We noted that YHWH overlooked the grumbling Children of Israel, as YHWH provided clean water from the very same bitter waters at Marah. We also noted that there were conditions attached, in the form of a covenant. Let’s examine the terms as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Exodus 15:23, 26 AFV
[23] And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah because it was bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.
[26] And he said, “If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, and will do that which is right in His sight, and will give ear to His commandments, and keep all His laws, I will put none of these diseases upon you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord Who heals you.”
Terms and Conditions
Have you ever seen advertisements for prizes or discounts on goods and services, with the phrase, ‘Conditions Apply’? Usually, they note that one can only access what is offered under specific circumstances. Thus, Conditions Apply.
As YHWH moved the Children of Israel out of bondage into life in fullness, YHWH also offered them Conditions. Not as fine print, but as an invitation to a relationship. As stated yesterday, the covenant was for both the individual and the community. In this covenant, YHWH presents four conditions that must be met. Let’s look at the first clause.
If you will
– diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God…
In Hebrew, the phrase ‘diligently hearken’ stems from two words with the same root, ‘shama’, which means both listen and pay attention. The repetition suggests that this is a non-negotiable condition.
Self-Check
Have you ever used non-negotiable terms with others before? Was it effective?
Deeper Dive
YHWH knew the people to whom the terms were being offered. Their grumbling already set the tone for their approach to the journey. YHWH was offering another approach. But, from the onset, YHWH needed their compliance. This was not to be a half-hearted response as practised during enslavement. Rather, YHWH sought total compliance stemming from the understanding that YHWH’s goal was for their good and not evil.
YHWH’s first condition for them to keenly listen to God’s voice also implies that other voices would seek to direct them. And, in my opinion, it implies that those voices could sound like YHWH’s voice. But only a discerning ear knew the difference. Centuries later, Y’shua would state, ‘My sheep know my voice …’ (see John 10:27-28). That kind of knowing comes from a heart connection to God, and regular, intentional communication.
Y’shua’s reference to us as sheep reminds me that Moses, their leader, had spent 40 years shepherding Jethro’s sheep. I don’t think it was accidental. Moses needed the skills shepherding offered him to lead the Children of Israel. Y’shua probably wanted His audience to remember God’s salvific work in the Exodus, and positively respond to His invitation.
What if YHWH or Y’shua extended an invitation to us in our wilderness with this first condition? Would we diligently heed God’s voice? Selah
Prayer
Lord, help us spend more intentional time in Your presence so we might know the unique sound of Your voice. Lead us please, dear Lord, otherwise, we falter.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
