Exodus 19:1-6 (NRSV)
Read Exodus 19:1-6 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 19On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. Verse 2They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Verse 3Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: Verse 4You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Verse 5Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, Verse 6but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites."
Devotion
It all begins with God.
This week’s focus is on St. Bartholomew, with the theme of call and witness. But it all begins because God has first called us. Israel became a nation by call and covenant. God rescued them from Egypt and now speaks through Moses that they might become a “priestly kingdom and a holy nation.”
A recently retired friend remarked that the most difficult adjustment is that the phone never rings. For some of us that might seem a blessing, but for him it means that no one needs him. Perhaps no one even cares.
We know that God cares because God calls us. That does not mean that all our problems leave. The people of Israel found themselves in a wilderness. They would be there for 40 years. The Kingdom of God never promises peace and quiet, but it surrounds us with strength and hope.
That is how it all begins.
Prayer
Dearest Lord, you have called us into your marvelous light. We could not have prayed for a brighter beginning. Amen.