It was tough to write the discussion questions this week because there were just so many good topics to choose from!
Those new to Torah will want to pay special attention to Exodus 32, where Aaron builds a
golden calf for the Israelites to worship. Take special note of the fact that he set up a festival to YHWH, as if he could take something evil and set it apart for the service of YHWH.
Also take note of several passages this week about Sabbath and the Feasts, especially if you're just learning how to
celebrate them biblically.
You may also want to take the time to study out the evidences of the filling of the Spirit of God, as seen in Exodus 31:3. Does the Spirit fill those who have skill, ability, and knowledge -- or does He give skill, ability, and knowledge to those whom He fills?
Finally, for those who love to discuss systematic theology, take note of one of the most extensive lists of YHWH's characteristics in all of Scripture. In fact, we chose it as this week's memory verse:
"YHWH, YHWH
God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation" (Exodus 34:6-7, KJV).
This verse summarizes "theology" (the study of God) with excellence.
Theology is never just head knowledge, though. Real theology is intensely practical, helping you live like you really *believe* what you say you believe.
Do you really believe God's name is YHWH? Do you really believe He is merciful and gracious? Do you really believe He is long-suffering? (and so on...) If you really believe these things, how does it affect how you live?
In fact, that's really the theme we see in this week's Torah portion. When we are in the presence of YHWH, it changes us! How has His presence changed you?
