Foundations Week 8, Day 1

Scripture Read:  Exodus 19 -20
Title: God Meets Moses on Mt. Sinai
​
H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession amidst all people, for all the earth is mine, and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."  Ex. 19:5 - 6a

(E) Explain: The Israelites have spent some time wandering in the desert and now they come to the foot of Mt. Sinai.  It is here where God calls Moses up to him and speaks and begins to give him rules or commandments that Israel is called to agree to and keep.  God makes a conditional promise to Moses, He says that if the Israelites will be faithful in keeping God's covenant and obey His voice, then He will make this nation his treasured possession.  
Moses ascends to the top of the mountain to meet God and receive the Ten Commandments. 

(A) Application: We often hear about God's unconditional love.  This means that God loves us without conditions.  I believe this to be true.  However, our relationship with God is not unconditional.  We sometimes mix up God's unconditional love and think this means we have God's commands.  We are not free to live as we please, and we cannot live our lives without conditions.  In the Bible God often says something like this, "If you do this, I will do that."  This is a conditional promise.  God calls us to be obedient to His voice and to His commands.  You and I are commissioned to pursue holiness daily, not so God will love us more, but because we love him and want to receive His blessings abundantly.
Yes, I believe God loves you unconditionally; rejoice in this, and celebrate this truth, but seek to live your life as a blessing to God and you will experience his abundant blessings in your life.
 
(R) Respond:  God, I thank you for your commands.  I pray that I will be obedient to both your commands and your voice.  May I constantly be reminded of your promises and that I will will daily pursue holiness as I seek to live a life that is pleasing to you.