Moses and the New and Everlasting Covenant: From Broken Plates to Redemption through Sanctifying Law
When Moses ascended Mount Sinai for the first time, he received the New and Everlasting Covenant, a divine blueprint meant to shape Israel as a nation of prophets, priests, and kings. This covenant was not just a list of rules but a call to inward transformation, urging the people to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). However, on his return, Moses found the people indulging in hedonism, idolatry, and the worship of lies, abandoning the path of truth for the mythological culture they had absorbed in Egypt.
In righteous anger, Moses shattered the tablets, marking the withdrawal of the New and Everlasting Covenant. What followed was a system of outward laws, designed to reveal sin, humble the heart, and train the people in mercy and kindness. Though sinful practices and pride led to broken plates, the mercy of God provided a way forward, offering a path to redemption through obedience and sanctification.
1. The New and Everlasting Covenant: The Divine Blueprint
The first tablets were inscribed with a covenant that went beyond external obedience. It was God’s invitation to Israel to become a holy nation, where every person would live as a prophet, priest, and king (Exodus 19:6). This covenant called for inward holiness and a life grounded in truth, love, and mercy.
“You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” – Exodus 19:6
The New and Everlasting Covenant offered the people a life of freedom, not bondage—freedom to live in righteousness and just dominion. But such a life required truthfulness, humility, and love. Israel’s challenge was to break free from false worship and embrace this divine calling.
2. The Golden Calf and the Worship of Lies: A Fall into Rebellion
Despite their deliverance from Egypt, the hearts of the people were still enslaved to mythology, hedonism, and pride. When Moses delayed on the mountain, the people lost faith and turned to false worship, crafting a golden calf to represent their gods (Exodus 32:4). They revelled in lies, imagining that a lifeless image could provide for them.
“These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” – Exodus 32:4
This moment illustrates the seductive power of false narratives—the temptation to place trust in material things or worldly pleasures instead of the living God. Moses’ return to this scene of idolatry and indulgence made it clear: hedonism, pride, and the worship of lies never win. In anger, he shattered the plates of the covenant, symbolizing the loss of the higher calling.
3. Broken Plates and the Path to Redemption
Moses’ act of breaking the tablets was not the end of God’s plan but a necessary step in the people’s spiritual journey. With the first covenant withdrawn, a second set of tablets introduced an outward system of laws designed to train the heart.
“So I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands and broke them before your eyes.” – Deuteronomy 9:17
This outward law would now serve as both a mirror and a tutor (Galatians 3:24). The commandments revealed the people’s sinfulness and demonstrated the impossibility of self-righteousness. Tithes, offerings, and sacrifices were instituted—not as mere rituals but as acts of humility and repentance, pointing toward the mercy of God.
4. Tithes and Offerings: Tools for Inward Sanctification
While the Law imposed outward requirements, it had an inward purpose: to draw the people toward authentic worship and sanctification.
- Revealing Sin and Pride
- The law exposed that external obedience alone could not produce righteousness.
- Humble Giving: A Path Back to Truth
- Tithes and offerings were not meant to be mechanical duties but expressions of trust in God. They humbled the heart, teaching the people to rely on God’s provision and respond to His kindness.
- Mercy Over Sacrifice
- True worship was always meant to flow from mercy and kindness (Hosea 6:6). The external system pointed toward a deeper reality—the heart aligned with God.
5. Not Whitewashing Tombs: Avoiding Legalism and Hypocrisy
The Law, though good, carried the risk of being reduced to legalism—an outward performance that masked a dead heart. As Jesus later warned, the Law could be misused by those who cared more for appearances than substance.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones.” – Matthew 23:27
The Law was intended to prepare the heart for the restored covenant, not to serve as an end in itself. Without mercy and humility, the external rituals would amount to nothing more than empty performance.
6. The Fulfillment of the Covenant: From Law to Spirit
The outward system of the Law was always temporary, a preparation for the restoration of the New and Everlasting Covenant. In the fullness of time, God sent Christ to fulfill the Law and restore the covenant of grace. Through Christ, believers are called once again to live as prophets, priests, and kings, empowered by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:9).
