There was a time in my life when I was sick in hospital and doctors couldn’t heal, me. At that time, I had to seek God for how I could receive healing from Him. As I studied the Scriptures in that context, I discovered that almost every place where God speaks about being healed, the emphasis is on what we listen to, just as it is here. “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, I will put none of these diseases upon thee.” I believe that’s true today. I believe that those of us who learn to listen to God with both ears, to listen to God’s voice and obey Him, can lead a life that’s free from sickness and many other plagues and problems.
A little further on in the Book of Exodus, in Exodus 19, when Israel came to the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses went up and the Lord spoke to him and gave him a message to the children of Israel.
“Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagle’s wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.” Exodus 19:3-6
Notice again, the primary emphasis, the first condition: “If ye will obey my voice, then my will will be worked out for you; you’ll be a unique people, different from all other people, living on a higher level, living in an area of provision and blessing unknown to other people, but the primary requirement is, if ye will obey my voice.”
I’d like to point out just three phases of God’s dealings with Israel as revealed in that passage. First of all, God says that He brought Israel to Himself. That’s the primary purpose of redemption always: to come to God, personally. Secondly, God said, “I want you to obey my voice.” That’s what leads us into the provisions of God. Thirdly, He said, “If you’ll keep my covenant.” God’s covenant is the way He settles and finalizes His relationship with the people. And fourthly, He said, “You’ll be a kingdom of priests.” You’ll be a unique people, blessed above all other peoples, distinct from all other peoples. And that’s the order; brought to God, obeying His voice, keeping his covenant, and so becoming a kingdom of priests.
Father, thank You that I can come to You, through the Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ, very close, very personal, in Your presence. Help me to obey Your voice, to remain in Your grace, to offer You sacrifices of praise and worship. In Jesus’ Name, amen!
