Scripture: Exodus 19:1-6 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Devotional: After God made the covenant with Abram to bless him and make him into a great nation, He began to make good on His promise. Indeed, through God’s miraculous workings, Abraham bore Isaac, who bore Jacob (who would become Israel - Genesis 32:28), who would bear twelve sons, who would eventually become the twelve tribes of Israel. But not before they would become captive in Egypt after God rescued them from famine. Remember Joseph and his 12 brothers (Genesis 37-50)? They lived in prosperity and fruitfulness in Egypt for many years until they grew obnoxious to the Egyptians because of their sheer number and Egypt began to oppress and enslave them.
The Israelites cried out to God in their misery, and He rescued them from their slavery through the most unlikely of men, Moses. After performing many miracles before Pharaoh to convince him to let Israel go, God finally exacted the most brutal plague of the death of the firstborn, and then led Israel to their freedom by parting the Red Sea for them to cross through.
Enter the Mosaic Covenant. God reaffirms His covenant with His chosen people of Israel. He reminds them that they are His treasured possession, chosen to reflect His glory; to show the world the One True God. But they had to keep their end of the covenant as well – to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength and to serve Him only. They agreed. “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” (Exodus 19:8). But that would be easier said than done.
Reflect:
- God told His people that if they would “obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.” What challenges do you face in obeying God fully?
