From Liberation to Community: Embracing Divine Law
Summary
In today's study of Exodus, we explored the transition from the narrative of liberation to the detailed laws that God provided to the Israelites. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the book, as it moves from the story of deliverance to the establishment of a community governed by divine law. The Israelites, having been freed from slavery in Egypt, now face the challenge of living as a free people in community. This requires a new understanding of justice, responsibility, and social order, as outlined in the laws given to Moses.
The role of Moses as a mediator between God and the people is highlighted, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Christ. Moses' role is crucial as he communicates God's laws to the people, ensuring that they understand how to live in harmony with one another. This mediation is a precursor to the New Testament, where Jesus frequently tells his disciples not to be afraid, echoing Moses' reassurance to the Israelites.
The laws in Exodus cover a wide range of topics, from personal injury and property laws to social responsibility and justice. These laws are not just about maintaining order but are deeply connected to the theme of liberation. They are designed to help the Israelites live as a free people, reflecting God's justice and righteousness in their community life. This is a reminder that true freedom is not just about liberation from oppression but also about living in a way that honors God and respects others.
We also discussed the ongoing tension between theological ideals and the ethics of the community. This is a theme that resonates throughout history, as societies often struggle to align their laws and practices with their highest ideals. The quote from Walter Brueggemann reminds us that the ethics of a community often lag behind its theological passions, a pattern evident in both biblical times and modern history.
As we reflect on these themes, we are reminded of the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection, which offers true freedom and compels us to pursue justice and humility. This freedom is not just a personal experience but a call to action, to shine the light of the gospel in our communities and work towards a society where true freedom is experienced by all.
Key Takeaways:
1. Moses as Mediator: Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites foreshadows Christ's mediation for us. Just as Moses reassured the Israelites not to fear, Jesus often tells his disciples the same, highlighting the continuity of God's message of peace and assurance. [03:04]
2. Living as a Free Community: The laws given to the Israelites are not just rules but a framework for living as a free community. They emphasize justice, responsibility, and social order, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in harmony and righteousness. [05:25]
3. The Ethics of Community: The tension between theological ideals and community ethics is a recurring theme. The ethics of a community often lag behind its theological passions, as seen in both biblical times and modern history. This reminds us of the ongoing need to align our practices with our beliefs. [11:28]
4. Transformation through Christ: Christ's death and resurrection offer true freedom, ending the long night of death under the law. This freedom compels us to pursue justice and humility, shining the light of the gospel in our communities. [13:15]
5. Telling the Story: As followers of Christ, we are called to continually tell the story of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom it brings. This story is a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging us to work towards a society where true freedom is experienced by all. [13:15]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:04] - Moses as Mediator
[05:25] - Living as a Free Community
[08:19] - Case Studies in Law
[11:28] - The Ethics of Community
[13:15] - Transformation through Christ
[15:00] - Telling the Story
[16:30] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 20:1-20 - The Ten Commandments and Moses as Mediator
2. Exodus 21:1-23:19 - Various Laws for the Israelites
3. 1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ as the Mediator
#### Observation Questions
1. What role does Moses play between God and the Israelites, and how does this foreshadow Christ's role? [03:04]
2. What are some of the specific laws mentioned in Exodus 21-23, and what areas of life do they address? [05:25]
3. How does the sermon describe the Israelites' reaction to God's presence at Mount Sinai? [03:04]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the tension between theological ideals and community ethics? [11:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Moses' reassurance to the Israelites, "Do not be afraid," connect to Jesus' similar message to His disciples? [03:04]
2. In what ways do the laws given to the Israelites reflect God's desire for justice and social order within a free community? [05:25]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the ethics of a community often lag behind its theological passions? [11:28]
4. What does the sermon imply about the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection in relation to the law? [13:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt afraid of God's presence or command. How did you find reassurance, and how can Moses' and Jesus' words, "Do not be afraid," guide you today? [03:04]
2. Consider the laws given to the Israelites. How can you apply the principles of justice, responsibility, and social order in your own community or workplace? [05:25]
3. Identify an area in your life where your actions may not align with your theological beliefs. What steps can you take to bring them into alignment? [11:28]
4. How can the freedom offered through Christ's death and resurrection inspire you to pursue justice and humility in your daily life? [13:15]
5. Think of a story from your life that reflects the freedom and hope found in Christ. How can you share this story with others to encourage them? [13:15]
6. In what ways can you actively work towards a society where true freedom is experienced by all, as suggested in the sermon? [13:15]
7. How can you ensure that your community's ethics are catching up with its theological passions, and what role can you play in this process? [11:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Moses as a Foreshadow of Christ's Mediation
Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites is a profound foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate mediation for humanity. In Exodus, Moses stands as the bridge between the divine and the people, communicating God's laws and ensuring the Israelites understand how to live in harmony. This role is not just about delivering rules but about reassuring the people of God's presence and guidance, much like Christ does in the New Testament. Jesus frequently tells His disciples not to be afraid, echoing Moses' reassurance to the Israelites. This continuity of God's message of peace and assurance is a powerful reminder of His unchanging nature and His desire for us to live without fear. [03:04]
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs reassurance today? How can you be a mediator of God's peace and assurance to them, just as Moses and Christ have been for us?
