This chapter wraps up our series on God's People Birthed, focusing on the transformative 40 years Moses spent in the wilderness. Today, we explore the significance of Moses's time in Midian and how his years of solitude and shepherding were crucial to shaping him into the leader that God needed. We discuss the concept of the economy of words in ancient narratives and the implications of Moses's experiences on his character.  

We also examine how the wilderness serves as an allegory for spiritual development in our modern lives, drawing parallels between the physical rigor of past generations and the spiritual challenges we face today. The conversation touches on the theme of hardship as a catalyst for character development, a thread we intend to continue unraveling in our next series. 

Topics Discussed 

Quotes: 

“God often has to stop us in our tracks and strip down a lot of things in our life so that there's space to listen, and I think we're going to see that a lot play out.” –Dr. David Pocta  

“So, we're called not to perfection in the moral sense, we're called to perfection in the sense of becoming the mature version of ourselves, the progressed version of ourselves.” –Dr. David Pocta 

 “It's a nice idea that we're unfinished, like we're ever growing. That's kind of freeing.” –Hannah Desouza 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

In our latest episode, we traverse the early saga of Moses, from his palace upbringing to the awakening of his Hebrew roots. We explore the first 40 years of Moses' life, contrasting the Israelites' burgeoning population against the backdrop of escalating oppression in Egypt. This dramatic narrative is punctuated by the pivotal moment when Moses, at the age of 40, encounters a call to leadership that will forever alter the course of history. 

We also examine the remarkable growth of the Israelites under such oppression, drawing parallels to the biblical command in Genesis to "be fruitful and multiply." This resilience is attributed to the divine presence that accompanied God's people through their darkest times. 

Topics Discussed: 

 Quotes: 

“And it seems like, regardless of what is being thrown at these people, the promised people, they can't be kept down, all of the oppression that's coming at them. They continue to grow in power and number.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“I think there is no such thing as any of us becoming self-made.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I think even the name of the book Exodus it's like a leaving out, it's a going out, a looking for home and no permanent home being found.” –Hannah DeSouza 

Links:  

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

In our latest episode, we traverse the early saga of Moses, from his palace upbringing to the awakening of his Hebrew roots. We explore the first 40 years of Moses' life, contrasting the Israelites' burgeoning population against the backdrop of escalating oppression in Egypt. This dramatic narrative is punctuated by the pivotal moment when Moses, at the age of 40, encounters a call to leadership that will forever alter the course of history. 

We also examine the remarkable growth of the Israelites under such oppression, drawing parallels to the biblical command in Genesis to "be fruitful and multiply." This resilience is attributed to the divine presence that accompanied God's people through their darkest times. 

Topics Discussed: 

 Quotes: 

“And it seems like, regardless of what is being thrown at these people, the promised people, they can't be kept down, all of the oppression that's coming at them. They continue to grow in power and number.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“I think there is no such thing as any of us becoming self-made.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I think even the name of the book Exodus it's like a leaving out, it's a going out, a looking for home and no permanent home being found.” –Hannah DeSouza 

Links:  

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

This episode focuses on the biblical stories of Joseph and Judah from the book of Genesis. Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza are joined by guest Thomas (TJ) Paresi, a PhD student researching the Joseph narrative.  

 The conversation explores how the threads of Judah and Joseph's stories converge, transforming them spiritually and fulfilling God's promises to Abraham. Judah evolves from selfishness to selflessness, while Joseph maintains integrity through trials. In the end, the family is reconciled, and the stage is set for the next phase of biblical history. TJ analyzes the characters and literary devices that make these stories impactful for understanding God's purposes. Ultimately, the episode reveals the sovereignty of God even through human failings to accomplish his plans. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“But you also see times where God uses them in spite of who they are and how that brings this kind of God working in partnership with us, but also God working in grace with us as well, and lucky for us.” –TJ Paresi 

“But what I think is important to realize is, even through all the highs and the lows, Joseph acts righteously and gives glory to God in all circumstances, and that is the huge contrast to Judah.” –TJ Paresi 

“Just because we're not recognized, or even if we're hated by man, God can see, God can have a different plan in mind, and that's really right.” –TJ Paresi 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

This episode focuses on the biblical stories of Joseph and Judah from the book of Genesis. Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza are joined by guest Thomas (TJ) Paresi, a PhD student researching the Joseph narrative.  

 The conversation explores how the threads of Judah and Joseph's stories converge, transforming them spiritually and fulfilling God's promises to Abraham. Judah evolves from selfishness to selflessness, while Joseph maintains integrity through trials. In the end, the family is reconciled, and the stage is set for the next phase of biblical history. TJ analyzes the characters and literary devices that make these stories impactful for understanding God's purposes. Ultimately, the episode reveals the sovereignty of God even through human failings to accomplish his plans. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“But you also see times where God uses them in spite of who they are and how that brings this kind of God working in partnership with us, but also God working in grace with us as well, and lucky for us.” –TJ Paresi 

“But what I think is important to realize is, even through all the highs and the lows, Joseph acts righteously and gives glory to God in all circumstances, and that is the huge contrast to Judah.” –TJ Paresi 

