God's Revelation: From Creation to Covenant

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the grand narrative of the Old Testament, emphasizing the consistent theme of God's revelation through His word. This journey began with the creation narrative in Genesis, where God's spoken word brought the universe into existence. This theme of divine speech continues as God communicates directly with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, revealing His presence and establishing a relationship with humanity.

As we moved through the Pentateuch, I highlighted how God's method of revelation evolved from direct speech to promises, as seen with Abraham, and later to the written Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This transition from spoken promises to written commandments illustrates God's desire to guide and sustain a deeper, communal relationship with His people, Israel.

The giving of the Law was not about imposing restrictions but about freeing the Israelites from the bondage of ignorance and idolatry they had known in Egypt. The Law was given to teach them how to live in right relationship with God and each other, which was a radical departure from the oppressive environment from which they had been delivered.

In discussing the narrative of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, I emphasized that the Law was given not as a burden but as a guide for living in freedom. God's commands were designed to foster a community that reflects His character—just, compassionate, and holy. This was further demonstrated in the way God dealt with the Israelites throughout their journey in the wilderness, continually guiding and providing for them despite their frequent failures to trust and obey Him.

The culmination of the Pentateuch narrative with Moses viewing the Promised Land from Mount Nebo served as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience but also of God's persistent faithfulness. Moses' life and leadership underscored the central message of the Old Testament: trust and obey God, not out of fear of punishment, but out of faith in His steadfast love and goodness.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of God’s Spoken Word: From creation to the covenants with the patriarchs, God's spoken word initiates life and covenant. His words are not merely informative but performative; they establish reality. This teaches us about the authority of divine speech and its implications for how we receive and respond to God's word today. [05:33]

2. The Role of Promises in God’s Plan: God’s promises to Abraham and the patriarchs set a pattern of faithfulness that we can trust. These promises are not just historical footnotes but are foundational to understanding God's commitment to His people. They remind us that God's word is reliable and that His plans span generations. [06:51]

3. The Law as Liberation: The Law was given not as a burden but as a means of liberation from the idolatry and immorality learned in Egypt. It provided a structure for living freely and justly in a community, reflecting God's holy nature. This perspective helps us appreciate the commandments as gifts that guide us to a flourishing life. [11:29]

4. The Consequences of Unbelief: The story of Moses not entering the Promised Land is a sobering reminder of the serious consequences of disobedience. It teaches us that while God is incredibly patient and merciful, He also calls us to take His word seriously and to live by it faithfully. [34:07]

5. God’s Presence and Promise: The continual emphasis on God dwelling among His people, from the tabernacle to the promised presence in the Promised Land, underscores His desire for a relationship with us. It reminds us that God is not distant but has committed Himself to walk with us, guiding and sustaining us through His word. [21:47]

Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [02:12] - Overview of the Old Testament
- [05:33] - The Power of God's Spoken Word
- [06:51] - God's Promises to Abraham
- [11:29] - The Giving of the Law at Sinai
- [16:10] - The Tent of Meeting and God's Presence
- [21:47] - Building the Tabernacle
- [29:33] - Joy and Celebration in Worship
- [34:07] - Moses' Final Days and Legacy
- [38:29] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:1-3 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
2. Exodus 20:1-3 - "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.'"
3. Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - "Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to him, 'This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the method of God's revelation in the creation narrative according to Genesis 1:1-3?
2. In Exodus 20:1-3, what does God remind the Israelites of before giving the Ten Commandments?
3. What significant event occurs in Deuteronomy 34:1-4, and what does it signify about Moses' journey and leadership?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the transition from God's spoken word in Genesis to the written Law in Exodus reflect His evolving relationship with humanity? ([05:33])
2. What is the significance of the Law being described as a means of liberation rather than a burden? How does this change our understanding of God's commandments? ([11:29])
3. How does Moses' inability to enter the Promised Land serve as a lesson about the consequences of disobedience and the nature of God's faithfulness? ([34:07])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence through His word. How did it impact your faith and actions? ([05:33])
2. God's promises to Abraham and the patriarchs were foundational to understanding His commitment. How can you trust and rely on God's promises in your current life situation? ([06:51])
3. The Law was given to guide the Israelites to live justly and freely. How can you view God's commandments as a guide to a flourishing life rather than a set of restrictions? ([11:29])
4. Moses' story reminds us of the serious consequences of disobedience. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust and obey God? How can you address these struggles? ([34:07])
5. The sermon emphasized God's desire for a relationship with us. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God in your daily life? ([21:47])
6. Consider the ways in which you might be living in ignorance or idolatry. What steps can you take to align your life more closely with God's word and character? ([11:29])
7. Reflect on the idea that God's commands are designed to foster a community that reflects His character. How can you contribute to building such a community in your church or neighborhood? ([11:29])

