As I was reading in Exodus the past few days I can't get out of my mind something that is a difficult things to articulate. In chapter 19:4-5 I think I am seeing grace with fresh eyes. God is talking to Moses here. He is giving Moses a message for the children of Israel: " 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 about all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." These are the words you are to speak to the children of Israel." This is really interesting to me because God brought them out of Egypt to bring them to Himself. He wanted to be with His people! The law wasn't given yet, but He still expected them to listen to His voice and keep His covenant.
Abraham is listed in the hall of faith in Hebrews. He believed in God and it was counted as righteousness. It's true we are saved by grace through faith. We don't do anything to earn God's favor or our salvation through Christ. It's a gift we can't possibly earn. Think about this. If someone wants to give a gift do we not have to respond. If we hold our arms tightly to my sides that gift will never be received.
All of these people in Hebrews 11 responded to God's voice.
Father I pray now for the one reading this. Please be very real to them and call them into a personal relationship with You.
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