Intro Part 2: Bridging the Gap

Exodus 3:6 “6 Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.”

Exodus 3:15 “15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’”

Exodus 6:2-5 “2 And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them. 4 I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, in which they were strangers. 5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant.”

In Covenant with God: God’s Special People, Agreed to by Israel

Exodus 19:3-7; 24:1-8

Exodus 19:3-7 “3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” 7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him.”

Exodus 24:7-8 “7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” 8 And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.””

Kingdom of Priests & Holy Nation

Dedicated completely to serve God

Dedicated completely to represent God

The Law (the ten commandments and expanded) functioned as the marriage vows between Israel and God. They were the expectations and demands for Israel as God’s holy nation who was going to serve Him and represent Him to the world.

Were they saved by obeying the Law? No!

Every true believer (in all times) was saved spiritually by accepting God’s promise in faith. Think Abraham

But if Israel was going to continue to function as God’s special, holy nation of priests, they were required to follow the commandments of the Law.

What then is the problem throughout the OT and in the days of the Minor Prophets?

Israel did not love and obey God

God was not surprised by their disobedience. He had given them warning in the Law itself about their rebellion.

Leviticus 26 (27-35, 40-45)

Deuteronomy 28 (36, 49-51, 63-65)

The prophets were messengers of God on behalf of His covenant. They were God’s prosecutors.

The Prophets message was first, intended to call Israel back to their covenant with God. This was repentance - to return to obeying God. Second, they announced the coming judgment of God in fulfillment of His warnings. Thirdly, the prophets promised that God’s mercy and grace toward a rebellious people was not exhausted, but instead He still would restore them.

Judgment, Repentance, Restoration

God Promises to Solve the True Problem: Their Hearts

Israel failed time and time again to obey God because they were bent toward rebellion in their hearts. They were naturally sinful and no law could force them to obey. So what was God’s solution?

They needed new hearts. Hearts that loved God. Hearts that wanted to obey Him.

God Promises Restoration & Internal Renewal

Jeremiah 24:7; Ezekiel 36:16-38

How does this connect to us today?

What is similar between us and Israel?

What is NOT the same between us and Israel?

Do we stand under the potential judgment of God if we disobey?

What promise have we received by faith? What is our Law?

Note: These notes are informally produced. They are not mean to be reproduced or published. Works Cited:

Lexham Bible Dictionary

The Message of the Twelve: Fuhr & Yates

Interpreting the Minor Prophets: Chisholm Jr

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