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Terrain Day 3 Moses & Mt Sinai

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 19:1-25
Jeremiah 29:11-14
1 Samuel 15:22-23

Terrain, Day 3

If you grew up attending church, you’re probably familiar with Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt Sinai. If you did not experience the Sunday school version of this Exodus story, you may have missed out on the felt board story pieces (for those younger than 35, you probably missed those, too. Feel free to Google as needed) but you now have the opportunity to experience the story on a deeper level.

I learned of Moses on Mt. Sinai early on, and yes, I do remember my grandmother using felt board pieces! However, in some ways, I am envious of those who are reading the story with fresh eyes. You see, my memories of the story and its lessons have been caught in a young mindset, a two-dimensional understanding of the story and the basic tenets it conveyed. Thankfully, this Journey Study challenged me to traverse new terrain in my heart as I gained insight into the terrain around Mt. Sinai.

My childhood understanding of this story captured Moses climbing Mt. Sinai because God called him to the summit to talk to him. When he arrived, the Lord spoke the Ten Commandments and engraved them on tablets. Moses then took the tablets back to the Israelites waiting at the base of the mountain. There, he found the Israelites had made, and were worshipping, a golden calf in utter rebellion to God. Moses threw the tablets in anger, shattering them.

My young takeaways had everything to do with the creation of the tablets, the content of the Ten Commandments themselves, and Israel’s sin. All of which are practical and important, but recently, as I researched Mt Sinai, the enormity of the Lord’s presence in this story overwhelmed me.

What picture came to your mind while reading of Moses ascending the mountain? What did the mountain look like? How tall was it? Did it seem “normal” to think of a cloud at the top?

Depending on where we live or have traveled, we might imagine vastly different pictures. Therefore, let’s paint the picture of Mt. Sinai using insights from the mountain’s modern-day description.

Mt. Sinai is nestled in the middle of a larger group of mountains on the Sinai peninsula. Interestingly, Mt. Sinai is one of the smaller mountains within the cluster; meteorologically speaking, clouds, especially thick ones with thunder and lightning, would not form over a smaller peak when taller mountains surround it. The taller mountains would either cause the cloud to dissipate before reaching the shorter mountain, or the cloud would cover them all.

Throughout Scripture, the Lord uses His physical creation to highlight His power and Presence. Already in the Israelites’ exodus story, they have been led by a pillar of fire at night and a cloud by day. (Exodus 13:21-22) For Elijah on Mt. Carmel, the Lord showed His power by sending fire from heaven to consume the water-saturated altar. (1 Kings 18:38-39) At the crucifixion of Christ, the sky went black when Jesus breathed His last. (Matthew 27:50-52)

For Moses, the Lord used clouds, thunder, lightning, smoke, fire, and the shaking earth to evidence His powerful Presence to the Israelites. He even commanded Moses to tell the Israelites to not touch the mountain or they would be killed. (Exodus 19:12) The emphasis on the Lord’s holy presence was high; the ark of the covenant had a similar order connected to it, and also represented the presence of the Lord in the Tabernacle.

My research helped me understand Moses’ profound experience of the Lord’s power and authority on the mountain not only spiritually, but also physically. Mt. Sinai is 7,947 feet (2,422 meters) tall. This was no small mountain! Only fourteen states in the United States have mountains taller than this height. Research showed there were two ways to access the summit on foot. The first is a roundabout route requiring approximately 2.5 hours to traverse. The other option is a much steeper, direct route, including 3,750 steps dubbed “steps of penitence.”

Moses likely took one of these routes multiple times in the process of meeting with the Lord. Can you imagine all the thoughts going through his mind? Out of obedience to the Lord, he climbs the mountain the rest of Israel was forbidden to touch or death would befall them. He steps onto the quaking ground and enters the smoke-filled cloud.

What level of humility would have been required?
What level of obedience, trust, and faith in the Unseen God?

Maybe you feel the Lord is asking you to take similar steps. While your Mt. Sinai may not be a literal mountain, you’re feeling the call to draw closer to Him or step out in following Him into your own unknown terrain.

Follow Moses’ example.
The journey is already worth it. 

If you’re like me, and a more fresh understanding of a long-known story presents itself, dig in and discover all the Lord has for you. This Journey Theme is a great place to begin exploring, by excavating terrain we once found familiar.

Uncovering fresh perspectives and deeper understandings of our God will always be amazing!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Terrain Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Terrain!

Focus Day 2 Do I Really Want To Follow Jesus?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Do I Really Want To Follow Jesus?!

The Questions

1) Is James speaking to a specific twelve tribes?

2) Do trials today have a purpose?

3) JOY…What is it?

James 1:1-18

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:
To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad.
Greetings.
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
5 Now if any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double minded and unstable in all of his ways.
9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field.  11 For the sun rises and together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.

