Reading Plan: 30 Days in Exodus

So many people have talked about the Church being "in exodus" or "in exile" right now in this time when we are unable to worship in our church buildings. Perhaps it is a bit overwrought at this point, but it did give me an excuse to read the book of Exodus again. 

What can we learn from the first exodus? What can we learn from God's people as they moved out of slavery and into freedom? What can we learn about the troubles that arose from that freedom? What can we learn about God's action in our world? 

Here you'll find a slightly intermediate reading plan (some of the days feel long and Exodus isn't as exciting near the end) for getting you through Exodus during this time of exile. If you haven't read the prequel (haha, Genesis), I recommend reading it first and you can find a reading plan for the bulk of it here: 28 Days with the Women of Genesis.

Part One: God’s rescue 

Day 1 - Exodus 1 & 2 - The Israelites are oppressed 

Day 2 - Exodus 3 - Moses at the burning bush 

Day 3 - Exodus 4 - Moses returns to Egypt 

Day 4 - Exodus 5 

Day 5 - Exodus 6 & 7:1-13 - The plagues 

Day 6 - Exodus 7:14-25 & 8 - More plagues 

Day 7 - Exodus 9 & 10 - More plagues 

Day 8 - Exodus 11 & 12 - The final plague & the first passover 

Day 9 - Exodus 13 - The Festival of Unleavened Bread 

Day 10 - Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea 

Day 11 - Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses 

Day 12 - Exodus 16 & 17 - God provides

Day 13 - Exodus 18 

Day 14 - Exodus 19 

Part Two: The Covenant 

Day 15 - Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments 

Day 16 - Exodus 21 - The laws 

Day 17 - Exodus 22 - More laws 

Day 18 - Exodus 23 - More laws 

Day 19 - Exodus 24 & 25 - The covenant & instructions

Day 20 - Exodus 26 - Blueprints 

Day 21 - Exodus 27 - More blueprints 

Day 22 - Exodus 28 - Vestments for the priesthood 

Day 23 - Exodus 29 - The ordination of priests

Day 24 - Exodus 30 & 31 - More instructions 

Day 25 - Exodus 32 - The golden calf 

Day 26 - Exodus 33 - Leaving Sinai 

Day 27 - Exodus 34 - The covenant is renewed  

Day 28 - Exodus 35 - Sabbath regulations 

Day 29 - Exodus 36, 37 & 38 - Construction of the tabernacle & equipment 

Day 30 - Exodus 39 & 40 - Making vestments & installing the equipment 

Questions for reflection: 

As you read, how do you understand God’s saving actions? Do they change? 

How does God appear to the Israelites? Where does God appear? 

Reclaiming our Stories: Noah's Wife

By Rev. Victoria (PV) Hamilton - Retired ELCA Pastor

Read more of Noah’s Wife's story: Genesis 6:5-22, Chapters 7 & 8

This text is the story of Noah and his call and journey, in what is known as The Flood Story.

Noah is a righteous man and is seen by God as the right person to execute God’s plan. God is very unhappy with humankind at this stage in history and is thinking of destroying ALL of earth and anything living; humans, animal and vegetation too. But, Noah has God’s heartstrings and God’s plan includes Noah carrying out that plan. Building an ark, gathering his family, male and female animals (for reproduction) as well as vegetation. He and his family, his wife (6:18), sons and their wives would be the only humans on board. The waters came for 40 days (7:17-24) and remained 150 days (7:24). At the end of the flood, the earth was ‘clean’ with new vegetation, the animals on the ark and Noah with his family were then to inhabit the earth. 

As I read this account that was very familiar to me, my senses/spirit, became somewhat agitated because this was Noah’s story. If this was to be a reflection for and about women, this was such a weak account. In fact, I know I’ve read over and missed that Noah had a wife!!  

In this account Noah’s ‘wife’ is mentioned 5 different times. 5 times only! 6:18, she’ll get to go on the ark, 7:7,13 she’s on the ark, 8:16, she’s there when the waters subside and 7:18, she went off the ark with the others. 

How many times in your life have you felt overlooked? Do people know your name? How do you think you’re seen by others? Do You feel your worth? Are you considered ‘wife’ or ‘mom’ or  ‘neighbor’ or ‘so and so’s something or other or simply ‘friend,' just because of the company you keep? How are you able to be that multi-talented woman, that I know you are, putting your encouragement and presence in your family, job or community and feel whole? Do you feel whole? Are you just going through the motions of life or what others think you should do and be? What makes you stick around in your present circumstance? Do you feel respect for yourself, as solely ‘presence’?

This text, is prevalent even in today’s society, in one form or another. I may have sensitive eyes/heart, as an almost 69 year old woman who hasn’t always, and may still not, have been heard or seen. In my early years, I chose to be a “house executive," better known as housewife, to raise my children. (long story)  Today, I will tell you that was and is the best ‘job’ I’ve EVER had. Those that may seem silent or less than, have a zillion ways they are contributing to life and to society, just as Noah’s wife did. She was a valuable part of her household and God saw fit for her to accompany her husband on the journey God had called him too. She too, had been called! 

Never doubt who you are and why. Let’s make a practice to listen to God and ask for God's leading in the life God has call us too. We are not to journey through life alone. Remember: I am somebody, ‘cause God don’t make no junk! You, my sister, are beautiful and wonderfully made.

Side Note: Noah’s wife had a name. Her name was NAAMAH (which means "the beautiful") according to Jewish tradition.