Bible Study - God's Story - GOD Dwells among HIS People - Exodus 26, 29 and 40 - June 30, 2013

Bible Study – God’s Story – GOD Dwells among HIS People – June 30, 2013

This is our fifth lesson in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is Exodus 26:30-33; 29:43-46; 40:34-38.

GOD loves HIS children and desires to have an intimate, loving relationship with them. We see this revealed in our scripture for this lesson. HE will go to any extent necessary within HIS bounds to reach out to those HE chooses and those who seek HIM. Keep in mind GOD does not violate our right to choose.

GOD dwells among us and within Christians. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Exodus 26:30-33: (GOD gives details for the tabernacle.)

30 You are to set up the tabernacle according to the plan for it that you have been shown on the mountain. 31 “You are to make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen with a design of cherubim worked into it. 32 Hang it on four gold-plated posts of acacia wood that have gold hooks and that stand on four silver bases. 33 Hang the veil under the clasps and bring the ark of the • testimony there behind the veil, so the veil will make a separation for you between the holy place and the most holy place. 34 Put the •mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. 35 Place the table outside the veil and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle, opposite the table; put the table on the north side. 36 “For the entrance to the tent you are to make a screen embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. 37 Make five posts of acacia wood for the screen and overlay them with gold; their hooks are to be gold, and you are to cast five bronze bases for them.

GOD met with Moses on the mountain and HE gave him the precise details for the construction of the tabernacle. The precise details were important because they had a choice. Would they follow GOD’S instructions to the letter or just come close? Close is not obedience with GOD. They were to follow GOD’S instructions precisely, which was GOD’S way of getting them to come to HIM on HIS terms and not on their terms. The Israelites being obedient to HIS instructions established GOD as the authority in their lives.

The tabernacle was GOD’S way of showing the Israelites that HE was physically present with them. HE was already with them because GOD is omnipresent but the Israelites came from Egypt where they were exposed to the worship of many gods. When Moses was on the mountain with GOD for a long period of time, the Israelites convinced Aaron to make them a golden calf using the gold they had taken from Egypt. The Israelites needed a visual presence of GOD.  GOD did not need a tabernacle but the Israelites did. The tabernacle would be a focal point for them to know of GOD’S presence with them.

We need to keep in mind that GOD was revealing Himself to the Israelites and building an intimate, personal relationship with them. HE had given them a visual sign of HIS presence when they were delivered out of Egypt. They knew of HIS presence in the pillow of the cloud by day and the pillow of fire at night. GOD continued to give them this sign as they continued to journey with GOD. Christians have the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who dwells with us 24/7 as our assurance of GOD’S presence.

Why did GOD give the Israelites such detailed instructions for building and furnishing the tabernacle? It was for them to learn obedience to every detail of GOD’S instructions for living. When GOD reveals HIS instructions and guidance, HE expects Christians to follow them to the letter. A Christian has to make a decision whether or not to trust and respond obediently to what GOD reveals to him or her. My experience has been that GOD often gives us baby steps and then increases the size of the step. It depends upon where we are in our faith walk with CHRIST.

Christians have had the opportunity to study the journey of GOD’S people over the centuries as GOD reveals Himself and they get to know HIM through CHRIST. There seems to be a winnowing taking place among Christians. John the Baptist had this to say about JESUS in Matthew 3:11-12:

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out.”

I believe there is a winnowing taking place among Christians to separate the true born-again Christians from those who are Christians in name only. There will be a renewal in the lives of true Christians as they study the Bible. And as the Holy Spirit reveals truth and probes Spiritual depths on an ever ascending scale as we approach the second coming of CHRIST. This renewal will motivate Christians to put into action GOD’S plan according to HIS instructions and not be passive. The key is to in lockstep with HIM.

Our next scripture reveals the details of worship.

Let’s read Exodus 29:43-46:

42 This will be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. 43 I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by My glory. 44 I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests. 45 I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46 And they will know that I am • Yahweh their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I might dwell among them. I am Yahweh their God.

The people were to first come into the presence of GOD through the shed blood of a sacrificial animal. This was done as they entered into the tabernacle. When a person or persons came, GOD met them “there” at the entrance. Notice the rest of the verse, “and that place will be consecrated by My glory. I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests.” GOD makes a person, place or thing Holy. Only when GOD consecrates something can it be used for HIS Glory. That is why CHRIST gave HIS life and shed HIS blood to pay in full the penalty for sin. In HIS passion, HE consecrated the human body for all who place their faith in HIM.

What is the glory of GOD? Moses wanted to see GOD but GOD told him that he could only see the back of HIS head as HE walked by. Exodus 33:18-23:

18 And Moses said, I beseech You, show me Your glory. 19 And God said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness. 20 But, He said, You cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live. 21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place beside Me, and you shall stand upon the rock, 22 And while My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away My hand and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.

Glory refers to seeing GOD as HE is and responding to that revelation. As Christians commit their lives to HIM and obediently live according to HIS guidance, they behold more of the Glory of GOD. This, in turn, results in them trusting HIM more and more and they are more willing to take steps of faith as HE directs because they know and trust HIS leadership. Stepping out in faith on our own will lead to failure but when led by GOD it results in success as GOD defines success, not as the world defines success – A big difference!

GOD established the system for worship. First there is acknowledgement for sin, then a sacrifice for sin, followed by forgiveness, relationship and fellowship. When a person comes to GOD, HE will meet him or her. The decision to come into GOD’S presence is up to the person. Because CHRIST shed HIS blood HE paid the penalty for sin once and for all eternity. Those who accept HIM as their Savior, by faith, can enter into the presence of GOD. But Christians need to keep in mind that they are not to treat direct access to GOD lightly but treat HIM with reverence, respect, honor and love.

GOD confirmed HIS desire to dwell among the Israelites by using HIS covenant and personal name, Yahweh.

Let’s read Exodus 40:34-38: (GOD’S Presence and leadership after the building of the tabernacle. GOD gave the Israelites a visible sign of HIS presence and leadership. HE was continuing to build trust and revealing Himself to them.)

34 The cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses was unable to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud rested on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

GOD gave the Israelites a visual sign of HIS presence in the form of a cloud. Since the passion of CHRIST, GOD’S presence is manifested by the indwelling Holy Spirit of every person who places his/her faith in CHRIST. GOD’S Glory also filled the tabernacle to confirm their faithfulness in obediently following HIS instructions in the building of the tabernacle. When GOD’S Glory filled the tabernacle Moses was unable to enter.  

36 The Israelites set out whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle throughout all the stages of their journey. 37 If the cloud was not taken up, they did not set out until the day it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and there was a fire inside the cloud by night, visible to the entire house of Israel throughout all the stages of their journey.

The Israelites were guided by GOD. GOD manifested Himself visually in the cloud.

The Israelites did not travel without GOD’S leadership. When the cloud moved they moved and when traveling at night, the cloud had fire inside the cloud.

Let’s review scripture which reveals the presence of GOD as the Israelites journeyed with GOD leading them.

Exodus 13:21-22: (GOD’S Presence and leadership – Leaving Egypt)

21 The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.

Hebrews 12:28-29:

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Fire is cleansing and consuming but grace is GOD’S gift to all who receive CHRIST as their Savior by faith and are cleanse by HIS shed blood. GOD cannot be shaken and that is why HE gives grace to all who accept CHRIST as their Savior.

John 1:14:

14 The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the •One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Apostle John referred to CHRIST as “The Word.” The Word dwelt or took up residence among us. Dwelt is also the same word as tabernacle. Just as GOD manifested Himself to the Israelites through the tabernacle, GOD revealed Himself physically through CHRIST. Every born-again Christian has the opportunity to glorify GOD by living obediently through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

GOD is not out there somewhere but is omnipresent and resides in every Christian. HIS Glory is manifested around the world for all to see to draw all to HIM. We are an intelligent civilization yet we would rather worship anything else but the true GOD Who created the heavens, earth and all that is in them. That is why, as never before, Christians are to reveal GOD in their lives to a lost world.

John 3:16-17: (JESUS was speaking)

16 “For God loved the world •in this way: He gave His •One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

GOD came down to HIS chosen people, delivered them from physical slavery and bondage. HE dwelt among them and built a relationship with them. At the right time, GOD allowed HIS only Son, Who HE named JESUS, to come to earth to be born a human and live. JESUS willingly left HIS Glory in heaven. JESUS was tempted in every way as humans are tempted but HE remained sinless. HE lived completely reliant upon the Father to lead, guide and direct HIM. HE did or said nothing without the Father’s approval. HE willingly gave HIS life to pay in full the debt for sin. As proof that HE conquered sin and defeated eternal death, GOD raised HIM from the dead on the third day. Over five hundred people saw HIM after the resurrection. HE ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of GOD. Once JESUS was back into heaven, GOD sent the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost to indwell every person who placed his/her faith in JESUS.

As Christians, GOD dwells within. This was HIS ultimate goal. Rather than a visible cloud to lead, guide and direct Christians, they have the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a Christian’s guarantee or down payment that GOD is real.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22:

21 Now it is God who strengthens us, with you, in Christ and has anointed us. 22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment in our hearts.

GOD is real and JESUS gave HIS life just for you. Will you accept HIM as your Savior? If so, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. If you did, thank HIM and welcome to the family of GOD. Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - God's Story - God Instructs His People - Exodus 20 and 24 - June 23, 2013

Bible Study – God’s Story - GOD Instructs HIS People – June 23, 2013

This is lesson four in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is Exodus 20:1-4, 7-8, 12-17; 24:4-8.

As you know, Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, which is referred to as the Pentateuch. In our scripture for this lesson, Moses gave the account of GOD’S expectations for HIS people and the opportunity for them to accept or decline them. HE had chosen them to be a nation of priests, witnesses to the world and for the “line of promise” through whom the promised Messiah would come to earth. They agreed to accept. As such, GOD handed down instructions for building, having and maintaining the right relationship with HIM. Having the right relationship with HIM would, in turn, establish the right relationship with their community and their fellow man. The Israelites were to be an example to the world of having the right relationship with the One true GOD. GOD would manifest Himself through HIS chosen as proof of HIS existence, love, care, power, forgiveness and redemptive nature.

The location for this scripture was Mount Sinai. GOD had led the Israelites out of Egypt and manifested Himself to them as HE led them to this mountain. GOD had fulfilled HIS promise to Moses when HE called him to lead HIS people out of Egypt.

Exodus 3:12 - He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.”

GOD spoke to Moses and, in turn, Moses told the people. GOD reminded them that HE, Yahweh, had delivered them from bondage in Egypt, guided them and cared for them. GOD issued an invitation to the Israelites to join HIM and become HIS people. GOD did not force Himself upon them; they made the choice as we will read in the following background scripture.

When we see GOD working around us that is HIS invitation for us to join HIM in HIS work. The key is that GOD is doing the work and that it is not manmade activity. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern the difference.

Background scripture – Exodus 19:3-25: (GOD issued an invitation to HIS chosen people. Revelation from GOD calls for a response. Do we accept or reject what HE reveals. It is the same today, when GOD issues an invitation to become a Christian, do we accept or reject? Or when HE calls us to obediently serve HIM, do we accept or reject? It is always about choice.)

3 Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob, and explain to the Israelites: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Me. 5 Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine, 6 and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.” 7 After Moses came back, he summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 Then all the people responded together, “We will do all that the Lord has spoken.” So Moses brought the people’s words back to the Lord.

GOD issued the invitation to the Israelites and they accepted. The Israelites agreed to GOD’S invitation to become HIS people and live according to HIS instructions. GOD issues an invitation to each person today to become HIS child. Each of us has a choice to either accept or reject CHRIST as our Savior and live according to HIS teachings.

As we will read in our next scripture, GOD came to the Israelites in a physical way but with restrictions for approaching HIM because HE is Holy, righteous and pure. After the passion of CHRIST, the shed blood of CHRIST sanctified the human body of all who accept CHRIST by faith to be a Holy sanctuary for the abiding of the Holy Spirit. The shed blood of CHRIST cleanses all Christians and they can boldly come into the presence of GOD because they have been cleansed and made righteous.

9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you and will always believe you.” Then Moses reported the people’s words to the Lord.

GOD’S desire was to have a personal relationship with HIS chosen. HIS desire was to have a people who knew HIM and trusted HIM. HE had revealed Himself to them through HIS actions, now HE wanted to reveal Himself verbally. HE revealed Himself to them and now was the time to make HIS presence more personal and for them to be able to make the decision whether or not to accept HIM or reject HIM.

This was a critical moment in Hebrew History, the history of mankind and the world. GOD reveals Himself in the things around every human every day. HE works within the hearts and lives of every human. HIS desire is to reveal Himself and when HE does, every person has a decision to make either to accept HIM or reject HIM. You may be the only one that knows that GOD is calling you because HE works in the “eyes of your heart.”

GOD makes it very clear that people are prone to look to man-made gods that are mere wood, stone or metal and cannot speak to them. They are dumb and powerless gods. If people think they speak to them, it is a figment of their imagination. GOD asks the question, “How can those who look to these man-made false gods be so stupid?”   

We read in this scripture that GOD did not want the people to just accept Moses’ word that he was talking to GOD. HE wanted the people to hear what HE had to say to Moses regarding their obedience to HIM as HIS people.

Through CHRIST, true Christians have this personal, intimate relationship with GOD. CHRIST’S passion prepared the human body so that every person who places his/her faith in CHRIST, his/her body becomes a temple suitable to be the sanctuary for the Holy Spirit. Thus all Christians can have a personal, intimate, dynamic relationship with GOD through CHRIST through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Some Christians may reserve the control of their lives for fear or concern that GOD may ask them to do something that they do not want to do. From a human point it may seem impossible to do.   

The Israelites at first agreed to meet GOD and as such, they needed to prepare to meet HIM. GOD gave Moses specific instructions for the people to follow. They had to understand the rules because GOD is Holy, righteous and pure. As we know, CHRIST had not come to earth and shed HIS blood to pay the penalty for sin. GOD had to place certain restrictions for Israelites to come into HIS presence. How exciting it is to know that Christians can enter the very throne room of GOD and call HIM Daddy. That is exactly the intimate relationship GOD wants with HIS children.

As we read our next scripture, why do you think the people changed their minds about getting close to GOD?  

10 And the Lord told Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes 11 and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put boundaries for the people all around the mountain and say: Be careful that you don’t go up on the mountain or touch its base. Anyone who touches the mountain will be put to death. 13 No hand may touch him; instead he will be stoned or shot with arrows. No animal or man will live. When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they may go up the mountain.” 14 Then Moses came down from the mountain to the people and consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. 15 He said to the people, “Be prepared by the third day. Do not have sexual relations with women.” 16 On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud on the mountain, and a loud trumpet sound, so that all the people in the camp shuddered.

On the third day after the crucifixion of CHRIST, GOD raised HIM from the dead as the first fruits from the dead. This is confirmation from GOD and proof that JESUS paid the sin debt in full and conquered eternal death.

I think this scripture is a foreshadow of the resurrection of CHRIST on the morning of the third day. CHRIST would come to earth as 100% human, yet 100% divine for the people to see HIM, fellowship with HIM and have a relationship with HIM. JESUS told HIS disciples that when they see HIM, they have seen the Father. CHRIST would establish a new covenant of grace and mercy. Grace is unmerited favor and mercy is not getting what one deserves. There were restrictions in the Old Testament but the day was coming when those who placed their faith in CHRIST would have a personal, intimate, loving relationship with GOD.

Let’s continue to read Exodus 19:17-25:

17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke because the Lord came down on it in fire. Its smoke went up like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. 20 The Lord came down on Mount Sinai at the top of the mountain. Then the Lord summoned Moses to the top of the mountain, and he went up. 21 The Lord directed Moses, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the Lord; otherwise many of them will die. 22 Even the priests who come near the Lord must purify themselves or the Lord will break out in anger against them.” 23 But Moses responded to the Lord, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, since You warned us: Put a boundary around the mountain and consider it holy.” 24 And the Lord replied to him, “Go down and come back with Aaron. But the priests and the people must not break through to come up to the Lord, or He will break out in anger against them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

GOD is GOD and HE is pure, holy, righteous and sovereign. CHRIST came down to earth and lived a perfect life, fulfilling the law, both in letter and Spirit. Therefore, HE was the perfect sacrifice to pay, in full, the debt for sin and to open the way for a personal, intimate, eternal relationship with GOD.

