What were your favorite action figures or dolls as a kid? I loved medieval Legos. I would make up stories and build sentimental structures that I did not want taken apart for weeks or longer. I was the caretaker of my toy’s world. I influenced the story and outlined what was important. God has rescued His people and brought them out to be His “treasured possession…kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:5-6) This week pay attention to how God begins to set up the guidelines around all Israelite society. God will begin to give instructions regarding all different aspects of life relevant to that society at that time. Some instructions might seem foreign to us or even absurd. On a deeper level, God is showing the Israelites how His chosen people are to represent His character to the rest of the world by their day-to-day actions at all levels of society. In the passages ahead, look for how and when God continues to reinforce aspects of His character.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 9
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Exodus, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
What is God’s response to the hunger of the people in Exodus 16:4? Who does Moses say they are grumbling against? Why do you think God preserved the bread only for a day? How might this have emphasized God’s kindness and faithfulness? What does this show us about God’s character?
Does God’s provision of Manna increase their faithfulness according to Exodus 17:3? How did God respond to their thirst? What does this show about God’s character?
Israel fights their first battle after Egypt in Exodus 17:8. Who are the Amalekites according to Genesis 36:12, 15-16? How are they related to the Israelites? What does God say is going to happen to the Amalekites in Exodus 17:14? What might this say about God’s character?
How serious was God’s holiness according to Exodus 19:12-13? God desired that the people would believe the law Moses was to bring forever. How did God miraculously prove Moses’ message according to Exodus 19:9 and Exodus 20:18? What was God doing according to Exodus 20:20? How might not sinning be important considering Exodus 19:4-6 and 20:6? What does this say about God’s character?
Read Genesis 2:25 (before sin), Genesis 3:21 (after sin), Exodus 28:42-43, and Galatians 3:27. How does God use clothing to deal with shame and guilt in Genesis 3:21 and Exodus 28:42-43? How does this point to a deeper spiritual reality in Galatians 3:27?
SHARE IT.
Does reading through the Bible (Old Testament) as the events unfolded excite you or something else?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the story of the continuing Exodus this week?
How has the story of Israel so far been shocking, or have you noticed something in the text you previously had not?
In Exodus 18, Jethro helps Moses with a problem. What is the problem and solution according to Jethro, outlined in Exodus 18:17-23? How did Moses respond? Have you ever needed some help getting organized or taken on too much? What is an area you might need to ask for help? Do you have time and energy to help others in need? How might your priorities need to be changed?
In Exodus 28:3, Moses is to speak to those God has “filled with a spirit of skill.” Do you see how God has gifted you for the building up of His church? How do you serve the body of Christ for God’s glory and the church’s good? What comes easy to you that might be challenging for others?
FINAL THOUGHT
Throughout this week, the tension between God’s holiness and mercy has been on display. Moses was the mediator for the Israelite people between them and God. Moses received God’s law and communicated it to the people, in order that they might keep it and be God’s “treasured possession…kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:5-6). God proved Moses’ message was from God by the miraculous thunder, lightning, smoke, and trumpet. Moses also walked on the mountain as a mediator for the people, instead of them dying by trying to do it themselves. God graciously acted so that the Israelites might fear God and not sin. Jesus is our great mediator who can both walk through death on our behalf, as well as fulfill the law on our behalf. God’s graciousness is displayed in that He both prepares a way of salvation and achieves it for us. The blessing of our belief in Jesus is that we might also be “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)