God's Holiness, Atonement, and Our Need for Mediation
Summary
In our journey through the Bible, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the story of God's people. Having been freed from slavery in Egypt, they now stand at the foot of Mount Sinai, where God reveals His commandments and His desire to dwell among them. This narrative, spanning from Exodus 19 to Leviticus 9, is a profound exploration of God's holiness, the need for a mediator, and the concept of atonement.
Moses ascends Mount Sinai seven times, each ascent revealing more about God's character and His expectations for His people. The first ascent emphasizes God's deliverance, as He reminds Moses that He bore the Israelites on eagle's wings. The subsequent ascents reveal the awe-inspiring presence of God, as He descends in a thick cloud, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and a trumpet blast, causing the people to tremble in fear. This fear underscores their realization of the need for a mediator, someone to stand between them and the holy God.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Moses, during his prolonged absence on the mountain, receives detailed instructions for the tabernacle—a place where God's presence would dwell among His people. However, the Israelites, growing impatient, fall into idolatry, crafting a golden calf to worship. This act of disobedience highlights the human tendency to seek immediate gratification and the danger of turning away from God when His timing does not align with our desires.
Moses' intercession for the people and his willingness to offer himself as an atonement for their sin is a powerful moment, yet God cannot accept his offer because Moses, like all humans, is imperfect. This points to the necessity of a perfect atonement, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The story culminates in the construction of the tabernacle and the offering of sacrifices, which bring God's presence back to His people, illustrating that atonement is essential for reconciliation with God.
Key Takeaways:
- The Necessity of a Mediator: The Israelites' fear of God's presence at Mount Sinai reveals the need for a mediator. This points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate mediator, who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. [11:01]
- The Danger of Impatience: The Israelites' impatience led them to idolatry, demonstrating the danger of seeking quick solutions rather than waiting on God's timing. This serves as a reminder to trust in God's perfect timing and plan. [20:06]
- The Insufficiency of Human Effort: Despite their repentance and meticulous obedience, the Israelites could not bring God's presence back on their own. This highlights the insufficiency of human effort and the necessity of divine intervention through atonement. [38:10]
- The Centrality of Atonement: Atonement is the key to reconciliation with God. The sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose atonement brings the presence and blessing of God into our lives. [39:24]
- The Value of God's Presence: The Israelites recognized that prosperity and safety without God's presence were meaningless. This challenges us to prioritize God's presence in our lives above all earthly blessings. [31:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to the Journey
- [00:54] - The Exodus and Arrival at Sinai
- [01:25] - Moses' Ascents and Descents
- [02:34] - God's Deliverance and Call to Obedience
- [04:03] - The Audible Voice of God
- [05:44] - The People's Encounter with God
- [08:08] - Moses' Third Ascent
- [11:28] - The Need for a Mediator
- [13:29] - The Fifth Ascent and Tabernacle Instructions
- [19:03] - The Golden Calf and Idolatry
- [23:09] - Moses' Intercession and Atonement
- [28:40] - God's Offer Without His Presence
- [32:24] - Moses' Intercession and Seventh Ascent
- [38:32] - The Role of Atonement
- [41:04] - Conclusion and Call to Faith in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Exodus 19:2-9
- Exodus 32:1-14
- Leviticus 9:1-24
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Observation Questions:
1. How many times did Moses ascend Mount Sinai, and what was the significance of these ascents? [01:25]
2. What was the Israelites' reaction to God's presence on Mount Sinai, and what did this reveal about their understanding of God's holiness? [10:13]
3. What led the Israelites to create the golden calf, and how did this act reflect their impatience? [19:03]
4. What was the outcome when Moses offered himself as an atonement for the people's sin? [27:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is the concept of a mediator important in the relationship between God and His people, and how does this point to Jesus Christ? [11:01]
2. In what ways does the story of the golden calf illustrate the dangers of impatience and seeking immediate gratification? [20:06]
3. How does the narrative of the tabernacle and the sacrifices highlight the insufficiency of human effort in restoring God's presence? [38:10]
4. What does the Israelites' response to God's offer of prosperity without His presence teach us about the value of God's presence in our lives? [31:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need for a mediator in your spiritual life. How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate mediator change your perspective? [11:01]
2. Consider a situation where impatience led you away from trusting God's timing. What steps can you take to cultivate patience and trust in God's plan? [20:06]
3. In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts to bring about change or reconciliation? How can you shift your focus to seeking divine intervention? [38:10]
4. How do you prioritize God's presence in your daily life? What practical changes can you make to ensure His presence is central to your decisions and actions? [31:50]
5. Think about a recent decision where you prioritized earthly blessings over spiritual growth. How can you realign your priorities to seek God's presence first? [31:50]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of intercession, as demonstrated by Moses, into your prayer life for others in your community? [32:24]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to seek atonement or reconciliation. What steps will you take this week to address it through prayer and action? [39:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Role of a Mediator
The Israelites' encounter with God at Mount Sinai was a moment of awe and fear. As God descended in a thick cloud with thunder, lightning, and a trumpet blast, the people trembled, realizing their need for a mediator. Moses served as this mediator, ascending the mountain to communicate with God on their behalf. This need for a mediator points to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Jesus' role as our mediator is central to our faith, as He intercedes for us and provides a way to approach God with confidence. [11:01]
"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: In what ways do you rely on Jesus as your mediator in your daily life? How can you deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Timing
The impatience of the Israelites led them to create a golden calf, seeking immediate gratification rather than waiting on God's timing. This act of idolatry serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impatience and the human tendency to turn away from God when His timing does not align with our desires. Trusting in God's perfect timing requires faith and patience, recognizing that His plans are greater than our own. As we wait on God, we are called to remain faithful and obedient, trusting that He is working all things for our good. [20:06]
"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:25, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to wait on God's timing? How can you practice patience and trust in His plan today?
