Exodus 19:1-6 (NKJV)

In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.

And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

Wow, a kingdom of priests. Imagine what Israel might have been. The whole world would have been transformed by them as they ministered to all the nations.

But the promise is conditional – they must obey My voice and keep My covenant. They won’t. This will become the main storyline of the entire Old Testament.

Israel will be repeatedly refined by trials as God pounds into them their dependence on Him. It’s a single lesson taught from a hundred different angles.

But this kingdom of priests does finally come to pass. It’s us. We are God’s ministers to all the nations. The whole world is supposed to be blessed by us.

But are they? When non-Christians think of Christians, are they glad we’re here? Often not, though the reasons vary and some (e.g. media bias) are just part of the playing field.

But notice the key given here to being a nation of priests – “if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant.” The doctrine of salvation by faith alone doesn’t take this away.

To be a serious Christian, you have to be serious.

Think about that “obey My voice” part. Is there an area in your life that you are refusing to turn over to Him? Ask God to help you see it.

Note: this may not involve outright resistance to the LORD’s leading. I had a recent failing where I simply didn’t notice His voice. Part of “obey My voice” is “hear My voice,” or even just “pay attention.”

Is there a part of your life that you just assume God isn’t interested in? Or is there a part that you are so confident you have right that you’re not looking for His guidance?

That last one was my mistake.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies