Before God Spoke

You might not know that our weekly preaching calendar is based on the Growing Together curriculum, which our children, youth, young adults, and parents all use. Our Conference developed this curriculum, and more churches are choosing it because it is rooted in the Bible and focuses on families. Each week, everyone studies the same Scripture passage, making it easier to have meaningful conversations both at home and at church.

One thing that makes this curriculum unique is its weekly rhythm. Instead of ending the week with Sabbath, as the Adult Sabbath School lesson does, Growing Together starts the lesson on Sabbath. Families then continue to explore the topic together during the week.

This Sabbath, we will study Exodus 17-19. In these chapters, Israel defeats the Amalekites because Joshua leads the battle while Moses, with help from Aaron and Hur, keeps his hands raised to show trust in God (Exodus 17:8–16). The story also tells how Jethro gave Moses wise advice to help him lead better (Exodus 18). Finally, God asks Israel to prepare themselves to meet Him at Mount Sinai before He gives the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:10–25).

These stories are not just separate events. God used them to prepare His people on purpose. Before giving Israel His law, He taught them to depend on Him, to share responsibility, to value wise leadership, and to respect His holy presence. Only after this did He speak His covenant from Sinai.

This order of events shows us an important truth: God saves, leads, and prepares us before asking us to be faithful to Him. Grace comes before obedience. As we worship this Sabbath, let’s ask God to prepare our hearts to hear His voice and respond with joy to His will.

-Pastor Lim