4.3. CEREMONIAL COMMANDMENTS

Invitation to Worship (Exodus 24:1,2)

Moses alone allowed to come near. As mediator of the law (Galatians 3:19 ). The Lord Jesus is the one and only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5 ).

The impartating of Ordinances (Exodus 24:3)

Moses told all (Exodus 24:3 ). The Lord Jesus faithfully declared the words the Father gave Him. (John 17:8 ).

Implications of Sacrifice (Exodus 24:5-8)

Sinners need a substitute to experience salvation.

Luke 22:20 "... My blood, which is shed for you."

Meaning of the sprinkled altar (Exodus 24:6 ). The altar represented the claims of God's holiness and justice. For us to be saved Christ must and did offer Himself without spot to God. (Hebrews 9:14 ). Halving the blood between the altar and the people shows the double action of Christ's sacrifice in fulfilling the law and bringing peace.

The blood on the people speaks of:

Redemption

Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood ..."

Reconciliation

Ephesians 2:13 "... been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Ratification

Exodus 24:7 "... All that the Lord has said, we will do, and be obedient."

Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will ..."

Important lesson to remember the presence and glory of God can only be enjoyed when the blood is applied. Further, to experience divine presence is an ascending experience "went up" (Exodus 24:9 ). Our spiritual, ascended life is positioned in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). When seated with Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20 ) our position in Christ is one of honour and power in Him. Moses alone is called to ascend higher (Exodus 24:9-11 ) to glimpse a greater manifestation of God's splendour in a forty day session during which he receives the tables of the law engraved on stone. The deeper purpose behind the gift of tables written by God was that Moses teach them (Exodus 24:12 ). God spoke and wrote them. He requires Moses to teach them. The Lord has given gift ministries to His body the church, to teach and equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. While recognising the office of Moses as Israel's mediator, do you see in the Lord's invitation "Come up to the LORD" (Exodus 24:1 ), that Leaders today are expected to consult the Lord?
   • And act according to His instructions?
   • The invitation to Aaron and subsequent sight of the Lord were the foundation of Aaron's preparation for priesthood. As you respond to God's invitation to access and have knowledge of Him, what are you being prepared for?
   • What was the consecrated service of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu intended to be?
   • Does sinful conduct and tragedy bring an end to Leader's service today?

2. Do you believe that spiritual unity in striving together for the gospel is what the Lord requires (Philippians 1:27 )?
   • Do you think the unity expressed in the promise of obedience (Exodus 24:3 ) was in the strength of their own flesh?

3. What are the implications of the shed blood of Christ for you?
   • What meaning did the words "the blood of the covenant" (Exodus 24:8; Hebrews 9:18-20 ) have for the people?
   • How much more important are the words for you, and all New Testament believers (Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 13:20-21 )?

4. Those who accompanied Moses saw a manifestation of the presence of God. How important was it that they had first had the blood applied (Exodus 24:8-10 )?
   • Do you see Exodus 24:11 as possibly one of the most amazing texts of the Old Testament?
   • Can there be any doubt that each participant had a deep inward vision of God?
   • What truth does their eating and drinking convey to your heart?

5. What was God's purpose in having Moses come to Him on the mountain and be with Him (Exodus 24:12 )?
   • How important is it for your receiving revelation, to hear God and understand what He has written?

6. How important is it for Leaders who have to be absent, to delegate authority to others Exodus 24:13- 14)?

7. How long did Moses wait before he entered the cloud at God's invitation?
   • How did the sight of the glory of the Lord on Sinai appear to the outward eye of the people below?
   • What do you learn about God from this description (Exodus 24:17 )?
   • How was Moses sustained for 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 24:18 )?
   • Was Moses an example of one who lived by the means stated in Deuteronomy 8:3?