Day 3: The Limitations of Human Effort
Despite their repentance and meticulous obedience, the Israelites could not bring God's presence back on their own. This highlights the insufficiency of human effort and the necessity of divine intervention through atonement. The construction of the tabernacle and the offering of sacrifices were essential for reconciliation with God, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our efforts alone are not enough to earn God's favor; we must rely on His grace and the atonement provided through Christ. [38:10]
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to trust in His atonement?
Day 4: The Centrality of Atonement
Atonement is the key to reconciliation with God, as demonstrated by the sacrifices in the Old Testament that point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through His atonement, we are brought into a right relationship with God, experiencing His presence and blessing in our lives. The story of the Israelites reminds us of the importance of atonement and the need for a perfect sacrifice to cover our sins. Jesus' atonement is central to our faith, offering us forgiveness and a restored relationship with God. [39:24]
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: How does the atonement of Jesus Christ impact your relationship with God? In what ways can you live out this truth in your daily life?
Day 5: The Value of God's Presence
The Israelites recognized that prosperity and safety without God's presence were meaningless. This challenges us to prioritize God's presence in our lives above all earthly blessings. The construction of the tabernacle and the offering of sacrifices were means to bring God's presence back to His people, illustrating the importance of dwelling with Him. As believers, we are called to seek God's presence and prioritize our relationship with Him, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from being in His presence. [31:50]
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize God's presence in your life today? What changes can you make to ensure that your relationship with Him remains central?
Quotes
"Now we looked last week at the ten commandments and I want you to get a sense today of what it was like for God's people when he spoke these words of the ten commandments. When you see the weight and the wonder and the glory and the awe of who God is, then you will know that you need a mediator, and you will be in a place where you will come gladly to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." [00:17:49]
"Now some people may not have picked this up but when God for the first time gave the ten commandments he spoke them in an audible voice that was heard not only by Moses but by the two million people who were encamped at the bottom of Mount Sinai. That's what he says here I am coming to you in a thick cloud that the people may hear when I speak with you and that they may also believe you forever." [00:04:45]
"Now you see just the smallest taste of what it would be to be in the presence of God has immediately made them think we need a mediator. We need someone to stand between us and God. Moses, you're the guy. Have God speak to you, you come and speak to us but please don't have God speak to us directly if we get too close to him, we're gonna die. We can't live in the presence of a holy God like this." [00:10:44]
"Be very careful when what you most want from God is delayed. It will be a time when you're tempted. That's what happened here. The people of God had been camped out for weeks they wanted to get to the promised land. Why does God keep us waiting? And when God kept them waiting there came a point where they gave up on God. I'm not waiting on God any longer." [00:20:00]
"Now think about this, it was only a matter of weeks since these people had heard the audible voice of God thundering from heaven in Exodus in chapter 20 giving the ten commandments and within a matter of weeks, they're breaking the very first commandments that he gave to them. You shall have no other gods before me, you shall not make a graven image." [00:21:51]
"Now what follows next is a long section in which God tells Moses what he must say to the people. Verse 22 is where it begins and the Lord said to Moses thus you shall say to the people of Israel you have seen for yourselves and I have talked with you from heaven and then God repeats and amplifies the commandments laying out the life to which he is calling his own people." [00:11:51]
"Now we're right at the heart of what the Bible story is all about here. This is the central question: how can this awesome holy God come down and actually live with people like us? It really is the central question of the Bible because you remember that God came down and walked with Adam and Eve in the garden until they made that wretched choice and got the knowledge of evil and then they were evicted from the garden." [00:25:09]
"Now Moses has discovered in his last trip up the mountain that he can't make atonement but he sure can pray and so Moses gives himself now to a ministry of intercession for the people of God beginning in chapter 33 and verse 12. Look at verse 15 of chapter 33 if your presence will not go with me do not bring us up from here this is Moses pleading and interceding with God." [00:32:24]
"Sin separates us from God and puts us in a position where we could not survive in his presence not even for one minute. That's chapter 33 and verse five if for a single moment I should go up among you I would consume you. What then will it take to put this right? One being sorry won't do it, you could spend the rest of your life in tears over a sin that you regret and that would not in itself bring back the presence of God." [00:41:04]
"Now follow the story, life will go on for these people but without an atonement they must continue their journey without the presence of God. Look at chapter 33 now where chapter 33 and verse 2. God is still willing to give them the promised land, you know God bless God gives fabulous blessings in this life to people who are utterly alienated from him, he'll still give them the promised land." [00:28:40]
"Now again on the seventh trip to the top of the mountain Moses is away for a long time again chapter 34 and verse 28 tells us that he was gone another 40 days 40 nights another six weeks there God revealed his glory and gave the law yet again and this time the people at the bottom of the mountain waited patiently." [00:32:24]
"God was back and what brought him back not them being sorry not Moses not their meticulous obedience the sacrifice brought it back and when the people saw it they shouted verse 24 and they fell on their faces." [00:39:24]
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