God had established Israel as His own covenant people and promised to take them into a land of rich provision. Alongside the promise, He warned them against idolatry. This was a propensity of the people God knew they would easily succumb. The very purpose of making Israel His people was to make them His witnesses among the pagans that He alone was and is the only true God. Hence, we see that God’s first command in Exodus 20:2-3 to them was, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
God’s warning to them was that if they rebelled and pursued other gods, harsh consequences would follow them. They would experience His wrath. God would deal with their sin to purge them of their idolatry. In the interest of His own name, He did not destroy His wayward people in Egypt because He did not want the Egyptians to conclude that He did not keep His word and shame His own name. So, in verse 10, He acted and brought them into the wilderness to instruct and train them.
Verses 10-17 said that in the wilderness, the covenant people were given decrees and regulations so that they could lead meaningful and fruitful lives. Besides, He also gave them the Sabbath as a sign that they were His covenant people, and that He had set them apart unto Himself. Observing the Sabbath is critical in a believer’s life because it is a sign that one is set apart unto God. As God's set-apart people, it is important that we keep the Sabbath to honor Him.
Sadly, the people again did not keep their part of the bargain even in the wilderness. They disregarded the instruction of God and disobeyed the decrees and regulations. They also did not observe the Sabbath and continued to serve the idols. In His anger, God wanted to eradicate them in the wilderness but decided against it in the interest of His name. Instead, He pledged not to allow them into the rich land He had promised them. God showed His mercy and spared them and they were not immediately destroyed in the wilderness.
If we read the account of their wilderness wandering in the wilderness, we would know why God did not annihilate them there. Moses was key to why they were not destroyed. He was a praying man. Throughout the wilderness journey, we have seen how he would turn to God on behalf of the people. Exodus 32 shows an occasion of him interceding with God for the people. He asked God to forgive the people and was even prepared to die to take their place. Verse 32 had a dash after he asked God to forgive their sin. A dash signifies a long pause. It was said that perhaps at this point, Moses felt the hurt of God. He could not go further so he broke down and wept. That long pause was represented by a dash.
Obedience is important if we are to experience the kind of life that God has promised. Walking with the Lord requires that we obey His instruction. It is important that we observe the day of rest. Sabbath observance shows that we are God’s set-apart people. Do not neglect Sabbath observation. Set the day apart to connect with God, renew our minds, and reboot for a brand-new week. This weekend set a day apart to honor and connect with God.
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