In Exodus 19, we find Israel at a pivotal moment in their journey. After being rescued from slavery in Egypt and traveling through the wilderness for three months, they arrive at Mount Sinai. This location becomes so significant that the people remain here through the rest of Exodus, all of Leviticus, and the first ten chapters of Numbers.
What Makes This Moment So Important in Israel's Journey?
This is the very mountain where God first appeared to Moses through the burning bush. When God initially called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, He promised: "When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain" (Exodus 3:12). Now, three months later, that promise is being fulfilled.
For Moses, this must have been an especially meaningful moment. Despite his initial doubts and excuses, God's plan had unfolded exactly as promised. What a powerful reminder that God is true to His word - what He promises, He fulfills.
God's Pattern of Operation Revealed
In Exodus 19:4-6, God reveals a profound pattern of how He operates in our world:
"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."
This short passage contains three essential components of how God works:
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God Moves First in Power and Grace
"You have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings..."
God always initiates. He rescued Israel from slavery through His mighty power. He demonstrated His strength through the plagues and parting the Red Sea. Before any commands were given, before any obedience was required, God acted first in grace and power to save His people. -
God Calls Us to Obedience
"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant..."
Only after God has rescued and delivered does He call for obedience. The Ten Commandments and the rest of the Mosaic covenant follow God's saving acts. God gives His people instructions on how to live as His holy nation. -
Blessings Follow Obedience
"...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."
When we respond to God's call to obedience, blessings follow. For Israel, the blessing was becoming God's treasured possession, a holy nation, and a kingdom of priests.
Why Is the Order So Important?
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The order of these components cannot be rearranged without distorting our understanding of God:
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If we put obedience before God's saving acts, we create a works-based religion where we try to earn God's favor through our actions.
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If we expect blessings before obedience, we treat God like a cosmic vending machine rather than our sovereign Lord.
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Our obedience should be a response to God's salvation, not a requirement for it. We obey out of gratitude for what God has already done, not to manipulate God into blessing us.
What Was God's Purpose for the Law?
Sometimes as Christians, we view the Old Testament law with suspicion. After all, didn't Jesus often clash with the Pharisees who were obsessed with the law?
But God's purpose in giving the law was beautiful:
"You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
God didn't just save Israel from something; He saved them for something. The law was given so that Israel could:
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Become a holy nation - set apart and different from the surrounding nations, demonstrating God's character to the world.
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Function as a kingdom of priests - mediating between God and the nations, helping draw others into relationship with Him.
From the very beginning, God's heart has been for all nations. Israel was meant to be a light to the world, showing others what it means to live in relationship with God.
How Does This Apply to Us Today?
This pattern remains true for us:
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God has rescued us from sin through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. This was His initiative, His grace, His power - not our own.
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God calls us to obedience through the teachings of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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Blessings follow obedience as we grow in Christlikeness and participate in God's mission.
Like Israel, we are called to be "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession" (1 Peter 2:9). We are to be different from the world around us, reflecting God's character and drawing others to Him.
Life Application
We stand at our own Mount Sinai moment. We've experienced God's amazing salvation through Jesus Christ. Now we're called to obedience as we journey toward our promised land.
Ask yourself:
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How am I responding to God's call to obedience?
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Do I truly look different from the world around me? Are my priorities, actions, and attitudes distinct?
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Am I fulfilling my role as a "priest," helping bring others into God's family?
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Have I confused the order of God's pattern, trying to earn His favor through my obedience rather than responding to His grace?
This week, take time to reflect on God's saving work in your life. Let gratitude for what He's already done fuel your obedience. Then look for opportunities to be both "holy" (set apart) and a "priest" (drawing others to God) in your daily interactions.
Remember: God didn't just save you from something; He saved you for something - to be His treasured possession, reflecting His character to a watching world.