Siblings
As we reflect on God’s Terms and Conditions to the Children of Israel, allow me to underscore two points on sovereignty and choice, and tests of our faith. First, please consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Exodus 15:25-26 AFV
[25] And he cried to the Lord. And the Lord showed him a tree. And when he had cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a decree and a law for them, and there He proved them.
[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 3
1. This covenant was a precursor to nationhood with YHWH as Head of State. One might say YHWH imposed this on them when YHWH chose their forefathers. However, we recall that Exodus 15 indicates that the Children of Israel declared YHWH sovereign over all. Most of us accept that there are consequences if we fail to obey the laws of our land. Our Nougat reminds us that in God’s sovereignty, God’s laws are final. The Children of Israel were being called to a life of obedience to YHWH. What would their response be?
2. We note from our Nougat that verse 25 indicates this covenant was a test from YHWH. I’m not sure what that test would prove. Most likely, it was a test of worthiness to enter into that Promised Land in God’s name. All around the Ancient Near Eastern world, the Children of Israel’s identity was firmly associated with YHWH. In opting for a theocracy (leadership by a god) under the unseen YHWH, it’s likely the Children of Israel would not have thought through every detail. More so, as they hadn’t been independent, or an entire nation since Jacob’s death centuries before.
If so, this wasn’t a scholarly test, but it was proving that they were ready to be a nation under God’s rule upon arrival in the Land of Promise. One might consider this covenant as God ensuring that they were aware of the fine print. This was common enough in their time. 2 Kings 17 and the book of Daniel show that some monarchs established terms of sovereignty including material tribute (aka taxes), as well as requiring total obedience to their empire from their subjects.
Self-Check
How do we respond to YHWH’s call for sovereignty over our lives, and do we proudly identify as Y’shua’s with our obedience?
Application
In accepting Y’shua as our Saviour, we have named Him our sovereign. Y’shua is God’s only begotten Son, Who, by His own declaration, points the way to YHWH. He stated that by obeying the Laws of Love – for God above all else, for neighbour and self – we are wholly in covenant (see Matthew 22:36-40; and Mark 12:23-34). That’s the covenant fine print of obedience offered to us in bold.
Our response then, is to ensure that we are identified as Christ’s wherever we are in this world. Hence, when it is time to advance to the Land of Promise – life with the Triune God, forever – we will be counted among the worthy.
Point to Ponder
Having read the bold fine print, how are we staying the course?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
