Exodus 19:2-8a (NRSV)
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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." Verse 7So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. Verse 8The people all answered as one: "Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do." Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.
Devotion
Moses had led the Israelites from Pharoah’s enslavement, bringing them through the wilderness to Sinai, where God had first called Moses in the burning bush. There, the Lord now told Moses to remind the Israelites that the God of their ancestors had born them up on eagles’ wings and brought them before God’s presence. Moses was to tell them that the entire earth was the Lord’s possession, but God had chosen them as a treasured possession, a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation.
I feel blessed to live in northern Minnesota, where on most days one or more eagles perch in an elm overlooking the river behind our home. Anishinaabe friends tell me that an eagle’s presence is a sign from the Creator that they are being watched over and protected. I too appreciate the eagles’ presence as a reminder that God is always near to provide and guide me. In the waters of Baptism we are reminded that our Lord has chosen us and daily provides for us as treasured possessions.
Prayer
Creator and Protector God, remind me often that that you provide for all my needs and that you daily protect me and all my loved ones. Amen.