Redemption Church Lugoff Sermons

In instructing Moses to build a tabernacle, God was expressing his desire to dwell with his people. However, this holy God is a consuming fire! As we continue to look at the tabernacle and the priests commissioned to serve within it, we see how this holy God makes a way to dwell with unholy humans.

God’s intention from the beginning was to dwell with his people. Now, in the wilderness, he instructs Moses and the people to build a tabernacle in which he can actually dwell in their midst. This tabernacle, including its design and its furniture, gives echoes of Eden as well as pointers to a future reality.

God redeems his people, then invites them into covenant relationship. He gives them the law, which serves as the terms of the covenant. Finally, in Exodus 24, we see the Lord confirm, or ratify, the covenant with his people.

To conclude his giving of the law, God promises Israel that he will go before them. But in promising his presence, he demands their allegiance and obedience. If they are to experience victory in the land, they must follow their Leader.

God has ascended on Mt. Sinai, where he invites Israel into covenant relationship. In Exodus chapters 20-23, he establishes the terms of the covenant. This starts with maybe the most well-known portion of the book of Exodus: the Ten Commandments. What do we learn here about the law, grace, and the gospel?

In Exodus 19, we see the movements of grace: redemption, requirement, and reward. The Lord has redeemed his people, now he will begin to give his requirements of obedience, and he promises the reward of redemption. This is how God operates in Exodus, as well as with us today.

When Moses is visited by his father-in-law Jethro, it seems like an unusual side story in the book of Exodus. But we see important elements of life on mission: proclamation and discipleship.

God has been training his people to trust him by providing for their basic, inward needs of hunger and thirst. But now they face an external threat of attack. Not only are they learning that the Lord will provide for their needs, but He will defeat their enemies. These are important lessons for exiles in the wilderness to learn, both Israel and us.

Continuing on their wilderness journey, Israel camps at a place without water. Their thirst leads them to quarrel with Moses. But there is more going on than the surface level need being unmet. There is a deeper thirst and a deeper need that only God can fulfill.

After being delivered through the Red Sea, God’s people rejoice in singing. But only three days later, they have changed their tune. Their wilderness wandering is marked by testing, grumbling, and God’s provision.