Were the people afraid? Or had they not obeyed the instructions to prepare to meet GOD? Or did their restraint indicate that they reverenced GOD? Or were they intimidated?

One day we will all stand face to face with GOD. Are you ready? If not, ask CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. When you do, you will receive CHRIST as your Savior, receive eternal life and the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. Your citizenship will be in heaven and all the rights and privileges as the child of GOD will be yours. Guess what? It is all free for the asking and accepting.

Intro to the lesson:

GOD gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. These were guides and are still guides for all people today but obedience to the law cannot bring salvation. They guide you to GOD and to CHRIST. There is the letter of the law and the Spirit of the law. The Spirit of the law goes to the heart and intent of every person. The Spirit of the law focuses on the motive and quickly reveals that it is impossible to keep in one’s strength and ability. How is it possible to achieve by human effort? It is impossible but whereas no human can measure up, CHRIST does. A person’s faith in HIM and HIS passion makes him/her fully acceptable to GOD. We get to GOD through CHRIST and HIS righteousness. There is no other way. Do you accept HIM or reject HIM? The choice is yours.

The Ten Commandments, “the thou shalt not” commandments or the Decalogue are called the apodictic law, which means indisputably true. The apodictic law is a statement in the second person that presents a specific behavior principle but does not set the conditions or state the consequences.

Certain denominations combine some of the commandments such as:

Verses 3-6 are combined as the first commandment - Augustinian tradition, followed by the Roman Catholics and Lutherans.

Verse 7 becomes the second commandment.

Verse 17 is divided into two commandments, becoming the ninth and tenth commandments.

In the tradition of Philo and the historian, Josephus and followed by most Protestants:

Verse 3 is the first commandment.

Verses 4-6 are the second commandment.

Verse 7 is the third commandment and continues as single commandments including verse 17 as a single commandment and the tenth commandment.

This is for your information in case you are discussing the Ten Commandments with someone, you need to know which numbering system they have been taught or are referring to.

Let’s read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-8: (Be Loyal to GOD)

The Ten Commandments

1 Then God spoke all these words:

2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

GOD wanted the Israelites to reflect back on their past lives, where they came from, how they got to where they were at the moment and GOD’S interaction with them along their journey. HE used HIS personal name, Yahweh. Yahweh defeated Pharaoh, who thought he was a god, and all the gods of Egypt. GOD is the one true, all powerful, all knowing and ever present GOD. Any other god is false, none existent and a creation of the human mind.

GOD has a personal relationship with HIS people, leads them, guides them and cares for them. But gods do not and cannot because they do not exist and are only figments of their imagination. Here is where Satan can enter into a person’s life by giving the appearance of activity to the gods in our lives. Just as man gives life to an animated cartoon, it is a cartoon. GOD’S desire is for HIS chosen to know HIM, trust HIM and build a dynamic, personal relationship with HIM. When you do, you will discover that GOD is real.

GOD revealed Himself to the Israelites. Christians and people today have the opportunity to see the entire revelation and plan of GOD to make Himself known to all people on an ever ascending scale as revealed in CHRIST as recorded in HIS Word, the Bible.

3 Do not have other gods besides Me.

GOD is not confirming the existence of other gods. HE knows the human heart and mind. HE knows that mankind can create false gods in their minds, which blocks their ability to embrace and comprehend the one true GOD Who made them. Verse 5 reveals that GOD is jealous and wants nothing to come between HIS children and HIM. Being jealous has a negative connotation but here it means that GOD is exclusive. HE is the only One and HE knows it. HE knows the hearts and minds of people, after all HE made them. HE knows that to build an intimate, loving, personal relationship with HIM there cannot be compromise. Often, people allow the accumulation of wealth to make them feel self-sufficient and they do not need GOD in their lives. Some people idolize those who have achieved success, according to the world’s standard, and they make them their god. Others choose pleasure, work, sports, and various addictions, to name a few, as their god. Evil is big business. The goal of evil is to destroy. A person’s victory, protection and care is in CHRIST.

4 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ sin, to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commands.

There is no substitute for knowing GOD intimately and personally but to know HIM means to obediently serve HIM. Revelation prompts action. GOD knows humans and HE does not want any image made of HIM. HE wants the only image a person has of HIM to be what HE reveals in his/her heart through relationship and what is revealed in HIS Word, the Bible as he/she studies. We are to worship GOD in Spirit and truth.

7 Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name.

The misuse of GOD’S name reflects the nature and attitude of the heart. GOD is love, made and cares for mankind. Mankind, in turn, should be grateful to GOD and honor and respect HIM by not misusing HIS name.  GOD is Holy, righteous, pure and sovereign.  

8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: 9 You are to labor six days and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work —you, your son or daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the foreigner who is within your gates. 11 For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy. x

GOD set the example for taking time out to rest and reflect. It is interesting that the Hebrew word “sabbat” means “restfulness.” It has been transliterated into English as Sabbath. The Sabbath day was primarily for rest and not an exclusive day of worship.

“Remember” the Sabbath Day, carries the idea of continuous action and emphasizes its importance. To keep it “holy” carries the idea of setting it aside or sanctify the day. When it is set aside for the LORD, it adds a moral and purity connotation because it is associated with GOD.

