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By Mike Caton

Exodus 19:8, “The people all responded together, ‘We will do everything the LORD has said.’ So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.”

God has offered a pretty good deal to these Israelites. They are to fully obey the Lord and keep his covenants and the Lord will make them his own treasured possession, and they will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This is the report, the offer that God was to take to Moses. And what else can the people say, other than of course we will do all the Lord commands?

There can be no doubt in the people’s minds that God can do what he has promised. They have already seen what he has done in releasing them from their slavery in Egypt and taking them this far in the wilderness. Where else are they going to turn? I’m reminded of the words of Peter when Jesus asked if the apostles wanted to leave him, like so many other disciples were doing. Peter said in John 6:68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Honestly, what other choice do these Israelites have? And in the same way, what choice do we have today? Where are we going to turn for wisdom, peace, strength, contentment, and so forth in our daily lives? Sure, the world offers us plenty of options, but they all fall short. All of the great plans mankind has come up with have failed. And you can be sure, the philosophies of today’s world are headed on the same track. Nothing this world can offer is permanent.

But then, the Israelites have no real idea what they are committing themselves to. God will continue to give them the law, and regardless of their intentions, they will fail miserably. And we would have to, had we been there, and we do fail miserably today, with the plan God has for our lives. But God’s plan was not dependent on us and our goodness and righteousness. God’s mercy and grace had another plan, one where we simply accept the gift God offers through his Son. That is not a reason for us to ignore God’s law, thinking God will just forgive us. It is a reason to live a life that honors and pleases God. Not because we have to, but because we get to. That changes the perspective, doesn’t it?

Father, help me do everything you have said. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works as a full time AEMT with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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