Exodus 19:1-25
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Exodus 19
Exodus 19
Last week the Israelites were a month into their journey into the wilderness. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law brought Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer to meet Moses. What do the boy’s names mean?
3 with her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land”) 4 and the name of the other was Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”);
Moses named these boys after his plight. Gershom means “I am a stranger here.” Eliezer is “God is my help.” Moses added now the part about Pharaoh. Moses identified with what was going on with him, but now, even he recognizes that their names are symbolic of what God was not only doing to Moses, but to His people Israel as well.
Jethro was a priest of Midian, which is modern day Saudi Arabia. The place of Saini is hotly contested. Most maps, even the maps in most of your Bibles have Mt. Saini at the bottom of the Saini Peninsula as we know that today. Most scholars now say Mt. Saini is in the eastern area of Saudi Arabia, in Midian. This is where the burning bush was. They say this because there is a split rock there, among other things. That’s beside the point though, what’s important is this is Mt Saini, where the Lord came down to speak to deliver the law to His people.
Jethro came to meet with Moses, and to hear first hand what God had done for Israel. When he heard, he rejoiced and made a suggestion. Now, last week, I had 2 slides, and I didn’t read the other slide so I missed 2 verses so I want to clarify:
11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.
Jethro, a Gentile, lead the first sacrifice to the Lord for the leaders of the tribes of Isreal. This points to Jesus as being the bridge between Jew, and Non Jew as being grafted into the Lord’s family. It also symbolizes, because this wasn’t a part of the sacrifices for the whole of Israel, that the leaders need to sanctify themselves first. Before I can lead anyone spiritually, I need to be prepared Spiritually. We’ll talk a little more about that today where the Lord confirms that stand.
The next day, was take an obscure family member to work day, and Jethro came to see what Moses did from morning to evening. It was listening to all of the complaining of the people of Israel. And Jethro told him: This isn’t good. And, like a good leader that sees a problem, he gives a solution, and says you need to appoint people you trust to handle the small things, and let them bring the big things to you. Then he told Moses how to spend his time...and we’ll see that this week too. He said:
19 Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. 20 And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.
Moses is to focus on being the conduit for the people from God. To intercede for them, and to teach them what the law is, and what they must do to obey it. A righteous leader, like Moses, will always walk the walk ahead and not just tell you what you should do.
How long were they in the wilderness to this point? Well, I’m glad you asked, let’s get into verse 1:
1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.
Two more months pass and they finally are lead to the foot of Mt. Saini. This is where the Lord met Moses thru the Burning Bush. Remember that? Moses was speaking to a person in a fire, that was not consumed by the fire. It was a representation of Jesus, the only one who would be able to withstand the fire that is the lust of this world that burns in us all. Thru that fire, He would be worthy to be the living sacrifice for us. In Exodus 3, it was called Mt Horeb. It’s the same place.
The maps in the back of my Bible look like this: For years we’ve believed that it’s at the bottom of the Saini Peninsula, but evidence seen more recently points to it possibly being in the area of el-Khrob - which actually sounds like Mt. Horeb if you ask me. What do we know for sure? That the people of Israel were lost in the wilderness...but God and Moses knew exactly where they were.
Now, Moses had a task to perform:
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.”
Just like Jethro had encouraged Moses, go before the Lord and inquire of Him. He speaks to the Lord, and the Lord responds with instruction, with gentle instruction.
When an eagle has to carry it’s young, it doesn’t do so often, it carries it on it’s back. Protecting it from what’s coming from below. Gently riding the breeze. It’s a safe passage. That’s how God wants the Israelites to see Him. Gently leading them forward.
They are God’s special people. You’ll hear it often now a days, that the church has replaced Israel today, and that’s false. Israel is the apple of God’s Eye. They are His chosen people. We are Gentiles, outsiders who have been grafted into the true vine of the family. They are the special treasure. Why? Because God promised it! God chose Abraham. I don’t know why, then Isaac...then Jacob...Then Judah instead of Joshua. I don’t know why God does what He does sometimes. What I do know is, God keeps His promises.
Here in this chapter, we’re seeing God’s covenant with Abraham being reset again. Now, it says they’re a kingdom of priests. Were the Jews all priests? No, they weren’t. The elders, the leaders of the tribes that were judging with Moses are those priests. What God is describing here, is that priests would come from them. But also, what is a priest in the Old Testament supposed to do? Go before God, deliver His Word, and then show them how to obey. Like the instruction Moses was given by Jethro.
They were to be a holy nation. What does Holy mean? What does it take to be Holy. It means set apart. They aren’t to be common folk. God wanted Israel to know how special they were to Him.
More than anything, though, God wanted Israel to remember Him. Throughout this book, God keeps calling them to remember. Just like He calls us today. Remember what you were saved from. Don’t run to it, just remember. He wants us to see how good He is and what He has done for us. How do we understand what a Christian has been saved to, if we don’t know what we’re saved from? How often, and quickly, just as the Israelites, do we forget His goodness? It’s sad, but we all do. I do. I get busy, and I lose track of all He’s done. It breaks my heart when I see it, and I want to run to him.