These first four commandments relate to GOD. They establish HIS existence as the one true GOD of both heaven and earth. HE is our creator and everything around us and above us. HE established a plan to redeem all of mankind from sure eternal destruction by allowing HIS only Son, CHRIST to leave HIS glory in heaven and come to earth and live as a human. CHRIST lived as a human and was tempted in all ways that humans are tempted, yet without sin.

Let’s read Exodus 20:12-17: (Be Respectful of Others. These last six commandments focus on family, the preciousness of life, marriage, property and reputation. )

12 Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Honor means to “to give weight to.” As we saw in a recent study, the parents are to teach their children. As children grow, they need to put into practice what they have been taught. Today, we have to consider that some parents do not train their children. They leave the training to others and we know that can be problematic. Unity of family leads to stability in life, which in general leads to a longer life.

13 Do not murder.

Murder is taking the life of another but it can include killing someone’s reputation or hating them.

14 Do not commit adultery.

This includes not only the physical act of sex between a person or persons who are married to another person but also lusting after a person.

15 Do not steal.

Taking something that does not belong to you. We know that stealing is robbing, burglary or shoplifting but we often do not relate it to such things as taking pencils from work. Even goofing off at work steals productive time from a person’s employer.

16 Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Gossip heads this list. Distorting the facts surrounding a matter or situation to cast a questionable light on a person is included.

17 Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Covet is a heavy word. It means to “desire greatly” and implies desiring something to the extent that a person is motivated to take action to obtain the thing desired. The word “house” is an all encompassing word which includes anything that belongs to ones neighbor.

Let’s read Exodus 24:4-8: (Be Committed to Obedience.)

The Covenant Ceremony

1 Then He said to Moses, “Go up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and 70 of Israel’s elders, and bow in worship at a distance. 2 Moses alone is to approach the Lord, but the others are not to approach, and the people are not to go up with him.” 3 Moses came and told the people all the commands of the Lord and all the ordinances. Then all the people responded with a single voice, “We will do everything that the Lord has commanded.”

Moses told the people all the commands and ordinances of the LORD. GOD’S Word is HIS bond. Moses recorded all that GOD told them, thus we have the written Word.

The Israelites were at a pivotal point in their journey with GOD. Would they continue with their relationship with GOD by agreeing to HIS commands and ordinances or reject HIM. GOD brings them to a point of decision. HE takes on that responsibility because every person will be judged and only GOD knows a person’s heart. All the Israelites agreed to serve GOD. Now the covenant had to be ratified between the Israelites and GOD. This leads us to our next scripture.

4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. He rose early the next morning and set up an altar and 12 pillars for the 12 tribes of Israel at the base of the mountain. 5 Then he sent out young Israelite men, and they offered •burnt offerings and sacrificed bulls as • fellowship offerings to the Lord. 6 Moses took half the blood and set it in basins; the other half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 He then took the covenant scroll and read it aloud to the people. They responded, “We will do and obey everything that the Lord has commanded.” 8 Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you concerning all these words.”

GOD gave the Ten Commandments in Chapter 20 and additional laws in Chapters 21-23 and this scripture records the ratification of the covenant by the Israelites.

Without the shedding of blood there cannot be forgiveness for sin but the most important is the attitude of the heart. The shedding of blood shows that a life was given. To ratify the covenant with GOD and the Israelites it cost the life of an animal by shedding its blood. Half of the blood was sprinkled on the altar, which represented GOD’S provisions and the other half sprinkled on the Israelites, which was their commitment to GOD and what HE had outlined. The shed blood of the animal symbolized the ratification of the covenant. The shed blood of CHRIST established the new covenant of salvation by HIS shed blood and faith in HIM. By establishing this new covenant, it cost CHRIST HIS life. A person’s faith in HIM ratifies the covenant between him/her and GOD. Thus, the Spiritual rebirth and GOD granting grace and mercy to all who have faith in CHRIST was instituted. Born-again Christians can be as close to GOD as they want to get. It is up to us. Do you want to remain at the foot of the mountain or climb the mountain and dwell in the presence of GOD, through your relationship with CHRIST?

The Book of Hebrews gives an excellent overview comparing the old covenant with the new covenant instituted by CHRIST, THE MESSIAH.

Let’s read Hebrews 9:

New Covenant Ministry

11 But the • Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands ( that is, not of this creation), 12 He entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal •redemption . 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God? 15 Therefore, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in force while the one who made it is living. 18 That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. 19 For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, 20 saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded for you. 21 In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood. 22 According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these. 24 For the Messiah did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that He might now appear in the presence of God for us. 25 He did not do this to offer Himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. 26 Otherwise, He would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once —and after this, judgment— 28 so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

GOD made HIS expectations clear to the Israelites. Today, HE makes it clear that to be HIS chosen, a person must accept CHRIST as his/her Savior. The Ten Commandments are just as relevant today as the day GOD revealed them but keep in mind, obeying them will not save you. They are like warning signs as we drive along the road of life. Yes, Christians are forgiven for their past, present and future sins, so why are the Ten Commandments relevant?

Christians are in a Spiritual battle every day. We need to keep in mind that the Spirit of the Ten Commandments is just as important as obeying the letter of them. The Ten Commandments are often a wake-up call when Christians have Spiritual drift. When they realize they have gone or are going astray, they need to stop and confess. They need a Spiritual check-up. The Christian’s part is to confess, repent and GOD’S part is to forgive, cleanse and restore. Un-confessed sin is a barrier to fellowship with GOD and obedient service. It is amazing to journey with GOD. It is your choice whether or not you will walk with HIM. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - GOD'S Story - GOD Delivers HIS People - Exodus 3 and 12 - June 16, 2013

Bible Study – GOD’S Story – GOD Delivers HIS People – June 16, 2013

This is lesson three in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is Exodus 3:7-10; 12:12-13, 29-31; 14:5-6, 13-14, 21, 26.

