Sunday, February 25 – Exodus 19, 20 – Additional reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 27, “The Law Given to Israel”

1. How long did it take the Israelites from their departure from Egypt to reach the foot of Mount Sinai? Exodus 19:1

2. What figurative language does God use to illustrate how He brought His people out of Egypt? Exodus 19:4

3. In what manner would God’s presence be manifested so that the people could hear Him while speaking to Moses? Exodus 19:9

4. While the mountain appeared like a smoking furnace, what sound was heard? Exodus 19:19

5. Why was Israel supposed to keep the Ten Commandments? Exodus 20:1, 2

6. How many and which commandments reveal our love for God? Exodus 20:3-11

7. How many and which commandments reveal our love for neighbor? Exodus 20:12-17

Just as Israel celebrated the first Passover and set out on their exodus toward Mount Sinai, it would exactly track with the Passover when, centuries later, the Lamb of God was sacrificed at Calvary. Forty days after Passover, Jesus ascended to sit by the Father, so that on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon the disciples. Similarly, “side by side,” the Father and Son were together on Mount Sinai proclaiming the Ten Commandments. Is it a coincidence? Certainly not, God’s plans are done with admirable precision.

 
“When they [Israel] came to Sinai, He took occasion to refresh their minds in regard to His requirements. Christ and the Father, standing side by side upon the mount, with solemn majesty proclaimed the Ten Commandments.” Historical Sketches, p. 231. (1866), Evangelism 558

 
God gave the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel not because they were the only ones to keep them. It is true that in the introduction, God addressed them, whom He had brought out of slavery, but that does not mean they are the only recipients of God’s Holy Law. Like them, non-Jews have been brought out of the slavery of sin to serve God. It is not a law imposed as a burden but as an expression of love, both towards God and our fellow men. Each commandment relates every human being, Jew or not, to their Creator as well as to others. That Law is the faithful reflection of the character of our Maker. Although we are not saved by obeying it, once saved, it is our pleasure to live in obedience to its precepts.

 
May God grant you a blessed day in obedience to His commandments.