Day Two

While Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: ⁴ ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. ⁵ Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; ⁶ and you shall be to mea kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” ⁷ So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. ⁸ All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. - Exodus 19:3-8

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Three months after God’s miraculous rescue of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, the fledgling new nation has arrived at the base of Mount Sinai. Regarding their deliverance, God presents a beautiful image of grace like that of an eagle carrying its young on its back, lifting them above danger. God is explaining that he rescued them not because they were strong or deserving, but because of his love and faithfulness. Love came before the Law!

God goes on to explain the terms of this new and unique relationship: "if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession..." Obedience was not a way to earn their freedom (that was already gifted through grace), but a way to live in relationship with their Rescuer. Obedience is the response of love and gratitude from people who have been miraculously saved.

Finally, God said they would be a “treasured possession,” something precious, loved, and valued.  He also identified them as “priests,” or mediators of God’s truth to a lost world.  These chosen people whose laws, lives, and values were designed to reflect the holiness of God, would be “a holy nation.”

Centuries later, the Apostle Peter quotes this passage referring to believers in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:9).  May our response be like the people of God at Mount Sinai— “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.”

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