Passages: Exodus 19-40
As we come to this important section in Exodus, we see that God invites us into a relationship with Him thought living out his priorities and dwelling with us. Giving us a way to be His distinct people being blessed by Him and bringing blessing to the world.
God’s Desire for His People
God Said: “You shall be my treasured possession among all peoples.“
To be God’s treasured people reminds us of God’s calling to Abram:
Genesis 12:2 “I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
What does it mean to you that God wants you to be His treasured possession?
How do we become God’s Treasured Possession?
God chooses us.
We realise who He is and what He has done.
We respond to His invitation by:
- Obeying His voice
- Keeping his Covenant
As we read this account we see that God doesn’t force the people to be his but that it is their free choice. Why is this important?
As Christians we think about Jesus’ calling to us and our choice to follow him.
What does it look like to be this Treasured Possession?
- We are to be a kingdom of priests.
- We are to be a holy nation.
We do these by putting God first and living by His priorities.
The 10 Commandments or 10 Words of God show us how we are to function as God’s people.
Why may it be important not to see these as simply laws?
God’s people are to be single-minded in their devotion to God, they are to place a high priority on family and the rights of the individual as regards life, marriage, possessions, the truth and personal contentment.
As we live out these priorities we will show ourselves to be a kingdom of priest and a holy nation.
As we read the rest of the laws set out by God we see his heart for justice and the are are to be a people of justice.
Ultimately we obey these commands out of love for God: ‘who love me and keep my commands’ (20:6).
As you read the 10 commandments and consider want Jesus say is Matthew 5:21-27, how are you challenged and encouraged?
In light of this how are we helped to be a Kingdom of Priest and Holy nation?
God’s desire to Tabernacle with his people
In this episode of Israel’s life we see that they failed to keep their side of the covenant, after much drama we see that God chose to dwell in the midst of the people.
See the previous post of the Tabernacle.
God’s tabernacle was at the centre of the Israelite camp
Why was this significant?
As you read about the Tabernacle we see order, symbolism and the materials become more precious as we get closer to the ark. What does this say to you?
As we think about the seriousness with which we are to come before God, how do the following verses challenge and encourage you?
Matthew 27:50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.
God with his people
At the end of Exodus we see a powerful picture of God dwelling with his people. What can we learn from this?
Exodus 40:34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out–until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.
Next Week
As we journey through the Bible let us ask, how does knowing this help me to become wise for salvation through faith in Jesus?
- What does it teach me?
- How does it rebuke me?
- Is it correcting something in my life?
- What training can I put into place to help me live a righteous life?
- How is this equipping me for every good work?
Additional questions you may wish to consider for personal study or in Life Groups.
Apply
As I reflect what have I found interesting?
As I reflect what has challenged my life, attitudes and actions?
Is there one practical step I can apply to my life to help me to become more like Jesus?
How would this help me to introduce others to Jesus?
Is there there anything I need to pray about, explore further or extra help I need?
Is there someone I should share with, pray with or encourage?
Trinity Deeper 