After more than 400 years in Egypt, Israel is finally free. But God did not rescue His people simply to remove them from slavery.

He tells them at Mount Sinai, “I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.”

In Week 5 of The Story, John Gunter explores what happens as Israel learns to live as God's people. God establishes His covenant with them, calls them His treasured possession and a holy nation, and gives them the Ten Commandments. These commands show Israel what life with God should look like, both in their relationship with Him and in the way they treat one another.

But Israel quickly struggles to remain faithful. While Moses is on the mountain, the people build a golden calf and credit it with the deliverance God Himself accomplished.

Even after their rebellion, God reveals His character to Moses as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Moses pleads for God's presence to remain with Israel, and by the end of Exodus, God's glory fills the tabernacle and He dwells among His people.

Israel's story reminds us that grace and obedience belong together. We do not obey God to earn His rescue. We respond in obedience because of what God has already done for us.

From Eden to the tabernacle and throughout the rest of Scripture, God's desire remains the same: God wants to be with His people.

Key Scriptures: Exodus 19:2-6; Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 32:1-8; Exodus 34:4-9; Exodus 40:34-38

Series: The Story
Week 5: Brought to God
Speaker: John Gunter

Eagle Community Church of Christ
Mont Belvieu, Texas

Loving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.