The Reason for Your Freedom

What is God doing in my life?  I see glimpses of his work. But more often, it feels as if I take a few steps forward and then a couple backwards.  I believe in his promises to save, heal and restore. But what is the point behind the journey to get there? Keep Reading…

READ
Exodus 19:3-6 - Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

REFLECT
For a couple months, the Israelites had been wandering in the desert. Sure, they had witnessed God's unbelievable display of power in the ten plagues, the Red Sea parting, and the provision of food and water. But still, they were in a desert. It didn’t seem like the beautiful land that they were promised.

As they stood before Mount Sinai, God opened Israel's eyes to the big picture of what was happening. Sometimes we need this. We can get so lost in our daily struggle that we forget the whole point of what God is doing. With great gentleness God tells Israel what he is up to…

God didn’t bring the Israelites out of Egypt simply for the sake of freedom. He didn’t part the Red Sea just for a show of power. No, he was bringing the Israelites to himself. God was drawing them close in love. The deliverance, miracles, provision and even the Promised Land was not to be an end in itself. The whole point was to draw Israel into a deep covenantal relationship with himself - a relationship of love, honor and deep affection.

God's love is deeply personal. Out of the whole earth, he sets his gaze on you, calling you to himself and enabling you to shine his glory to a lost world. Is God working in the midst of your daily wanderings and sometimes painful suffering? Yes. What is he doing? He is drawing you to himself. Though it may be hard to see, he is carrying you on eagles' wings.

Instead of focusing on the Promised Land, set your gaze on Him. A deeply fulfilling relationship with God is the ultimate prize. Jesus also says this in John 17:3 - "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

RESPOND
God vulnerably asks for your response. He calls you to show him your love through full, wholehearted obedience. Perhaps you have held back full obedience because you haven’t "arrived" at the Promised Land yet. Speak out your commitment to receive God's love and give love back through full obedience today.