PASTOR’S NOTES
You speak to us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
All up to this point in the story the people of God had an up and down relationship with Moses. Moses was their leader, but they were not too happy about it most of time. The former slaves would complain about how Moses was leading and what Moses had to say anytime Moses tried to encourage or help them. Moses was never good enough of these people. However, after God spoke the 10 commandments from Mount Sinai, the people begged for Moses to be the only one to lead them.
Why such a change?
The people were frightened by God’s mighty power covered in flames and smoke, but also by the total demand of God’s law that they heard. The Israelites were in the presence of their Creator, Savior, and Judge! They were guilty sinners standing before the perfect God and they could feel the heaviness of His sermon!
The reason the people begged for Moses is because they were not ready for God.
Today we see much of the same in humanity. It’s easy to listen to sermons and criticize the message, or even debate the thoughts of a pastor, but there is none of that when God is the one preaching. There will be a day when we all stand before our perfect Creator and there will not be any room to argue His word or commands.
Are you prepared for such a day?
The people were scared and ill-prepared for the weight of the message and the scene they witnessed. They were probably doubtful they could live up to such commands even if they wanted. Standing before a mountain on fire and under the sermon of perfection, how else could they respond other than fear?
Instead of doom, Moses calls the people to faith. Faith, not in their ability of obeying perfection, but that the sermon of perfection was for their good. Mosses called the people to see that God’s sermon was not one to fear, but to take comfort in. God gave the law to the people to protect and save them from the grip of sin.
The pain and destruction that sin causes is beyond a serious matter and the armor to protect from it must be just as serious. God’s law is a perfect picture of His love and grace towards His children. Like a loving earthly father who wants good for his children, God wants the same. So both guide and direct their children towards a life filled with blessings, not pain. This is what God’s message is in Exodus 20. The 10 commandments are a loving message of protection.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” so that we would be forever protected. Jesus came to this world to save and to fulfil the Law, but also to protect God’s children.
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s sermon is one of love and protection. Through the death of His son Jesus to the Heavens that await us, God’s message is one of a Father’s love.
SCRIPTURE TO GO ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE
Read Romans 8:1-10 that goes along with the message.
HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR BIBLES
Highlight verses 18-21 in Exodus 20 as this will be the focus of the message.