We’re going to start our first study in Exodus. When you hear Exodus, what do you think? If you’ve studied the Bible or attended church at any length, you probably think of Moses, and the Red Sea, and the 10 commandments and maybe even Charlton Heston. You probably think that you’ve heard the story a million times, and even seen it on TV a few thousand and there’s very little you have left to learn about the Israelites exit (aka exodus) from captivity after years in exile. I understand.
However, as we explore these particular chapters, we’ll find that there is a lot of truth here left unexplored. We’re going to join the Israelites about 3 months after they’ve crossed the Red Sea and end with them only a few months later. I’ve been excited to see the fresh insight that I have gained from reading and studying these passages. I hope you will join me.
Reading for Today’s Study: Exodus Chapter 19
Let’s begin by reading Exodus chapter 19.
Key Verse: Exodus 19:4-6
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
The children of Israel have been set free from Egypt. They have seen God’s deliverance in a great and powerful way. God has set them free from slavery and delivered them by an unexplainable act of nature culminating in the death of every first born in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. Sweet victory! They are free from their captors and heading to a wonderful new home that God has promised. What an exciting time! God is so awesome! Looking back, we can see His plan unfold.
In the 3 months since they walked through the Red Sea on dry land, God had provided food from heaven, water from a rock, and victory in battle when they were attacked by a neighboring tribe. They were traveling through the desert to get to the land God had promised and He provided for their every need. But if we look closer, we can see trouble brewing in the minds and hearts of God’s people. In Exodus 16:3, the people said to Moses,
“If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever believed that at one moment God was up to something in your life, then the next moment felt like he was gone? I have. Why is it that when we are in the middle of God’s working in our lives, we cannot see it? We look at the nation of Israel and ask, “How could they miss it?” But we also so often miss the working of God in our lives. We forget that one of God’s aims is to reveal his glory in and through us (2 Corinthians 3:18). Do we trust him enough to believe that what is happening right now in our lives can be used for his glory? Do we believe that he is ultimately in control, and that someone could one day look back on our lives and say, “Isn’t it amazing what God did?”
What prevents this from happening? Let’s take a look at what went on in the hearts of the Israelites that led to so many of their troubles.
We join the Israelites 3 months into their trek. They have entered the desert of Sinai and God has summoned Moses up the mountain. The message of God is simple. Read the key verse for today, again (Exodus 19:4-6). Look at God’s message closely. He said that they would be his treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. What an astonishing promise! He is telling this nomadic people that don’t even have a land to call their own that they will always be special to him. He, the creator of everything, believes they are special. He has a great purpose in mind for them.
So often, we see our own tendencies and behaviors mirrored in the Israelite people. You will notice that we, like the Hebrews, are quick to claim the promises of God, without claiming the conditions of God. God’s only requirement for this most special of all positions was obedience. He said only “if you will obey me fully and keep my commandments.” God’s message was, “I am the great Creator, I am the deliverer, I am the sustainer and provider of all that you are and have. Listen to me. Do as I say. Not because I desire control, but because I know what is best for my creation. Don’t touch the stove that is hot, don’t run out into the street. Avoid the temptations and pitfalls of life that bring pain and hurts. If you will just listen to me, do not turn away from me, and do what is best for you, I will make you a special and set apart people.”
What will the Israelites choose? Verse 8 gives us their answer:
The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
God promised and the people responded, so far so good. Next week we will explore the people’s response. For now, spend some time thinking about the questions below and your response to them.
Thought Questions:
- Have you ever felt like God was leading you somewhere? Why or why not?
- What could the Israelite people have done to help them when they felt like God had abandoned them (Exodus 16:3)? How can we relate that to our experience when we feel like God has led us somewhere just to leave us abandoned and alone?
- Can you think of a time when God was working and active in your life and you couldn’t see it until you looked back? Why couldn’t you see his action at the time?
- What can you do today to be more aware of God’s working in and around you?
- Do you feel like God’s message to the Israelites in verses 4-6 apply to you? Why or why not?
