Scripture

“If you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on the earth. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.”

Observation

The Israelites arrive at the foot of Mount Sinai. Moses climbs the mountain to meet with the Lord.

The Lord announces that Israel is His special treasure, His royal priesthood.

Then the Lord announces that He will descend on Mount Sinai the following day, and the people need to prepare themselves. They must not touch the holy mountain.

The Lord comes down, covering the mountain with smoke and sounding loud trumpet blasts. The Lord calls Moses up to the mountain.

Application

The Lord tells the Israelites that if they obey Him, they will be His treasure, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.

God sees each of us as His treasure- precious, beautiful, lovely. Often we feel unworthy of such a value. We may be plagued by guilt or shame, or just feel that we are unlovable.

Yet God is determined to love us. He places a high value on every single one of us. We are His treasure.

We are a kingdom of priests. The church together is that kingdom. It is hard to comprehend that God wants us to be in His presence, worshipping Him and interceding for other people.

We are God’s holy nation. The word “holy” means “set apart for God’s purpose.” I am not my own. I was bought at a price. I therefore cannot do any old thing that I want to do. I cannot wilfully follow the dictates of my old sinful nature. I have been set apart by God for a holy purpose.

God is building up His kingdom, claiming us as His treasure, His royal priesthood.

Prayer

Father, you call me your treasure, your holy priest. This is too marvellous to understand. Please help me to live totally surrendered to you, to do only what you call me to do. Amen.