‘Moses came and told the people all the Lord’s words, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken will we do.” Moses wrote all the Lord’s words, then rose up early in the morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain, with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. ‘
Spending time in nature
Go up the mountain and worship. Build a small stone tower from uncut stones and read an appropriate devotion. You can also bring along musing and sing praises to God. Play a game, have each individual in the family tell the story of Moses going up the mountain to receive the laws and tablets from the elder’s perspective. What must it have been like for the elders to watch as Moses went to meet the Lord? The bible says Israel was afraid of God and wanted Moses to serve as an intercessor. Each person watching Moses could have had a different experience. If a mountain range is a little far for you, go to the highest point you can and watch clouds. Remind the family, the Lord came in a cloud that covered the Mountain as Moses transcribed. The Lord will again come in a cloud that won’t touch the face of the earth. He does what He can to protect us, and at times He has to protect us from Him. Regardless of where you can worship, remember God doesn’t need a whole setup crew, nature is His stage.
Tip
We are blessed today that we don’t have to worship in a specific temple or on a specific mountain. God is everywhere, but it is important to remember that God only made the trees, the trees are not God. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19).
Do Something Creative
Make a cloud in a jar today. To do this first pour the boiling water into the warmed jar (dying the water helps make the cloud obvious). Next have someone ready with the jar’s lid, quickly spray the hairspray into the jar and immediately put the lid onto the jar. Now place 3-5 pieces of ice on top of the lid of the jar. A cloud should form near the lid. If the mountain will be used place it in the jar before you add the boiling water, ideally it would stick out of the top of the water and the cloud would form near it’s peak.
What you will need:
- Glass jar with a lid (warm to at least room temperature, a pint mason jar is big enough for the liquid you’ll be adding)
- 1 cup hot boiling water
- Aerosol hairspray
- 3-5 cubes of ice
- A small plastic mountain that can fit in the jar (Optional)
Family worship idea
For family worship, make a “pillow fort” gather inside and read Exodus 24 and 25 1-9. I won’t be going over the Exodus chapters on the tabernacle and laws, but consider it as a family; these chapters are full of valuable information. My family went over the tabernacle during our daily worship. When we were through, we built a miniature tabernacle. Once you read through the passage, discuss Moses’ role versus the elder’s role. One day, in heaven, we will see the 24 elders who heard our prayers (rev 5:8) and sing them a new song (Rev 14:3). Moses left Aaron to listen to the pleas and concerns of the people. Their part in this was not small but was part of God’s will. Our task is small, but it is key to spreading the gospel in our communities. Lastly, in your fort, play a game of go fish. Israel made a promise to God that day on the mountain. Go Fish is a simple, fun game that requires us to uphold our integrity.
Personal thoughts
Aaron and 70 elders suggested the calf?
For me, this chapter has two strong points, we need time alone with God, and God covers His people. Moses spoke with the people of Israel and the elders; he shared God’s message but, he went by himself to hear God. It is good to spend time alone with God so He can speak to you in a way that’s specific to you. His message to you will be different than the message you share. Next, Moses sprinkled literal blood on the Israelites in verse 8; they’re covered by the letter of the law. We, however, have been sanctified by the blood of the true lamb, slain for the sins of the world. When Jesus, who walked a sinless life, died on the cross, He changed mankind’s story. He created a way to heaven and removed the sting of death. When we love Christ, the holy spirit can transform our hearts and create in us a new spirit. There is no limit, when Christ is our foundation.
Hiding His word in your ❤
And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
2 Corinthians 3:3
Sabbath Catalyst 