The Study of Exodus with Tina Rains - Chapters 31-33

Welcome back, ladies! Today we're going to dig into chapters 30 one through 32 of the book of Exodus. When we look at chapter 31 and we read in the 12th verse, the Lord emphasizes again the Sabbath. Again, in verse 12 he says “then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, you must observe my Sabbath. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who will make you holy.” Once again as many times before in Exodus the Lord says, “I am Lord”. When he finished speaking to Moses, he gave him the two tablets inscribed by the Lord. Can you picture Moses at the top of the mountain? The whole chapter is about the Israelites observing the Sabbath. He was very clear he wanted them to observe the sabbath from generation to generation. Are you taking the time to take your Sabbath? I encourage you ladies if you are not taking time for yourself, take some time and enjoy your own Sabbath. It is a sweet gift to yourself.

In chapter 32, what happens? The Israelites felt like Moses had taken too long to return. So what do they do? They look for a new leader. In Exodus 32:1-6, we see a perfect example of the law of respect. One of the 21 laws of leadership by John Maxwell. They requested that Aaron take leadership and help them build the golden calf. Why did they do that?

1. People are like sheep. They are always going to be looking for a leader.
2. People want instant gratification. They focus on their immediate needs.
3. People often have the attitude of “What have you done for me lately?” from their leaders. They have memory loss.
4. People are often insecure. They worry and look for immediate signs of hope.

In verse 7 the Lord sends Moses back down because of what the people are doing. Moses pleaded with the Lord to not destroy all of them and sought favor for the people. The Lord was angry. In the rest of the chapter we see Moses take the lead, he orders the men to destroy those who have betrayed the Lord and We see him going back to the Lord on behalf of the people. Moses was a great leader.

This chapter reminded me of the brokenness that I have often seen in myself and others. How often does the Lord call us to one thing, we don't see instant results, so we try to take the controls back ourselves. He wants every aspect of our lives surrendered to him. He wants our goals, ministries, businesses, families, children, dreams, time, talents, and treasures all surrendered to him. He does not want his people to be people of instant gratification. What are you waiting on the Lord for? Have you tried to take the controls back? It reminds me of the analogy of fishing. We cast our bait out on our fishing rod, and instead of being patient and waiting for the fish to bite, we reel it back in and tried to take control again. He wants us to cast it out and leave it out for him to manage. 

In chapter 33 we see the “law of the picture” another one of the 21 laws of leadership by John Maxwell. Modeling provides the basis of all true leadership. We as leaders must set the example for those we lead. People do what people see. What are you modeling? Integrity? Persistence? Godly attributes? Pay attention to how you are modeling. When we look at the model that Moses was, we see that he was in intimate communion and relationship with the Lord. His example was greater than any sermon he could have preached to them. We see that Moses would separate himself from the crowd and seek the Lord with all his heart. He was watched by those around him. It made an impact on them.  He listened to the Lord and was faithful and committed to God. God is calling us to that level of intimacy and leadership.

What areas do you need to evaluate today? How are you leading by example? Are those around you seeing you serve and draw close to the Lord? Are you making the tough decisions that need to be made as Moses did? Being a leader doesn't mean that it will be easy. The struggles are real. Let's choose today to give him all our time talent and treasure. Let's surrender completely to him.