“Just because we're not recognized, or even if we're hated by man, God can see, God can have a different plan in mind, and that's really right.” –TJ Paresi 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

Today’s episode focuses again on Jacob, this time exploring his spiritual journey and its impact on personal growth. The central theme of the episode revolves around the concept of transformation through struggle, as illustrated in Jacob's life. His story is not just an ancient tale but a mirror reflecting our own spiritual battles and growth. From Jacob's longing for independence and his deceitful maneuvers to secure blessings, to his wrestling match at Penuel, we find parallels in our journey toward self-discovery and reconciliation with the divine. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

 “God creates us and wants to be co-regents with us, so he wants to work with his creation to make it what he wants it to be.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I also think it's interesting that it says a man wrestled with him, as opposed to Jacob wrestled with a man. So this man is initiating this wrestle and I wonder if it kind of caught Jacob off guard.” –Hannah DeSouza 

"I think Jacob's at war here with the shadow self, the parts of his character that need refinement, and so this idea of this external force transforms him internally.” –Dr. David Pocta 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

Today’s episode focuses again on Jacob, this time exploring his spiritual journey and its impact on personal growth. The central theme of the episode revolves around the concept of transformation through struggle, as illustrated in Jacob's life. His story is not just an ancient tale but a mirror reflecting our own spiritual battles and growth. From Jacob's longing for independence and his deceitful maneuvers to secure blessings, to his wrestling match at Penuel, we find parallels in our journey toward self-discovery and reconciliation with the divine. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

 “God creates us and wants to be co-regents with us, so he wants to work with his creation to make it what he wants it to be.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I also think it's interesting that it says a man wrestled with him, as opposed to Jacob wrestled with a man. So this man is initiating this wrestle and I wonder if it kind of caught Jacob off guard.” –Hannah DeSouza 

"I think Jacob's at war here with the shadow self, the parts of his character that need refinement, and so this idea of this external force transforms him internally.” –Dr. David Pocta 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

 In today’s episode, Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza explore Jacob's complex and spiritually rich life, whose narrative spans from deceit to devotion. Their discussion explores the stages of Jacob's life as he transitions from a self-serving individual to the leader of a nation, drawing parallels to the personal spiritual journeys that many listeners might experience.  

Discover the themes of personal growth, ambition, exile, and seeking divine encounters in Jacob's narrative. Jacob's transformation from a self-centered trickster to a leader who carries the future of a nation on his shoulders may resonate with your quest for spiritual maturity. 

Topics Discussed:  

Quotes: 

“He was actually 77 when he left home, which I had no idea. I always pictured this rebellious teenager.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“This image of wrestling or struggle, it's been implicit through the whole story. I mean he's grasping Esau's heel as they emerge from the womb.” – Dr. David Pocta  

“So, there's a rite of passage that happens, that moves us through that struggle and then we come to a humility where we come to appreciate the things that maybe we should have before but didn't.” – Dr. David Pocta 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

 In today’s episode, Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza explore Jacob's complex and spiritually rich life, whose narrative spans from deceit to devotion. Their discussion explores the stages of Jacob's life as he transitions from a self-serving individual to the leader of a nation, drawing parallels to the personal spiritual journeys that many listeners might experience.  

Discover the themes of personal growth, ambition, exile, and seeking divine encounters in Jacob's narrative. Jacob's transformation from a self-centered trickster to a leader who carries the future of a nation on his shoulders may resonate with your quest for spiritual maturity. 

Topics Discussed:  

Quotes: 

“He was actually 77 when he left home, which I had no idea. I always pictured this rebellious teenager.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“This image of wrestling or struggle, it's been implicit through the whole story. I mean he's grasping Esau's heel as they emerge from the womb.” – Dr. David Pocta  

“So, there's a rite of passage that happens, that moves us through that struggle and then we come to a humility where we come to appreciate the things that maybe we should have before but didn't.” – Dr. David Pocta 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

Have you ever wondered how the ancient narratives of Sarah and Hagar could influence our understanding of faith, women's struggles, and divine promises?  Our conversation today ventures beyond the surface to examine the cultural dimensions of their time, particularly the poignant decision of Sarah to offer her servant Hagar to Abraham—a choice with resounding effects on the unfolding of biblical history. We navigate through the subtleties of these stories, touching on themes of agency, adaptability, and the surprising ways God's provisions emerge from human imperfections. 

 As we move through the intricacies of Scripture, we encounter the theme of barrenness and God's steadfast commitment as seen in the lives of the Old Testament matriarchs. The transformation from Sarah's skepticism to overwhelming joy mirrors the depth of God's engagement with His people. Hagar's powerful encounter with the divine, resulting in her naming God El-Roi, "the God who sees," reveals an empowering narrative that resonates across generations. These stories showcase the breadth of God's relational dynamics with humanity. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“We've used this image before of a tapestry, and what I see in this story is God perhaps weaving in threads that maybe were not part of the initial design but incorporating them into this pattern that we have become.” –Hannah DeSouza  

“So whenever we see in Hebrew narrative a specific name, it shows respect and honor, and there's a lot of times when someone's referred to and their name is not used – their proper name – and it actually communicates a distance or a contempt or a lack of an emotional connection.” Dr. David Pocta