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17
This fulfillment brings believers into the freedom of the Spirit, where outward rituals give way to authentic worship and inward transformation.
7. Conclusion: Living the New and Everlasting Covenant Today
The story of Moses teaches that false worship and pride never win. The shattering of the plates reminds us that God’s higher calling cannot coexist with idolatry and indulgence. Yet, through mercy, God provided a path to redemption—first through the Law and finally through the Spirit of grace.
Today, believers are invited to live out the New and Everlasting Covenant, embracing their roles as prophets, priests, and kings. This covenant calls us to worship in spirit and truth, offer tithes and sacrifices from a humble heart, and practice mercy, justice, and kindness.
The broken plates stand as a warning against legalism and hypocrisy, but the restored covenant offers the promise of transformation. As we follow the path of Moses, we discover that obedience flows from love, righteousness is a gift of grace, and the kingdom of God is built on truth and mercy. Let us live in that truth, embodying the spirit of the New and Everlasting Covenant with joy, humility, and unwavering faith.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Moses: Personality, Purpose, Power, and Presence
Moses stands as one of the most towering figures in the history of faith. His life reveals a blend of humility, strength, divine purpose, and a profound relationship with God. From his reluctant beginnings to his leading of Israel through the wilderness, Moses exemplifies the power of obedience, faith, and divine authority. His personality and presence were shaped not only by personal struggles but also by his constant encounter with the living God, giving him the power to mediate between God and His people, deliver laws, and guide a nation.
1. The Personality of Moses: A Man of Humility and Passion
Moses was characterized by both deep humility and righteous zeal. Although raised in the palace of Egypt, he identified with his suffering people, making a decisive and dangerous choice to leave the luxury of Pharaoh’s court for the hardships of his people.
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” – Hebrews 11:24-25
Moses’ humility is emphasized in Numbers 12:3:
“Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.”
This humility, however, did not mean passivity. Moses was known for moments of intense passion and anger—whether confronting Pharaoh, smashing the golden calf, or pleading with God to relent from judgment. His personality was deeply shaped by justice and compassion, leading him to intercede for the people even when they rebelled against him.
“But now, if you will forgive their sin, please do. But if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” – Exodus 32:32
2. The Purpose of Moses: Deliverance and Covenant
Moses’ divine purpose was twofold: to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt and to bring the people into a covenant relationship with God. As a deliverer, Moses was tasked with confronting Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler on earth, and leading Israel to freedom.
“Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
Beyond physical deliverance, Moses was called to introduce the New and Everlasting Covenant and establish Israel as a holy nation. His mission was not just liberation but transformation, guiding Israel from a nation of slaves to a kingdom of priests and a holy people (Exodus 19:6). This covenant, however, required obedience and faith, and when the people faltered, Moses mediated between God and Israel, continually calling them back to God’s purposes.
“Therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples.” – Exodus 19:5
3. The Power of Moses: Divine Authority and Miraculous Signs
Moses was given extraordinary power and authority from God to accomplish his mission. He performed miracles in Egypt to demonstrate God’s power over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, including turning water into blood, calling down plagues, and parting the Red Sea.
“Thus says the Lord, ‘By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood.’” – Exodus 7:17
Moses’ power was not his own but came directly from God’s presence and command. The miracles served as signs of divine authority, revealing that obedience to God brought deliverance, while rebellion led to judgment.
Beyond miracles, Moses was granted the authority to shape the law and the religious life of the people. He wrote down the commandments and instituted practices that shaped Israel’s worship, governance, and ethics for generations.
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.’” – Exodus 34:27
4. The Presence of Moses: Friend of God and Mediator for the People
Moses was uniquely marked by the presence of God. Unlike other prophets, Moses had a relationship with God that was intimate and personal. The Lord spoke with Moses “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11). This closeness empowered Moses to act as a mediator, standing between the people and God.
After the people sinned by worshiping the golden calf, it was Moses who interceded for them, pleading with God to relent from destroying them.
“Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.” – Exodus 32:12
The glory of God’s presence was visibly reflected in Moses’ own appearance. After spending forty days and nights on Mount Sinai, Moses’ face shone with the glory of God, so much so that he had to cover it with a veil (Exodus 34:29-35). This radiant presence confirmed Moses as God’s chosen leader and a bearer of divine revelation.
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” – Exodus 34:29
5. Lessons from Moses: Humility, Power, and Covenant Faithfulness
Moses’ life is a powerful reminder that humility and obedience are the true marks of greatness. Though he was given extraordinary power, Moses remained God’s servant, pointing beyond himself to God’s purposes. His story shows that outward miracles are only part of the journey—true transformation requires a heart aligned with the New and Everlasting Covenant.
When Moses broke the first tablets upon seeing the people’s rebellion, he demonstrated that worshiping lies and indulging in pride can never stand. The golden calf and the broken plates serve as enduring reminders that false worship always leads to destruction.
At the same time, Moses teaches us that God’s mercy is greater than human failure. Even after Israel’s rebellion, God provided new tablets, offering a second chance to walk in obedience and covenant faithfulness.
“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” – Exodus 34:6
6. Conclusion: Living in the Presence of God Today
The life of Moses reveals the power of humility, divine purpose, and intimacy with God. His personality combined meekness with righteous zeal, his purpose was to deliver and transform, and his power came from obedience to God’s command. Above all, Moses’ life points us to the importance of living in the presence of God, following His covenant with faithful hearts.
The New and Everlasting Covenant calls us to embrace our identity as prophets, priests, and kings, living not by outward performance but by spirit and truth. Just as Moses stood as a mediator, pointing the people toward God, we are called to live as witnesses to the truth, walking humbly with God and practicing mercy, justice, and faithfulness.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
Moses’ story reminds us that the worship of lies never wins and that even when the covenant seems broken, God’s mercy always provides a way back. Let us walk in that way, following Moses’ example, until the glory of God’s presence shines through our lives.
The Miracles of Moses: Divine Authority in Action
The life of Moses is punctuated by extraordinary miracles, each demonstrating the power, presence, and purposes of God. These miracles are not merely wonders for spectacle but signs of God’s supremacy over creation, false gods, and human pride. Through Moses, the miracles reveal God’s intention to liberate, sanctify, and transform His people, underscoring that faith, obedience, and covenantal relationship are the pathways to experiencing God’s deliverance and blessings.
1. Miracles of Confrontation: Signs in Egypt
The ten plagues unleashed through Moses were divine judgments aimed at demonstrating God’s power over Egypt’s false gods and breaking Pharaoh’s resistance. Each plague challenged specific aspects of Egyptian worship, proving that the God of Israel reigned supreme over nature, health, and life itself.
- Turning Water into Blood (Exodus 7:20-21):“Moses raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood.”
This plague demonstrated God’s power over the Nile, which the Egyptians revered as a life-giving deity. It foreshadowed that rebellion leads to death rather than life. - Plagues of Frogs, Gnats, and Flies (Exodus 8): These invasions targeted Egyptian fertility gods, showing that creation, rather than being controlled by idols, obeys the word of the true God.“And the frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your servants.” – Exodus 8:4
- Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 12:29):
The final plague broke Pharaoh’s defiance and highlighted that sin and pride end in death. Only those under the blood of the lamb—a foreshadowing of Christ—were spared.“At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt.”
These miracles show that false worship and stubbornness lead to destruction, while obedience to God brings deliverance.
2. Miracles of Deliverance: Crossing the Red Sea
Perhaps the most famous miracle of Moses is the parting of the Red Sea, an unparalleled act of divine deliverance. When the Israelites found themselves trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea, God commanded Moses to stretch out his staff.
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land.” – Exodus 14:21
This miracle transformed certain defeat into victory, emphasizing that God makes a way where there seems to be no way. It also symbolized baptism, the transition from slavery into freedom, and demonstrated that God’s salvation is unstoppable. When the Egyptian army pursued Israel, the waters returned, destroying them, revealing that opposition to God’s purposes always leads to ruin.
