Exodus 19:2-8 – Through
obedience to the covenant the people at Sinai are reminded by the Lord that
they are His people. God tells Moses that if the people will keep the covenant,
they shall be his people. We do not know who we are until we know whose we are.
If we belong to God, we understand who we are — children, sons, and servants of
God.
The children of Israel are described as a kingdom of priests. As the consecrated
priests would stand between God and his people so the people of Israel would
act as priests to the world, set aside by God for service, witness and prayer.
Israel would be a priest to all the nations of the world. Today, Jesus perfectly mediates between
sinners and God.[2]
Luther said, “Do
not despair after sin, but lift your eyes on high to where Christ intercedes
for us. He is our Advocate. He intercedes for us and says, “Father I have
suffered for this person; I am looking after him.” This prayer cannot be in
vain.[3]
Trust in the Lord’s promises for you today.
Because of
the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They
are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
My comfort in
my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50
Surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
My prayer is
not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil
one.
John 17:15
Never will I
leave you; never will I forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5
The Church also intercedes on behalf of the world.
Peter explains, “But you are a chosen
race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that
you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into
his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
For humility - Heavenly Father, You resist the proud and
give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your
only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath
but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace.[4]
[2] Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Luther’s Works, American Edition 30:326 copyright © Concordia Publishing St. Louis Fortress Philadelphia, 1955-86
[4] Prayer for Humility, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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