GOD delivered HIS people physically from slavery and bondage in Egypt and revealed Himself to them. In the beginning, the Pharaoh was favorable to the Israelites. As you recall, the Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of managing the economics in Egypt. Joseph invited his family to come live in Egypt because he was in favor with Pharaoh. Let’s take a side trip.

Pharaoh was not the specific name of the ruler of Egypt. There were many Pharaoh’s and there came a time that the ruling Pharaoh became hostile to the Israelites and forced them into forced labor. They became slaves. GOD heard their cry for help and HE came to their rescue.

This is so true to life today. GOD stands ready to come to a person’s aid when he/she cries out to HIM. Our human nature is such that as long as we can figure out a way to do it ourselves, we most often take that route. When matters or issues get beyond our ability or the ability of those around us to correct them, we often reach out to GOD. When we do, GOD is ready to come to our aid, when HE knows our hearts will be receptive to HIM. Even when HE comes to our aid, it does not mean that we can put our lives into neutral and do nothing. We still have to be responsible and follow HIS commands. 

As we study this lesson, think of the Israelites as people in bondage to sin or addictions and cannot escape. GOD can open the door but the person must walk through it, just as the Israelites had to pack up and leave Egypt. Their journey to freedom was not without issues and when things got tough, they wanted to return to slavery or complained. But with every obstacle GOD gave them a solution. They had to keep focused upon GOD as they continued to press forward. GOD is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.

As many of you know our eldest son, Ted, went home to be with our Lord last year. We had his house on the market; it had sold and was moving to closing. I received a letter from his home owner’s association attorneys that they were bringing litigation against the developer. I sent the letter to our realtor who forwarded it the buyer. The buyer’s lender immediately terminated the closing. The buyer sought other lenders but no one would loan the money because of the litigation. The only deal available was to purchase his house for cash. Our realtor was a champ and continued to search for a buyer but came up empty handed.

We had a deadline of June 11, 2013 to either sell his house or give it up. On the morning of June 5, I had a strong prompting to send a note to our Sunday school class, explain our situation and ask them to pray. I was hesitant but I finally did it. In about an hour, I received a call from our realtor who said, “Guess what? We have an offer on Ted’s house for cash.” You talk about going from gloom to praise. Obedience is vital when serving the LORD.

It is exciting when we see the hand of GOD working in our lives. But we have to be careful that we do not take HIM for granted. We continue to pray as we proceed to closing.

Our first scripture reveals that GOD cares about us. HE stands ready to come to our aid. Our part, as HIS children, is to ask. HIS answer can be yes, no or wait. Regardless of HIS answer, HE has the best in mind for us and is always teaching us as we journey with HIM.

Our youngest daughter made a poster for me in church, when she was young, upon which she wrote 1 Peter 5:7. I hung it in my closet for years. It was a much needed reminder and greatly appreciated. 

1 Peter 5:6-7:

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.   

Consider GOD’S care for you as we study together.

Let’s read Exodus 3:1-10 (GOD Cares)

Moses and the Burning Bush

1 Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 Then the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. 3 So Moses thought: I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up? 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!”“Here I am,” he answered. 5 “Do not come closer,” He said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then He continued, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of My people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I know about their sufferings. 8 I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the territory of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 9 The Israelites’ cry for help has come to Me, and I have also seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 Therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.

In our last lesson, we studied the calling of Abram to be the patriarch of HIS chosen people. Just as GOD revealed to Abram, his offspring had been in bondage and slavery in Egypt for 400 years. GOD heard their cry for help. GOD needed a person to deliver them from this situation. It was not like moving a few people because the Israelites had grown to about 1 million people. GOD called Moses to lead HIS chosen out of slavery to the land GOD had promised Abram some 400 years earlier. GOD keeps HIS promises and covenants.

GOD calls Moses:

Moses was busy shepherding the sheep for his father-in-law Jethro when GOD got Moses attention. There was no better way to get Moses attention than for HIM to set a bush on fire. In last week’s study, we learned that fire represents cleansing, purity, righteousness and holiness. The bush was on fire, yet it was not consumed. GOD got his attention and let him know that he was on Holy ground. Then HE revealed that HE was the GOD of his father, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. HE was letting Moses know that HE was eternal, everlasting and never changing. Keep in mind that Moses was raised in Egypt where many gods were worshipped including Pharaoh as a god.  

GOD still does things to get our attention today. Sometimes it is pleasant and others it may not be so pleasant. But GOD knows what it will take to get our attention because HE has a special purpose for those HE calls.

Moses grew up in the palace of Pharaoh in Egypt and he had killed an Egyptian. Moses fled Egypt to Midian where he married and was herding sheep. Now, GOD was calling Moses, a person who had killed another person, to lead HIS chosen people out of slavery.

From a logical point-of-view it makes good sense to choose Moses but more importantly GOD knew Moses’ heart and potential leadership skills. Moses knew Egypt and how the Egyptian government worked. We know that GOD’S ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts. GOD forgives and uses us even though we may have warts. Also, GOD knew that Moses needed to return to Egypt and face the ruling Pharaoh. GOD knew that Moses, Pharaoh and the Israelites needed to get to know HIM personally. The true deliverer, the Messiah, would come through the “line of promise,” GOD’S chosen people, to remove the barrier of sin and to open the way to salvation to all who will place their faith in CHRIST.

