THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 19-21
“You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:6)
The bible is made up of two parts, the Old and New Testaments.
Jesus is the bible’s turning point; He initiates a new arrangement.
God used Moses and Israel (Old Testament) for a time and purpose.
They were one stage in God’s unfolding plan for creation/kingdom restoration.
When reading the Old Testament (like today’s reading), we have to recall how things have changed.
Moses Covenant includes the well-known 10 Commandments, the Law of Love (ch.20).
But we also see time and culture bound practices that seem harsh or wrong to us.
For a time, God accommodated cultural practices (slavery, sacrifice, polygamy, death penalty, ch.21).
But His goal was always to overcome the world and its practices completely through Jesus.
Jesus changes everything, and we are no longer under the Law of Moses.
The Law of Love remains, but the laws of Israel no longer bind us.
The calling as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nations” remains for Jesus followers (1 Peter 2:9-10).
But the specific civic and ceremonial laws of Moses no longer apply to us.
We represent the good news of Jesus, the grace of God, the way of love.
As priest, we do not make sacrifices for sin but declare Jesus’ sacrifice for sin!
As citizens of the kingdom, we do not impose rules but demonstrate Jesus’ servant leadership.
We represent a new Moses, and a new covenant, and we do all that we can to share our Jesus hope.
“To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law… I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
Don’t get stuck in the Old Testament, and don’t get bogged down in its details.
Its purpose is to point us to Jesus, who enables us to become God’s ambassadors of grace, mercy and love!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am not Jewish, and I am not under Moses Law. But like them I am uniquely called to represent God in my time and place, as Your follower. May I represent You well, as I follow Your way, Your code!
“Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Walk with the Saviour. He will lead you and guide you. He is my Guide and as such, He will keep me walking in the right way. He knows what is good for me and He showed the people of Israel. Do this and live. That’s what the Master said. He is the One Who will get me through life’s journey and Him I trust to get me where I need to go. This healthy fear keeps me on the path when trials come or when sin tries to lead me off the path. He has shown the way to Life and I need to just live it by His power and grace.
Verse 1
I am weak and I need Thy strength and power,
To help me over my weakest hour.
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Chorus
Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Verse 2
Help me tread in the paths of righteousness.
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee:
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.
Verse 3
I am lost if you take your hand from me,
I am blind without Thy light to see.
Lord just always let me thy servant be,
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.