus, as crowds push in around him demanding more and more of His time. Mark 1 - 1:08 .  Mark 2 - 8:01 .  Mark 3 - 13:04 .  Mark 4 - 18:13 .  Psalm 17 - 24:59 .  ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

The life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel, comes to close as he takes his last breath in Egypt. This is the same Jacob who deceived his father Isaac in order to receive the blessing of the firstborn. Not only does he bless Joseph’s sons, he elevates them and makes them a part of his family’s inheritance. He continues on with words of prophecy and blessing for the men who would be the representative heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. After Jacob takes his final breath, Joseph’s brothers fear that he will seek vengeance, but Joseph doesn’t hold a grudge. Instead of seeking vengeance or extracting payment, he brings God’s grace, provision, and sovereign orchestration to mind, and ensures them that he will care for their families. Genesis 47 – 2:34 .  Genesis 48 – 9:43 .  Genesis 49 – 14:06 .  Genesis 50 – 19:35 .  Psalm 16 – 24:32 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

On our last episode we saw how the Lord orchestrated Joseph’s life to save the lives of many in the face of a coming famine. When his brothers show up to ask for food, they don’t recognize Joseph, but Joseph recognizes them. He declares them to be spies, and after a series questions, he sends them away and demands that they bring their younger brother back to Egypt to see if they are telling the truth. When their father, Jacob, who is also called Israel, finds out what is required he refuses to part with the son whom he believes to be the last surviving child of his beloved wife Rachel. After a series of negotiations, Israel relents and his sons return to Egypt with Benjamin to get more food. Genesis 42 – 1:13 .  Genesis 43 – 8:15 .  Genesis 44 – 14:15 .  Genesis 45 – 19:28 .  Genesis 46:1-27 – 24:30 .  Psalm 15 – 28:21 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

When Joseph is sold into slavery it seems that he has lost it all, except that Joseph has not lost what is most important: he hasn’t lost God’s divine and unmerited favor. Through Joseph, God divinely orchestrates the salvation of His people, sustaining the entire country of Egypt as well as the surrounding nations during a period of severe drought. His circumstances seem devastating in the short term, but once God’s plan becomes clear, the Scriptures say that Joseph forgets his former trouble. As we’re told in Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Genesis 38 – 1:22 .  Genesis 39 – 7:22 .  Genesis 40 – 11:16 .  Genesis 41 – 14:55 .  Psalm 13 – 25:03 .  Psalm 14 – 26:02 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

As we get to know the sons of Jacob, you’ll start to realize that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. Having learned the art of deception from their father, they use it to their own advantage time and again. For example, they are rightly enraged after their sister is defiled by the local chief’s son, but they use their anger as an excuse to deceive, then slaughter an entire city. Later, God officially gives Jacob the name of Israel, and directs his family to relocate to Bethel. There we learn more about Rachel’s firstborn son Joseph, whom Israel favors above all his other sons. If that wasn’t enough to draw the ire of his brothers, Joseph begins to have dreams where he is exalted above the rest of his family, and uses them as an occasion to gloat. Genesis 34 – 1:20 .  Genesis 35 – 7:04 .  Genesis 36 – 11:47 .  Genesis 37 – 17:25 .  Psalm 11 – 24:08 .  Psalm 12 – 25:11 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

Jacob and his father-in-law Laban simply don’t get along, and let’s be honest, it’s not because they are morally upstanding people with a difference of opinions, it’s because they both practice deception to their own advantage. The daughters of Laban aren’t too dissimilar, and their pettiness is made apparent in today’s text. As a means of trying to gain flocks for himself, Jacob practices strange husbandry, proving not only that he has no idea how breeding works, but that it is by the grace of God, not by Jacob’s skills, that his flocks increase. He and his father-in-law get into an argument and go their separate ways. Later, Jacob wrestles with a man who is also somehow a representative God, and the Lord renames him “Israel” b/c he has wrestled with both man and God and won. Genesis 30 – 1:12 .  Genesis 31 – 8:15 .  Genesis 32 – 18:34 .  Genesis 33 – 23:39 .  Psalm 10 – 26:56 . ::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]