Scripture References: Exodus (various); Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 10:19-23; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; James 5:16

Intro: Good morning. Guest speaker Matt Flummer continues our Advent preparation series by exploring Exodus through the theme of Emmanuel – God with us (Matt 1:23). Exodus reveals God's persistent desire to dwell with His people, meeting them in suffering, dealing with their sin, and providing ultimate salvation and presence through Christ.

Key Points:

1. God With Us in Suffering (Exodus 1-18):
   • Israel suffers under Egyptian slavery. Suffering presents a choice: harden our hearts or cry out to God. Israel cried out.
   • God hears, sees, and comes down to deliver (Ex 3:7-8). He confronts evil and redeems the oppressed, calling Moses as His agent. He is present and active in suffering.
2. God With Us in Sin (Exodus 19-40):
   • After deliverance, Israel's internal sin becomes the main obstacle (grumbling, Golden Calf). The problem shifts from external oppression to internal rebellion.
   • God desires to dwell with His people (Sinai covenant, like a marriage). He provides the Law and Tabernacle not primarily as burdens, but as gracious means for His holy presence to be with sinful people (U-shaped, not N-shaped theology). The Tabernacle pointed back to Eden's communion.
   • Yet, sin still hinders access (Exodus ends with Moses unable to enter). A better solution is needed.
3. God With Us in Salvation (Jesus, the True Tabernacle):
   • Exodus points forward. The Tabernacle/priesthood foreshadowed Jesus.
   • Jesus IS Emmanuel: The Word "became flesh and tabernacled among us" (John 1:14). He is God's presence embodied, the true meeting place.
   • Jesus is the Better Mediator: He perfectly represents God to us and us to God, securing eternal redemption through His blood (Heb 9:11-14).
   • Jesus Provides the Solution to Inner Sin: Through the New Covenant, God deals with the heart problem, enabling true communion (Heb 8:8-12).

Conclusion: The story of Exodus is the story of God relentlessly pursuing His desire to be with His people. He meets us in suffering, makes gracious provision despite our sin (foreshadowed in the Tabernacle), and ultimately achieves perfect, lasting presence through Jesus Christ – the true Emmanuel, our true Tabernacle.

Call to Action: Recognize God is WITH you today:

• In Suffering: Cry out to Him honestly.
• In Sin: Confess freely, knowing Christ made the way for forgiveness and presence (1 John 1:9).
• In Salvation: Draw near with confidence through Jesus (Heb 10:19-22). Embrace His presence.

radiantvisalia.com
Immanuel, The Book of Exodus
with Matt Flummer

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