Kingdom Keys - Exodus Series

If you have been in church at all in your life then you have heard someone say to know God and his will for your life you need to read your bible regularly. I’ve heard it, said it and even suggested memorizing parts of scripture. However, the truth is many people rarely open “THE BOOK” to discover the treasures within. The excuses elude to time, schedules, lack of clarity, desire and even the admission people hate to read. All of which are understandable if this were your High School English class or a technical manual for your smartphone. But the Bible is God’s Word curated over centuries detailing His nature, His will, the meaning of life and humanity’s historical interactions with Him. Seriously, the Bible details the hidden keys to the Kingdom. Hence, the reason we are reviewing a new book each week.

This week we move to Exodus.

Moses probably wrote the book around 1400 before Christ entered the world. It’s written to remind the Israelites how God had rescued them for Egyptian oppressions and bondage. The book lays the basis of our understanding of God: his name, attributes, redemption, law and instructions on how we are to worship (or relate to Him).

Just as Genesis details the entering of sin into the world and its tainting of everything. Exodus tells us of God’s willingness to love and protect His chosen people. The book highlights God’s:

Involvement in human history

Concern for the oppressed

Power over nations

Commitment to reaching those He loves

Finally, the book highlights God’s willingness to forgive the shortcomings and failures from those willing to surrender and earnestly place their trust in Him.

Let’s take a look at Exodus 19:3-6.

Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him (talk about involvement) 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, (concern for the oppressed) and how I carried you on eagles’ wings (power of nations and commitment to those he loves) and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant (an all knowing God knew we would fail but he did it anyway), 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.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

The scriptures proceed to describe our God who establishes a set of guardrails to ensure His people are ready for the larger world and the chaos within. The 10 commandments and their 50 plus stipulations were put in place not to deny His chosen people but to protect them.

What were the 10 commandments? <Invite the kids coming forth to share the 10 commandment hand gestures.> 10 Commandments, Handout is saved in drive

You shall have no other gods before Me.

You shall not make idols.

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Honor your father and your mother.

You shall not murder.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

You shall not covet.

The ten commandments would eventually be expanded by Pharisees and others to try to legislate every interaction. In much the same way, the laws of the United States expand every year from constitutional articles to cover every possible injustice. It’s human nature to document such occurrences and try to enforce a system of right and wrong. However, it rarely works and often it creates a scenario whereby those with good intentions lose sight of the intention.

It’s why Jesus when quizzed by expert of the law, would later reduce the 10 commandments as well as all the amendments back to the original intent:

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt 22:37-38)

It’s a very simple command to remember. Please note I did not say easy.

As you read Exodus this week, you will see what I mean. You may feel like you’re watching one of those movies where the main character just keeps messing up and you’re just screaming at the TV to not make that bad choice. Exodus provides a number of the scenes and you may wonder why. Why would THE BIBLE, a book about God’s nature and love for us, tell us of God's willingness to rescue us and our ancestors' failures?