Numbers 11:4-23 — Dealing with Complaining People and Frustration in Ministry
CONFIDENCE IN THE SUFFICIENCY OF GOD’S POWER TO MEET NEEDS IS THE ANTIDOTE TO ALL COMPLAINING AND TO FRUSTRATION IN LEADERSHIP
Numbers 11:1-3 — General Complaining About Hard Times
AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF FAITHFUL PROVIDENTIAL CARE, GOD’S PEOPLE RESPOND TO THE PRESSURE OF ADVERSITY WITH GRUMBLING AND COMPLAINING THAT BRING SEVERE DISCIPLINE
Numbers 10:11-36 — Following the Cloud as the Journey Begins
DIVINE GUIDANCE DIRECTS THE ISRAELITES TO BREAK CAMP AT SINAI AND BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY TO THE PROMISED LAND
Numbers 10:1-10 — Use of the Silver Signal Trumpets for Worship and Mobilization
GOD COMMUNICATES HIS FAVORABLE PRESENCE WITH HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE VIA CLEAR SIGNALS
Numbers 9:15-23 — Following the Command of the Lord — the Cloud and the Fire
GOD COMMUNICATES HIS FAVORABLE PRESENCE WITH HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE VIA CLEAR SIGNALS
Exodus 24:1-18 — Ratification of the Covenant
THE RATIFICATION OF THE COVENANT IS ROOTED IN THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT AND IS DESIGNED TO MANIFEST THE GLORY OF GOD
Exodus 23:20-33 — Epilogue to the Book of the Covenant
THE DIVINE PROMISE OF GUIDANCE AND VICTORY MOTIVATES OBEDIENCE TO THE BOOK OF THE COVENANT IN LOYAL WORSHIP — DESPITE THE THREAT OF IDOLATRY
Exodus 23:10-19 — Sabbath Observances and Feast Celebrations
GOD INSTRUCTED ISRAEL TO OBSERVE SABBATH LAWS AND CELEBRATE THREE ANNUAL PILGRIM FEASTS
Exodus 22:16 – 23:9 More Religious, Social and Judicial Obligations
THE BOOK OF THE COVENANT REVEALS HOW OUR VIEW OF GOD MUST IMPACT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS (ESPECIALLY THE VULNERABLE) AND OUR PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AND HOLINESS
Exodus 21:18 – 22:15 — Violence to People and Animals / Property Rights
THE BOOK OF THE COVENANT LAYS DOWN GOD’S LAWS (INCLUDING PRINCIPLES OF PUNISHMENT AND RESTITUTION) DEALING WITH VIOLENCE TO PEOPLE AND ANIMALS AND WITH PROPERTY RIGHTS
Exodus 21:12-17 — Capital Punishment Offenses
CERTAIN EGREGIOUS CRIMES ARE WORTHY OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
Exodus 21:1-11 — Merciful Provisions for Hebrew Slaves
FREEDOM AND PROTECTION AFFORDED TO HEBREW SLAVES (IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE CUSTOMS OF SURROUNDING PAGAN NATIONS)