3. Miracles of Provision: Sustaining Israel in the Wilderness
During the forty years in the wilderness, God performed several miracles to sustain and sanctify His people. Each act of provision was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of trusting Him daily.
- Manna from Heaven (Exodus 16):“I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.” – Exodus 16:4
Manna not only provided physical nourishment but also taught dependence on God. Those who tried to hoard it found that it spoiled, emphasizing daily faith in God’s provision. - Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:6):“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.”
The rock, which later becomes a symbol of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4), provided life-sustaining water, showing that God brings life even from impossible places. - Quail in the Wilderness (Numbers 11:31-32): When the people complained, God sent quail to satisfy their craving for meat, but their indulgence led to judgment, teaching that provision without gratitude leads to destruction.
4. Miracles of Covenant: Mount Sinai and the Tablets of Law
On Mount Sinai, Moses experienced one of the most profound encounters with God, receiving the first tablets of the New and Everlasting Covenant. The presence of God on the mountain was marked by thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire (Exodus 19:18), signifying God’s holiness and power.
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.’” – Exodus 24:12
When Moses descended and found the people worshiping the golden calf, he smashed the tablets in righteous anger, symbolizing that idolatry shatters the covenant relationship with God (Exodus 32:19). Hedonism and pride never triumph, and rebellion always leads to brokenness.
Despite this failure, God instructed Moses to return to the mountain, where He renewed the covenant and gave a second set of tablets, demonstrating that God’s mercy triumphs over judgment.
5. Miracles of Leadership: Victory over Amalek
In Exodus 17:8-13, Moses leads Israel to victory over the Amalekites in a miraculous way. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; when he lowered them, the enemy gained the advantage. This event showed that victory in battle is won through dependence on God rather than human strength.
“Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.” – Exodus 17:11
The lifting of Moses’ hands is a symbol of prayer and intercession, illustrating that God’s people must constantly rely on Him in every struggle.
6. The Miracle of God’s Glory: The Radiant Face of Moses
After spending forty days and nights in God’s presence on Mount Sinai, Moses descended with a face that radiated with God’s glory.
“When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.” – Exodus 34:30
This miracle was a visible sign that Moses had been in intimate communion with God, emphasizing that proximity to God transforms the inner life. It also served as a reminder that those who walk in obedience reflect God’s holiness to others.
7. Conclusion: Miracles as Signs of God’s Sovereignty and Mercy
The miracles of Moses reveal that God’s power operates in every sphere of life—nature, provision, warfare, and worship. These miracles emphasize that obedience to God brings deliverance and blessing, while rebellion leads to judgment and ruin. Through the miracles, God shows that His mercy is greater than human sin: even when the covenant is broken, God provides a way back.
The life of Moses teaches that faith and obedience unlock divine power. Whether parting seas, drawing water from a rock, or radiating God’s glory, Moses points us to a deeper truth: God’s presence is the ultimate miracle. Those who trust in Him experience daily provision, divine guidance, and victory over every trial.
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” – Jeremiah 32:27
In the same way, believers today are called to walk by faith, trusting in God’s power and provision. The miracles of Moses remind us that God’s covenant is everlasting and that He is faithful to complete what He begins.
Key Aspects of Moses’ Life and Ministry: Lessons for Believers’ Calling, Election, and the Church’s Divine Commission
The life and ministry of Moses serve as a profound template for understanding the nature of a believer’s calling, election, and fulfillment of God’s mission. From his miraculous rescue at birth to his leadership over Israel, Moses’ story reveals how God shapes and commissions His people. Moses exemplifies how personal transformation, reliance on God, and obedience are essential for believers and the church to fulfill their divine mission.
1. The Sovereign Call: From the Nile to the Burning Bush
Moses’ calling begins with divine intervention and preservation, reflecting God’s sovereign election. From being rescued as an infant from Pharaoh’s decree (Exodus 2:1-10) to encountering God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6), Moses shows that calling is initiated by God, not human effort.
“I have indeed seen the misery of my people… So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:7-10
This calling reminds believers that God chooses and equips us for specific purposes, often beyond what we feel capable of. The church likewise is called to step out in obedience, trusting that God will empower His people to accomplish His mission.
