DAY 162 - BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE LAW
’LORD,’ HE SAID, ‘IF I HAVE FOUND FAVOUR IN YOUR EYES, THEN LET THE LORD GO WITH US. ALTHOUGH THIS IS A STIFF-NECKED PEOPLE, FORGIVE OUR WICK- EDNESS AND OUR SIN, AND TAKE US AS YOUR INHERITANCE.
Exodus 34: 9
Reading: Exodus 29: 29, 33; Hebrew 3: 1-6; Hebrews 12: 22-24
Yesterday, we spent time at the sapphire pavement, dining with the seventy elders, in the presence of Yahweh. It was at this point, right after the elders had dined with God, that Moses disappeared into the fiery clouds on the mountain and remained up there for 40 days and 40 nights.
During this time, the people began to fret. They asked Aaron to make them an image of a god that would lead them to the land of their inheritance, and they started to worship that god, in drunken revelry. It may seem incredible to us that Aaron, who had literally just seen God with his own eyes, could have participated in this - but he was probably in fear of his life!
God was so angry that He threatened to destroy the people and start afresh with Moses. If it hadn't been for Moses' intercession, where he reminded God of His promises, this would indeed have happened.
After a dramatic display of anger, that ended with Moses and the Levites killing 3000 people that day, and a plague, Moses received another sign of God’s favour. God revealed himself to Moses in an awesome way and renewed His covenant with Israel.
Like Jesus, Moses is a picture of the mediator that intercedes for the people of God. God was going to destroy the Israelites for their stubborn sin but Moses, who knew both God's Word and His character and promises, was able to intercede.
Prayer
The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet You do not leave the guilty unpunished. Thank You, God, that You never change and You are steadfast and trustworthy. I choose to obey Your word.
For the family
Every time God gave the laws in the Pentateuch, there is a story of how the Israelites failed to adhere to the law. Point out that as much as we want to keep the law, our sin nature wants us to disobey. But we can rely on God’s Spirit when our focus is on loving God.
Sunday School Games: Balloon Bop
Use this game to talk about keeping God’s commandments. You’ll need a Bible, a beach towel, and 10 inflated balloons.
Say: Pretend each of these balloons represents one of the Ten Commandments. Let’s play a game to try to keep all 10 balloons in the air at once.
Have kids each hold the edge of one end of the towel and stand apart so the towel is taut. Then have the kids shake the towel. Encourage them to continue to shake it as you add each balloon—each time naming one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Continue for 30 seconds after you’ve added all the balloons, and replace any balloons that fall.