BEYOND BETHLEHEM SERIES

Daily Devotional Guide Week 02

Biblical Overview

Three months after their departure from Egypt, the Israelites arrived at the Wilderness of Sinai, the location of Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. (See Exodus 3:1; 19:18; 33:6.) The events recorded in this chapter led to the establishment of what is commonly known as the Law of Moses, often simply referred to as the Law. A careful reading of this text and related Scriptures indicates God had a plan for Israel that was thwarted by the nation’s fear and lack of faith. Aspects of His plan were not fulfilled until the giving of the New Covenant and the establishment of the church.

Exodus 19:3–6 records a conversation between the Lord and Moses. Moses was to remind the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt and to promise them that if they would be obedient, they would be a “peculiar treasure” to the Lord. They would be “a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” This was not to be, for the Law of Moses strictly separated royalty and priesthood. Kings would descend from the tribe of Judah and priests from the tribe of Levi (See Genesis 49:9–10; Deuteronomy 17:14–20; 18:1–8.) When King Uzziah attempted to perform a priestly function, the Lord smote him with leprosy (II Chronicles 26:16–20).

Instead of the nation of Israel, it would be the church who would be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” (I Peter 2:9). The apparent reason for Israel’s loss of this blessing was their failure to respond to God’s promise in faith. The Lord’s hope was that the Israelites would hear His words and believe forever (Exodus 19:5). This would have characterized a faith covenant. Instead, the people responded in fear (Deuteronomy 5:1–5). As a result, Scripture connects the Law of Moses with works rather than faith. (See, e.g., Galatians 3:10–12.)

Rather than replicating the fear associated with Mount Sinai, the New Covenant, established in the blood of Jesus, invites believers to Mount Zion. The Book of Hebrews is the book of better things, and faith is better than fear. (See Hebrews 12:18–24.)

 

DAY 1

Bible Reading Plan

  • II Samuel 19-20
  • Luke 21

Exodus 19:8-9

1 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. 3 And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. 8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.

Biblical Insight

God had promised Moses that he and all the people of Israel would serve God on Horeb, the mountain of God (Exodus 3:1, 12). Now, three months after their departure from Egypt, they had arrived. They were “camped before the mount.” Would things work out as God had said?

Daily Devotion

Throughout Scripture God makes promises to people, but these promises are fulfilled only when God’s Words are obeyed.

Consider a situation where a parent offers their child a reward for following instructions. The instructions are beneficial to the child and will teach him good habits. In the beginning, the child is excited to receive the promise and readily agrees to follow the instructions. But as distractions creep in, the negotiations begin, and eventually the child begins to question, “Is this really worth it?” The promise has not changed; neither has the parent. But the perspective of the child has been altered. Usually the perspective has changed because the child has already begun to make choices that will make it difficult to follow the instructions of the parent.

The Israelites found themselves in this place repeatedly. When they obeyed, they enjoyed the promises and blessings of God, but when distractions crept in and their focus was changed, they no longer liked God’s plan.

Each one of us can become distracted from following God’s Word and walk away from His promises. Take time today to search for things in your life that may be distracting you from following God’s plan and robbing you of His promises.

 

DAY 2

Bible Reading Plan

  • II Samuel 21-22
  • Luke 22

Exodus 19:3-4

3 And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

Biblical Insight

God began His conversation with Moses by reminding Moses of (1) His power over the enemy Egyptian army, (2) His provision and protection, and (3) His desire for a relationship. Had the children of Israel only kept sight of His power, care, and love for them, they might not have succumbed to the human tendency to complain and doubt, sadly resulting in forty years of wandering rather than victoriously following God’s leading into the land of promise.

Daily Devotion

In John 16, Jesus promised that after He ascended into Heaven, He would send His Spirit (the Comforter). Scripture also states in Romans 8:26, that this same Spirit we receive intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray. God’s Words are not empty promises. He will show His power to confirm His Word.

A couple shared their story of just such a case. They were driving on the freeway late one night when an eighteen-wheeler hit a car in front of them, causing it to spin out of control. Traffic was traveling about seventy miles an hour. At that moment, the couple cried, “Jesus!” In that split instant, the spinning car slammed into the side of their car, causing them to begin spinning across three lanes of heavy traffic. At the same time impact was made, the car was filled with God’s presence. The couple began to speak with tongues as the car spun across all three lanes of traffic and was not hit by another vehicle. The car stopped spinning and was facing oncoming traffic, but out of harm’s way. When the car stopped, they stopped speaking in tongues and peace filled the car.

