Welcome to Day 2559 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Putnam Church Message – 02/02/2025
Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation
Message 4: “The Books of the Pentateuch”
Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series with ‘The Language, Cosmology, Geography, and Interpretation of the Old Testament.’
This week, we will begin exploring the Old Testament’s different groups of books (genres), starting with The Books of the Pentateuch from an ancient Israelite perspective and insights into the Divine Council Worldview.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, eager to learn and grow through Your Word. As we delve into the Pentateuch, the foundation of Your covenant and story with humanity, open our eyes to the wisdom within these books. Help us see through the perspective of Your people, ancient Israel, and to apply these timeless truths to our lives. Guide our hearts to understand Your purpose, Your love, and Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Introduction
The Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, consists of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books form the foundation of God’s covenantal relationship with His people. To the ancient Israelites, these texts were not merely stories or laws; they were the blueprint for life, the anchor of their identity, and the revelation of Yahweh’s character.
Today, we will explore these books from the perspective of an ancient Israelite, uncovering the themes of creation, covenant, worship, and faithfulness. These books teach us who God is, who we are in relationship to Him, and how to live in faithfulness to His commands. We will examine four main points: (Bulletin Insert)
- The Creation and Covenant of Genesis
- The Redemption and Revelation of Exodus
- The Holiness and Worship of Leviticus
- The Journey and Renewal of Numbers and Deuteronomy
Through each of these points, we will discover the richness of the Pentateuch and its relevance for our faith today.
Main Points
- The Creation and Covenant of Genesis
Genesis lays the foundation for understanding God’s relationship with humanity. It begins with the grand narrative of creation, establishing Yahweh as the sovereign Creator. The ancient Israelites would have contrasted this with the pagan creation myths of their neighbors, which depicted chaotic battles among competing gods.
Key Themes:
- Creation: In Genesis 1, God speaks the universe into existence. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern accounts, Yahweh creates without struggle, emphasizing His supreme authority.
- Covenant: In Genesis 12, God calls Abraham, establishing a covenant that will shape Israel’s identity. This covenant is marked by promises of land, descendants, and blessings.
Expanded Narrative: For an Israelite, Genesis was more than just an origin story. It explained their very existence and purpose. Imagine an Israelite child asking, “Father, why do we live in this land?” The father would tell the story of Abraham, who left everything to follow Yahweh, trusting His promise of land and descendants. This story instilled a sense of purpose and belonging, reminding them that they were chosen and set apart by God.
Illustration: The Power of Covenant
Imagine a father teaching his son about their family’s heritage. He recounts how Abraham, their forefather, left his homeland to follow Yahweh’s call. The son asks, “Why would he leave everything behind?” The father replies, “Because Yahweh promised him something greater—a relationship with the one true God.” This trust in God’s covenantal promise became the backbone of Israel’s faith. This is similar to me referencing my heritage and ties to the founding of Marietta. I count it a tremendous privilege and blessing to have those strong ancestral connections on which I can reflect.
Object Lesson #1: Sand and Stars (Insert)
Show a jar of sand and a star chart. Use these to illustrate God’s promise to Abraham: “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17, NLT). This tangible reminder reinforces the vastness of God’s promise.
Key Scripture: “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith” (Genesis 15:6, NLT).
- The Redemption and Revelation of Exodus
Exodus is the story of redemption. It begins with God’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt and culminates in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. For the Israelites, this book was a declaration of Yahweh’s power and faithfulness.
Key Themes:
- Deliverance: The plagues and the parting of the Red Sea demonstrated Yahweh’s supremacy over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.
- Revelation: At Mount Sinai, God gave the Ten Commandments and law, establishing the terms of His covenant (contract) with Israel.
Expanded Narrative: Picture the Israelites standing at the foot of Mount Sinai, trembling as thunder and lightning envelop the mountain. To them, the giving of the Law wasn’t merely a set of rules; it was a divine invitation to live as God’s people. The Law was their guide to a life of holiness, setting them apart from the surrounding nations.
