Types And Shadows Of Christianity #1 Series

Types and Shadows of Christianity #1

A Series of Studies in the Book of Exodus

Introduction

As we begin this study of the Book of Exodus in an attempt to draw out of the story of God’s dealing with the nation of Israel and compare it to the life of a Christian let me say that by no means will we be able to cover this material in an exhaustive manner. In our finite minds and limited time and vision, we are completely unable to grasp all of the meanings that this important story can have for each of us. I trust and pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us into deeper truth and reveal to us many of the depths of meaning that are hidden just below the surface of this great book of God’s Word. A number of sources will be used in this study and due recognition will be given when possible. All scripture quoted in this study are from the King James Authorized Version unless otherwise noted.

Now let us begin the study of Exodus and see what God has in store for those who will spend time and be faithful to learn of his Word. The first question you may have is, “Why study Exodus?” We must never forget that all of God’s Word contains lessons and answers to our present lives for it is a living Word and able to touch every life. Each of us may gain something different from this series, but we shall all gain something.

God speaks to his people and about his people through his Word. Israel was formed as a people and given a very special identity. Israel is God’s Chosen Nation upon the earth. In a number of places, in diverse manners, Israel is referred to as the “wife of God upon the earth”, while the Church is called the Bride of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:1-11, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."

These verses from the New Testament, referring to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, are given that we may learn of Israel. We must learn of their mistakes, learn of their victories, and of how God dealt them so that we will not be destined to follow their path into destruction. We will also learn that, in the end, when sin has run its course, God will save a remnant. God is true to his Word. His promises never fail. He promised that there would be no end to his chosen nation and he has promised the same to the Bride of Christ.

Before we begin to read in Exodus we must set the stage for what is happening at this point in the history of mankind.

It all begins in Genesis, the beginning, when God created man. Man, created in the image of God, fell into sin when he was lulled into a deceptive lie of Satan and disobeyed God. After a fashion, man ceased to believe in, trust in, and worship the God of Heaven and began to worship, serve, obey and trust the lies of the devil, thus making Satan their god and idol.

It was Enos, the grandson of Adam and Eve, and the son of Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve, who first began to call upon the name of the Lord after the fall of man in the garden. This doesn’t mean that Adam, nor Seth worshipped the Lord. Their families being small, it was not necessary for a corporate worship, only for private devotions and worship of God. Now their families had grown to sufficient size that it became necessary for them to gather in larger groups and begin a corporate worship as groups.