Moses was to lead the Israelites to the land GOD had promised Abram. GOD made it clear that this was not an overthrow of the Egyptian government but it was for the release of the Israelites because HE had heard their cry for help. HE wanted to reveal Himself to the Egyptians and to establish and reveal Himself to the Israelites. HIS desire was for HIS chosen to get to know HIM and not just know about HIM. That is still HIS desire for HIS children today.

GOD has a “line of promise” for each of us. HE chose us before HE created the world. You and I are not here by accident but for a purpose. GOD has a plan for every person that accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior. The Holy Spirit will lead, empower and enlighten as you obediently serve HIM.

Let’s read Exodus 12:1-14, 29-32 (GOD Judges)

Instructions for the Passover – Passover Instituted (Pass Over or pasah carries over into the New Testament as pascha from which we derive the English word Pasch (Passover and Easter) and paschal or paschal lamb which is a reference to the lamb that was slaughtered as a sacrifice for sin. The Apostle Paul brought this into perspective for us in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7: (Paul was addressing the problem of trying to mix Judaism with Christianity. CHRIST’S passion brought in a new covenant.)

6 Your boasting is not good. (Such as – I am a Jew and obey the law. CHRIST died for our sins and established grace for all who place their faith in HIM.) Don’t you know that a little yeast permeates the whole batch of dough? 7 •Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch. You are indeed unleavened, for Christ our • Passover has been sacrificed.

CHRIST is the perfect sacrificial lamb that paid the price in full for sin. CHRIST established a new covenant through HIS shed blood. Once and for all, sin has been dealt a death blow for all who place their faith in CHRIST and GOD’S grace takes over to carry HIS children into eternity to be with HIM forever.

Let’s read Exodus 12:1-14:

1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt:

2 “This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month they must each select an animal of the flock according to their fathers’ households, one animal per household. 4 If the household is too small for a whole animal, that person and the neighbor nearest his house are to select one based on the combined number of people; you should apportion the animal according to what each person will eat. 5 You must have an unblemished animal, a year-old male; you may take it from either the sheep or the goats. 6 You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembly of the community of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight. 7 They must take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they eat them. 8 They are to eat the meat that night; they should eat it, roasted over the fire along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or cooked in boiling water, but only roasted over fire—its head as well as its legs and inner organs. 10 Do not let any of it remain until morning; you must burn up any part of it that does remain before morning. 11 Here is how you must eat it: you must be dressed for travel, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. You are to eat it in a hurry; it is the Lord’s •Passover. 12 “I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. I am •Yahweh; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. 13 The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 “This day is to be a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to the Lord.

God was very specific in HIS instructions to Moses and Aaron. They, in turn, had to instruct the Israelites accurately. The instructions were all about obedience. The shed blood of a selected perfect sheep or goat was to be applied to the door posts and lintel for the house of the family. The shed blood properly applied protected the family from the sure death of the first born. The power of protection was not in the blood but in the obedient application of the blood. GOD honors obedience and not ritual.

Why did GOD smite or strike with a death blow the first born? The Egyptians thought that the firstborn was the property of and belonged to the gods of Egypt. The death of the firstborn not only dealt a horrific blow to the family but also revealed that the GOD of Israelites, Yahweh, was more powerful than Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. GOD is bigger than any human god.

This was a battle between Pharaoh, who thought he was a god and the true GOD of the Israelites, Yahweh. Pharaoh thought he was the incarnation of the sun and he was challenging GOD Who created the sun. This battle had come down to the tenth and final contest, which GOD used to established the Passover. The Passover was a precursor to the ultimate deliverance of mankind from the bondage and slavery of sin and Spiritual death.  

As you recall, JESUS and HIS disciples were eating the Passover meal the night before HIS crucifixion. That night, JESUS instituted a new covenant when HE instituted the Lord’s Supper. JESUS was crucified the next day but just as important is HIS resurrection on the third day. Only GOD could arrange such impeccable timing during the celebration of Passover to deliver all who place their faith in the passion and resurrection of the LORD JESUS from the bondage of sin and Spiritual death. The miracle of rebirth restores the rights and privileges of being the child of GOD to every person who places his/her faith in CHRIST.

The shed blood of JESUS was required by GOD to pay the original sin debt in full. CHRIST was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD. The passion of JESUS conquered sin and its consequence, eternal death for all who place their faith in HIM. Consider, at the instant of salvation, that the shed blood of CHRIST is placed, figuratively, on the door posts of the hearts of all who place their faith in HIM. All who place their faith in HIM are delivered from the bondage of sin and eternal death, which is salvation. The shed blood of CHRIST marks the Christian as belonging to GOD and they are secure in CHRIST.

Salvation is the beginning of our life in CHRIST through the miracle of rebirth. Consider GOD’S activity in delivering the Israelites from the perils that faced them as they left Egypt and a Christian’s journey through life with CHRIST. Early in the journey of the Israelites, they wanted to return to Egypt. Often, Christians will face issues, as they begin their journey with CHRIST, and be tempted to return to their old life. Just as the Israelites had to trust GOD to deliver them, so do Christians, as they journey to the Promised Land of the abundant life in CHRIST and their ultimate destination, heaven.

GOD wanted HIS chosen to celebrate the Passover and their physical deliverance from physical bondage. All who place their faith in the Messiah, CHRIST, will receive their ultimate eternal deliverance from the bondage of sin and Spiritual death. How do you know that CHRIST paid the price for sin? It is because GOD resurrected HIM from the dead as proof that HE conquered both sin and death.