2. Reluctance and Empowerment: Relying on God’s Strength
Moses initially resisted his calling, feeling inadequate to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel (Exodus 3:11; 4:10). His insecurities reveal a truth that informs every believer’s journey: God’s call will often exceed human abilities. God reassures Moses:
“I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you.” – Exodus 3:12
This principle informs the believer’s walk: God’s power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Like Moses, the church must depend on God’s presence, realizing that it is God’s Spirit who enables us to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
3. Deliverance: Leading Others from Bondage to Freedom
Moses’ mission was to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt, foreshadowing Christ’s mission of freeing humanity from sin and death. Through miracles such as the plagues (Exodus 7–12) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31), God demonstrated His power to save and deliver.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
Believers are called to participate in God’s mission of deliverance, helping others experience freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). The church’s role mirrors Moses’ leadership by guiding people out of darkness into the light of God’s kingdom through the message of salvation.
4. Covenant Mediator: Teaching God’s Law and Truth
Moses served as a mediator between God and His people, receiving the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). The Law revealed God’s holiness and the need for repentance and sanctification.
“You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” – Exodus 19:6
This role points to the priestly calling of believers (1 Peter 2:9) and the church’s responsibility to teach, disciple, and guide others into spiritual maturity. Like Moses, believers must share God’s truth, calling others to faith and obedience, and embody God’s holiness in their lives.
5. Intercession: Praying for Others and Leading with Compassion
One of the most powerful aspects of Moses’ ministry was his intercession on behalf of Israel. When the people sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses pleaded with God:
“But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” – Exodus 32:32
This demonstrates that believers are called to intercede for others with compassion. Just as Moses stood in the gap for Israel, the church is called to pray for the lost, for nations, and for fellow believers (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Compassionate leadership and prayer are essential for fulfilling the church’s mission.
6. Wilderness Leadership: Faithful in the Process, Not Just the Destination
Moses’ leadership was forged in the wilderness, where he guided Israel for 40 years. The wilderness symbolizes testing, growth, and dependence on God’s provision. Though Moses did not enter the Promised Land himself (Deuteronomy 34:4-5), he remained faithful to his calling.
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna… to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” – Deuteronomy 8:3
For believers, the wilderness experiences of life are opportunities to grow in faith and reliance on God’s Word. The church, too, is called to persevere through challenges, trusting God to provide strength and direction.
7. Delegation and Empowerment: Building a Community of Leaders
Moses learned that leadership is not solitary; he empowered others by delegating authority to capable leaders (Exodus 18:13-27). This principle reminds believers that the mission of God requires community and shared responsibility. The church is a body with many members, each empowered by the Spirit to serve and build up others (Ephesians 4:11-13).
“Choose capable men from all the people… and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.” – Exodus 18:21
Believers must actively mentor and disciple others, equipping them to carry forward the work of the kingdom.
8. Passing the Torch: Leaving a Legacy of Faith and Obedience
At the end of his life, Moses passed leadership to Joshua, ensuring the continuation of God’s mission (Deuteronomy 34:9). His life teaches that believers are called to leave a legacy of faith by investing in others. The church’s mission is generational, passing down the knowledge of God and raising new leaders to advance the kingdom.
“Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them.” – Deuteronomy 31:23
Moses reminds us that a believer’s calling is not just about personal achievement but about equipping others for future faithfulness.
Conclusion: Living the Divine Commission through the Lessons of Moses
Moses’ life reveals that the journey of faith requires calling, obedience, intercession, teaching, perseverance, and leadership. Each believer, like Moses, is called to partner with God in fulfilling His purposes. The church is likewise entrusted with the mission to deliver, disciple, intercede, and empower, guiding others into the promises of God.
Through Moses, we learn that our calling is not always easy, but it is always empowered by God’s presence. The divine commission—to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19)—requires the same courage, faith, and humility that marked Moses’ life. Just as Moses lifted his staff over the sea, the church must boldly step forward in faith, trusting God to part the waters and accomplish His purposes through us.
