March 8 Sermon Notes

March 8, 2020—The Good Life (2)
Bibles: Exodus 20:1-17

What does Exodus 20 feel like?

Original language: “The 10 Words” Not “The 10 Commandments”

Why 10 Words?—
• Genesis 1—“And God said” (10x)

Mountain: Why are they on the mountain?—
• Eden is on a mountain—the river flowed out of Eden (Genesis 2)

Mt Sinai As A Wedding / Covenant Ceremony
• There are two parties (God as a “husband”)
• God has brought Israel “to himself”—like the husband bringing the bride home
• Words (of love) spoken
• Garden of Eden connection, a covenant
• And the chuppah! (Exodus 19:18)—the fire and smoke on the mountain

Why 2 Tablets?—
• One tablet for God and one for the people—the two parties in this relationship

Ark Of The Covenant
• The tablets are like 2 rings—one for each party

• Exodus 20: God wants the people to draw near to them in an intimate relationship

Book: “Bearing God’s name”
• Main point: we have not fully understand the 3rd

Exodus 20:7
“You shall not misuse [“bear,” “wear”]
the name of the Lord your God,
for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless
who misuses his name”
• “Misuse” = “bear,” “wear”—weird idea?

Numbers 6:24-27
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:24-27)

Tattoo
• A mark—on the flesh, Jesus marks on his hands and feet—marks of the love of God

Examples…

Lent: “Give up living as if God does not exist”

Reading…Romans 12:9-12