JAN 25

Exodus 24:1-8
Memorise Exodus 24:7
“And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people…”

The children of Israel had assembled at the foot of Mt. Sinai. They had heard the Lord speaking to them from out of a smoking and fiery mountain (Exodus 19:9). They had heard the Ten Commandments but it is here that Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. Then he proceeded to build an altar to the Lord to worship Him. He offered burnt offerings and sacrifices. The blood of these animals was divided into two portions. One portion was sprinkled on the altar and the other was for the people. But before that happened, they had to do something.

Moses took the book of the covenant which he had just written and read it before the people. They listened intently and carefully. They then promised that they would obey all that the Lord wanted them to do. They understood the message of the Lord and agreed to abide by it. They fully believed and trusted all the words of the Lord. They also affirmed that they were willing to submit to God’s command. Then and then only did Moses take the other half of the blood and sprinkle it on the people. In this way, both parties were mutually bound to the covenant. Similarly, when we hear God’s Word, our response should be to unreservedly accept the words of the Lord. We should listen carefully. We should give the reading of God’s Word our full attention and reverence. We seek to understand it. We pray that our lives will be transformed to be more Christ-like. We do not want to be hearers only. We seek to be doers of God’s Word too.

Dear teen, are you focused on listening to God’s Word? Or do you chat and pass irrelevant remarks among yourselves? Worse still, do you fool around, play with your mobile phones or allow wandering thoughts to creep in and thereby not profit from the reading and preaching of God’s Word? Beware of such bad habits for they dishonour God, mar your testimony and affect your spiritual lives. Pray that God will help you to concentrate and benefit from the message preached. God will hold us accountable for how we receive His holy Word. It is more precious than all the knowledge in the world. Receive it reverently as the voice of God speaking to you from on high. As you listen, make notes, underline and pray that you will be wiser and holier day by day because His Word has nourished and strengthened you.

Thought: “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” (Psalm 119:72)
Prayer: Father in heaven, may I treasure Thy word in my heart and obey it, live it and love it all the days of my life.