McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1913-08-29
LESSON FOR AUGUST 81
ISRAEL AT SINAI.

LESSON TExT-Ex 1s:1-s. 1914
GOLDEN TExT-"Let us have lgracs
whereby we may offer service weli-pleas-
Ing TO God with reverence and awe" -
Heb. 1928 r. v.
The securing of water at Mount Ho-
reb, the battle with the Amalekites
and the visit Of Jethfo, Moses father.
ln-law, are the intervening events be-
tween this and last weeks lesson. A
suggestion as to the historicity Of the
Exodus story is indicated In verse ]
Of the lesson. "In the third month"
these are not the words of an impos-
tor but Of the careful historian. The
place. Mount Sinai, was familiar one
to Moses. 1t was at the base Of this
range or mountains, at the back Of
the desert" that he had met and
received his commission from God.
eek. 3:1-12; Acts 1880, 49, Let US
consider the entire chapter.
The Highest Source.
!. "A peculiar treasure" w. -.
Thus far there has been no law to
guide the Israelites except the word
~ God by the mouth OF the prophet
As nation they must have laws and
the proper time has now arrived to
promulgate those laws. But 1t is nee
essary to impress the nation with the
source, the sacredness and the
strength of law. Its source Is the
highest-God; Its sacredness Is in the
nature OF It's source-God; its strength
Ii in the matter of their obedience.
Moses went up" and "the Lord
called" When we seek the place Of
separation from man and the place
of seclusion with God we may expect
to hear him calling us. (Jas. 4:8)
Once before God had called to Moses
In this place (3:4) and Moses was
taken by surprise. Now it is the man
Of experience who joyfully seeks the
Lord that he may receive message
for his waiting people. God begins
by reminding him of his acts In Egypt
and at the Red Sea ". a and by his
figure, eagles WINGS" he empha-
sizes the fact that none else but Je.
hovah wrought this deliverance. Even
as the eagle bears its young upon its
wings 80 has he borne out of Egypt
this nation which is as yet but babe.
1t is yet to be. however, his peculiar
treasure and upon one condition only
obedience. They are to be king
dom OF priests, persons with right
access to God, spiritual sovereigns
and holy nation set apart to pre-
serve the knowledge and worship Of
God II they obey his voice. On the
ground OF what he had already done,
viz, their separation from Egypt, the
negative side. God appeals to them to
take the positive side Of conservation.
to cleave unto him. He seems also to
hint at material blessings also for he
says "all the earth is mine" Gods
covenant that day was twofold, first
what he would do for them, secondly
what they should do for him. FPS.
10s: II. 49, Every promise of God
10 conditional.
"A peculiar treasure" on the con.
dition of obedience Israel was his
peculiar people, how sad that they
ever departed from that lofty privi-
lege. In this present age 1t In the
church which is called out to be a
chosen generation, royal priesthood,
an holy nation and the people for
Gods own possession. Il Peter 2:9.
10 r. "; Tit. 2:14; Eph. iii R w.:
Rev. lie; $40; 20:6 R. W
". A sanctIfied people, w. 7.1B.
That the Israelites might believe
Moses forever. God was to come and
converse with him from thick cloud.
Before this took place. however, they
must cleanse themselves, set guards
about the mountain lest any draw too
near and be put to death ". 12). Gods
revelations to men are never made To
those who with lust In their hearts
cling to their sins.
Trumpet Not Material.
Ili. A wonderful revelation, w. 10
q. Gods descent was signalized by
every object Of grandeur and awe
that Imagination EN- conceive. The
burning mountain suggests the con-
Stunning fire to the transgressors OF
the law about to be revealed. The
booming thunder and flashing light
ming amid the stiffness of the wilder
ness would arouse universal attention,
and has not the law thus attracted tha
attention of ages? The enveloping
cloud reminds us of another noun
tain experience, see Matt. 17:5. The
trumpet emphasizes the supernatural.
that 1t was other than a material
trumpet blown By human breath. Read
In connection with this lesson lisa. 9.
Our God is not alone God OF love
but he 10 being Of infinite majesty
and holiness. "a consuming fire." Heb.
1928. Too often we have presented
IN emasc,tlated God; we need to en-
phasize. In this day, both sides OF his
character. At least two locations are
pointed out, each OF sufficient area
to accommodate those gathered I'M
der Moses leadership ". III. Though
he trembled Heb. 12:21) yet he ap-
preached with confidence, I John
2:21. this interview with God. No
sooner had he gone little way up
the mountain than he ia ordered to TO
turn in order to keep the people from
breaking through the bounds to gazs.
Wv. 81, g.
w, II. %, It was a great service TO
bring these people out to meet God,
% greater comes to any man. yet ev-
ely man has that privilege. but at the
same time 1t involved the danger OF |
oyer-confidence and daring presump- |
ton upon the part Of those who be-
held and he who led. The renewal
Of those strict injunctions at that
time and under those circumstances |