PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS
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This last Sunday I began a new series of messages that will focus on the meaning and message of the Ten Commandments as found in Exodus 19. Before we spend our time on the individual elements of these great commandments, we need to be clear about what the Ten Commandments are all about.
Today, I want to point you to a powerful truth that can often go unnoticed as we start to weigh up the message of the commandments. This truth is made plain in the passage that follows:
1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt —on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 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 descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 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, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
(Exodus 19:1-8 NIV11)
Before
As we hear in verses 1-2, the people of Israel had just come out of their time of captivity in Egypt. The Lord himself fought for his people and led them out from under the thumb of the Pharoah and into the dessert, right up to the very mountain where the Lord and appeared to Moses in the form of the burning bush.
The message that God gave to Moses concerning the people of Israel, was given prior to any form of obedience or righteousness had been asked of the people. The Lord had only rescued the children of Israel up to this point and had not yet spoken the first word of law or command.
The people were simply present, bringing nothing of value before the Lord.
Eagles Wings
In verses 3-4, we hear the Lord remind the people that it was not by their ability, intelligence, or might that they were led out of Egypt. The Lord himself called Moses and Aaron to confront their captors. The Lord himself did the work of performing miracles, signs, and wonders on behalf of the freedom of the people.
God did it all on their behalf and there was nothing more asked of the people than to walk in faith with the Lord. He simply asked the people to trust in his leadership, even when things looked scary and bleak.
The Lord carried his children unto himself on eagle’s wings.
Treasure
In verses 5-6, the people are told something amazing. The people are referred to by the Lord as his special treasure. The Hebrew word for this position of importance was that of, סְגֻלָּה – Segulah.
This word is packed with powerful meaning. This is a reference to one’s innermost treasure. This is what we keep locked in a box, in a safe, within a vault, inside a fortress, surrounded by an army fit for battle.
The Lord named these former slaves, these rag-tag stragglers as his very own treasure. The Lord said that out of all the people on the whole earth, he was choosing these people who have done nothing for themselves and have not even begun to perform any acts of righteousness, to be his greatest treasure.
That is amazing.
Honor
In verses 7-8, the people hear the message of God’s unmerited favor (grace), and they receive it with joy. They express their desire to honor the Lord by obeying his will.
Point
Here is the big idea for today. Before the commandments were given, before the law was ever uttered in the hearing of the people, the Lord declared them to be his people, his treasure, his kingdom of priests.
This is who the Lord declared them to be.
When the people receive and begin to attempt to follow the commands of God, they are not earning their position as the Segulah of God. This is who they are thanks to the grace of God.
When they take their first step toward obedience, they are simply learning to live out their new identity given to them by the power and mercy of the Lord God almighty.
You
This is true for you and me as well. The Lord Jesus Christ came into your life and paid the price for your sin and shame. He took the punishment that you owed, without you being able to even say thank you. He simply became your Savior because this was the will of God.
When we begin to listen to the wisdom of God’s word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to enable us to say yes to obedience to the will of the Lord, we are also simply living out our true identity as children of God.
Our acts of obedience are beautiful in God’s sight. He loves it when we listen to him and put his wisdom into practice, but it is not our ability to obey that makes us God’s special treasure.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the amazing grace that you have shown me as you purchased me with your broken body and spilled blood. Thank you for loving me first. Thank you for declaring me to be your special treasure before I could even attempt to do anything of value. I am in awe of your grace. Help me live as a child of God today!
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
PASTOR RYAN LADEN
Works at MTN. CHURCH
Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church
Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Studied at Baylor University
Studied at Texas Tech University
Went to Castle Hills First Baptist
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