The Green Forest tribune., 1913-08-29

reb, the battle with the Amalekites and the visit of Jethro, Moses father in-law, are the intervening events be- tween this and last weeks lesson. A suggestion as to the historicity of the 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 It was at the base of this range Of mountains, "at the back of the desert" that he had met and received his commission from God (Ex. 3;1-12; Acts 7:S0. SS) Let us consider the entire chapter
 The Highest Source.
 |. "A peculiar treasure" w. 1-6. Thus far there has been no law to guide the Israelites except the word of God by the mouth of the prophet. As a 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; it's sacredness is in the nature of it's source-God; it's strength Is 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. Gas. 4:S.) 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 (v. 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 it's young upon it's wings so has he borne out of Egypt this nation which is as yet but babe.
 It 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 if they obey his voice. Or 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 consecration. to cleaye unto him. He seems also to hint at material blessings also for he says "ail the earth is mine" Gods covenant that day was two-fold, first what he would do for them, secondly what they should do for him. (Ps. 103: IT, 18) Every promise of God is 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 it is the church which is called out to be chosen generation, royal priesthood an holy nation and the people for Gods own possession. q Peter 2:9, 10 R. "; Tit. 2:14; Eph. Ill R. V; Rev. 1;6; 5:10; 20:6 R. VI
 II. 4 sanctified people, w. 7-15. That the Israelites might believe Moses forever, God was to come and converse with him from a thick cloud Before this took place, however. they must cleanse themselves, set guards about the mountain lest any draw toe near and be put to death (v. 12). Gods revelations to men are never made to those who with lust in their hearts cling to their sins.
 Trumpet Not Material.
 III. A wonderful revelation, w. 16- 25. Gods descent was signalized by every object of grandeur and awe that imagination can conceive. The burning mountain suggests the con. suming 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 the attention of ages? The enyeloping cloud reminds us of another noun tain experience, see Matt. 175. The trumpet emphasizes the supernatural
 
 trumpet blown by human breath. Read in connection with this lesson lsa. 6 Our God is not alone God of love but he is a being of infinite majesty and holiness, "a consuming fire,' Heb 1229 Too often we have presented an emasculated God; we need to em phasize, in this day, both sides of his .I,1 A Jrn pointed out, each of sufficient area to accommodate those gathered un der Moses leadership (v. ID. Though he trembled (Heb 12:21) yet he ap preached with confidence. John 3:21, this interview with God. No sooner had he gone a little way up the mountain than he is ordered to re- turn in order to keep the people from breaking through the bounds to gazs. w. 2f, 22
 w. 21, 22. It was great service to bring these people out to meet God no greater comes to my man, yet ev cry man has that privilege, but at the same time 1t involved the danger of over-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 were calculated in the highest degree to solemnize and to awe every heart in divine presence. This is a warn ing very much needed today The dar ing and presumption of some of the cults and isms that talk so flippantly ,f God and dare to try to peer into or to guide his affairs would do well Q ronder upon this scene and 10 re