Exodus 24
-Here in this chapter we see the people of Israel affirming
the covenant with God. The important phrase that is repeated is this, “All that
the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient (Exodus 24:7).” Moses
writes down all the words of the LORD and there is a ceremonial altar built at
the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Burnt offerings and peace offerings were offered to the LORD here. At this
point some explanation must be made as to the meaning of these sacrifices. The
animal’s shed blood was to represent the fact that one life had to be given for
another as a substitute for the sinner. On one hand the blood symbolized the
death of the animal, but it also represented the life that was spared as a
result of the sacrifice. We see here that Moses sprinkled half of the blood of
the animals on the alter to show that the sinner could once again approach God
because something had died in their place. The other half of the blood was
sprinkled on the people to represent the fact that the penalty of their sin had
been paid and they could be reunited with God. This symbolic-ceremonial act
would be repeated over and over again pointing to the once and for all time
sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sin of all mankind (Hebrews
7:27; 9:12; 10:10, 1 Peter 3:18). *Application* “Jesus paid it all, all to Him
we owe, sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” (From Jesus Paid it All)
-It is interesting that Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab,
Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel and saw God in splendid radiance, yet
He did not stretch out His Hand against them. The Bible says they ate and drank
in this presence (Exodus 24:11). This denotes how they were now in union with
God because of their obedient commitment to the covenant and the sacrifices
that were made.
-God calls Moses up on the mountain at this point to give
him stone tablets with the law and commandments, which He had written for their
instruction. The LORD’s appearance was glorious, like a consuming fire on the mountain
top in cloud cover. Moses entered the midst of the cloud and was with the LORD for
40 days and nights. *Application* This communion with God is not just for servants
like Moses. It can be for you as well. Jesus Christ has torn down the veil of separation
between God and man and we can boldly approach His throne of grace in our time of
need (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45, 2 Corinthians 3:16, Hebrews 4:16; 6:19;
10:12-23). Abide in Him and He will show you his radiant glory in fresh and unique
ways. God loves His children and wants to spend time with us. What an amazing concept
to contemplate!
Verse to Memorize:
Exodus 24:7
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