    12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

  16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights who does not change like shifting shadows.
18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Original Intent

1) Is James speaking to a specific twelve tribes?
James addresses his letter to the twelve tribes dispersed “abroad”, meaning the original twelve tribes no longer physically existed in one location in Israel. They have been dispersed or scattered over time. The term “twelve tribes dispersed abroad“ was a description for the regathered and spiritually renewed Israel God was building. This included all who were genuine Christ-followers regardless of their bloodline, whether Jew or Gentile. (Matthew 19:28, Revelation 7:4-8, Revelation 21:12)
In his letter, James is writing to Jewish believers, God-fearing Jews from every nation. These devout Jews came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, became converts, and returned to their places of residency. Those who stayed in Jerusalem were persecuted and driven away after the death of Stephen. (Acts 8:1, Acts 11:19) (Kistemaker)  While there is no indication James is specifically referring to Gentile Christians, nevertheless his message speaks to them as well.

2) Do trials today have a purpose?
The word “trial”, translated from its original Greek “peirasmos” has two basic meanings in the New Testament.  Either it can refer to the inner enticement to sin, the sins we commit in our hearts and minds which “plunge us into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy  6:9), or it can refer to external afflictions, particularly persecution of the physical body. (1 Peter 4:12) (D.J. Moo) In James 1:2-4, the context points to “trials” as referring to persecution. Trials are common to all people, as well as the specific adversities Christians face as a result of their faith. Such trials can include illness, financial strain, or social and economic persecution.
God uses trials as a means of testing and refining the believer. As a result, God sanctifies us, shaping our hearts and lives to better reflect Christ as He perfects our faith. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, the result of this testing process will be the genuineness of our faith. Or we could say trials are a refining fire, maturing our faith as we “grow up” to maturity in Christ. (Isaiah 48:10) James wanted to encourage the believers that suffering is the means by which faith, tested in the fires of adversity, can be purified and strengthened. Steadfastness in trusting God is the outcome of the testing process of trials of all kinds. This deep trust is a quality necessary as Christians face adversity, temptation, and persecution in our daily walk of faith.

3) JOY …What is it? 
Webster defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires”. “Christian joy”, John Piper writes, “is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world”.
So, what is JOY? This three-letter word packs a powerhouse of meaning for the Christian. Our ultimate example of JOY is Jesus who laid down His life for us, enduring the cross and scorning its shame that we might be restored and redeemed, brought back to a place of unity and sweet fellowship with God. (Hebrews 12:2) God finds JOY in bringing about our atonement, our return to Him, and our sin being forgiven. For believers, trials and persecutions are occasions for JOY, not because we “enjoy the pain”, but because even in the pain, we know and trust the heart of the God who gave Himself to rescue us. Peter and John found their time of physical scourging and suffering as cause to rejoice “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”. (Acts 5:41) There is no joy apart from Christ and the sweetness of knowing Him and studying His Word. Without Christ, suffering is not a means to anything. But with Christ, suffering becomes a conduit through which we can better learn and trust the heart of God, this brings JOY. As we live out this joy, regardless of our circumstance, we are marked as belonging to God’s kingdom, which is described as “righteousness, peace, and JOY in the Holy Spirit.“ (Romans 14:17) Fellowship with Jesus brings continuous joy, NO MATTER WHAT! 🙂

Everyday Application

1) Is James speaking to a specific twelve tribes?
The letter is addressed to the twelve tribes for the purpose of identifying the readers as Jewish. They were not residents of Palestine, but scattered among the nations. James’ letter is intended for those who are “Believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (D. Burdick) It can feel like we are pretty far-removed from the days when James’ letter would have arrived on fresh parchment. Our persecution is likely nowhere near what the believers in Jerusalem were experiencing. But, we can be encouraged that, regardless of time in history or the fact that many of us read James’ letter on a pixelated screen instead of parchment, God has preserved His timeless message for all believers. His Word is living and active, not bound by a historic period of time or the suffering of persecution. Take time to dwell deeply with His Word today and find it fresh and rich as the Spirit awakens truth to your heart!

2) Do trials today have a purpose?
James exhorts us “to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of all kinds.” (verse 2) The testing of our faith will develop perseverance. No trial is wasted in God’s economy! “Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing”. (James 1:3-4) Trials are essential to our growth as Christians, driving us to maturity and total dependence on God, which is His heart’s desire that we would trust Him just as a small child trusts entirely upon his or her parent.
Testing of our faith is vital, though painful! Will our faith persevere? Will it withstand the test? If our faith is genuine, and not rooted in ourselves but rather, anchored in the Lord God, testing through trial and suffering will develop perseverance in our faith.
Do we have the patience to endure and tenacity to remain faithful to Christ and His call on our lives? Will we choose Christ over all else?
Barclay explains, “It is not the patience that passively endures, instead, it is the quality that enables us to stand on our feet and face the storm. It is in the struggle against difficulty and opposition that spiritual stamina is developed.”
The next trial you encounter, big or small, choose dependence on Christ and withstand the test. This isn’t founded in your ability to be strong, it is the Spirit of the Lord strengthening you! (James 1:5-8) God gives wisdom and enables us to avoid the paths of wickedness and choose righteousness instead. When we ask for wisdom to face trials, ask in faith, for even in the ask we have the opportunity to grow in our trust of the Savior. Our faith must be more than just words and rituals. To believe is to be confident that God will give what is requested in His perfect time and in alignment with His perfect will.

