Arise and Abide

Reading Exodus 32:15-29 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Arron’s account of the events displays human nature. Sometime leaders fail or let you down. Though this was a major failing of leadership, God still uses Aaron. Even when there is plenty of blame to go around, God hold each heart accountable. Peer pressure, appealing to the masses, going along with the crowd when you know its goes against what God says. Jesus does not bring the sword, but says, “Go, and sin no more.” Leaders are human who need to surrender to the Holy Spirit of God.

Reading Exodus 32:1-14 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Following the story, we jump ahead to chapter 32.  The people, feeling abandoned and questioning what happened to Moses look to make idols of gold to call their gods. God told the people to remember and repeated the commands to which all to people agreed, and then quickly forget and return to what they know. Reminiscent of the Garden and God’s call to trust Him. We all can step away from the stubborn and rebellious by surrendering to the power of the Holy Spirit

Reading Exodus 24:1-18 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The LORD calling Moses alone to appear before Him. Remembering Moses’ humility to know he couldn’t do it on his own. Blood of bulls from a peace offering covering the altar and the people.  The blood confirming the covenant between God and His people, Jesus saying the same words in Matthew 26:28 at the Last Supper. The Covenant Meal eaten in the Exodus on Mount Sinai and in the upper room with Jesus and His disciples during Passover. God’s heart is not to destroy us but to eat and celebrate together in His Presence.

Reading Exodus 23:20-32 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The angel was unidentified but sent by God to protect them and lead them safely. The “I will” statements are promises from God. God’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants, even when they didn’t identify God as their own. God’s proposal to be their God. The fear of the LORD and the terror sent ahead of Israel. The trap of idolatry. God is our hope for our future and all provision. The opposite of trapped is free, Jesus sets us free.

Reading Psalms 47:1-9 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Loving the joy and energy of a house of praise. Psalms 22:3, enthroned on the praise or God’s people. Celebrate the almighty God who wants to be with us. Praising God outside of a Sunday service. Isaiah 5:12, the trees of the field clapping in praise of God. Jesus’ triumphant entry, the rocks crying out. He lets us live in peace and gives us peace during threats. We know God fights our battles for us.

Reading Exodus 23:1-8 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Ideas repeating in the law. God’s call for us to remember. We are forgetful so God set up reminders for us. God uses our negative experiences to give us perspective to help and show compassion to others going through the same experience. The importance of time spent to be refreshed, remembering God as we rest. Celebrate the LORD and remember all God has done!

Reading Exodus 23:1-8 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not giving false testimony expounded. We have the choice to speak lies or speak truth. We have a responsibility to do the right thing when it is plain to see how we can help. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, even in Exodus we are told to help when we see our enemy needing assistance. The social responsibility to not make our neighbors live in fear. Not Denying justice or showing favoritism to the rich or the poor.    

Reading Exodus 22:16-31 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Laws addressing the exploitation and oppression of others. God reminding the people that “God Hears”. James 1:27, and Galatians 5:22. God wants His people to bare the fruit to His Holy Spirit. The call to self-control, compassion, kindness and gentleness. Another piece to the call is humility (v28). God has been faithful, it’s important to remember.

Reading Exodus 22:1-15 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not coveting and not stealing go hand in hand. More is owed when there has been a loss. Coveting what is not yours takes your eyes off the real blessings in your life. Looking at the law as “don’t do it or else” vs. through a lens of love and compassion. Exodus 22:1 and Luke 19, Zacchaeus giving way his wealth and repaying anyone he cheated four times. Needing God’s Holy Spirit to produce good fruit in our responses.

Reading Exodus 21:12-35 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The 6th commandment was ‘do not murder’ so the people will want to know what to do when there is a murder. Addresses the human tendency to question if the law applies to our “unique” situation or circumstance. Spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law. The escalating cycle of violence, eye for an eye meant as a boundary not a goal. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you, turn the other cheek, to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.IT is not anything we can do on our own. It’s God’s perfect love.