In a moment of crisis, God’s Word was confirmed as His Spirit spoke into their situation, just as Scripture says. As you pray today, expect God to speak into your situation.

 

DAY 3

Bible Reading Plan

  • II Samuel 23-24
  • I Kings 1-2

Exodus 19:5-6

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Biblical Insight

It no doubt humbled Moses to hear God’s marvelous and gracious invitation for the people of Israel to enter into a special covenant with Him. The God over all the earth singled out the people as His “peculiar treasure” (Exodus 19:5). We should certainly consider the striking parallel to I Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” God has always desired a called-out people to be His special treasure.

Daily Devotion

“Don’t go swimming before the game!” The coach was emphatic. The team of barely teenage boys nodded their heads without enthusiasm and silently left the field. They had been undefeated all season and didn’t see the need to waste a perfect swim day when an obvious win was in the bag. The entire team snuck away for a morning of swimming, except one young man.

The baseball game began, and the heat of the day took its toll on the exhausted, dehydrated boys. They were barely able to maintain their positions. The pitcher pitched a perfect game, striking out almost every hitter. Even though his teammates had disobeyed and were not ready, thankfully he was ready. He was also the only player on his team who got a hit in the game: a homerun. And that run was the difference.

The pitcher made sure he was ready. It didn’t matter that his team had gone undefeated throughout the season; he knew he had to be just as ready for the next game.

God asks us to be ready. Ready with an answer, ready to share the gospel, ready to work, ready to show kindness and love, ready to obey His Word, and ready for His return. We are on the winning team. We already know the end, but we are still called to be ready.

 

DAY 4

Bible Reading Plan

  • I Kings 3-5
  • Luke 23

Exodus 19-9-11, 15

9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord. 10 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, 11 and be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. 15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.

Biblical Insight

The intensity, majesty, and glory of God’s presence is no small thing. So overwhelming was it that Moses would later need to veil his face after coming down from the mountain (Exodus 34). Before the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, He gave the Israelites the opportunity to prepare to meet Him. This included consecrating themselves, washing their clothes, and abstaining from sexual relationships. We should remember that God never asks us to do something for which He will not prepare us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Jesus is our great high priest, and because of what He has done on our behalf, we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:14–16).

Daily Devotion

John was sitting in service one Sunday morning, doing his best to focus through all the distractions. However, it didn’t take long for the pastor to grab his attention when the sermon began. John quickly sensed the pastor was preaching straight to him. Had someone found out and shared his situation with the pastor? Why did it feel like everyone was trying not to look at him? He needed God to intervene, but not like this. Maybe he should leave. The pastor turned his back on the audience and stated, “I don’t know who this is for. No one has told me anyone’s personal business this week. But whoever you are, God is wanting to work a miracle in your situation today. He has a plan for you. Will you respond to Him?”

Many of us can identify with John’s experience. God speaks a word through someone that is meant for us, and we must decide how we will respond. It was up to John to acknowledge God’s voice and obey. It is also up to us to acknowledge God and obey when He speaks into our situation.

Do you have a situation you have been bringing to God? When He answers, will you be willing to acknowledge Him and obey what He asks of you?

  

DAY 5

Bible Reading Plan

  • I Kings 6-9

Exodus 9:16, 23-25

16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 23 And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it. 24 And the Lord said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the Lord, lest he break forth upon them. 25 So Moses went down unto the people, and spake unto them.

Biblical Insight

The sheer power of God’s presence was so incredible it rightly induced fear and trembling among the people. Yet how quickly that holy respect subsided. Even while Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, which included the prohibition on idolatry, the people persuaded Aaron to make an idol they could worship. Obedience counteracts sin. Disobedience itself is sinful, and it leads to additional, ever increasing sin. (See Romans 6:16.)

Daily Devotion

In I Samuel 15:22, Samuel told king Saul that “obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams” (NLT). In Exodus 19, God gave strict orders. His answer to Moses and the people was essentially “no.”

The instinctive human reaction to hearing “no” is “why?” However, as we can see in Scripture, there are many times when God not only says “no,” but He also does not give the individual a reason why. Now for us as readers, God’s answer will often make sense because we can read the whole story. But the person living the story does not have that perspective. Samuel was direct in his correction of King Saul, who disobeyed God by doing things on his own terms. Saul did not like God’s instructions. However, we cannot only obey the parts of God’s plan we like.

Sometimes God says “no” and it makes sense. At other times God says “no” and it seems that He just doesn’t understand our needs. The true test of a disciple of Jesus is not that they understand every command Jesus makes, but that we trust Him enough to follow Him even when we don’t understand. When the answer is “no,” what will you do?