Exodus 19:1-25: At this significant location in history, God visits Mount Sinai to give His people the law. This is the precept to the ten commandments. But, how long will the law last before it’s broken or corrupted?
The Bible study lesson today tells about the choice God made to make Israel his people.
It shows the love he had for the people and foretells how Christ would later come to show his love for all the world.
One main focus of this Exodus lesson is that we can never do enough or be good enough on our own to receive the love and grace God gives. He does it out of love for us.
God Visits Mount Sinai and Chooses Israel in Exodus
Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” – Exodus 19:5-6
So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. – Exodus 19:16-17 NASB
Mount Sinai – Speaking to Israel
The mountain (a.k.a. Mount Horeb) has a significant place in the history of Israel. And, it’s still considered to be one of the most sacred places in the country. This is where Moses first met God (the burning bush) and the everlasting covenant was made with Israel.
About Mount Sinai & Horeb
I did some research about Mount Sinai. Wiki has an opinion about the (two) mountains. They say, “Horeb, is the mountain at which the book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Bible states that the Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God.
It is described in two places (Exodus 3:1, 1 Kings 19:8) as the “Mountain of God”. The mountain is also called the Mountain of YHWH.
In other biblical passages, these events are described as having transpired at Mount Sinai. Sinai and Horeb are often considered to have been different names for the same place.”
And now, Mount Sinai is where God would give His ten commandments to the people as a guide to living. He gave them to form a true nation. Even the United States laws are mostly based on these commandments (although many atheists would disagree). This shows they are still just as valid for us today.
God’s Plan – Our Plan
The main reason God called Israel to Mount Sinai this time was to let them know why they were brought out of slavery in Egypt. Eventually, their mission was to become a holy nation to allow other people to approach God. But, this plan was soon corrupted by the people.
Priests and Pharisees added to the laws. And, some additions enabled them with more power and corruption in their high places in government.
We fall into this same trap. Many times we disregard what God wants. We hurry ahead with plans we’ve made; those for our own advancement and pleasure.
Mount Sinai and Christ
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0718079906″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/51AUd5xRu9L.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”107″]God made Israel his people – not because of what they had done but because He loved them. Jesus Christ extended and finalized this same love for us by going to the cross and taking on the sin of man.
When we pray the prayer in John 3:16 and ask Christ to forgive us and transform us into children of God. He answers; not because of what we have done but just because He loves us that much.
We can never be “good enough” or “do enough” to deserve the love of God, but he loves us anyhow. This is what makes God so unique and wonderful. Aren’t you glad he feels that way about you?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment and go to John 3:16 for more information.