3) JOY…What is it?
JOY is an AMAZING miraculous benefit of knowing Christ as Savior and reading His Word. God’s benevolent character is unchanging, His goodness towards those who trust Him will never be thwarted or shift away. No, suffering is not pleasant and this kind of joy is not the same “happy feeling” we have in enjoying material things such as a birthday gift or a great vacation, but God is still good. When my oldest was in her high school years, she had a shirt with the acronym F.R.O.G. on it. That acronym had a powerful impact on me, so much that I remember it well today. During those years, I struggled deeply; everyday seemed to carry difficulties between work and home. My trust in God and my expectations of myself were out of rhythm with God’s design; joy was hard to find. I would cry out to the Lord, and I knew He heard me because He gave me the strength to persevere. Gradually, the Lord shifted my heart. Life wasn’t about me, but about God. As I served and worshipped Him alone, He brought me joy. F.R.O.G. had struck a chord in my heart and soul because I was learning to F….fully R….relying O….on G….God
GOD SAW ME THROUGH EVERYDAY. HE ALONE GAVE ME JOY! So, I can proclaim, He is good all the time!
As each day passes in my life on earth, the sweeter and more amazing my walk with the Father becomes. WHY? Because as I have walked through fire, the Lord has renewed my soul, and I have found the goodness of the Lord!
Don’t be afraid to walk through your everyday trials, the Lord will grow your faith beyond your wildest imagination! God is not done with you, He is molding you, refining you, and shaping you into the image of Christ!  As believers, when our lives are done on earth and we are taken into the arms of Jesus, oh what a glorious day that will be! Dwell on the joy of knowing the Lord and sweetly treasuring His Word; let the JOY of what is yet to come fill you!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Do I Really Want To Follow Jesus?!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
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Our Current Study Theme!

This is Focus Week One!
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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

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The GT Weekend! ~ Ignite Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) The Christian beliefs that have shaped the Church today are first and foremost anchored heavily in Scripture, but they were also bravely fought for by brothers and sisters down through the ages who loved the Savior, honored God’s Word supremely, and therefore, refused to give ground to lies over truth. When we believe a lie, it changes the landscape of our lives. Perhaps imperceptibly at first, but over time, the lies we believe grow, quickly taking ground in our hearts. Where are you and I believing lies over truth? There is only one way to know: search the truths of Scripture and pray for the Spirit to convict your heart as you seek His. Do this with me, Sister!

2) As you read through Paula’s Journey from Wednesday, you may notice that many of the “new ideas” brought about by the brave believers in the Middle Ages are commonplace to us in our everyday. We can thank the steadfast Christ-followers of this era for holding so tight and fast to Scripture, believing the message of God to be for more than rituals and mindless Latin expressions. The Spirit of God prompted them to push the envelope on what was common in “religion”, what was “the way we do it” in church life, and we still feel the rippling effects of what the Lord did through them. What would it look like for you to re-evaluate your regular, everyday faith journey and even how you view church, and held it up to the Scriptures? Where is God inviting you to carry His torch of truth?

3) Luther boldly nailed a document to the door of his local church body because he cared more about following Jesus and holding tight to the truth of Scripture than he did his own comfort or popularity. What if we all, as Christ-followers, truly loved the Church as a whole and each of our brothers and sisters in Jesus with that kind of love? A love that called out truth, but did it with grace. Who do you know who needs you to come alongside, offering truth and grace? Where do you need it? Write “truth and grace” in a place you will see it often this weekend as a reminder of how desperately we all need them both, then commit to living it!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 1 John 1:6-7 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Prayer Journal
Spirit! How deeply I need Your conviction! How often I need Your reminder to cling to truth and apply Your teaching in my everyday life! Convict my oft’ wandering heart of my sin, let me see it plainly. Fill my heart so abundantly with Your overwhelming love for others that I literally ache with pain to see another walking in darkness.
Give me boldness, like all those brothers and sisters who have gone before me, to love with grace and truth. Here in the precious place where Your blood covers our sin, Jesus, is sweet unity with one another and You. Lead Your Bride here, Abba Father! Bind us together in Your strong Name!

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

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Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music