January 29...

Exodus 20, 24
The people were afraid. They did not want God to talk directly to them. They wanted Moses to be their messenger.

What does Exodus 20:20 say will help keep the people from sinning? Does this apply to us today? Do people today fear God?

The first three of God’s commandments began with recognizing who God is and giving Him His due respect. The fourth commandment is our Creator telling us that we need to rest. He has created us and He knows that we don’t always rest – so He designated a day for us that was set apart and blessed by God for rest. The last six commandments have to do with our actions toward others. Honoring our parents, valuing the life that God created, respecting what belongs to others, being content with what we have, and guarding our tongue – all of these things God commanded.

The blood covenant was confirmed and the people responded by saying “Everything the LORD has said we will do. We will obey.”

Moses went back up to the mountaintop with the people watching, and he took Joshua. He left Aaron in charge of the people. He was gone for 40 days and 40 nights.

What do you think was going through Aaron’s mind?
What do you think was going through Joshua’s mind?
What do you think the people were thinking as the time went on?

For Further Study: Guidelines – Exodus 21-23 The Israelites had lived as slaves for hundreds of years. To suddenly be free and have decisions to make and order to keep was difficult. God gave them valuable guidelines about how to live as free people. These guidelines provided structure for their new community.