Dear Family,
Today is Thursday, May 12, 2022, Day 5 of Week 4. This is the 26TH Day in our Count to Pentecost.
Every human being is born with very important and basic needs that must be filled for a person to survive. Air, water, and food are at the top of the list, of course followed by issues of physical safety. And, there are additional needs people have above and beyond those basic needs that must be filled if human beings are to thrive. For example, we have needs tied to belonging, to needing a sense of community and identity (concern with relationships), to having hope and a positive attitude toward ourselves, and to having a sense of purpose for life itself.
When we analyze the story of Israel’s experiences during their bondage, through the Exodus, and journey to Mt. Sinai, we find Israel facing challenges of many of their needs.
Apparently, in Egypt they had plenty of food and water. At least, that’s the way they tell it in the wilderness. They were able to survive because their basic physiological needs were met. They had even maintained some sense of who they were (descendants of Abraham). However, they were threatened with danger and insecurity needs as they faced the perils inherent in their slavery.
God delivered Israel from all of the physical dangers of Egypt as He plunged the Egyptian army into the Red Sea. He made it obvious to anyone who was really watching this saga that He was dealing with the Israelites in a most favorable way.
What God intended to do was to meet every need they had. He wanted Israel to obey Him and to trust Him for everything, both the “survive” needs and the “thrive” needs. He tested them in various ways and proved over and over to them that He was a generous and capable Deliverer, Caretaker, Provider, Healer, and Protector. And, all the while He was offering them such an honorable and special identity; to be His people. He was offering them a marriage covenant, with beautiful, divine promises attached. And, although it was a covenant for the here and now only, He wanted Israel to know He TREASURED them.
Exodus 19:5 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:
Now, it’s the Church’s turn. God promises us all the same yet, the duration of the marriage covenant is for all future eternity.
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
© Copyright 2022, Church of the Sovereign God