Notice that GOD came to Egypt and dealt the fatal blow.    

Let’s read Exodus 12:29-32 - The Exodus

29 Now at midnight the Lord struck every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner who was in the dungeon, and every firstborn of the livestock. 30 During the night Pharaoh got up, he along with all his officials and all the Egyptians, and there was a loud wailing throughout Egypt because there wasn’t a house without someone dead. 31 He (Pharaoh) summoned Moses and Aaron during the night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites, and go, worship Yahweh as you have asked. 32 Take even your flocks and your herds as you asked and leave, and also bless me.

At midnight, the LORD struck the firstborn in Egypt. GOD did not show partiality. The firstborn of Pharaoh to the prisoner and even the livestock was struck dead. Pharaoh got up and summoned Moses and Aaron. As stated earlier, this was a battle between Pharaoh, who thought of himself as a god, and the true GOD of the Israelites.  Notice that Pharaoh knew GOD’S personal name, Yahweh. Pharaoh conceded that he had lost the battle and Yahweh had won. Notice that he asked Moses and Aaron to bless him.

GOD, Himself, came down at midnight to deliver the tenth blow to the incarnated sun god, Pharaoh. Sin always brings darkness into a person’s life but CHRIST is the light of the world and darkness hates light.

This is a lead into our next scripture:

The approximately one million Israelites left Egypt. Then it hit the Egyptians what had happened. They had lost all of their labor force. Apparently, Pharaoh had scouts tracking the exodus of the Israelites and he received a report that the Israelites were confused and boxed-in. But we know it was GOD’S plan. So Pharaoh assembled his army and led them in hot pursuit of the Israelites to bring them back to Egypt. Pharaoh had not given up and neither had GOD. Pharaoh needed one more lesson to learn about Yahweh. GOD always wins because HE is GOD.

Let’s read Exodus 14:5-6, 13-14, 21, 26 (GOD Delivers)

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses:

2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you must camp in front of Baal-zephon, facing it by the sea.

3 Pharaoh will say of the Israelites:

They are wandering around the land in confusion; the wilderness has boxed them in. 4 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am •Yahweh.” So the Israelites did this.

The Egyptian Pursuit

5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about the people and said: “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” 6 So he got his chariot ready and took his troops with him; 7 he took 600 of the best chariots and all the rest of the chariots of Egypt, with officers in each one. 8 The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the Israelites, who were going out triumphantly. 9 The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, his horsemen, and his army—chased after them and caught up with them as they camped by the sea beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. 10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians coming after them. Then the Israelites were terrified and cried out to the Lord for help. 11 They said to Moses: “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Isn’t this what we told you in Egypt: Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

The Israelites wanted to give up and return to Egypt but they needed to see the power of GOD work in their lives, in their behalf and to build trust in GOD. The Israelites were caught between the sea and the well trained and equipped Egyptian army. It was a humanly helpless situation. That was exactly what GOD wanted. The Israelites needed to know that GOD was their shield, defender and perfectly capable of taking care of them. Pharaoh needed to know that Yahweh was all powerful. So what did the Israelites need to do? Let’s see.

Let’s read Exodus 14:13-14: 21, 26 

13 But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.”

Escape through the Red Sea

15 The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to break camp. 16 As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 17 I am going to harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them, and I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh, all his army, and his chariots and horsemen. 18 The Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh when I receive glory through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” 19 Then the Angel of God, who was going in front of the Israelite forces, moved and went behind them. The pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and stood behind them. 20 It came between the Egyptian and Israelite forces. The cloud was there in the darkness, yet it lit up the night. So neither group came near the other all night long. 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night and turned the sea into dry land. So the waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left. 23 The Egyptians set out in pursuit—all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen—and went into the sea after them. 24 Then during the morning watch, the Lord looked down on the Egyptian forces from the pillar of fire and cloud, and threw them into confusion. 25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve and made them drive with difficulty. “Let’s get away from Israel,” the Egyptians said, “because Yahweh is fighting for them against Egypt!” 26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back on the Egyptians, on their chariots and horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal depth. While the Egyptians were trying to escape from it, the Lord threw them into the sea. 28 The waters came back and covered the chariots and horsemen, the entire army of Pharaoh, that had gone after them into the sea. None of them survived. 29 But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left. 30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the power of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 When Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, the people •feared the Lord and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

When GOD comes to our aid, it is an awesome experience. You would think that such an experience would result in never doubting the power, presence and care of GOD in our lives. But we slip back into our old ways and doubt GOD’S ability or we get too big for our britches and decide that we can do it ourselves. Our journey with GOD is moment by moment. That is HIS desire. HE wants us to have an intimate, loving, dynamic relationship with HIM as we journey together through life. Does that mean it will be easy? No but it will be awesome!

Are you in sin and bondage? If so, ask CHRIST to deliver you and to set you free by asking HIM to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life. If you are a Christian but you have compromised your walk and witness as a Christian and possibly returned to your old ways, confess them. Ask GOD to forgive you and restore the joy of your salvation. Your part is to ask and repent, which means to stop and GOD’S part is to forgive, cleanse and restore. GOD never abandons HIS children. Once HIS child, you are always HIS child. HE is waiting for such a time as this to welcome you back home and back into HIS loving arms and the fold of HIS love and grace. Whether you have just received CHRIST as your Savior or rededicated your life to HIM, this moment is a new beginning. Walk with HIM and trust HIM as you journey through life upon earth. Welcome home my brother or sister in CHRIST. Blessings!!!