We all worship something, whether we realize it or not. The book of Exodus gives us clear guidelines on truly worshiping a Lord we can know.
Paper, crayons, pencils
Connecting with the Scripture Topic
- We can worship God only when we know God. Describe to the group what you think God is like. What is God’s personality? What are God’s attributes? What would a conversation with God be like?
- Draw and color a symbol that describes what Jesus means to you (examples: a STOP sign because Jesus stops you from sinning, a NO PARKING sign because Jesus doesn’t want you to get too comfortable with this world, etc.). Be creative! Share your symbol and its meaning with the group.
Sharing and Receiving Scripture
- Moses met God at a burning bush. The Holy Spirit was revealed as a dove. What other symbols can you think of that represent God? Draw as many as possible on a piece of paper and then discuss how we worship God through symbols.
- Thought Questions
In the book of Exodus, worship is no small matter. Read Exodus 3:1-15, which tells about Moses meeting God at the burning bush. What does Moses’ experience teach us about worship?
- God can show up in unusual places.
- We stand on holy ground when we are in the presence of God.
- Worship is a time when God reveals plans for saving people from the bondage of sin.
- We can hear God’s call to service while worshiping.
- God’s character and qualities are often communicated in worship.
Exodus 12:1-36 describes the first Passover service. This service is an act of worship that teaches us many things about the Lord. Study this passage and ask, “How does this reveal God to me?”
- Worship is a time to remember that there is a judgment involving life-and-death issues.
- This service shows God’s mercy to those who are “under the blood of the lamb.”
- Eating the Passover in haste reminds us that Christ’s deliverance will come sooner than we think.
- Bitter herbs can teach us that though we experience trials on this earth, we will soon be home.
- Avoiding yeast reminds us of God’s thorough work of removing all sin from our hearts.
All worship in Exodus was not proper. Read the story of the golden calf in Exodus 32:1-6. Can we learn anything about improper worship from this story?
- Listening to people’s preferences does not always lead to proper worship practices.
- Impatience with God’s timing or a leader’s planning can tempt us to do our own thing.
- Aaron did not want to displease the people. Fear of Israel’s people replaced his fear of God.
- True worship will never lead to impropriety among God’s people.
- There is a difference between joy in worship and having a good time for the wrong reasons.
What a contrast in worship! The golden calf story is followed by God’s glory revealed to Moses. Read Exodus 33:12-23. What contrasts do you find between Moses’ experience and false worship?
- Moses was in the presence of God; some people think they are always in God’s presence.
- Moses cried out for God’s presence to be with him; some worshipers feel no need for God.
- Moses longed to see God’s glory; many worshipers are interested in their own glory.
- God’s glory is mercy and compassion; human glory is often sought in fame and fortune.
- Moses bowed in humility in God’s presence; humans stand in self-exaltation.
Applying the Message of Scripture
Gather in groups of two or three. Choose one of the following options and work on a solution. Then report back to the larger group when your facilitator says time is up.
- Option 1: The true worshipers in Exodus celebrated the deliverance God had given them. Discuss a time when God delivered you from addiction, illness, an accident, etc. How did you worship God afterward? Through prayer? With a joyful shout? With singing? By telling others?
- Option 2: Begin planning a traditional Passover feast for your group. As part of the ceremony, plan to discuss the meaning of the Hebrew symbols and traditions and how they are relevant to us today. Set a date for this event and invite others to attend.
- Option 3: Imagine that you encounter a burning bush. God calls your name and you answer, “Here I am.” Now what is God asking of you personally? Do you think God wants to send you on a mission in your home, town, or in another country? How will you respond to this call?
Valuing Scripture in Your Life
- Was there a time in your life when you, like Moses, experienced God’s glory? Are you still at that same spiritual level? If not, what caused that glory to fade? What steps can you take to bring it back?
- Read Genesis 20:2, 3. You may not be worshiping an idol, but do you have other “gods”? Are there people or possessions that are more valuable to you than Jesus? If so, it’s time to sacrifice, time to re-prioritize, and time to make Jesus first.