May 3, 2018: Day 19 – Exodus 19

We find ourselves in the precursor to Moses receiving the 10 Commandments.  One of my favorite times of the week is Friday when I lead the preschool in chapel.  During the year they are able to learn the 10 commandments and hopefully they will have that in front of them for their entire lives.  

But let’s not forget the context in which Moses receives these commandments.  It is really a test for the people of Israel that they will be willing to promise God that they will always follow him.  This chapter sets up the people of Israel as the people of God in perpetuity.  God tells them: “If you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be…for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.” (vs.5-6)  The people then respond (vs.8):  “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.”  So at least it starts off well.  God promises that they will be his people in perpetuity, and the people promise that they will do everything that God commands.

Moses goes up and down the mountain with no problem in this chapter and tells the people all the messages that God gives to them.  The people see the Lord, see his presence on the holy mountain, and at this stage it doesn’t seem like we have a problem. 

I want to warn you that over  these next few chapters we will be reading quite  a few of the laws of Israel, so just hang in there.  We will be getting to the golden calf soon enough.