We have spent quite some time looking at the covenant of God with Abraham. That same covenant was re-iterated to Isaac (Genesis 26:3 and to Jacob (Genesis 28:13). A careful reading of the lives of Isaac and of Jacob would once more prove that it was God who remained faithful and provided a means of redemption—the only thing that they offered was a heart bent toward following God. Once more the only acts of righteousness found in Isaac and Jacob would be God’s righteousness poured out through them because of faith. The years would pass and in jealousy, the sons of Jacob would sell their brother Joseph into slavery. After years of slavery and imprisonment—his faith standing firm through trials, he was given a position of power in Egypt and became instrumental in saving his family. Upon his deathbed, he told all his brothers and his children that God would again call them out of Egypt into the Promised Land. Ironically, they became the slaves of the Egyptians before this would occur and Moses was called out to lead the people out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
photo used courtesy of istockphoto
They witnessed many miracles along this journey from the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna and water. God had shown Himself as their redeemer and their provider. Then they came to Mt. Sinai.
Exodus 19: (AMP)
“3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him out of the mountain, Say this to the house of Jacob and tell the Israelites: 4 You 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 obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation [consecrated, set apart to the worship of God]. These
are the words you shall speak to the Israelites. 7 So Moses called for the elders of the people and told them all these words which the Lord commanded him. 8 And 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. 9 And the Lord said to Moses, Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you and believe you and remain steadfast forever.
Here we see God reaching forth and calling out a people to be His treasured possession. A people to be called out, to be blessed, and through whom the redeemer would come. A nation set apart to worshiping God. The people’s response was that they would “do all that He said.” In all that had happened could they not see their need to plea for mercy and grace? Did they truly believe themselves worthy and able to do all that a righteous God could command? We will soon see the truth of their self-exalting, self righteous hearts and God’s response. The Law was given in three parts to demonstrate that salvation would be through faith by Grace.
1. The Commandments which would demonstrate the righteous Will of God which man’s heart could not attain without God’s Gracious Hand.
2. The Judgments for breaking the law and ordering the social life of the nation—proof of man’s unworthiness and that all are condemned under the law.
3. The Sacrificial Atonement System established—a picture of the coming Messiah and Savior.
We see the words that began this covenant used once more by Peter in I Peter 2: “9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul….16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”
Yes, we are chosen in Grace to be a peculiar people for God. We are unable to fulfill the law without His Mercy and Grace; yet, the freedom from the law purchased at such a price by Jesus Christ on the Cross does not free us to sin. Rather it frees us from sin that we might serve God through righteousness provided by God through faith. In this, we must remain diligent to read His word, to commune with Him, and to humbly bow before our Lord and King.
Do you see Him as your greatest treasure and are you willing to have all your selfish desires broken for Him? Then sing along to "Broken for You" by Jesus Culture.
(AMP) Amplified Version. Used by permission. Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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