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Word
God's spoken word is not just a means of communication but a creative force that establishes reality. From the very act of creation, where the universe came into existence through God's declarations, to the covenants made with the patriarchs, His word has initiated life and relationship. This divine speech is performative, meaning it accomplishes what it declares, which is a profound truth that underscores the authority and the power vested in God's verbal revelations. This understanding invites believers to listen and respond to God's word with the reverence and obedience it deserves, recognizing its capacity to transform lives and realities. [05:33]

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3 ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing the performative nature of God's word change your approach to reading and applying Scripture in your daily life?

Day 2: The Enduring Faithfulness of God's Promises
God's promises are foundational, not just historical anecdotes but pillars that demonstrate His unchanging faithfulness across generations. The promises made to Abraham and the patriarchs reveal a pattern of divine reliability and intentionality. These commitments are a testament to God's steadfast nature, offering believers a firm ground of trust and expectation. Understanding these promises helps in appreciating the continuity and depth of God's plan, encouraging a faith that rests not on the visible but on the certainty of God's word. [06:51]

"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a promise from Scripture that you have seen fulfilled in your life or in the lives of others. How does this bolster your trust in God's future promises?

Day 3: Liberation Through Divine Law
The Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai was intended not as a burden but as a means of liberation, designed to free the Israelites from the idolatry and immorality of Egypt. This divine instruction provided a framework for living freely and justly within a community, reflecting God's holy nature. By adhering to these commandments, believers are guided towards a flourishing life, marked by justice, compassion, and holiness. The Law's role is to educate and transform, aligning the lives of God's people with His will and character. [11:29]

"But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'" (Jeremiah 7:23 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you view God's commandments as liberating rather than restrictive? How can this perspective change your daily walk with Him?

Day 4: The Seriousness of Disobedience and Unbelief
The narrative of Moses not entering the Promised Land serves as a poignant reminder of the serious consequences of disobedience and unbelief. This story highlights that while God is incredibly patient and merciful, He also expects His people to take His word seriously and to live by it faithfully. The consequences faced by Moses underscore the importance of obedience and the dangers of taking God's patience for granted. This teaches believers to approach God with a heart of obedience, valuing His commands and His leadership. [34:07]

"Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them." (Numbers 20:12 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God? How can you begin to address this disobedience and align your actions with God's expectations?

Day 5: God's Desire for Intimate Relationship
The continual emphasis on God dwelling among His people, from the tabernacle to the promised presence in the Promised Land, underscores His desire for an intimate and ongoing relationship with us. This presence is not distant but is a committed companionship that walks with believers, guiding and sustaining through His word. This divine closeness offers comfort and assurance, reminding believers that they are never alone but are continually supported and loved by their Creator. [21:47]

"And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people." (Leviticus 26:12 ESV)

