The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Exodus 19-21
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Background Information: Exodus 19-21
Moses is the priest, going up the mountain to the presence of God, and back down to represent God to the people. God’s desire is that the entire nation would serve as priests to the world. He called his people apart to himself in order to make himself known to the world. Israel was a nation, and as such they needed laws. The commandments given by God are a revelation of who he is and what it means for his people to know, love and represent him in the world. His jealousy is not wrong, it is appropriate. He is jealous that we would love and serve him above all else because he has made us, and only in faithful relationship with him will we be able to thrive. The laws regarding slavery may seem barbaric, but they set limits that did not exist at the time. In fact, the taking of slaves (kidnapping) was punishable by death. God is going to reveal himself over the centuries until his final and full revelation in Christ. Now the Church is the people of God, and we are to take the knowledge of the true God to the world. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 1:9.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for the guests who have been visiting River in the recent weeks. Ask God to give us eyes to see those who are new and to connect with them and make them feel welcomed.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.