Story: The Passover Night
Imagine an Israelite family on the night of the first Passover. The smell of roasted lamb fills the home, and the father carefully applies the lamb’s blood to the doorframe. The children ask, “Papa, why are we doing this?” The father replies, “Because Yahweh will pass over us tonight and deliver us from slavery.” This act of obedience and trust became a defining moment in Israel’s history.
Illustration: A Path Through the Sea
Show an image of the Red Sea. Explain how walking through the parted waters symbolized Israel’s trust in Yahweh. Their journey from slavery to freedom mirrored our own spiritual journey from sin to salvation.
Key Scripture: “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him” (Exodus 15:2, NLT).
- The Holiness and Worship of Leviticus
Leviticus emphasizes the holiness of God and the necessity of worship. For the Israelites, holiness was not about moral perfection but about being set apart for Yahweh. They were to be a nation of priests to the nations around them.
Key Themes:
- Holiness: The phrase “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44) underscored Israel’s calling to reflect God’s character. (Imager of God)
- Sacrifice: The sacrificial system provided a way for the Israelites to maintain their relationship with God and atone for sin.
Expanded Narrative: To an ancient Israelite, the Tabernacle was not just a place of worship but the dwelling place of Yahweh among His people. Every ritual, every sacrifice, was a tangible reminder of God’s presence and their need for purification. It was a daily call to draw near to God with reverence and awe.
Object Lesson #2: Incense and Offering
Light incense or show a small bowl of grain. Explain how these represented offerings in Levitical worship. The smoke rising symbolized prayers ascending to God, while the grain represented thankfulness for His provision.
Story: The Day of Atonement
On Yom Kippur, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for Israel’s sins. Picture the solemnity as the priest sprinkles blood on the mercy seat, symbolizing purification and reconciliation. This act foreshadowed Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Today, our communion represents Christ’s broken body and shed blood.
Key Scripture: “For the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord” (Leviticus 17:11, NLT).
- The Journey and Renewal of Numbers and Deuteronomy
Numbers recounts Israel’s journey through the wilderness, while Deuteronomy renews the covenant for a new generation. Together, they remind us of God’s faithfulness despite human rebellion. (repeat of the law for a new generation)
Key Themes:
- Faith and Obedience: Numbers highlights Israel’s struggles with faith, while Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of loving and obeying Yahweh.
- Renewal of the Covenant: Moses’ speeches in Deuteronomy reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to God before entering the Promised Land.
Expanded Narrative: Imagine the Israelites standing on the edge of the Promised Land. Moses, their leader, speaks passionately about the need to remain faithful to Yahweh. For this new generation, the words of Deuteronomy were a charge to trust God’s promises and walk in obedience.
Story: The Bronze Serpent
When fiery serpents plagued the Israelites, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up. Those who looked at it were healed (Numbers 21:8-9). This story illustrated the necessity of faith and foreshadowed Christ’s redemptive work.
Illustration: A Journey of Trust (Insert)
Show a map of the wilderness journey. Each stop represented both a challenge and an opportunity to trust God. The journey was not just physical but spiritual, shaping Israel’s identity as God’s people.
Key Scripture: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, NLT).
Application: Three Takeaways
- Trust in God’s Promises
- Summary Narrative: For the Israelites, trusting in God’s promises was more than just an abstract idea; it was their lifeline through centuries of trials, exile, and deliverance. Abraham’s faith in Yahweh’s covenant set the foundation for a people who were called to walk by faith, not by sight. Imagine Abraham looking up at the vast night sky, hearing Yahweh’s voice promising descendants as numerous as the stars. He was a man advanced in years, with no children, in a land that wasn’t yet his own. Yet, he believed. That act of faith became the hallmark of his relationship with Yahweh and a lesson for generations to come. (believing loyalty) Today, believers face their own “night sky” moments—times of waiting, uncertainty, or impossible circumstances. Trusting in God’s promises is an ongoing act of faith that shapes our journey and transforms our relationship with Him.
- Expanded Story/Illustration:
- Biblical Example: Think about the Israelites standing on the banks of the Jordan River after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. They had heard the promises of a land flowing with milk and honey, yet they still needed to trust that Yahweh would make a way. When the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, the waters stopped flowing (Joshua 3:15-17). This was a moment where their trust in God’s promise led to miraculous provision.
