Scripture to Read: Exodus 23:25–31
God has called every Christian to serve Him through good works (Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:7, 14, & Titus 3:8). He has also given us His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) so that in our good deeds, we bring glory and honor to Him in the way we serve (Colossians 3:23–24). Though the Israelites did not have God’s Spirit living in them, God was still with them. Because God was with the Israelites, God expected them to serve Him well. God promised the Israelites that if they served Him, He would bless their bread and water and keep them physically whole, healed, and healthy—what an incredible promise, especially when they were in the wilderness. God even guaranteed them good health if they walked in obedience to Him. God has given us a better promise through Christ. When we became a Christian, He guaranteed us eternal life with Him. But He has also promised us His blessings when we choose to walk in obedience to Him (James 1:22–25). Blessing does not mean that our lives are free from tests and trials, because we are promised those too (James 1:2–4). God’s blessings are not always immediate either, because God knows that with His blessings comes great responsibility to use those blessings for His glory and not our own. God told the Israelites something similar in Exodus 23:27–31. God would drive out the Israelites’ enemies, but He'd do it slowly so the Israelites could take good care of what God was giving them—what a great reminder to wait on our Lord's perfect timing.
Challenge & Application
· How are you currently serving God through the good works you know He has called you to fulfill?
· Why do God’s blessings sometimes come slowly, and how do we now receive God’s blessings?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!