When the children of Israel were dwelling in Egypt,
they were, at first, treated very well because of the work of
Joseph in preserving the people during the years of plenty and,
then, of famine. Later, however, a king arose that knew not Joseph
[Exodus 1:8], and the children of Israel became slaves, working
under bitter bondage [Exodus 1:4]. God heard their cries and sent
Moses to be their deliverer. After the ten plagues had been worked
on Egypt, Pharaoh drove the people out. After crossing the Red
Sea, they journeyed to Mt. Sinai where the "Law of Moses"
was delivered to the people.
Before the law was given, and as they journeyed
to the "promise land," God gave this plain and simple
message to them. "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice
indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure
unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall
be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are
the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."
Exodus 19:5-6. This message was given to Moses, and Moses delivered
it to the people. Note how the people reacted to this plain statement
requiring obedience keeping the covenant of God. "And Moses
came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before
their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. And
all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD
hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people
unto the LORD." Exodus 19: 7-8. In their own words they said:
"All that the LORD has spoken we will do." Then, in
Exodus 20, when God come down on Mt. Sinai and gave, audibly,
the Ten Commandments, the people were terrified [trembled with
fear] and were moved to say: "Speak thou with us, and we
will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die." This,
again, is a promise that they would obey God.
Did they follow through on their promise? A quick
check of the record will show that they did not do what they had
said they would.
First, shortly after God audibly gave the law,
Moses went up into the mountain where he was given a copy of the
law written by the finger of God on tables of stone. During this
period of forty days [Exodus 24:18], the children of Israel became
both forgetful and disobedient. Though they had had ample examples
of the power and reality of God, they turned away unto idols,
breaking the first two commandments of the ten. In Exodus 32,
we have the story of the building of the golden calf and their
worship before it. Almost before the voice of God had subsided
in their ears, they were in open rebellion. Because of this sin,
they suffered the loss of 3,000 people [Exodus 32:28].
Second, there are numerous examples of Israel's
disobeying God from then on. Note the rebellion at the times the
spies were sent out, the rebellion of Korah and his followers,
and many other examples. In all cases the disobedient were punished.
Now, if they had only kept their promise, they
would have avoided punishment. Knowing that should help us avoid
the same consequences. When we, today, learn the truth of God
and know that eternal life is dependent on obedience to God, we
must not do like Israel did. If we do, we will suffer the consequences
in eternity. "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when
the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and
that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the
Lord, and from the glory of his power." 2 Thessalonians-1:7-9.
This same principle applies to Christians. "Blessed are they
that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree
of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Revelation 22:14.
We must follow God. To have a safe journey to
the "promised rest," we must obey God. By the way, His
law is in the Book. -119 Holden St., Rogersville, AL 35652.