- Modern-Day Story: Ther is a story of a family who prayed through a financial crisis. (I can personally relate to) Imagine parents sitting down with their children, explaining that they would need to trust God for provision after the father lost his job. They clung to Philippians 4:19, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs.” Over the months, they experienced unexpected provisions: a neighbor brought groceries, an old friend offered a temporary job, and their needs were met in ways they never anticipated. This modern story mirrors the trust in God’s promises that Abraham exemplified.
- Illustration: Bring a visual of a jar filled with sand and a star chart. (insert) This is how Abraham would have looked at the stars and considered God’s promise. Contrast this with a modern believer keeping a journal of answered prayers as a “star chart” of God’s faithfulness. This parallel reminds us that the promises of Yahweh are still trustworthy and relevant today.
- Key Scripture: “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NLT).
- Worship God with Reverence
- Summary Narrative: Worship in ancient Israel was a deeply reverent experience, rooted in an understanding of God’s holiness and majesty. Picture an Israelite family preparing to offer a sacrifice at the Tabernacle. The father explains to his children the significance of the offering: “We do this because Yahweh is holy, and through this sacrifice, we acknowledge His provision and seek to draw closer to Him.” This act of worship was not about routine or obligation but about responding to God’s greatness and goodness. Similarly, today, worship is a sacred time to reflect on God’s character and offer our lives as a living sacrifice to Him.
- Expanded Story/Illustration: Imagine a modern-day believer named Sarah who struggled with distractions during personal worship. Feeling convicted, she decided to create a sacred space in her home, setting aside time each day for prayer, singing, and reading Scripture. Over time, this act of reverence transformed her heart and drew her closer to God. In the same way, the Israelites were called to make their worship intentional, reminding them of God’s constant presence and faithfulness. For the Israelites, the aroma of the burning incense symbolized their prayers rising to heaven, a tangible expression of their connection to Yahweh.
- Summary Narrative: The sacrificial system of Leviticus reminds us of the importance of worship and reverence for God. Worship is not just an act but a lifestyle of honoring God in all we do.
- Expanded Story/Illustration: Share an example of a family dedicating time for worship, reflecting on God’s holiness and goodness. For instance, a modern story could involve a man setting aside time each morning to kneel and pray, dedicating his day to God. Over time, this practice transformed his relationship with God and his family.
- Key Scripture: “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker” (Psalm 95:6, NLT).
- Walk in Obedience
- Summary Narrative: Like the Israelites in the wilderness, our journey of faith requires trust and obedience. (believing loyalty) Obedience is a reflection of our love and loyalty to God, even when the path is uncertain. Consider the story of Joshua and Caleb, who, in contrast to the other spies, chose to obey God’s command to take the Promised Land despite overwhelming challenges. Their unwavering obedience was grounded in their trust in Yahweh’s promises and character. Similarly, modern believers often face moments when the call to obedience seems daunting. Yet, obedience paves the way for experiencing God’s faithfulness and blessings.
- Expanded Story/Illustration: Joshua and Caleb’s obedience stands as a testimony to trusting God even in the face of fear. Imagine them standing before the Israelites, passionately declaring their belief that God would deliver the land into their hands despite the presence of giants. In a present-day context, consider Jeff and Candi Waite, who felt led by God to start GMFP to serve our community. Though he faced financial uncertainty and criticism, their obedience resulted in lives being transformed, and their faith deepened. This story reminds us that obedience is not only about action but about a heart fully surrendered to God’s will.
- Key Scripture: “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15, NLT).
- Summary Narrative: Like the Israelites in the wilderness, our journey of faith requires trust and obedience. Obedience is a reflection of our love and loyalty to God, even when the path is uncertain.
So this week, apply these three takeaways to your life. Trust in God’s Promises, Worship God with Reverence and Walk in Obedience to God.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the lessons found in the Pentateuch. Help us to trust Your promises, worship You with reverence, and walk in obedience. May we, like the Israelites, find our identity and purpose in You. Lead us in Your ways and draw us closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next Week: We will explore more about what drives the narrative of the Pentateuch in a message covering “Covenant, Law, Sacred Spaces, and Sacrifice.”
Genesis 26:4-5