Original Entry Date 11/24/2012: At this point, God has brought Israel out of the bondage of Egypt (the World) and they are now following God through the wilderness. The Israelites are now camped out at the base of Mount Sinai and God was there on top of the mountain. Lets read
Exodus 19:3-6 NIV:
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 descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 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, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
This is an exact reflection of how God works today when we believe in Christ Jesus; He brings us out of the bondage of the world (just as He delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt). He brings us to Himself in ways that are personal to each one of us; like being whisked in on eagles’ wings. And
He calls us to be obedient, separate from the world. He has called us His treasured possession and a Kingdom of priests:
1 Peter 2:9 NIV:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
We will rule and reign with Jesus in the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 5:10 KJV:
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
I definitely see the relation to my own personal experience with this: God calling His people – This is How He works!
Let’s end this with some commentary from the Reformation Study Bible:
19:6 kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Israel is to be a priestly royalty, a holy nation set apart from the world as a priest was set apart in ancient society. The emphasis here falls on Israel’s relation to God rather than on any priestly ministry to the nations, yet Israel’s relation to the Lord also bears witness to the world. Verses 4–6a reflect the Abrahamic covenant of Gen. 12:1–3. What this passage prescribes for Israel, the new covenant makes a reality for believers