Where does one find the good life? Some people believe it comes from achievement or making the world a better place. Others find it through relationships, especially in their families. Some can’t wait for leisure and doing things they enjoy. Still others seek material possessions or living in a large home. God defines the good life as being a priest and holy nation. Ex. 19-20 explains the preparation to be a priest to God and response as a holy nation to others. 

Preparation in Being Priest to God 
Once Israel came to the wilderness, the Lord told Moses how He bore them on eagles’ wings to bring them to Himself and what they saw Him do to the Egyptians. If they obeyed God’s voice and kept His covenant, then they should be His own possession as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Moses gave this message to the elders of Israel and the people said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” He was to consecrate the people, wash their garments and not let them touch the border of Mount Sinai since the Lord would come down on the third day in their sight (Ex. 19:1-15). God bores you on eagles’s wings as a kingdom of priests and holy nation.

After thunder and lightning, thick cloud and loud trumpet sounded, Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. He warned Moses at the top of the mountain to not let the people and priests gaze upon Him lest they be killed. To survive, the priests who came near the Lord must be consecrated (Ex. 19:16-25). Jesus’ sacrifice allows you to meet God. 

God spoke that He is the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. They should have no other gods, not make, worship or serve any idol or likeness of creation before Him since the Lord is a jealous God. He visits the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him, but shows love to 1000s who love Him and keep His commandments (Ex. 20:1-6). Worship God by rejecting any idol or god so as to remove curses from your family.

Not take the Lord’s name in vain for He will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Ex. 20:7). Use authentic words and prayers to enhance God’s reputation.

Labor six days and keep the seventh day holy as a sabbath of the Lord who made the heavens and the earth and rested on that day (Ex. 20:8-11). Labor six days and keep the seventh day holy to the Lord. 

Response as Holy Nation To Others
Honor father and mother to prolong your days in the land the Lord provides. Don’t murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness and covet neighbor, possessions or his wife (Ex. 20:12-17). Honor others by not taking advantage of them. 

The people asked Moses to speak and not God lest they die. He told the people to not be afraid since God would test them so they fear Him and not sin. The people stood at a distance while approaching the thick cloud where God was (Ex. 20:18-21). God tests you to fear Him and not sin. 

The Lord told Moses that they should not make gods of silver or gold, but sacrifice burnt and peace offerings on an altar of uncut stone to not profane it (Ex. 20:22-26). Make God Lord of your life instead of pursuing materialism.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being lowest and 10 highest on the following: 
1. I have trusted Christ’s sacrifice to meet God
2. I worship God instead of idols
3. I use authentic words and prayers to enhance God’s reputation
4. I labor six days and keep the 7th day holy to God as a sabbath

5. I honor others by not taking advantage of them
6. I fear God and don’t sin
7. I make God Lord of my life instead of pursuing materialism
Ask the Holy Spirit to develop those areas where you are weak.


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