Reflection: How does the knowledge of God's continual presence in your life affect your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I'm online a lot, on Facebook a lot, and I participate in a huge number of discussions and dialogues going on. It's very, very fascinating to me that the trend that started really several centuries ago, that has been very, very strong. It's a very, very strong trend. If you're doing become really the way people examine the bible as a whole is pick a verse out take a phrase find what applies to me how does it help me what is it what does it benefit me and we've actually had discussions i have with people who say so what does god do for me if he doesn't do anything for me there's no point in my going to church or being a religious person or whatever it's like really that's the idea is god is my servant he takes care of me he figures out my path everything is oriented around me and my needs and my perspective looking at the old testament from 30 000 feet we really see an entirely different view the way in which we're kind of phrasing the whole concept is that there is a big idea that actually goes from genesis to revelation the big idea b.i.d. g is believe in god he doesn't try to prove himself he doesn't give you evidence that is irrefutable he doesn't go through a long list of all his qualities he says i am and believe in me you're going to trust something trust and faith and dependency and reliance those are all the same words in greek and hebrew they all come from the same root when you walk on a bridge as we've seen bridges collapse they get hit by things they fall down gasoline trucks catch fire fire underneath them bridge looks fine but the engineers say it's not safe anymore but it looks okay and yet where you're walking may be incredibly dangerous because you don't see the whole picture you don't see actually everything you need to know the big picture across all of genesis all the way through revelation is believe in god and obey him through his word now the nature of his word is revealed from god all the way through the scripture every story every person every event all the details from the very very beginning of creation through the very very end of the final scenes of this this age all relate to god in his revelation he could have just created the world and disappeared not been accessible by faith by prayer by evidence by any nothing nothing he could have just disappeared but he didn't he made himself known and what's so fascinating is the nature of his revealed word changes through the bible but the theme never changes he begins by speaking i don't know if you ever noticed this but if you go back to genesis the early chapters when something needs to be made it doesn't or manipulated something it says he spoke and there was light and god said separate the firmaments and god said let's make man in our own image the the reality is the spoken word of god is the initial way in which god revealed himself that's his revealed word and when adam and eve were in the garden god spoke to them he made himself known there was nothing written there were no commandments no rules no laws he simply said here i am adam and eve hid from him in their shame it was their issue to say i don't want god to see me i don't want him to speak the storyline all the way through here is that god speaks to his creation that doesn't can't god just part the bushes and find where adam and eve are hiding behind a particular tree it says and god spoke to adam where are you it's very very interesting to see the nature of god speaking the second way is in his promise god doesn't have to make promises that all who's gonna twist his arm behind his back to keep his word nobody but cord is gonna uh... here an accusation against god because he failed the keep his promise it is based on his nature who god is to his own creation and uh... second way after just any speaking is a promise that was made to him Abraham. That theme goes throughout the remainder of the Bible. His speaking goes through the remainder. Then his promise goes through the remainder. The third level is his written word, the law. And what's so fascinating, we're going to be looking at the second half of the Pentateuch today. What's so interesting about that nature of his written word is that it has a particular purpose and a season, but it never really ends. The nature of God's law is not demands. They're not demandments. They're commandments, which really is a future indicative. God says to these people, we're going to see that today. He has his people, and all they've ever known for 400 years is how the Egyptians worshiped false gods and idols. That's all they knew. God was invisible, to them, silent to them because of their situation until they cried out to a God they didn't know. And when God delivers them, he says, you don't know how to live. You don't know what to do. You don't even know who you are, and you don't know who I am. So here's how you will live. This is what you will do. They're future indicative. It's very, very interesting to see that. We've turned them into demands and rules where God is threatening instead of inviting. And we're going to look at that a little bit more carefully today. The New Testament, it is not words written in stone by the finger of God. It is now God himself in the flesh, walking among us, revealing himself in the living word, who is Jesus himself. So you can see the issue is follow him. It's not obey in a groveling sense. It is, here is how I made you. Here is how you walk. Here is how you walk. Here is how you walk. Here is how you walk. Here is how you walk. Here is who you are in this time and in this age. So he reveals, he speaks, he