Main Idea: God rescued and redeemed Israel not simply for their own good, but for His glory. They would live for His glory and fulfill His mission, only to the degree that they worshiped Him rightly.
There is a theme that has emerged throughout the entire Exodus narrative and we’ll continue to see it this morning. With every step Israel has taken in response to God’s gracious deliverance, they’ve had to trust His plan and obey His word. When they obey His word, they are submitting to His authority and worshiping Him righty. In other words, right worship has .
At the very heart of Yahweh’s covenant relationship with Israel is their and to His word.
Five CONNECTIONS Regarding Israel’s Worship and Ours:
1. Worship and – Exodus 30:1-10
“The connection between the two altars served as a daily reminder that the life of prayer depends on having a sacrifice for sin.” Philip Ryken, Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.” Hebrews 10:19, ESV
2. Worship and – Exodus 30:11-16
The census is a reminder that God has Israel. He has them. They are His people, set apart for His .
“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19, ESV
3. Worship and – Exodus 30:17-38
All sinners stand before a holy God in need of , but true cleansing can only come by way of God’s .
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5, ESV
4. Worship and – Exodus 31:1-11
God’s glorious tabernacle and everything in it will be constructed and made by .
Notice a wonderful connection between two texts:
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship.” Exodus 31:3, ESV
“The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.” Proverbs 3:19-20, ESV
God’s people are their Creator, reflecting His and as they do His work and obey His word.
5. Worship and – Exodus 31:12-18
“The Sabbath was a symbol and perpetual reminder of Israel’s status. Just as the Lord set one apart from all the others, so also he set one apart from all the others.” Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV
Conclusion:
“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles” wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:4-6, ESV
Obedience to God’s every instruction and command was a necessary part of Israel’s worship. God was doing something so that he might do something .