Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Israelites are called a peculiar treasure (19:5) which meant they are now set apart as a precious treasure to the Lord. Thirst causes murmuring against Moses. God's mercy is once again revealed as clean, sparkling water emerges from the Rock. Redeemed from bondage, the nation sanctifies itself and you will find the scene changing from narration to legislation as Israel begins a new covenant relationship with God.
God, who always knows what is best, promised Israel His blessings and a secure future if Israel would keep its part of theCovenant. If ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My Covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (19:5-6).
Just think! Our Creator said to the poor Hebrew slave: ye shall be a peculiar (special) treasure unto Me. The insignificant former slaves were helpless. But, the Lord promised to bestow upon them His love, guidance, and provision, and make of them a holy nation. They would have the precious privilege of performing the highest service as a kingdom of priests and the distinction of being a peculiar treasure unto God.
Daily blessings are available only from His voice as recorded in the Bible. There are no substitutes for His only inspired Written Word — the Bible. We may receive some help from preachers, teachers, books, and other sources; but none compare to the Holy Spirit who reveals His will in the inspired Holy Bible. We gain wisdom and strength growing out of a personal relationship with God as we daily read through His Word. Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit (I Peter 1:22). He has extended His royal proclamation even to all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord regarding the unique relationship He once offered to Israel. 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 (2:9).
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful (living and active, full of life), and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:11-12).
Thought for Today:
Social status, popularity, and prestige mean nothing unless they become an opportunity to influence others to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Every Christian can sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy . . . and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation (Revelation 5:9).
Christ Revealed:
As the Rock and the Water that came forth from it (Exodus 17:6). They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed (accompanied) them: and that Rock was Christ (I Corinthians 10:4; compare John 7:38).
Word Studies:
17:2 chide with =angrily criticized; tempt =test; 17:12 heavy =too tired from holding up his hands; stayed =supported; 17:13 discomfited =defeated; 17:15 Jehovah-nissi =The Lord is my banner; 18:7 obeisance =an expression of respect; 18:8 travail =hardships they endured; 19:4 bare you on =sustained you on; 19:5 Covenant =binding agreement with qualifications given by God; peculiar treasure =exclusive, special possession; 19:16 trembled =were terrified; 19:21 charge =admonish.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Fraternal Twin, Baley Sister • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Rep. Joe Baca (CA), Sen. Thomas Carper (DE), and Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ) • Country: Bangladesh (125.7 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Bangla and English • Present religious freedom may become limited • 86.6% Muslim; 12.1% Hindu; .6% Buddhist; .3% Christian; .4% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Isaiah 2:3).
Optional Reading: Matthew 23
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 3:11