Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Exodus 19:1-8 (NIV)
At Mount Sinai
19 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. 3 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.” 7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
After a three month walk in the desert, God calls his people to stop at Mt. Sinai. Soon, God will give them the 10 Commandments. Soon, God will lead them to the edge of the Promised Land. Today, God defines the relationship: Knowing what I did to bring you here – rescuing you from Egypt, leading you, providing for you – “‘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, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation’”. (Ex 19:5-6a) This is God’s plan and these are God’s people. And though the path they would walk is long and winding, God is with them through it all. That is God’s promise to this very day. God is with us through it all. Let us thank God for his presence, provision and leading this day.