Day 2: Laws as a Framework for Freedom
The laws given to the Israelites in Exodus are not merely a set of rules but a framework for living as a free community. These laws emphasize justice, responsibility, and social order, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in harmony and righteousness. After being liberated from slavery, the Israelites needed guidance on how to live as a free people, and these laws provided that structure. They are deeply connected to the theme of liberation, reminding us that true freedom is not just about being free from oppression but about living in a way that honors God and respects others. [05:25]
"You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 18:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily actions with God's framework for justice and responsibility? How can you contribute to a community that reflects God's righteousness?
Day 3: Aligning Community Ethics with Theological Ideals
The tension between theological ideals and community ethics is a recurring theme throughout history. The ethics of a community often lag behind its theological passions, as seen in both biblical times and modern history. This reminds us of the ongoing need to align our practices with our beliefs. The Israelites faced this challenge as they transitioned from slavery to freedom, and we face it today as we strive to live out our faith in a complex world. Walter Brueggemann's insight into this tension encourages us to continually evaluate and adjust our community practices to better reflect our theological ideals. [11:28]
"Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart." (Zechariah 7:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area where your community's practices could better align with its theological ideals? How can you be a catalyst for change in this area?
Day 4: Transformation through Christ's Freedom
Christ's death and resurrection offer true freedom, ending the long night of death under the law. This freedom compels us to pursue justice and humility, shining the light of the gospel in our communities. It is not just a personal experience but a call to action, urging us to work towards a society where true freedom is experienced by all. The transformative power of Christ's sacrifice is a beacon of hope, reminding us that we are called to live out this freedom in tangible ways that impact those around us. [13:15]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively pursue justice and humility in your daily life as a response to the freedom Christ has given you? What specific actions can you take this week to shine the light of the gospel in your community?
Day 5: Telling the Story of Jesus' Sacrifice
As followers of Christ, we are called to continually tell the story of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom it brings. This story is a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging us to work towards a society where true freedom is experienced by all. Sharing this story is not just about words but about living a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. It is about being a living testimony to the freedom and hope that Christ offers, inspiring others to seek and experience this freedom for themselves. [13:15]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the story of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom it brings? How can you share this story with them in a way that is both authentic and impactful?
