God’s Special Treasure at the Base of Mount Sinai

 

God’s Special Treasure at the Base of Mount Sinai

Text: Exodus 19:1–8

Picture it: The children of Israel have just journeyed through the wilderness, carrying with them the memory of miraculous deliverance—the plagues, the Red Sea parting, manna falling from heaven. Now, they stand at the foot of Mount Sinai, the mountain wrapped in God’s presence. Here, God makes an astonishing offer—an identity-shaping promise: “You shall be My treasured possession out of all the peoples.”

This isn’t simply a poetic phrase. God is inviting them into a covenant relationship unlike anything else on earth. It’s a promise of privilege—but also of responsibility. Let’s explore what this meant for Israel, and what it means for us today.

The Promise: God’s Treasured Possession

In Exodus 19:5–6, God says:

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

A “treasured possession” is not simply something owned—it’s something cherished, guarded, and valued above all else.

• To be treasured by God means to live under His favor, to have His guidance, protection, and presence in a unique way.

• In the ancient world, a king’s “special treasure” was kept safe, cared for, and given priority over everything else.

Imagine—out of all the nations, God set His love upon them! It’s not that Israel was the largest or strongest (Deut. 7:7–8), but because God chose them in love.

The Privileges of Being God’s Special Treasure

Being God’s chosen people came with unique blessings:

a. Nearness to God – They would have God dwelling among them in the tabernacle. His presence wasn’t a distant idea—it was tangible.
b. Divine Protection – The God who defeated Egypt promised to defend them from their enemies.
c. Spiritual Calling – They would be a “kingdom of priests,” meaning they could directly represent God to the world and enjoy access to Him in worship and prayer.
d. Holy Identity – God set them apart to reflect His character. They would not be defined by Egypt’s slavery or Canaan’s culture, but by God’s holiness.

For us today in Christ, these privileges find their fulfillment:

• We are God’s chosen people (1 Peter 2:9).

• We have direct access to Him through Jesus (Heb. 4:16).

• We carry the Holy Spirit’s presence within us.

The Responsibilities of Being God’s Special Treasure

Every privilege in God’s kingdom comes with a calling. Israel’s responsibilities were clear:

a. Obedience to God’s Voice – The covenant depended on their willingness to listen and follow. Obedience wasn’t a burden, but the natural response to God’s love.
b. Holiness in Conduct – As a “holy nation,” they were to live differently from the surrounding nations—reflecting God’s justice, mercy, and truth.
c. Witness to the World – As a “kingdom of priests,” their role was to stand between God and the nations, showing the world who God is through their life and worship.

For us today, these responsibilities remain:

• We obey Christ, not to earn love, but because we are already loved.

• We live holy lives so that God’s character is visible in us.

• We witness, not only with words, but with lives shaped by the gospel.

Our Response

When the Israelites heard God’s offer, they answered together: “All that the LORD has spoken we will do” (v. 8). It was a moment of unity, commitment, and surrender.

But as history shows, keeping that promise was not easy. The same is true for us. We are called to walk faithfully, but we often stumble. This is why Jesus came—to fulfill the covenant perfectly and bring us into God’s family by grace.

God Invites Us

Standing at Mount Sinai, God invited His people into the joy of being His special treasure. That invitation still stands for us today in Christ.

• The Promise: You are loved, chosen, and cherished by the Creator of the universe.

• The Privileges: You have His presence, His protection, and His calling.

• The Responsibilities: To obey His voice, live holy lives, and show His love to the world.

Let us answer as Israel once did—but with a deeper power, the power of the Holy Spirit within us: “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.”

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