I’m thankful, though, that every time He takes me back. He’s patient with me, but there is a limit to His patience.
So God speaks to Moses and tells him - Go and tell my people what I say to you.
7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. 8 Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.” So Moses told the words of the people to the Lord.
We know the rest of the story...does Israel keep the Lord’s commands? NO. Always, it’s almost immediate that they forget and forsake Him. What does it take in your life to forget? Most times, it’s waking up in the morning that is the first straw! The people rise up a shout! “We’ll do what you ask Lord. It’s been 90 days and we forgot after about 5 all about you, but this time, now that we can see you and hear you, we’ll obey now!”
Would that be your posture? What does this world want? A sign. To hear from the Lord. To see wonders...and then they will believe. Will they believe? NO WAY. What’s assured is, they will forget. One thing my wife always tells me about human nature is this: “The only thing that never changes is people will never change.”
People don’t want to change. We are lazy and content. Change means we get out of the drivers seat and let someone else take us where you want to go. My oldest son is driving, and I told him the other day “On Dasher, take us home. You know the way.”
Have you ever been around the Amish? In Ohio, you see Amish all over the state. They come to town in their black buggy's, and head home...several times I’ve seen the horse just trotting along with the driver asleep at the wheel. He trusts that horse to do all the work to take them home. I’ve also seen those buggy's pulled over having the driver being checked for DWI too. That’s a rude awakening, I’m sure.
But the Lord will do that, if we put our trust in Him and let Him take the reigns. The problem is, our minds won’t allow us to do that. We need control all the time. I don’t mind being a little out of control. I like to trust people. Sometimes foolishly...but that’s how you build relationship. You let people fail...and often they will.
There has to be a limit to our acceptance of failure, though. There was for the Lord. He knows the pain of a wayward son or friend. Just do what you should do...Stop fooling around. Stand up and lead, don’t be this primidone. He doesn’t want us to hit the bottom, but He’ll let us. I’ll ask you this, how low is too low? That’s truly up to you. What will it cost you to change? Is it worth it to you? It makes us wonder why God would do this.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
What’s the one thing that never changes? People don’t change! UNTIL they do. What will it cost you to change? Everything. Everything you desire. That secret sin. Those friends that choke out your joy. Your political affiliation. What do you gain in return of becoming a living sacrifice? Eternity in Heaven. Is it worth it to you? We should probably change the question, are YOU worth it? You were worth every drop of Jesus’ blood.
What happens when people change? Watch out, because the Lord will draw people to them. Are some of you in a rut? Keep digging your hole wondering when someone is going to come and help you dig? Man, this is dumb...every time I push right here, it hurts. Look, Ow, Ow, Ow. Stop it!
I believe the people of Israel wanted to change. It takes faith to change. It takes encouragement to stay on the right path. You don’t have to see the end of the road or the path ahead even, you have to trust that the journey will do it’s job. Israel’s journey would take almost 4000 years to get to us, but we see it now, and that journey is saving lives. We can’t see the end, trust the journey the Lord has set you on. Sometimes those times stink really bad. They’re meant to lift us up.
Some of you are going thru the hardest times in your life right now. The enemy wants you to quit. Don’t quit. Be different, be changed. This world wants us to walk away and give up. The Lord will take this fleeting series of events and break it wide open at some point and use it as a testimony of His goodness, grace, and mercy. He doesn’t make mistakes. You are not a mistake, your circumstances aren’t mistakes. The enemy wants to destroy you. The Lord will allow it for one purpose: to save lives.
So, Moses comes back up to tell the Lord what they said...like He couldn’t hear it already, and He responds to Moses:
10 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. 11 And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
This starts the practice of being ritualistically clean. Consecrate means to remove it from common use, to make holy. Wash yourself, wash your clothes (it’s been 3 months now), talk about stank.
Seriously, it was a time of reflection for the people. A baptism of sorts. It’s what it is. Washing away the old man, and on the 3rd day, what happened on the 3rd day? Jesus conquered death and arose on the 3rd day. It’s the day we could finally see the Lord in all His glory. We didn’t see Him, but that 3rd day has significance to the Christian. That 3rd day for Israel here, is where God would make Himself known to His people to take over His senses.
Before this, though, God would draw some lines for us...because some of us, in this room too, are habitual line steppers.
12 You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.”
God tells Moses, make sure to tell the people to treat the mountain as holy. In those times, the gods lived in the mountains. God was taking the mountains back too.
God had given His instructions, now Moses was to pass it on:
14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. 15 And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.”
Did God really say “do not come near your wives?” It’s not recorded what was said. It doesn’t look like He did...but if you understand your Bible, you will know that there is a time of impurity to a woman and this is more a reminder than anything...stay clean.
What is Moses NOT saying...don’t stop loving your wife, just control yourself. Focus on your consecration. Don’t give into temptation.
