Exodus 19:1-25
Monday, 20 November 2023
“…then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.” -Exodus 19:5
One of the deepest desires of human beings is be considered as precious and loved without restrictions. To satisfy this need he strives hard to please others or to prove himself to the world, but very often stands broken because of the rejection he/she faces. Today the God of heaven and earth has something to say to us— the very thing we have been longing to hear. Amongst the billions of people on the earth, He is looking at each of us and telling us that we are His OWN! How incredible is this! Can we even fathom the depths of His words?
The requirements for the Jewish people to become God’s chosen ones can correspond to the requirements for the believer today. What does God require us to do so that we could become His prized possessions?
I. Conformity to the Word (V.5)
The first step that we need to take to become Gods unique people is to hear His voice and to obey Him. Jesus in John 10 states “all his sheep who hear him follow him.” Those who have made a personal relationship with Jesus would naturally hear/listen to Him. Hearing leads to believing, and believing results in obedience. Who/what are we listening to? –The world or The Word?
Here are some qualities one sees in the man/ woman who heeds to the voice of God:
· No friendship with the world-James 4:4
· Will not love the world or anything in the world- 1 John 2:15
· Will not partake of the unfruitful works of darkness- Ephesians 5:11
· Imitates the holiness of God – 1Peter 1:14
· Mind set on things above – Colossians 3:2
· Will live only for God –Galatians 2:19
Is this how we live our lives? If so the seal of God’s ownership is on us.
II. Covenant Keepers of Grace
God made a covenant with His people on Mt. Sinai by which they became a group that was distinctively different from the rest of the world due to their laws and regulations. Though at first the people all agreed to keep the Covenant in one voice (V. 8), it took them just 40 days to break this covenant relationship when they made an idol for themselves. Since then man has desperately tried to keep the law but failed. In the sacrificial system given by God in the Old Testament, sin was atoned for temporarily but the blood of bulls and goats could not do away with sin. God seeing this helplessness of man, sent His only Son to establish a New Covenant through His life. Those who put their faith in Him become partakers of this New Covenant, establishing a very special relationship with God Almighty resulting in a uniqueness in us because
· Our sins are forgiven through Jesus’ blood –Luke 22:20
· We enjoy a personal relationship with God, becoming God’s people - Hebrews 8:10
Aren’t we glad for what Jesus has done? His work on the cross for us makes us special.
As God’s own, our lives need to show dedication and devotion toward Him. Just as He asked the Israelites to come to Him with consecration (Vs 11), God longs to see this single-hearted devotion to Him from each of us. He loves us in this manner— do we reciprocate this love in the same way?
Quote for the Day: “Why did the Lord set His love on you? Not because of you, but simply because He loves you.” ~John Piper
Listen: 'Who am I'
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