EXODUS 19 OBEY MY VOICE...KEEP MY COVENANT
Into a plain with mountains on either side and the Mountain of God in front of them like a gigantic pulpit, the cloud of God's presence led the children of Israel. Alone, Moses ascended the mountain where God spoke to him before from the bush that burned but was not consumed. Now he comes before God as the representative of the chosen people, a nation out of the nations of the world to be the representatives of all humanity. With great compassion and loving words, God tells Moses of the uniqueness, the preciousness and the relationship He had and wanted to maintain with Israel. From that great pulpit, Moses came down and told them what God thought of them and now was going to confirm that with a covenant.
God had entered into a covenant with Noah and a second one with Abraham long before. The rainbow was the affirmation that an understanding, an agreement, a working relationship had been formed that assured Noah and the world there would never be another world-wide flood. The covenant with Abraham formed the basis of the promise that all nations of the world would be blessed through His seed. That blessing would come in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Abraham rejoiced to see His day. Through our Lord and Savior, people all over the world have been, and will be, blessed. God had pledged four hundred and thirty years earlier that Israel would be a chosen nation governed by Him. It was not to be a democracy governed by the people, nor was it to be an aristocracy governed by a few. It was to be a theocracy governed by the rule of God and to be a unique kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a special treasure to the world because of their obedience to God.
Israel has failed in this calling, but all over the world today there is a kingdom of priests who have been saved by God's grace. They are continual intercessors on behalf of the nations, praying daily "for kings and those in authority." They are visible evidence of God - a godly people. We are called to "be ye holy, for I am holy," showing forth the praises of God who has "called them out of darkness into His marvelous light." God's covenant to Israel assured them of their unique relationship to Him. It made plain His desire to enter into covenant with them that through them, His "Salvation" would come to bless the world. He also made covenant with Israel that there would be laid down in written words, the laws that are in the hearts of every person. The law is written on the hearts of all and the conscience bears witness to that fact. Hence the whole world is guilty before God.
Through Israel that law would be precisely stated as well as the consequences that would come when it is broken. The whole purpose was stated that as a "schoolmaster" the law would bring us to the knowledge of sin. The Jews were also singled out as those who were to communicate those truths to all humanity. In that way they were a "peculiar treasure unto Me." They failed in their covenant responsibilities, so this has been passed on to a heavenly people who are a "kingdom of priests" - the church. In the future reign of Christ, Israel will be able to fulfill their chosen, covenantal role when the Lord Jesus Christ sits on David's throne.
Moses went back up the mountain to give God the reply of the people to God's side of the covenant. As they watched him go, it was obvious they had to be made aware of the great contrast between the Holy God and sinful people. Words sometimes do not convey the greatness of that distinction. When Moses came down from that cloud-covered mountain the second time, the people had to learn there were barriers of respect, honor and holiness that separated a casual seeker for God from the One who is "glorious in holiness." The holiness of God had to made real to those people, even as it does to us today. Bowed heads, hushed voices, reverence, obedience and a broken heart are characteristics of one who recognizes who God is.
The third time Moses went up that mountain, the people had prepared themselves to focus on God alone. They were washed, clothed in their best and their minds were on God. This was no casual religious holiday. Lightning, thunder, fire, earthquake and the sound of the trumpet getting louder and louder would have put a righteous, reverential fear in the heart of every person. Even the animals did not come near that holy ground when God laid out the terms of the covenant He made with those people. We need to remember the terms of the new covenant God has made with us are not merely the tip of a hat in recognition of God, but terms of living on this earth as a representative of the Holy, Righteous and Almighty God. It is true we are on the resurrection-side of the cross, but that doesn't make our position of responsibility any less holy, meaningful to men or important to God. We are to obey His voice and keep His covenant that has been made with us through the blood of the Cross of Christ.
I may not hear the sound of thunder or see the rocks around break - But I know there is a holy agreement in this new covenant with God we make. I am not at liberty to do things my way, it is with God this covenant is formed. Holiness is expected of me all the time because holiness is God's norm.
To casually look at the written word and to interpret them in my own way - Is an insult to God who inspired them that I might never say,
"Don't worry too much about the Bible. It's your attitude and motivation that count." It might be wise if I read again those words God wrote on that mount.
Covenants are not a casual comment that can be easily taken or left. There is an agreement that is made by each party from which we should never be bereft. The understanding is made that between each one a basis for living and working is made. To ignore the terms of a covenant that is formed, is to the other party of the covenant degrade.
It was never right since God made man, that men could lie, deceive and kill. Those things humans live by were placed in each heart and they abide there still. But when they were written as laws governing a nation, a visible standard was set. We don't keep the commands, they reveal our sin, but the consequences remain there yet.
We should never once think it makes no difference if what I practice and what God teaches is different. The rules men make and the laws they change doesn't negate in any way God's sentence. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" - never forget that statement is true. That covenant agreement still remains as the standard to guide what I say and do.
Now by God's grace I live and breathe and by faith in Him I take my stand. The impact of the new covenant I have experienced with many others across the land. A kingdom of priests we have been made, as Israel was once intended to be. The kingdom we are part of is a heavenly one that lasts for eternity.
"Holy God, my Father, I am conscious of the holiness Thou dost expect of those with whom Thou hast made a covenant. As one of those who have been brought into this gracious relationship with Thee, I am aware that there are expectations that I will obey Thy voice and keep the terms of this covenant. This I gladly do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."