Becoming Citizens of a Holy Nation

Exodus 19:1–6

Guild Theme for 2025: “A Treasured Possession, Ready for Service”
Guiding Text: Exodus 19:5 – “If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”

Becoming Citizens of a Holy Nation

A citizen lives in a place by right. God invites us not only to salvation but also to citizenship in His holy nation.

The book of Exodus is divided into three parts:

1. Chapters 1–18 – Salvation: God’s power delivers Israel from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land.

2. Chapters 19–24 – The Law of the Lord: God reveals His holiness through the Ten Commandments and teaches His people how to relate to Him and to one another.

3. Chapters 25–40 – God’s Presence in Worship: The Ark, tabernacle, altar, priestly garments, priestly consecration, and Sabbath all reveal His dwelling among His people.

Exodus shows us that God is both a covenant keeper and a promise keeper. What He promised Abraham, He continues to fulfill. Unlike man, God never breaks His word.

Chapter 19: God’s Reminder and Call

After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites camped at Mount Sinai three months after leaving Egypt. God called Moses up the mountain and said, “Remind the people where I brought them from and what I have done for them. I carried them as an eagle carries its young.”

The Eagle Analogy:
A mother eagle teaches her young to fly by stirring up the nest and flapping her wings. Though the eaglets feel frightened, as they attempt to fly and falter, the mother swoops beneath them so they land safely on her wings. This happens repeatedly until they can fly on their own.

God says, “I have carried you—brought you out of Egypt, opened the Red Sea, fed you with manna, gave you water from a rock, and granted you victory over the Amalekites.” Just as Israel was warned not to forget God’s faithfulness, we too must remember His care. Isaiah 46:4 says, “Even to your old age I will carry you.” Deuteronomy 1:31 reminds us, “As a father carries his son, so I carried you.” Psalm 28:9 assures, “He will carry us forever.”

Being carried speaks of His care, concern, and love—even when we fail Him.

God’s Desire for His People

In verse 5, God declares His desire: to establish a special relationship with His people. He asks two things:

1. Obey Me fully. Partial obedience is disobedience.

2. Keep My covenant.

Then He promises three things:

• You will be My treasured possession.

• You will be a kingdom of priests.

• You will be a holy nation.

What It Means to Be a Holy Nation

In a world of nearly 200 nations, God desired to set apart a special nation—a people who would represent heaven on earth as His ambassadors.

“Holy” means set apart and morally pure. Though we live in this world, we are not of it. 1 Peter 1:14–16 urges us: “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”

Israel struggled to meet this standard. They worshipped other gods, fell into sin, and rose again. Yet God did not give up. He sent Jesus—the ultimate sacrifice—so that through His blood, we could be grafted into this holy nation. The Women’s Guild scarf bears a red mark to symbolize Christ’s blood. Our citizenship begins when we say yes to Jesus.

Psalm 24:3–4 and Psalm 15 ask, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?” On our own, we are unworthy. But through Jesus, we are made worthy.

Living as a Holy Nation Today

Even in nations that claim Christianity, many fail to display Christ’s love. Jesus modeled compassion for the poor, justice for the marginalized, and mercy for all. 1 Peter 2:11–12 calls us to live such good lives among unbelievers that they see our deeds and glorify God.

The early church lived this difference—sharing their possessions, feeding the hungry, and caring for widows (Acts 5, Acts 6). Today, the gap between rich and poor widens, and widows and the needy are often forgotten. God still calls us to be salt and light.

How to Become a Holy Nation

1. Have a Relationship with God: Holiness begins with Him. John 15:4 reminds us to remain in Christ to bear fruit.

2. Separate from Sin: Turn away from anything that defiles your mind, heart, or body. Live differently from the world.

3. Obey God’s Word: Scripture is our standard. John 14:15—“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Holiness is obedience in action.

4. Pursue Growth and Discipline: Hebrews 12:14—“Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see God.” Holiness is a daily pursuit.

5. Be Empowered by the Holy Spirit: On our own, we fail. The Spirit enables us to overcome sin, walk in righteousness, and reflect Christ.

Conclusion

Holiness is not optional—it is God’s command. Peter writes, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Let us live as citizens of God’s holy nation—set apart, obedient, and empowered by the Spirit—so that we truly become His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation ready for His service.