June 28, 2008 SOAP devotional

June 28, 2008
Read Exodus 19
To read this text go to: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=2&chapter=19&version=51


Scripture- Exodus 19:4-6- ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

Observations- God’s purpose in bringing them out of Egypt was not only to alleviate their suffering, but to strengthen their connection/relationship with Him. God describes the way He cared for them as carrying them ‘on eagles’ wings.’ Once they are delivered, they are called to a lifestyle of obedience and consecration. If the people will obey God, they will be His ‘own special treasure’—the thing that God cherishes most of all! If we keep our end of the bargain (living in obedience and consecration to God) then God says that we will be His priests—His representatives/agents in the world.

Application- God’s desire from the beginning was to have a special relationship with us. Here in the story of the Exodus, we see that expressed very clearly. God cares for us and wants our obedience in response. When we respond with loving obedience and surrender, dedicating our lives to serving Him in love, then we occupy a special place in God’s heart. Think of it in terms of a parent/child relationship. The parent loves the child because that child is its own offspring. When the child listens to our instructions and heeds our advice, then we find great joy and pleasure in that child. The love is still there, but it is now enhanced by the joy and pleasure we feel due to our child’s response to our instruction. How much more is that true of God! God’s love for us is always there, but joy and pleasure are added to that love when we live lives that are dedicated & surrendered to Him. When we do this, we are his treasured possessions, best able to represent His purposes in this world.

Prayer- Lord, help me to realize how much pleasure it brings to Your heart when I live in obedience and surrender to You. I am too often distracted by my own agenda/task list/to do list, and fail to seek Your will for my life. Thank You for the times when they are in alignment, and for Your mercy and grace when they are not. Help me to live ever more aware of Your presence in my life and of Your desire to have an intimate relationship with me. I give all that I know of myself to all that I know of You. Help them both to increase. Amen.