“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.”

Exodus 19:4-5

As the Lord established his covenant with the Israelites, he reminded them that he had saved them from Egypt. He not only carried them “on eagles’ wings,” but he also brought them to himself. This relational implications of this statement are strengthened in the next verse, when the Lord said that if the Israelites keep his covenant, then they will be his own “special treasure from among all the peoples on earth” (19:5). The Hebrew word translated as “special treasure” (segulla) denotes valuable, personal property. For example, it was used by King David when he said, “And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction” (1 Chron. 29:3).

God entered into covenant relationship with the Israelites so that they might obey him, serve him, and represent him in the world. Through the people of Abraham, God intended to bless all of the families of the earth (Gen. 12:3). So, to be sure, God saved the Israelites so they might honor him and participate in his work in this world. But we mustn’t overlook the striking relationship God established with Israel. He brought them to himself. They were his treasured possession. They were not only to do God’s work, but also to know him and live in a love relationship with him.

And so it is with us. We have been called as disciples of Jesus to do his work, making disciples of all nations. As Christians, we have a job to do. Yet God has drawn us first and foremost, not to a mission, but to himself. We fulfill our calling to serve the Lord only when we are in a deep, consistent relationship with him (John 15:1-8).

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you ever think of yourself as God’s “special treasure”? If not, why not? Do you find it easy to put the duties of the Christian life ahead of intimate relationship with God? What helps you to live each day in a loving relationship with him?

PRAYER: O Lord, I am struck today by the fact that you saved the Israelites, not only so that they might serve you, but also so that they would be in relationship with you as your special treasure. How easily I forget this, both when it comes to my understanding of Israel and when it comes to my own relationship with you.

How I thank you for saving me, not just so I might serve you with my whole life, but also so that I know you, walk with you, and experience your love. Help me, dear Lord, to grow in my relationship with you. May I live as your special treasure today in all that I do! Amen.