promises, he writes, and he lives. And so the nature of all of those aspects is still built on God's word. So we're going to be looking at that today. In the nature of this entire study, we're looking at the Pentateuch, which is God revealing himself through the written word, which is equal to the law of Moses. But as a law, it's now courts and penalties, and I'm guilty, and I'm ashamed, and I've done wrong, and it's all broken. It has nothing to do with that. It is God revealing his own nature all the way through. So let's look kind of at the last scan of all this from Exodus chapter 20. Last week, we looked at Genesis 1 through Exodus 19, which was the period in which creation goes. There were so many stories we skipped, but it had to do with the creation of God. And so we're going to do with God expressing himself by promises. Even such things as the rainbow at the end of the flood is a promise. So all the way through that entire section, God is doing what God is not required by anyone to do, to say there are multiple options for the future, but my promise selects one of them. And that one is what I promise I will do. So there are many things that could have happened. God says, I'm going to tell you what will happen from my point of view. So looking at the nature of Exodus chapter 20 through the end of Deuteronomy, I'm going to kind of walk you through several passages. There is so much we're not covering, but I want you to be able to see what commonly we don't really focus on. First of all, there's, and I'm focusing today on three mountains. That all have double names. There's a double implication. The first one is Mount Sinai in Exodus chapter 19 and 20. So if you have your Bible or use your technology or you're at home, grab a Bible or just listen along. When God is delivering the nation of Israel, it's not a one-on-one. It is the entire community of the people of God, and he is rescuing them. He is redeeming them. He is bringing them back. He is bringing them back. He is bringing them back. He is bringing them out of slavery. To some degree, it has to do with their personal situations, absolutely. But the deliverance is not about, I'm taking penalty off each one of you individually. It is, I am rescuing you as my entire people, my entire nation. So when they get to Mount Sinai, which is in southern Saudi Arabia now, at the bottom of the Sinai Peninsula, here's what scripture says. On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt, on that very day, they came to the desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. That's the first of the three mountains. Then Moses went up to God, and God called to him from the mountain and said, this is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel. You yourselves, you are to tell the people of Israel, you are to tell the people of Israel, you are to tell the people of Israel. You are to tell the people of Israel. Have seen what I did to Egypt and how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself. Now, if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations, you will be my treasured possessions. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites. Bear in mind, woven through here from God and descriptions of his blessing and his grace that he's given, not a hammer, not threatening them, not pointing out everything they did wrong. He's revealing himself, and he says, I'm bringing you out on eagle's wings to bring you to me. That's the whole point. So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together. We will do everything the Lord has said, so Moses brought their answer back to the Lord. The Lord said to Moses, I'm going to come to you in a dense cloud so the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you. Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. So they bring the nature of God's spoken word, and in chapter 20, the giving of the classic 10 commandments is given, and God says, here is how you will live. When you get to the promised land, you don't know this because you've never experienced this before. You've only seen the Nile River gods and the sun Ra and the pyramids, and you've seen all that. That's been your culture now for generations. When you get to the promised land, you will not have any other gods before you. There just won't be any. I will be your God. You won't take my name in vain. When I created everything on the seventh day of the seventh day of the seventh day of the seventh day, I rested. We could have had a six-day week, but we don't because I worked for six days, and I rested on the seventh. So you'll be like me. You will keep a Sabbath day. It's not a penalty. It's not a demand. He's saying, take time off. Don't work so hard. I don't even work that hard, and I want you to be like me. It's just amazing how we've twisted the law into this presence of the Lord your God. This one thing's interesting. In the, Pentateuch, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, the idea of fasting and sorrow never occurs. Not once. There is no penance. There's no misery. There's no feeling terrible that you've got to grovel. There's no fasting for spiritual insight. Everything is about rejoicing, about joy, about delight, about seeing what God has done and celebrating that. Over and over and over, he says, when you have your fellowship offerings, when you bring your sacrifices, rejoice. Make it a party. Live life. Enjoy what you're doing because that is who I am, all the way through the first five books of the Old Testament. And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up. Then Moses and Levitical priests said to all of Israel, be silent, Israel, and listen. You have now become the people of the Lord your God. Obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees. That I give you this day. So the fascinating thing about this whole thing is his spoken word, his promised word, and his written word are actually being woven together continuously. And the point of it is not that we live in fear and terror and a constant sense of punishment. It is that God is generous. He is compassionate. He is gracious. He is kind. He is available. He is accessible. He is not punitive. He does not destroy. That is not his intent. And he wants you to be like him. When you bring an offering to God Almighty, you don't grovel and cry and weep. You rejoice and sing and celebrate. It's a matter of seeing the character of God. So now they've come to Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Then the next paragraph, when you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. They stand on Gerizim and they declare the grace and privilege and honor and gifts of God. But there's a second side. If you choose not to obey him, to just turn your hearts cold and pay no attention to what he has said, there's also Mount Ebal. And these tribes stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun. Dan and Naphtali, six and six. And they describe the truth. So in this, it's not all just rosy, nicey, and I can do anything I want. It is believe in God. That's a big idea. And obey him through his word. He speaks, he promises, and he has written his word. So write down all the writings in detail and teach them, you to your children and their children. This is who God really is. All right, let's keep going. We'll get lost in the weeds. At the end of, I also had chapter 30 verse something. Is that important? There's a ton in here. I'm not going to read all that. In chapter 29, Deuteronomy 29, the first paragraph, these are the terms of the covenant that the Lord has commanded Moses to make with all the Israelites in Moab. In addition to the covenant he made with them at Horeb. Horeb is the same as Mount Sinai, just two different words for the same name. Moses summoned all the Israelites and said, your eyes have seen everything. Everything that God did in Egypt to Pharaoh with his officials land. With your own eyes, you saw these trials. When you reach the place of Sion and Og, God came out to fight for you. Verse nine, carefully follow the terms of this covenant so you may prosper in everything you do. Over and over and over, his word is grace, possibilities, energy, positive outcomes. And so when God, speaks, when he promises, and when he commands, it's always about that. All right, let's go on. We can get lost in this. We won't do that. Exodus chapter 34 is the final, sorry, let's see if I can back that up. Mount Nebo is in Jordan now, right at the edge of the Jordan River. And this is where Moses pays the ultimate consequence for his own behavior. You'd think he'd be exempt. He'd get away with not being exempt. He'd get away with not being exempt. He'd get away with not being exempt. Not following the theme. Believe in God and obey him through his word. But Moses himself didn't do that. God said to Moses, speak to the rock and I'm going to bring water to the people. They're thirsty and they're annoying and they're selfish. I get that, but I'm going to give them water. And Moses strikes the rock, showing the people that God was furious with them and he's ready to whack them with the... bigger stick. And God says, that is not who I am. You have misrepresented me. You have shown me to be angry and vindictive. I am not. So God says to Moses, you're not going to enter the promised land. I would have taken you in, but you've disqualified yourself. Here's what happens. Deuteronomy chapter 34 verses 1 through 12. Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah. Pisgah means summit, to the top. Across from Jericho, there the Lord showed him the whole land from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh. I know where all those places are. You don't know, but it's the whole land of Israel. Take my word for it. All the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the entire region from the valley of Jericho, city of Palms as far as Zoar, like huge territory, the whole land. Then the Lord said to him, this is the land I promised on oath to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When I said, I will give it to your descendants. I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it. And Moses, the servant of the Lord died there in Moab. As the Lord had said, he buried him in Moab in the valley opposite Beth Peor. And to this day, no one knows where his grave is. Moses was 120 years old when he died, but his eyes were not weak and his strength was not gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab for 30 days until the time of weeping and mourning. Now, Joshua, son of Nun, was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses. Since then, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt, to Pharaoh and his officials and his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. So we come to the end of the Pentateuch and all the way through here, even though there's consequence, even though there's repercussions, there's actual outcomes from not believing in God and not obeying according to his word, he is not cruel. He's not vindictive. He is not punishing. There's a consequence of behavior, God says, I'm going to let you see the land. You'll be able to understand, to experience what I have always said all along. And your actions prevent you from enjoying that last little bit, but I am not going to destroy you.

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Transcript
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