Exactly three months had passed since the children of Israel had left the brick and mortar pits of Egypt. God had graciously and miraculously guided them by the strong hand of Moses, saved them from Pharaohs’ army at the Red Sea, supplied water for them and their flocks and given them manna daily.
God reminded them of his benevolent acts, saying, “I have borne you on eagles’ wings.” This word picture is of a bird known for protecting its young by carrying them on her back. God’s is a tender and loving care. God continues, “And I have brought you to myself.” Mt. Sinai was a significant place where God had made himself known in very dramatic ways; verses 17–19: “Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.”
God made his purpose known: “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples.”
Note the transition from what has been to what shall be. He will make them a treasured possession with a high purpose: everyone will have a priestly role. Every believer as a priest is both an Old and New Testament idea. Apostle Peter declares in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.” The highest of all honors is to be so related to our God that he would call us a “treasured possession.”
Believing reader, you, too, are being carried “on eagles’ wings” and you, too, are a treasured possession of our loving Lord.
Thank you Father, for loving us so dearly that we can live in absolute assurance that we are yours, and living under your protection and care.
Irvin Verrill
Extended Scripture: Exodus 19-20, ESV
