On eagle's wings
Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Exodus 19:1-4
From the text, God was telling the Israelites the reason why they were delivered from Egyptian bondage. They were not delivered so they could be brought to the Promised Land and enjoy a land flowing with milk and honey. God told the Israelites through Moses that they were freed so He could carry them on eagle’s wings and brought them to Himself. God provided them a vivid description of what He did for them. While in Egypt, they were brought low and humiliated. They have been slaves and had no freedom to freely worship God. Now they were brought to a place where they could celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness. They were saved so they could worship God and have fellowship with Him. Now they could grow in their relationship with Him having no fear and can serve God wholeheartedly. The Canaanites were not displaced just because of their idolatrous living so the Israelites can settle in their land but to show the nations around them what it meant to be the people of God. They were called upon to be “kingdom of priests.” “And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation’ (Exodus 19:6). They were given this privilege so that they could show to others who the Creator God was. They were not just people for themselves but to provide a way for the nations around them the redemption that comes from God. They are to be God’s representatives to the world so that the world will be drawn to Him. This was to reiterate the promise God gave to Abraham. “I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). It is not just by our religious activities that God is manifested to others. It is by our example on how we respond when crisis comes to our lives that others could see what having faith in God means. It is through our recognition that every event that comes to our lives is God appointed and His goal is to draw us closer to Him. It is by our commitment to His word and His promises that others will see that we have a God that is compassionate and loving. it is through your proclamation by your lips and your life that others will be drawn to the truth of who God is so they would place their faith in Him and accept the relationship that He offers.
Blessings,
