Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called; I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last." Isaiah 48:12
Text: Exodus 19 : 1-4
THREE MONTHS LATER
In terms of time, three months may not seem very long. But in terms of experience, the children of Israel discovered many invaluable insights concerning their God! If the Lord had allowed Moses to take the shorter route, they would have been in the land of Canaan already! The three months that had just slipped by, also revealed many ugly traits that would otherwise have remained concealed. Israel had many complainers! It had many who were fault-finders too! Three months after they had left Egypt, the children of Israel found themselves at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-2).
God had proven Himself most faithful. He had provided well for the children of God. He was the One who had called Israel out of Egypt. He would also complete the work that He had begun! He was the First and the Last!
ASCENDING MOUNT SINAI
God had led Israel to Mt. Sinai for a very special reason. At Sinai, God called Moses to ascend the mountain so that he could receive special instructions.
“And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called him
from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to the house
of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you
on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.””
EXODUS 19:3-4
1. “Tell the children of Israel”
Nothing was to be assumed! God wanted Moses to take up the challenging role of teaching Israel!
2. “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians”
Indeed Israel had seen the mighty acts of God in Egypt. Pharaoh was well and truly humbled by the plagues God had sent to Egypt! There was a deep implication behind this phrase! Israel must not forget what it had seen!
3. “On eagles’ wings”
What a beautiful phrase! How majestically God carried Israel, as an eagle would carry its young, from one place to another! What majesty was implied in this text!
4. “And I brought you to Myself”
Why had God taken so much trouble to deliver Israel from oppressive Pharaoh? This profound text reveals a vital truth! God rescued the children of Israel from Pharaoh’s wicked iron grip, so that they could relate to Him in a special way! Just what God had planned was not fully revealed yet! But whatever plans God had planned for Israel would not take away the wonder of belonging to Him! What a privilege to belong to God in this manner! How tender and loving God was to the children of Israel!