August 11, 2026
Tuesday, August 11
At the start of Exodus 19, God’s people arrive at Mount Sinai, the same place Moses had met God in the form of a burning bush a year or so before. The miracles they witnessed in Egypt are still fresh in their minds. Scholars estimate they’ve been traveling for around three months now. In the meantime, they’ve had their first taste of manna—and their first taste of battle (Exodus 17 and Deuteronomy 25:17-19). The Amalekites launched a cowardly sneak attack on the rear of the Israelite column (essentially targeting the elderly, sick, and disabled who were lagging behind). Moses commissioned his young deputy, Joshua, to lead the men of war into battle, while his assistants helped him keep his hands raised to the Lord. Israel defeated Amalek, further proving that God was with them.
But now, the people watch as Moses ascends a mountain that is billowing smoke like an active volcano. Flashes of lightning are followed by booms of thunder, the earth is shaking, and an unseen trumpet blares out a note that keeps getting louder and louder. Moses has warned the people, “Don’t touch the mountain, or you’ll die.” Truthfully, I doubt that the people wanted to go anywhere near that mountain. In fact, Hebrews 12:21 tells us even Moses was trembling with fear. Nevertheless, he goes atop the mountain, and God gives him the Ten Commandments. But that’s not all (this is the part few seem to recall). God gives Moses an entire law code (Exodus 20-23), one that will govern every aspect of Israel’s life: How to stop violent crime, how to handle disputes over property, and how to care for the weakest members of society.
The Law also tells them about the sacrifices and festivals they need to keep up, and reminds them that when they get to the Promised Land, their job is to chase all the pagan nations out of that land. If they leave even a single pagan in the land, their disobedience will be their destruction. When Moses comes down from the mountain and tells the people about what God has said, they respond, “We’ll do it all, just like He commands.” Moses sacrifices a bull and sprinkles the blood of that bull on the people. Then something truly remarkable happens (Exodus 24). God invites Moses and Aaron and the elders of Israel back up the mountain. They see Him sitting on a throne on a pavement of pure sapphire, brilliant blue. They eat and drink in His presence, and go back down. Later in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, God will add to the laws He gave Moses that day. That’s how Israel gets its Law. So what does it mean?
A common misconception is that God gave the Law to Israel and said, “Do these things, and you’ll be saved.” They failed, naturally, so then He had to send Jesus to die on our behalf, almost as if Jesus was “Plan B.” That’s not true. Notice God says, “I bore you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself” (19:4). God didn’t save Israel because of their obedience. He saved them knowing they would disobey. That’s grace. So why did He give the Law? Again, grace. God’s Law is not an obstacle course to test us; it’s a gift to help us enjoy life as it was meant to be lived. Do you see God’s commands that way?
“Father, I know with my mind that your commands are true and good. But I often behave as if I think your commands are an impediment to my happiness. I try to find loopholes in your Laws, or obey them grudgingly. Change my heart, so that I begin to love your Word—because you are good. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
