(8) Mount Sinai

(Exodus 19:1–6, NIV) On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. 3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lordcalled to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ ...

1. The Israelites grumbled throughout their first three months in the wilderness; no water, no food, difficulties, attacked, etc.

2. The LORD had a different perspective than the Israelites concerning their wilderness journey.

(Exodus 19:4, NIV) ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings ...

While the Israelites majored on their hardship and lack, the LORD emphasized their victory and miraculous provision!

3. The Israelites failed to understand why the LORD was taking them on a journey through the wilderness.

The Israelites were solely focused on getting to the Promised Land; the LORD’s goal was different.

(Exodus 19:4, NIV) ... I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

4. While the LORD did many things with the people of Israel in the wilderness we’re going to study 3 of the most important.

The LORD was building a relationship with the people of Israel.

The LORD was transforming the people of Israel.

The LORD was making the people of Israel His earthly representatives.

I. The LORD Was Building A Relationship With The People Of Israel

A. LOVE: A Love Relationship

1. Song at the Red Sea: (Exodus 15:13, NIV) In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.

B. REVELATION: A Relationship Wherein The Lord Increasingly Revealed Himself

1. In Egypt / Redeemer: (Exodus 6:6, NIV) ... ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.

2. At Marah / Healer: (Exodus 15:26, NIV) ...I am the Lord, who heals you.”

3. In the Wilderness / Life: Manna (Bread of Heaven) and Water from the Rock

4. When attacked by the Amalekites the LORD revealed Himself as their Banner (i.e. their identity)

5. At Sinai the LORD would reveal Himself in extraordinary ways!

6. There is never a reason for your relationship with Jesus to grow stale; there is always more to “know” about Jesus!

C. WORSHIP: A Relationship Full Of Gratitude & Emotion

1. (Ex 3:12) And God said, ... When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you (PL) will worship God on this mountain.”

D. COVENANT: A Fully Committed Relationship

1. Covenant — a contractual arrangement; marriage is a covenant: (Malachi 2:14) ... the wife of your marriage covenant.

2. We come to the LORD with nothing!

The LORD stripped the Israelites of everything in the wilderness so that He would be their everything.

The LORD wanted the Israelites to continue to depend upon Him so that He could bless them in the Promised Land.

3. That’s why the Covenant Law is full of sacrifices, ceremonies, festivals, feasts ... to keep us close to Jesus!

E. The Covenant Relationship The LORD Entered Into With The Israelites Made The Israelites Complete

1. (Exodus 19:1, NIV) On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai.

2. “3” = Complete

3. The covenant relationship we have with Jesus makes us complete!

(Colossians 2:10, AV) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Chorus: “Complete, complete, complete in Him, I am complete in Him”

II. The LORD Was Transforming The People Of Israel

A. Transformation Rarely Takes Place When Everything Is Easy ... It’s When Times Are Hard And We Begin To Look To Jesus

B. The Israelites Really Needed To Be Transformed!

1. (Exodus 19:3, NIV) “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel”

2. The LORD referred to the Israelites as the descendants of Jacob because Jacob was a scoundrel and deceiver.

Jacob means he grasps the heel, a Hebrew idiom for he deceives.

3. The LORD referred to the Israelites as the people of Israel because Israel speaks of being an overcomer.

Jacob was an overcomer because he held on to the LORD and wouldn’t let go!

The LORD wanted to change Jacob’s life ... Jacob knew that the only thing he could do was hold on to the LORD!

(Genesis 32:26, NASB95) Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

(Genesis 32:28, NIV) Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

“Jacob” became an “Israel” because he held on to the LORD during the struggle and wouldn’t let go.

4. This is exactly what the LORD wanted the nation of Israel to do in the wilderness; hold on to the LORD and not let go!

C. Unfortunately, Every Time The Israelites Struggled, They Let Go Of God’s Promise And Complained

1. (Psalm 106:24–25, NIV) Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. 25 They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the Lord.

D. Hold On To Jesus In Tough Times ... That’s How Lives Are Transformed!

1. Holding on to Jesus when times are hard speaks of faith, trust, and perseverance

2. It’s easy to trust Jesus when you’re enjoying green pastures but what about when He takes you into the wilderness?

3. Becoming like Jesus doesn’t happen to those who let go and give up in the hard times.

Hold on to Jesus and be transformed!

III. The LORD Was Making The People Of Israel Into His Earthly Representatives

(Exodus 19:5–6, NIV) Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’

A. At Mt. Sinai The LORD Commissioned The People Of Israel to Be His:

1. Kingdom Representatives

Power / Authority / Boldness

(Acts 1:8, NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

2. Priestly Representatives

(2 Chronicles 29:11, NIV) My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, to minister before him and to burn incense.”

Prayer / Teaching the ways of God to others

3. Holy Representatives

(1 Peter 1:16, NIV) for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

(1 John 2:6, NIV) Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

B. Why Is Jesus Taking Me Through The Wilderness?

1. To accomplish in me the same thing He was trying to accomplish in the Israelites.

Build our relationship.

Transform my life. (i.e., to make me like Jesus)

Make me a solid representative.