Articles
Keeping The Promise
“So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, ‘All the words which the LORD has said we will do’ (Exodus 24:3).”
The giving of the Book of the Covenant now completed, Moses descends from the mountain and declares it to the people (vs.1-3). When the people heard they expressed a willingness to obey, "All the words which the LORD has said we will do." Moses takes the blood and sprinkles half of it on the altar and half of it on the people and their acceptance of the covenant is complete.
Upon this occasion God accepted the accolades of Israel. With the altar and sprinkling of blood, God provided a means by which Israel could be reminded to make good on their promise. Unfortunately, Israel would prove to be a fickle people and soon forget their commitment to Jehovah.
The fickleness of Israel has been often repeated by others. One has good intentions, but often fails to follow through. He is torn by emotions that draw him in one direction and his reason which draws him in another. Thus, one will make promises, as Israel did at Sinai, but when the emotion of the moment is gone and life gets ordinary and dull, he finds his pledge hard to keep.
The gospel of Christ demands commitment. We are not just saved to be saved, but we are saved to serve (Rom. 12:1,2). God demands implicit faith committed to righteousness rather than sin (Romans 6:18). All too often the new convert on the day of baptism start with lofty goals, but will soon drop out of the race.
Like Israel God has implemented ways to remind the Christian of his initial commitment. The Lord’s Supper is our memorial of Christ, should rekindle our spirits. (I Corinthians 11:23-29) The word is designed to stir us up (2 Peter 3:1,2). God’s people should provoke us to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24,25).
So when our life ends will we be among those who followed through or among those who failed? Take up the tools God gave you, keep the heart burning for Christ, and one day you will reap the rewards.
