Deeper Directions for the Future
Exodus 19:3-15
The Israelites’ journey after escaping Egypt powerfully illustrates learning to trust in God’s faithfulness. Despite their uncertainties and complaints, they were on their way to the promised land, trusting God, following Moses, and learning along the way.
The same is true for you and me. We don’t know how our circumstances will work out or what’s around the next turn. But we have a God who loves us and guides us as we go. He nurtures us and protects us, and if we take a moment to reflect on our lives, we will surely see God’s hand at work.
In Exodus 19, God calls Moses to come up the mountain and commune or fellowship with Him. This type of fellowship is different than just hanging out. It takes effort. Moses had to go up the mountain. True Christian fellowship centers on and surrounds Jesus. We come together to talk about the things of the Lord. Acts 2:42 reminds us to “continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers.” This example from the early church is one for us to follow. In order to grow as Christians, we must gather together and share in common the things of our great faith!
Did you know that you are a special treasure to God? You are! Just as with the Israelites, and even in our groaning, moaning, and complaining, we are special to God. That’s God’s heart for you. He’s looking for people to be a special treasure unto Himself. One problem we face repeatedly is thinking that God doesn’t love us as much as the Bible says He does. Don’t fall for this lie from the enemy. Let the Bible say what it says, and here in Exodus, God is telling us just how much he loves you!
In this section of scripture, the people are getting ready to receive God’s laws. And before they even hear them, they cry out, “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do!” You have to love their enthusiasm. But did they, in fact, keep all the laws? No. Only one man in all of history has kept the entire law of Moses…. Jesus Christ. It can make you wonder why we even have rules or laws. They’re not just there to restrict us but to guide us. Think of it like this. A speed limit sign – can it make you slow down? No! It can only tell us what the rule is. How we respond to it is up to us. The law shows us what’s right, but it’s only our faith in Christ that can truly change our hearts and give us the desire to follow the law. Let’s cherish God’s laws. They help us understand God’s heart and intentions for us. They protect us! Let’s continue to seek His wisdom and help to apply them in our daily lives.
In Exodus 19, God instructs Moses to prepare the people to meet Him on Mount Sinai, emphasizing the importance of sanctification and readiness to meet God. Each step of our spiritual maturity requires a preparation… a consecration. More and more of this world has to be set apart from us. More and more of our flesh needs to be reckoned dead. Here, the Lord also has strict guidelines for meeting with Him. But do you see the Lord says… warn them so they don’t perish. Why avoid sexual sin? You will perish. Your Christian walk will be destroyed. Your communion with Jesus will disappear. Why quit lying? So you won’t perish. It’s not judgment; it’s God warning you…. don’t go that way. The judgment only comes after the decision is made. We always reap what we sow! Remember, God’s heart is for you! He loves you and wants to protect you. You are his special treasure!
