Will We Obey Everything God Commands?

DAY 25
10-14-09
EXODUS 23-24-25


Good Morning!

As God continues to give his law to Israel, he begins the process of making a covenant with the people. The terms of the covenant are: God blesses and the people obey. Okay, I know that’s the simplistic version; but that’s what it amounts to. But is it really so simplistic? Not really.

God says multiple times in Exodus, “I will”. God is the one who makes this relationship work – “I will kill.” “I will hear.” “I will give.” And Israel’s response is “we will.” Ex. 24:3 All the people answered with one voice, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded." Ex. 24:7 Again they all responded, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey."

In a covenant relationship with God, he will bless his sinful people whether they will obey or not. I know I have to be careful here. That is not to say there are no consequences for disobedience. Just wait to see how God punishes them for disobedience. However, because of his covenant, God blesses, and the response to his blessings is obedience.

Notice in Ex. 23:25 “Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water.” It’s not “Worship the Lord your God, then his blessing will be on your food and water.” God’s part is blessing. Israel’s part is responding with obedience.

Of course there are always exceptions. But in general, God blesses his weak, sinful, and disobedient people. If God withheld his blessings until we were obedient, the blessings would never come. This is called Grace.

Thank God!

Barry

“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.” Exodus 6:7