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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today for the riches of salvation in Jesus Christ. I have not come to a physical mountain like Israel did, but I have come to “Mount Zion and to the city of the living God…to God, the judge of all…and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant” (Heb 12:18–24). You are giving me “a kingdom that cannot be shaken,” therefore I worship you “with reverence and awe” for you truly are “a consuming fire” (Heb 12:28–29). Today in Your Word Today you told me about the first covenant you made with Israel. You chose them from among all the peoples so they would be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exod 19:6). Through Christ, I am privileged to be grafted into the olive tree of Israel as a spiritual Jew (Rom 11:13–17). I, too, am part of “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,” so that I may “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9). You came down on Mount Sinai in blazing fire, smoke, thunder, lightning and a thick cloud. You spoke the ten commandments audibly so all the people could hear your voice, a voice that shook the earth and made them tremble in fear (Heb 12:19, 26). You did this in order to test them, “and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin” (Exod 20:20). You graciously gave them your words, commands that helped them understand how to love you and love each other (Matt 22:37–40). The people recognized their need for a mediator, and you approved their request, signifying that Moses would be a type of your Son, the one mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5). Reflection Moses was not filled with pride over his leadership position or the mighty miracles God performed through him. When his father-in-law came to visit “he bowed down and kissed him” (Exod 18:7). Do I show a humble spirit to others, a spirit that leads them to believe in you? Request Father, you said of your people, “Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments” (Deut 5:29). Give me that heart today! Thanksgiving Thank you for your precious law, for it shows me how to be pleasing to you! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “I Have Brought You Out of Egypt” by Carolyn W. Gillette. Meditation Verse: Deuteronomy 5:29.