Devotion:
Read Exodus 19:7-8; 32:1-4.
This is the first of many times that the Children of Israel said they would do what God wanted them to do, but then did not follow through with their part of the covenant. When God first inquires about their willingness to be in this covenant relationship, they respond to Moses “We will do everything the Lord has said.” But when Moses is gone longer than they think he should be, they grow impatient and are willing to let go of that covenant. They revert back to some of what they saw in Egypt. I am reminded of children telling their parents that they will be good and do what they are supposed to do, but so quickly misbehave when the opportunity to do so arises.
As I mentioned, this is just the first time this happened. The books of 1 and 2 Kings are full of a recurring cycle where each of the divided kingdoms follow God’s way for awhile, but then regularly turn to other gods and evil practices.
However, let’s not forget that this Bible is to be a mirror for each of us. It is easy to look back at those people long ago and criticize how they acted. But too often, we act in similar ways. We have good intentions. We plan to follow God’s way. We say we will. But then we too quickly find other causes and opportunities to which we give our time, our focus, our allegiance. Other things and ways become our gods, our priorities.
As always, the key to staying true to our covenant with God is to develop habits of relationship each day (devotional time, prayer time, etc.) and habits of our shared ministry as the people of Christ (worship, study, fellowship and serve together). Don’t ever forget that God is willing to renew the covenant with you whenever you are ready and willing to do your part.
Personal Worship Option:
How might you be a more devoted covenant partner with God? What one thing could you start doing today that would help you be that mission partner?
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