Promises and Pledges

“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 house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 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, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.’ 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. The people all responded together, ‘We will do everything the Lord has said.’ So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.” (Exodus 19:3-9. NIV).

Israel was still in the wilderness when Moses went up on the mountain to hear the Word of the Lord. He heard the promises God made, conveyed them to the people, and the people pledged loyalty and obedience. It was a time of great decision-making as well as rejoicing. They remembered how God had delivered them from Egyptian bondage. Just recalling was as if ‘carried on eagles’ wings’ with God’s protection.

God was renewing through Moses and the people the promise He had made for the nation to Abraham centuries before: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you…and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3, NIV). A firm promise from God was renewed. The people made a unanimous pledge of loyalty : “We will do everything the Lord has said!” (Exodus 19:9).

Can’t you just imagine the scene: Moses descending from Mt. Sinai from a fresh encounter with God, refreshed, energized, enthusiastic. He called the elders together and gave them the word from God. And when the people heard they responded positively with their pledge to follow God. In the emotion of a high spiritual time in our lives, it is easy (like the Israelites) to make a pledge we fully intend to keep. But when the going gets tough, the battles of life rage, and the enemy attacks from every side, it is easy to forget the pledge made at a high moment of spiritual insight. Our responsibility to be priests to others (representing God to them, leading them to a right relationship with God) and to do ‘all the Lord has commanded’ often fall into minor priority. Today is an important day in our nation—voting day. How much have we prayed for insight on how to vote? How much do we pray for our elected officials that they will walk worthy of their calling and seek God’s guidance? May we take time today and every day to earnestly seek God’s blessings on our nation, to turn this people into His ways, to remember His promises and our pledges. The Lord still speaks with authority. Let us hear and heed Him.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Tuesday, November 2, 2010