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.”
Exodus 19:3-6
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Beginning in Exodus 19, God delivers the Law to Israel with these words, “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.”
It was a promise based on a condition: “Obey Me… and you will be blessed.”
Throughout the rest of Israel’s history, we see that indeed, when they obeyed Him, they were blessed. When they did not, they were not.
In some regards, these words directly from the mouth of God in Exodus 19 are more important than all the events that lead up to it.
We love to tell the story of the parting of the Red Sea (how God will make a way), we love to tell the story of God rescuing Israel from Egypt (how God throws off our oppressors and moves us from slavery to freedom), and we love to talk about manna in the desert (how God will always provide for us).
But all of those events led to this moment at Mount Sinai, where God spoke to His people and said, “You’ve seen the works of my hand. Now, if you obey me, you will be blessed.”
I fear, in most sermons and songs and churches these days, we focus too heavily on the promises of God and not enough on the conditions of God.
We sing songs of God’s deliverance, we pray over his promises of healing and restoration, we focus intently on his grace. And it is not incorrect to do so.
But we must never forget why God delivers, why He restores, and why He offers grace. He does so to compel us to obedience to His word and His Spirit.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your blessings. Allow me remember that my obedience to you and your words are key in receiving your glorious blessings. May I obey you each day of my life. Amen.