The Table of Fellowship
The Meeting Place
I give you this short introduction to remind you of the big picture. God’s plan will be accomplished, He was working then, and He still is at work despite how things appear. I thank you again for joining us on Hope for Today, let’s go now with Bible teacher, J Mark, for a closer look at today’s lesson.
Preparing for God's Dwelling
Genuine hope can only be experienced when we are in the right relationship with God. Our greatest need is to hear what the LORD has said. The text for the teaching that follows is important because, in it, God commands Israel to make a dwelling place for Him. Perhaps that sounds strange to you because King Solomon said to God, “the heaven of heavens cannot contain You.” The Prophet Isaiah, speaking for the LORD, said, “The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.” How then could God dwell in a structure made by man? God planned to live among His people, Israel. We cannot question that the LORD chose a particular people to whom He related in a special way. He is sovereign, He makes His choices, and He doesn’t need to give us the reasons for His choices. From earlier chapters in Exodus, we saw how the LORD led Israel out of Egypt and brought them to Mt. Sinai. There God led them into a covenant relationship with Him. He needed a people through whom He could reveal Himself to all of humanity. So, Moses on the mountain, in the presence of the LORD, received the instructions for all the details of a place for God to dwell among His people. This place would be called the Tabernacle. God’s relationship with Israel was to be visible. He commanded Moses to build the Tabernacle with all of its furniture and various vessels as visible proof that God was, in fact, “living” among His people. Moses received from God the patterns and detailed instructions to present to the people in PREPARING FOR GOD’S DWELLING. In Exodus 25:1-9 we are introduced to the materials.
Approaching God's Person
After Israel came out of Egypt under Moses’ leadership they camped at Mt. Sinai. This is an outstanding moment in human history because God came down on Mt. Sinai to meet with His people. No other gods have ever met with their followers in this way. There on the mountain, God gave them the Law so they would know how to live. That Law is good for all people everywhere. It was intended to be the Law of God and people everywhere are expected to pay attention to it, respect it and obey what the LORD has spoken. It is this Law that shows us our need for Christ. The Bible tells us “No one has seen God at any time.” In this Scripture from Exodus, Moses and the elders of Israel did not see God face to face, but they saw that under His feet was a pavement of brilliant stone. I believe they were seeing a reflection of God’s Shekinah glory. When God spoke from Mt. Sinai the people of Israel trembled with fear and stood at the further end of the camp. They were afraid of God’s presence. Now, on this occasion, the leaders are APPROACHING GOD’S PRESENCE as recorded in Exodus 24:9-18.
Becoming God’s People
Moses had a special calling, a special responsibility above that of Israel’s other leaders. Those leaders had a God-ordained calling above that of the people. The Israelites had a calling and responsibility that other nations did not have. See how God initiates this covenant.
Doing God’s WIll
How can we know God’s will? What direction can we find from His Word? Sometimes our course of action is very clear; other times, not so much. Are we obedient when God’s will is revealed? What are His promises?
Hearing God Speak
Our God is an awesome God. In light of His greatness and holiness, there is much for sinners to fear. But He has a purpose in our trembling. Repentance opens us to be cleansed and changed. We hunger and thirst after righteousness. Watch how God reconciles all things unto Himself.
Being God’s People
Too many want to be God’s people without paying the price. To be God’s people, certain lines of conduct are required; they cannot be sidestepped. Matthew 22:37-40 summarizes these Ten Commandments well.
How To Meet God
Quick! Clean up. Company is coming! What about God? Are you ready to meet Him? Many people pass away while heaven and earth remain. They meet their Maker every day. So let me make this plain. Are you ready?
God’s Choice of a People
Who is the Creator of the world? God is. He gives every one of us a choice. And He makes choices, too. How did Jesus, our Savior, come into this world? Through the people that God chose to do His work, the Jews. If God chooses you to do something, how should you respond? Let’s see.
Wise Men Accept Counsel
Do you take advice from anyone? What kind of advice do you give? How do you know if it is good advice? How can it be put it into practice? Moses and his father-in-law did well at this. Let’s see what we can learn.
