God's Sovereignty: Salvation and Judgment in Exodus

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the profound truths found in the Torah, particularly in the book of Exodus, and how they reveal the character and nature of God. The Torah is not just a historical document; it is a living testament that speaks to our past, present, and future. It is a light unto our path, offering warmth and encouragement even in the most challenging times. As we delve into the portion of Vayera, we witness God appearing to Moses and preparing him to confront Pharaoh. This narrative is not just about historical events but about understanding the representation of God through Moses, and ultimately through Yeshua, who is the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

The story of Exodus is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge. God is not only a God of love and grace but also a God of justice who will judge the gods of this world. The plagues of Egypt serve as a demonstration of God's power and a foreshadowing of the final judgment. Yet, in the midst of judgment, God provides a way of salvation and protection for His people, as seen in the land of Goshen where the Israelites were spared from the plagues.

This narrative challenges us to consider our relationship with God, the judge, and how we prepare our hearts for His coming. It is a call to dwell in Yeshua, our Goshen, where we find safety and peace amidst the storms of life. The message is clear: while the world may face judgment, those who are in Yeshua have nothing to fear. We are called to live in awe of God's love and protection, knowing that He is with us always.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Completeness of the Torah: The Torah is a comprehensive guide that covers our past, present, and future. It is a source of life and understanding, offering warmth and encouragement even in difficult times. It reveals God's character and His plans for humanity, showing us the way to live in alignment with His will. [00:00]

2. God as Judge and Savior: God is both a loving Savior and a righteous Judge. The plagues of Egypt demonstrate His power and serve as a warning of the final judgment. Yet, God provides a way of salvation for His people, as seen in the protection of the Israelites in Goshen. This duality calls us to live in reverence and trust in God's justice and mercy. [06:27]

3. The Role of Mediators: Moses and Yeshua serve as mediators between God and humanity. Moses was a representation of God to Pharaoh, while Yeshua is the perfect mediator who reconciles us to God. This highlights the importance of having a relationship with Yeshua, who intercedes for us and provides a way to the Father. [14:40]

4. The Power of God's Name: God's declaration of His name and power is a central theme in Exodus. He reveals Himself as the one true God, challenging the false gods of the world. This revelation calls us to acknowledge and worship God alone, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. [20:37]

5. Dwelling in Yeshua, Our Goshen: In the midst of judgment and trials, those who dwell in Yeshua find safety and peace. Just as the Israelites were protected in Goshen, we are called to live in Yeshua, who is our refuge and strength. This assurance allows us to face the future without fear, knowing that God is with us. [24:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01] - The Completeness of the Torah
- [00:45] - God Appears to Moses
- [01:30] - Representation and Mediation
- [02:15] - God as Judge
- [03:00] - The Plagues of Egypt
- [03:45] - God's Sovereignty and Power
- [04:30] - The Role of Yeshua
- [05:15] - The Protection of Goshen
- [06:00] - Living in Yeshua
- [06:45] - The Call to Trust and Obey
- [07:30] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 6:6-8
2. Exodus 7:16
3. Exodus 9:13-26

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Observation Questions:

1. In Exodus 6:6-8, what promises does God make to the Israelites, and how do these promises reflect His character? [06:27]

2. How does God demonstrate His power and authority over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt in Exodus 7:16? [14:40]

3. What is the significance of the land of Goshen during the plagues, as described in Exodus 9:13-26? [20:37]

4. According to the sermon, how does the narrative of Moses confronting Pharaoh illustrate the role of mediators between God and humanity? [14:40]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the promise of deliverance in Exodus 6:6-8 reveal about God's relationship with His people, and how does this relate to the concept of salvation in the New Testament? [06:27]

2. How does the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus 7:16 serve as a foreshadowing of the final judgment, and what does this imply about God's justice and mercy? [14:40]

3. In what ways does the protection of the Israelites in Goshen during the plagues symbolize the safety found in Yeshua, as discussed in the sermon? [20:37]

4. How does the sermon describe the duality of God as both a loving Savior and a righteous Judge, and what implications does this have for believers today? [06:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's guidance in your life. How did His promises, like those in Exodus 6:6-8, provide you with hope and encouragement during that period? [06:27]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in Yeshua, our Goshen. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are living in the safety and peace that Yeshua offers, especially during challenging times? [24:59]

3. How can you actively acknowledge and worship God alone, recognizing His sovereignty and authority in your daily life, as highlighted in the sermon? [20:37]

4. Consider the role of mediators like Moses and Yeshua. How can you serve as a mediator or representative of God's love and truth in your community or family? [14:40]

5. The sermon discusses the final judgment and God's justice. How does this understanding influence your perspective on current world events and your personal relationship with God? [06:27]

6. In what ways can you prepare your heart for God's coming, as the sermon suggests, and how can this preparation impact your daily decisions and interactions with others? [06:27]

7. Reflect on the concept of God's dual nature as both a loving Savior and a righteous Judge. How does this understanding affect your view of God's character and your response to His call in your life? [06:27]

Devotional

Day 1: The Torah as a Living Testament
The Torah is not merely a historical document; it is a living testament that speaks to our past, present, and future. It offers guidance and encouragement, revealing God's character and His plans for humanity. The Torah is a comprehensive guide that shows us how to live in alignment with God's will, providing warmth and understanding even in the most challenging times. As we explore the book of Exodus, we see how God prepares Moses to confront Pharaoh, illustrating the importance of understanding God's representation through Moses and ultimately through Yeshua, the perfect mediator. [00:00]

Deuteronomy 32:46-47 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.'"

Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of the Torah into your daily life to align more closely with God's will?


Day 2: God’s Dual Role as Judge and Savior
God is both a loving Savior and a righteous Judge. The plagues of Egypt serve as a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty and a warning of the final judgment. Yet, even in judgment, God provides a way of salvation for His people, as seen in the protection of the Israelites in Goshen. This duality calls us to live in reverence and trust in God's justice and mercy, knowing that He is both our judge and our savior. [06:27]

Nahum 1:7-8 (ESV): "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness."

Reflection: In what ways can you trust in God's justice and mercy in your current circumstances?


Day 3: The Role of Mediators in God’s Plan
Moses and Yeshua serve as mediators between God and humanity. Moses was a representation of God to Pharaoh, while Yeshua is the perfect mediator who reconciles us to God. This highlights the importance of having a relationship with Yeshua, who intercedes for us and provides a way to the Father. Understanding the role of mediators helps us appreciate the depth of God's plan for reconciliation and redemption. [14:40]

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Yeshua, knowing He is your mediator to God?


Day 4: The Power and Authority of God’s Name
God's declaration of His name and power is a central theme in Exodus. He reveals Himself as the one true God, challenging the false gods of the world. This revelation calls us to acknowledge and worship God alone, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. Understanding the power of God's name helps us live in awe and reverence, knowing that He is the ultimate authority. [20:37]

Isaiah 42:8 (ESV): "I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that you are acknowledging and worshiping God alone in your daily life?


Day 5: Dwelling in Yeshua, Our Goshen
In the midst of judgment and trials, those who dwell in Yeshua find safety and peace. Just as the Israelites were protected in Goshen, we are called to live in Yeshua, who is our refuge and strength. This assurance allows us to face the future without fear, knowing that God is with us. Dwelling in Yeshua provides us with the confidence to navigate life's storms with peace and assurance. [24:59]

Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV): "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Reflection: How can you make dwelling in Yeshua a daily practice to find peace and strength amidst life's challenges?

Quotes

"That the Torah is so complete that it covers both our past, our present, and that which is still to come. So continue to give us new life, new understanding. Make the Torah a light unto our path so that its words can be sweet to our soul." [00:02:41]

"May it be warmth to us on cold nights and may it fill us when nothing else will. May it encourage us even through the difficult portions because you are the God of love and grace and forgiveness, the God who is making the way for all of Israel but also for the nations." [00:03:02]

"And God declared to Moses, Moses, you're going to be like God. And because you're afraid of speaking that, that Aaron, your older brother, he's going to come and be your mouthpiece, your prophet. He's going to declare the words that I declare to you. And, and we begin to see this relationship of, of representation." [00:04:19]

"And God is going to be the final judge. He is going to come and there is going to be a time in which he's going to enter into judgment in the earth. He's going to bring the nations to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, as the prophet Joel said. And we're going to see that there's going to be a time in which there's going to be a great judgment in the earth." [00:06:06]

"A God who says, enough is enough. I'm going to judge the gods of Egypt, the gods of the world, the gods of this earth. I'm going to show I'm the one and true and only God, the living God, the living God of Israel." [00:06:35]

"And so we're going to see this intimate relationship yet that God chooses to use through men. That God is going to raise up a mediator as Moses, but then Yeshua becomes the great mediator. And he mediates between us and God and the giving of the Holy Spirit who is dwelling in us and making intercession, mediating for us without ceasing." [00:07:22]

"And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. And I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord. God is giving a word of hope, a word of prophecy, a word of encouragement that the dreams, the hopes, the stories, the fairy tale, 400 years, you know, by this point, it's almost a fairy tale." [00:09:40]

"God is declaring himself, I am God. And when God declares himself as God, he always demonstrates it. But what's hindering the process? There's a Pharaoh, and a Pharaoh who wants free labor, a Pharaoh who doesn't want to give up his luxuries, his power, his identity, his ego, his whole, everything is based upon him." [00:11:19]

"Pharaoh is subjugation, the master, taskmaster to the slave. And God is about the relationship and building relationship and intimacy. But so far, you have not obeyed. So thus says the Lord, By this you shall know that I am the Lord." [00:14:40]

"And there was hail and fire flashing continuously in the midst of the hail, very heavy hail, such as had never been seen in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation. And the hail struck down everything that was in the field, in all the land of Egypt, both man and beast." [00:21:18]

"And this is the key. This is the exciting thing in this Torah week. This is the thing that I feel like, you know, we can be afraid, and we can get into the gloom of the end, and the judgment, and a lot of people, and a lot of preaching can be very, very harsh and try to make you afraid." [00:21:55]

"But if you live in him, then we don't have to be afraid. We are the shining example. The power of God was not that everything was being destroyed with hail. The power of God was that in Goshen, nothing was being destroyed." [00:23:22]

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Transcript
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