PRIME - Day 10

Read Exodus 19 & 20.

In chapter 19 the Israelites settle at the base of Mt. Sinai. Moses climbs the mountain to hear from the Lord about what he should do next. God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites in verses 4-5 "you have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I brought you to myself and carried you on eagle's wings. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to me."

The Israelites response to God in verse 8 is how any of us would respond: "They all responded together, "We will certainly do everything the Lord asks of us." So Moses brought the people's answer back to the Lord."

When the Israelites were having to travel and trust that Moses was appointed by God to help them they often complained about what they were having to do, yet time and time again God provided for them. Now that they are being offered rewards for obedience of course they answer with a "certainly we will do everything the Lord asks of us." As Christians, I feel like many times it's easy for us to obey God when we know there is an obvious blessing or reward in return.

But what about when God asks us to obey Him when there isn't an obvious blessing or reward in return? Do we easily choose to be obedient or do we often try to bargain with God as if his commands are up for negotiation?

In chapter 20 God instructs the people in how to live in obedience to Him. These are what we know as the Ten Commandments (verses 2-17). The Israelites were in awe and fear as God spoke directly to them. In verse 20 Moses says, "Don't be afraid, for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning!" Could you imagine being one of the crowd members trying to take it all in? Surely the Israelites would straighten up and stop sinning, especially after such an encounter with God.

Let's dig together into the next chapters to find out how the Israelites respond...

-Amy