The greatest gift you can give your children is the gift of your presence.
REVIEW: When we don’t live in the Father’s presence, we seek leadership provision, protection, purpose, and identity.
- READ: Exodus 32:19-24, “When they came near the camp, Moses saw the calf and the dancing, and he burned with anger. He threw the stone tablets to the ground, smashing them at the foot of the mountain. He took the calf they had made and burned it. Then he ground it into powder, threw it into the water, and forced the people to drink it. Finally, he turned to Aaron and demanded, “What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?””Don’t get so upset, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know how evil these people are. They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.’ So I told them, ‘Whoever has gold jewelry, take it off.’ When they brought it to me, I simply threw it into the fire—and out came this calf!”
- DISCUSS: Talk about a time when you felt as though God were working ‘too slowly’. Do you think you responding out of impatience, a feeling of a lack of control, settling for temporary satisfaction, or something else?
REVIEW: When we don’t live in the presence of our Father, we create a god to serve us rather than learning to serve God, the Father who created us.
- READ: Exodus 19:4-6 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
- DISCUSS: What do you think it means to be God’s people to be a ‘kingdom of priests and a holy nation’?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
For help focusing on Jesus, trusting in his plan, supporting his people, and celebrating his work.