Quotes
"And so from this point on in Exodus, this is exactly what happens. Moses goes up on the mountain, talks to God, and then brings some law. And so we're listening. We're listening. But when they come back down, I'm going to preach to them, because Jesus is coming And so when they come back, he says to the people, do not be afraid. But one thing I do want to point out here before moving on is what we essentially see here in Moses is this role of mediator, is one who willingly stands as the go between God and the community. And don't miss this connection because Moses in a real sense, in this role, Moses is kind kind of a foreshadowing of Christ, who is our mediator, who opens a way to the presence of God for us. And so, in thinking about this, isn't it interesting what Moses says to the Israelites? He says, do not be afraid. Do not be afraid." [00:03:36]
"Well, I remind you that throughout this study of Exodus, we keep going back to a couple of key themes. I keep reminding you of that. One is liberation, specifically here, the liberation of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. And that, of course, is a theme that, one, is throughout the Bible and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, liberating us from our sin. But here, the Israelites are freed from captivity in Egypt. And so, now that the Israelites are free, how are they to live as a free people? And more specifically, how are they to live as a free people side by side in community? You know, yeah, you're free now, but how are you going to get along with your neighbors? Is God intense? How are you going to live free? And again, let me point ahead to the New Testament." [00:05:25]
"But getting back to Exodus, you know, the one thing about being free, but how do you live in community? How are you going to live as a community? How are you going to live as a community? Together as free people, specifically here, is the people that is becoming the nation of Israel. I mean, there had to be order and governance. And so, Moses had initially taken on all of that himself. And so, if you'll remember a few episodes back, in chapter 18, I think it was, his father -in -law, Jethro, comes to visit, and he watched Moses sitting in the judge's chair from sunup to sundown. And he says, Moses, why are you doing that?" [00:06:34]
"And also, you're frustrating the people because you have this huge backlog of cases and people are waiting around for decision zone. So, son, go find some good, capable, trustworthy people and train them about God's decrees and instructions and then appoint them to oversee these hearings. Now, listen, son, if you want to, you can still hear the big complicated stuff. But most of these matters I've been watching, they can be settled by other people that you appoint. Of course, I am really paraphrasing here, but that's pretty much the gist of it. And so the text tells us that Moses took Jethro's advice and did exactly that. And so really what we're seeing in these decrees and instructions for living together is that. And we're going to have this pretty much for the rest of Exodus." [00:07:23]
"But if you stop to think of it, there are laws and there are laws that set precedents. And even today, we hear judges making decisions, citing other laws as the reason they are ruling the way they are. Right. Happens all the time. I mean, that's really kind of the way the law system works. And so over the next few episodes, we're going to drill down into some of those categories from the section headings that I gave you a second ago. And look at some of the reasons those laws might have been included, and also some of the problematic things that are associated with them. Because I'm going to be honest with you. Some of the things we read about here are a little cringeworthy. And one of those categories, we're actually going to be beginning on Thursday, and that has to do with slavery. I mean, you know, they were slaves. How could they have slaves? But they did. And there were laws about it. So I want you to be thinking about a quote that I'm going to give you in a second." [00:09:33]
"But anyway, this is the quote I want you to think about it. And it comes from, guess who, Walter Brueggemann, who you've heard me quote many, many times during this study so far. But he said this. The ethics of the community is always playing catch -up with the theological passions that identify it. The ethics of the community. The ethics of the community is always playing catch -up with the theological passions that identify it." [00:10:38]
"And I mean, we can see that in our own country, right? The Declaration of Independence. You know the first words. We hold these truths to be self -evident. That all men are created equal. That they are endowed with their creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Which is a wonderful theological passion to have, right?" [00:11:05]
"But did you know that 41 of those 56 original signers, they owned slaves. And quote, unquote, all men are created equal. That just wasn't very inclusive in the use of pronouns." [00:11:40]
"And although we've come a long way, we are still working on the created equal part of that declarations. The ethics of community is always playing catch -up with the theological passions. That identify it. I mean, I love to hold the ideology that the way to change our society for the good is by changing human hearts. And I believe that's true. But the reality is that changing the law is most often the first step to that change. Changed hearts may take a few years, at least for some people. The law gets changed and the hearts come later." [00:11:41]
"And if you are a student of history, you will see this pattern throughout. You also will see. You will see a pattern of those, unfortunately, in positions of power who will fight these laws. And when the laws are finally passed, they will continue to use their privilege and their position and their power to impede that societal change. But thank God in our country there have been those along the way who were steadfast and courageous in the pursuit of freedom and justice." [00:12:25]
"Friends, when Jesus of Nazareth died and rose again, 2 ,000 years ago, he ended the long night of death under the law of Moses. Jesus' death sets free any who dared and dreamed and are willing to trust in him. And it's this very freedom that propels us to do justice and walk humbly. And so at the 48th anniversary of Brown versus Board of Education, John Lewis was speaking at the first United Methodist Church in Topeka, Kansas, in Topeka, Kansas, which was where the decision was handed. And he said this, We live in a different country, a better country, because of what happened here in 1954. And we must never forget it. We must tell the story again, over and over and over." [00:13:24]
"Friends, as followers of Christ, we must never forget how Jesus gave his life so that we can have new hearts and live in a freedom that God intended for us. And we must tell this story again, over and over. And we must let the light of the gospel shine light in the dark places of our communities where our ethics are still playing catch -up to this theological passion so true freedom can be known and experienced by all." [00:14:11]
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