"So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them. (Exodus 2:24-25)

As Israel grew and multiplied in Egypt, another Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph.  This new ruler in Egypt subjected the Israelites to forced labor and threatened to kill Israel’s baby boys.  This oppression would last for more than eighty years (Acts 7:17-36) before Moses would arrive to deliver them.

During this time Ramses II died and another Pharaoh took the throne.  On their ascension, such kings would often reverse the policy of the previous ruler.  But this new monarch disappointed the hopes of the Israelites.  Thus, they cried still more for freedom.

Israel’s sighs and groans during this long period were recorded and treasured in God’s ledger.  He must wean them of their attachment to Egypt and discipline them for the hardships of the desert.  Just at the time appointed, he sent Moses to rescue them.

This enslavement in Egypt mirrors the pitiful condition of the human race.  For thousands of years, mankind has grouped in darkness looking for a purpose and hope. (Romans 8:22,23)  There is in every human a yearning for something better than this earthly existence.   At just the right time God sent his Son into the world to deliver man from the pollution of the World.  (II Peter 2:20)  

God hears the cries of the contrite.  We must never grow weary or listless, for if we seek him with an honest heart, he will release us from the bondage of sin, and lead us to the Promised Land.   

By George Slover

“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.” (Psalms 27:4)
 

Here the Psalmist suggests a focus and a single mind.  “One thing” implies the steadfast eye and a single purpose.  This resolve influences everything else.  It suggests that there is no other pursuit that will compare with this one thing!   This goal is loftier than the pursuit of gold and silver!  (Matthew 6:19,20)

Next, this great prize will not be found without effort.  It must be sought!  The Psalmist states that he is willing to make the sacrifice to find it.  God commands, “seek my face” (vs.8)!  The Psalmist answers, “Your face Lord I will seek”. (vs.8) Furthermore, the poet implores, “Teach me, your way, Oh Lord”. (vs.11)  The writer is willing to make a diligent effort to find his prize.
  

Next, the Psalmist’s seeks 1) to “dwell in the house of the Lord”, 2)  “to behold his beauty”, and 3) “to inquire in his temple”.  (vs. 4)  Here he expresses his desire:  1) to worship God, 2) to appreciate God’s awesomeness and graciousness, and 3) to know God’s will.  These three may also be summarized as “fellowship” with God.  This sweet communion with God is the Psalmist’s single pursuit.   As a favorite hymn states “I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy, you alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye.”

Finally, he has assurance that his pursuit will result in God’s protection in troubling times, “for he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret place of his tabernacle.” (vs.5)  “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” (vs. 10) When his world falls apart he knows that God will be his helper. 
Therefore, he exhorts us to “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”  (vs. 14)
 

By George Slover

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."'   (Numbers 6:22-27)

In the midst of stern commandments and restrictions is recorded this well-known benediction.  Similar sentiments are also expressed in apostolic literature.  (II Corinthians 12:13)  It is an expression of what God really wants for his people. 

The LORD bless you and keep you.  The Lord is the keeper of Israel.  He promises to provide and preserve.  It is by this same care that our world is sustained.  (Acts 14:15-17)  God graciously supplies all that man needs both physically and spiritually.  Among God’s people, there should be the security (Matthew 6:33) that God will meet every need to those who seek Him first.

The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you.  God’s shining countenance is the assurance of pardon and salvation!  Just as a child feels the difference between the shining or darkened face of a mother, the Christian pleads for God’s approval.  God wishes to heap His favors upon us.

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.  This third clause seems to repeat the second but in a stronger form.  To lift the eyes upon anyone is to gaze with a keen interest.  God furnishes his children with all of the tools necessary for continued fellowship. He will guide and shelter any who will submit to his discipline.  The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

God’s mercies are everlasting to everlasting.  If we are at peace with Him in hearty and diligent obedience, nothing else matters.

By George Slover 

So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words which the LORD has said we will do." (Exodus 24:3)

All the way to Sinai the people witnessed the power of Jehovah.  At Sinai His glory was manifested, and His will declared to the people.  The formal ratification of the covenant was one of the most momentous events in the history of Israel.

Such times of emotional excitement will prompt some to make a promise that they will not keep.  On this occasion, the people had little knowledge of their own hearts or of the demands of God.  Such impulses are especially common among new converts who are quickly baptized, but fail to fully understand the gospel’s life-long commitment.

There are reasons why people are moved to make such rash promises.  The well-rounded life promoted by God’s word is enticing.  The laws of God are given for man’s best interest.  The gospel will produce a fruitful life of holiness.  (Romans 6:22)  It offers stability and peace for those who submit to it.  This is attractive!

Furthermore, God is the author of our existence and preserver of our life.  He bestows favors we could never repay.  The acceptance of the gospel is the difference between life and death.  Such wonderful blessings can hardly be resisted.

Finally, in the heart of every human is a sense of eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and an aspiration to do God’s will.  His spirit draws him toward God, but his flesh draws him away.  Following their inner feeling, some will readily promise to obey like Israel at Sinai.

The contrast of Israel’s pledge with their conduct is well known.  Similar promises are made to Christ, but while the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.  Hopefully, while there is still time, those who fail, will repent and cast themselves upon Christ for pardon and mercy.

George Slover
 

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