Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lessons 24, 25.
Lesson 24 Analysis: They Don't Keep Their Promise
What did the Israelites do while Moses was on the mountain?
While Moses was on the mountain, the Israelites began to believe he had abandoned them. So they told Aaron they wanted a leader, and he asked him to make them a god. Aaron melted down the people's gold and made an image in the shape of a calf. The Israelites said, "This calf is our god, the one who brought us up out of Egypt!" Then they held a feast and began to worship the golden calf.
What did Moses do when he came down from the mountain?
When Moses came down from the mountain and saw the people dancing and worshiping the golden calf, he became very angry. He threw the stone tablets to the ground, and they broke. He then destroyed the statue of the calf and demanded an explanation from Aaron for what he had done. Afterward, he went back up the mountain to ask Jehovah to forgive the people.
What does this story teach us about Jehovah?
This story teaches us that Jehovah sees everything we do, even when we think no one is watching. It also shows that Jehovah is just and does not tolerate idolatry or disobedience, but at the same time, he is merciful and willing to forgive those who sincerely repent and desire to obey him.
What practical lessons can we learn from this story?
We must remain faithful to Jehovah even when His guidance seems slow in coming. The Israelites grew impatient and made bad decisions. We must trust in Jehovah and wait for Him.
We mustn't give in to the pressure of others. Aaron gave in because the people insisted, but he had to stand firm. We learn not to do wrong just because others ask us to or do it.
Worship Jehovah alone, the way He commands. Anything we put first before Him can become a “golden calf” for us.
Moses interceded for the people, and Jehovah forgave those who wanted to obey. When we make a mistake, it's best to admit it, seek Jehovah's forgiveness, and be determined to obey him.
Lesson 25 Analysis: A Tabernacle to Worship God
What did Jehovah tell Moses to build?
Jehovah told Moses to build a tabernacle, a special tent where the Israelites could worship God and which they could also take with them on their travels. He also told him to ask the people to give whatever they could to help build it.
What jobs did Jehovah give to Aaron and his sons?
Jehovah chose Aaron and his sons to be priests and work in the tabernacle. They were to care for it and make offerings there. Furthermore, only Aaron, as high priest, could enter the Most Holy once a year to offer a sacrifice for his sins, those of his family, and those of the entire nation.
What does this story teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah values organized worship and places importance on its proper conduct. It also shows that Jehovah appreciates the generosity and efforts of his people, and that he shows his approval when we obey his instructions, as he did when he covered the tabernacle with a cloud.
What practical lessons can we learn from this story?
We should be generous in supporting true worship, just as the Israelites gave voluntarily to build the tabernacle. Jehovah deserves the best of our abilities and efforts, for many men and women used their talents and the wisdom Jehovah gave them to serve him.
It is important to respect the organization and functions that Jehovah establishes, just as Aaron and his sons fulfilled a special role as priests. We must follow Jehovah's guidance, as the Israelites followed the cloud when it moved.
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