Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Our Old Testament reading from Exodus 19:2-8 points out human fallibility. In the passage, God makes tremendous promises to his people. They have seen his power to rescue them from slavery. They know that he is the one who can accomplish whatever he wants. They know that he cares for them.
God’s promise is tied to a requirement. If the people follow his word, he will consider Israel his special people. They will have an inheritance. They will be favored above all the nations. They will be a kingdom of priests. This is a tremendous promise! In exchange, they are to hear God’s voice and obey his commands. All his commands lead to living an orderly life in a well ordered society.
The people of Israel agree immediately. The promise is truly wonderful. Yet we will see that they are quick to depart from their obligation. They hear their own voice instead of God’s voice. They obey their own desires rather than God’s desires. This will bring ruin upon the nation of Israel.
In these last days, we are told in the New Testament, Jesus has kept the command of God. He has then offered that his obedience can be counted to the credit of all who believe him. As a result, all who trust Jesus are partakers of the promise God made to Israel. This is the good news we have for this generation and for every age. Thanks be to God for raising up someone who could keep His commands.
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