There is only one thing that is 100% guaranteed in life, and that is God’s love. Even in the darkest days of rebellion, God’s love remains intact. He never throws in the towel on anyone. Until you take your last breath, God moves heaven and earth to get you to see who He is. His only desire is for you to respond back to His love.
Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites were at Mount Sinai where God gave instructions in how to live like a godly nation. You can read about this in Exodus 19-24. In chapter 23, verses 20-33, you learn of God’s unconditional love. He promises eternal blessings while you walk in this dark world due to sin.
“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
God tells His children to see. To see what? “See, I am sending you an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.” (Exodus 23:20) He is telling them, “Look, I am always with you. I will never leave you. You can trust Me to get you where I am wanting you to be.” It was a sure thing for them, and it’s a sure thing for you today. Because of Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit living in you. He protects you on your journey. He will lead you safely home. You are guaranteed this promise if you respond to His love correctly.
God tells them how to respond correctly in Exodus 23. First, pay close attention to God and obey His instructions. He must come first in your life. He is the Sovereign, Almighty, Holy God. He never takes the back burner to you. Second, do not rebel against Him. Let the Holy Spirt teach you the art of obedience. Accept His plan for your life and live it out.
When you learn to live this way, God gives you the highest level of protection. No enemy can thwart it. God says, “I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you.” (Exodus 23:22) Not even the United States military can do that! You have God on your side which automatically places you on the victorious, winning team.
While you are maturing in keeping God first in your life, God also says to not worship the gods of the land that you live in. Do not serve them in any way or imitate them. God calls for you to “utterly destroy them!”24 Like I said before, God does not take the back burner. You are called to separate yourself from anything that is not of God nor from God.
“You must serve only the Lord your God.”25
When you live for God, He provides above and beyond for you. Read the rest of verse 25 as well as verse 26 to see what He will do for you. His benefit package is a pretty sweet deal. No god on earth can give what God gives.
This world has many enemies. Verses 27-33 tells you how God will help you to fight for your faith. God is holy and He will help you to become holy. He says to not dance with any enemy, ever! Do not get mixed up with them. “They must not live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against Me.”33 If you serve them, you will fall into the trap of idolatry.
Today, take a hold of the guaranteed love that is within your reach. It’s a sure thing. God is with you and that, my friend, is enough to stay engaged with the Trinity and walk in obedience.
Carol J German 