How did God show His love to the Israelites?
The LORD had his heart set on you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your fathers, he brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Deuteronomy 7:7-8
Therefore tell the Israelites: I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from the forced labor of the Egyptians and rescue you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and great acts of judgment. Exodus 6:6
Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites. Exodus 19:5-6
he instruction of the LORD is perfect,
renewing one’s life;
the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced wise.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
making the heart glad;
the command of the LORD is radiant,
making the eyes light up.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are reliable
and altogether righteous.
They are more desirable than gold —
than an abundance of pure gold;
and sweeter than honey
dripping from a honeycomb. Psalm 19:7-10
Through His covenant promises given to Abraham and the Israelites when He gave them the law.
Preachers have said it for a long time, but it doesn’t make it any less true: God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.
When God calls or assigns a person with a particular purpose, He never leaves them on their own. He always guides and leads and equips them.
And it was no less the case with the children of Abraham, the people of Israel. God called them to be his special, holy people. God called them to play an important role in His purposes. But God didn’t just give them this charge and then check out.
No. God gave Israel the gift of the Scriptures—His Word— it’s what we call the Old Testament. God gave this to the nation of Israel and to us to guide, inspire, and equip us on our mission of being God’s people for the world.
God’s Word functions like a light to guide us on our way. Without the Scriptures, we walk in darkness.
Spend a moment reflecting on Psalm 19:7-10. Remember the times God has spoken to you through Scripture? Thank God for the gift of His Word and that He has not left you alone.