We are weak by nature...sometimes we need the obvious to be said. 3 days doesn’t seem like a long time. If you’ve never fasted for more than a day...day 2 is the hardest day. On day 3 is when things settle down, clarity sets in. There is a transition that day into a new gear. The Lord wants the people to fast from what they had been doing for 3 days...leave it alone. Put your phones down and prepare for the Lord.
So, with that I’ll ask you...what do you do in preparation for going to church? Is it another thing on your schedule? Or do you prepare for it? Do you pray for the service? Do you realize this is a special time of fellowship and worship? Some of you, it’s the only time you’re in your Bibles. That’s between you and the Lord, but I’ll tell you, if it’s not a daily habit for you, you’re in dangerous territory. The enemy has you right where he wants you. You can’t properly defend yourself if you’re not in the Word every day. I can tell you from experience, I have lost battles that I would have won had I started my day properly. Take time in preparation, especially before fellowship.
So the 3rd day comes:
16 Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
Who blew the trumpet? There are trumpets that blow again in the book of Revelation. When they blow, things will get crazy here on earth. All the more reason why I believe we won’t be here for it. I’m not prescribed to the fact that the Church (big C) will be here thru the tribulation. I believe it’s the reason why evil will consume the earth. We are the protection for this world right now. We are the bride of Christ, and He will be a good husband to us. He won’t beat us up, He’s going to protect those who have put their faith in Jesus by rapturing us to be in Heaven.
You don’t want to be here for that time...it’s going to be terrible. Don’t be a lukewarm Christian, get off the fence.
So, the trumpet blows, and the people move and see this amazing transformation happen on the mountain, they get to see the Lord actually move!
18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. 20 Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
The trumpet blew first, and the people saw it as a call...then it got louder and louder and terrified the people, so Moses called up to the Lord for the people. I can’t imagine how terrifying that would be. It would solidify with the people with the Lord’s response, calling Moses that he was the true leader set apart for the people. If there was any doubt beforehand.
So, Moses ascends the mountain with the people close at hand, but still behind the lines set by the Lord, so they can witness and attest to this.
21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.”
This is the beginning of the instruction that Moses would receive of the Lord. What he’s doing here is setting up an example. Most of us who know about the Tabernacle, which is the portable temple for the Lord, and the Temple when it is constructed by Solomon, we’ll see this as a foreshadowing of that temple. I contest this, that the tabernacle and the temple is a way to remind the Jews about Mt. Saini.
As we go thru it, you’ll see the similarities. It starts with the fact that there are no priests in Israel right now...but there will be, and when there are, they are the only ones that can approach the inner courts of the Lord.
24 Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.
Moses is sent to get Aaron, and ascend the mountain a 3rd time. Moses had to have been in good shape. The upcoming chapter is where the 10 Commandments are delivered to them to take and teach the people. Most of us remember this story wrong, so I’ll try to make sure we understand how that event is not how I remember it anyway. This place was important to the Israelites, even if it is a little illusive today with where that location really is.
What is important for us to know now, is that this would be a resting point for Israel for the rest of Exodus, All of Leviticus, and the first 9 chapters of Numbers. That’s a lot of reading...58 chapters. In years, though, Numbers 9 reveals it was about 11 months and a few days from arrival to breaking camp.
The Lord had to set up his laws, his instructions for the tabernacle, which you will find will remind the Israelites of the Mountain, and set up the worship schedule for them so they would understand how to commune and worship Yahweh.
There is a reason why it’s forgotten, if you ask me. Mt Saini is where the Law came down from Heaven to teach us how God’s people should act. The Law was given so the people would understand that there is no such thing as a “good person.” A “good person” is someone who has never broken the Law. God took all of this time instructing Moses for the people to know how to love He who so loved us.
It’s forgotten as a location, because it’s location isn’t important. Where the Law came down isn’t as important as the fact that it came down. However, there is another important mountain in the Bible. It was once called Mt Moriah. It’s now called what? Mt Zion. It’s in Jerusalem. That place is all that matters. That is where Jesus ascended back into Heaven after his ministry was completed.
That is the place where the Law was sacrificed for the remission of our sins. Where Grace was poured out of the Law, because it was the only way that God’s greatest creation, us, could get to Heaven because God is Holy, and we would be made holy.
Worship Team
It would take 3 days of cleansing to approach the Mountain in Exodus. It would take 3 days of cleansing on Mt Zion to allow us to approach the courts of Yahweh in Heaven. It’s a free gift, not of works. How good we are doesn’t matter. How good Jesus is, does. The Only way to Heaven is thru Jesus. The Law was provided to us to prove we need a savior. The Law provided the Savior too.
What a good and amazing God we have. If your heart isn’t settled there, maybe it’s time you examine yourself. God’s grace is sufficient. He doesn’t care what you’ve done. He’s paid it all. Let Him cover you with His grace. Let that flow over every crack in your heart. It will fill and sooth those who are broken. Let Him work on you. Let this church body work with you. They know what they’re doing. They can help you heal.
