Carried on Eagles’ Wings: Embracing God’s Grace and Calling.

Lesallan – September 10, 2024

Carried on Eagles’ Wings: Embracing God’s Grace and Calling

The passage from Exodus 19:3-6 (NIV) is truly powerful, emphasizing the unique and special relationship between God and the Israelites. It beautifully underscores God’s grace and the Israelites’ calling to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. This passage serves as a profound reminder of the covenant between God and his chosen people, setting them apart for a special purpose. It also reflects the timeless message of divine guidance, grace, and the call to live in accordance with God’s will. This powerful passage continues to inspire and guide believers in their faith journey, serving as a timeless expression of God’s love and the responsibilities that come with being part of this chosen community, a community with a unique role and a sense of responsibility.

In many discussions, there is often a tendency to contrast the Old Testament as being focused on law and the New Testament as being centered on grace. However, a closer examination of the Old Testament reveals that grace is indeed present within its pages. A compelling example of this can be found in the book of Exodus, where God displays His grace by delivering the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. This act of deliverance is an unmistakable demonstration of God’s grace in action. Following their rescue, God extends an invitation to the Israelites, calling them into a covenant relationship. This pivotal sequence of events illuminates the idea that grace precedes the establishment of the law. It underscores that the law is given within the context of a pre-existing relationship that has already been extended and established through grace. This perspective serves to deepen our understanding of the intertwined dynamics of grace and law within the Old Testament.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) echoes the call in Exodus, reminding followers of Jesus that they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. This profound statement highlights the unique identity and purpose of believers in Jesus. Embracing this identity empowers them to live in a manner that reflects God’s character and to stand as beacons of light in a world that often feels dark and lost. As God’s chosen people, followers of Jesus are called to a life of service and love, readily offering compassion, forgiveness, and support to those in need. By acknowledging their status as God’s special possession, they are inspired to declare His praises and share the transformative message of God’s grace and love with others. In doing so, they bring hope to the broken and drive out darkness with the light of God’s truth. Moreover, as a royal priesthood, believers are called to stand in the gaps for others, interceding in prayer and actively demonstrating love and selflessness, thus embodying the love and compassion of Christ in their daily lives.

As I reflect on this passage, I am reminded of God’s incredible grace and His desire for a personal relationship with me. Just as He carried the Israelites on eagles’ wings and brought them to Himself, He carries me through my struggles and draws me close to Him. I find the strength in His presence to obey His commands and live as His treasured possession. God’s grace is not limited to the New Testament; it is woven throughout the entire Bible. He rescues us from our bondage and invites us into a covenant relationship with Him. This relationship is marked by grace, love, and the call to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests.           

Remember that God’s grace always comes first. He has rescued us and brought us to Himself. Rest in His love, and let it transform your heart. Reflect God’s character in your daily life, be a light in the darkness, and stand in the gap for others by showing compassion, forgiveness, and love. Share the good news of God’s grace with those around you, for you are empowered to be a messenger of His faithfulness and love.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that carries us through our struggles and draws us close to You. Help us to live as Your holy nation and royal priesthood, reflecting Your love and standing in the gap for others. May our lives declare Your praises and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Christ,

Lesallan