Episode 2488 - Lesson 8 - Sabbath August 16: Covenant @ Sinai

Sabbath AfternoonRead for This Week’s Study: Exod. 19:1-20:17; Rev. 21:3; Deut. 5:6-21; James 1:23-25; Rom. 3:20-24; Rom. 10:4Memory Text: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:4-6, NKJV).Where did God lead Israel after He had liberated them from Egypt? To the Promised Land—where else? However geographically correct, that answer is theologically wrong. God Himself answers it: "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself" ’ " (Exod. 19:4, NIV; emphasis added). Thus, the biblical-theological answer to the question reveals God’s priority and goal: the Lord brought them to Himself.When humans depart from God, He searches for them and calls them back to Himself. The best model of this profound truth is in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sinned against God, disobeyed His command, and hid from Him. He took the initiative and called: "Where are you?" (Gen. 3:9, NKJV). He always makes the first step. Jesus states this eloquently: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest" (Matt. 11:28-29, NKJV).God calls out to all of us; our eternal destiny depends on our response.Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 23.