Read the Bible together:

Exodus 19: 1-20

The story of Moses and the children of Israel take place when the children of Israel escape a life as slaves of the Egyptians. God calls Moses, and God liberates his people from bondage. They cross the Red Sea on dry ground. They receive food from the sky and water from the rock. And in three months they arrive at Mount Sinai. Here God makes a solemn covenant with Israel to confirm and under-gird the covenant he made with Abraham and
Isaac and Jacob. In a short space of time the story of these Israelites changed from being slaves, to learning to live without anyone giving commands. This is difficult for people who have never taken responsibility for their own lives. For this reason, they are given a set of “life-commandments”. (Read Exodus 20: 1-17).  The Commandments gave the children of Israel laws that were life affirming and freed them from the moral decay that was so much part of their world. The Commandments also reveal the nature and expectations of the One who created humankind. Since the beginning of time, God has dreamed of the way people should relate to the One who made us – and of the way we should relate to each other.

For reflection and discussion:
1. How do you feel about rules and regulations?
2. What do the Ten Commandments reveal to us about God?

The Covenant that God established with Moses and the Children of Israel was not intended only for a particular
time and space in history. This provided a framework for the story of life that transcends history. For this reason
many legal systems throughout the world show resonance with the Ten Commandments. And for this reason we draw on them today for our own life-stories.

For reflection and discussion:
1. How does the story of Moses challenge our Christian community today?
2. Are there things about South Africa and our nation’s future that worry you? Reflect on these, and if possible share these with your small group so that you can pray together for our land.

Re-read the passages by yourself and re frame the above story with you as the main character.

List the promises God is making to you for your life through this story.

1. What do we learn about God in this story?
2. What do you learn about people in this story?
3. What application / adjustment do you need to make in your life due to the truth discovered in this story?

Day 1 Exodus 19:1 (NKJV)

In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.

Has God ever released you from something (bad habit, situation, and/or people)?

Day 2 Exodus 19:3-4 (NKJV)

And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.
God calls you and promises to protect you.

Is this a reality for you?

Day 3 Exodus 19:5 (NKJV)

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to me above all people; for all the earth is mine.”

You are God’s treasure.
Are you aware that you are God’s treasure?

Day 4 Exodus 19:6 (NKJV)

“And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
We are the ones that need to spread the Good News to the world.

Are you actively taking part in spreading God’s kingdom?

Day 5 Exodus 19:7-9 (NKJV)

So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.” So Moses told the  words of the people to the LORD.

Do you do “all that the Lord has spoken”?

Can people see this in your life?

Day 6 Exodus 19:10-15 (NKJV)

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely
be put to death. Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain. “So Moses went
down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.” Moses got the people physically and spiritually ready to meet God.

Do you have a holy reverence for God?

Are you ready to renew your Covenant promise on Covenant Sunday?

Day 7 Exodus 19:16-20 (NKJV)

Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thundering and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
Do you bring others to meet God?