You're Invited

By John Madge

“Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.”—Exodus 24:9–11 (NIV)

Today’s Scripture begins with a simple act of obedience in response to God’s call in Exodus 24:1–2 (NIV): “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.”

Here’s a quick description of the men listed in today’s passage:

·Moses: God’s appointed leader of the Israelites

·Aaron: Moses’ brother and high priest over Israel

·Nadab and Abihu: Aaron’s sons and also Levitical priests

As for the seventy elders, the Lord instructed Moses, saying, “Bring Me 70 men from Israel known to you as elders and officers of the people. Take them to the tent of meeting and have them stand there with you. Then I will come down and speak with you there. I will take some of the Spirit who is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself” (Numbers 11:16–17 HCSB).

These men were the spiritual heads and leaders over Israel. God met them and gave them a vision of His power, glory, and dominion. They worshipped God together and then had a time of fellowship in God’s presence over a meal. These men were refreshed, encouraged, and reminded that God was with them and had placed a specific call on their lives.

Their obedience to God’s call is of particular importance because of their leadership positions and responsibilities in shepherding God’s people. However, obedience is not merely limited to those in positions of leadership. All of us are called to obedience, regardless of status.

God delights in our obedience to His Word. We’re blessed and have fellowship with God when we live in obedience to Him. Here are just a few things God invites us to:

Seek and Receive Revelation

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”—Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Confess Our Sins to Him and Receive Forgiveness

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”—1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Receive His Mercy and Grace

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”—Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Ask and Receive

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”—Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

Just as God invited these men to meet with Him, He invites you and me to meet with Him daily. Let’s take that step of obedience and meet with God today!

Pause: Thank God for inviting you to meet with Him today.

Practice: Consider one of the listed Scriptures or find another Scripture about meeting with God. Read that Scripture several times. Then consider your heart attitude when approaching a meeting with God.

Pray: Lord God, I thank You for generously inviting me into a meeting, fellowship, and relationship with You every day. Help me live in obedience by accepting the invitation You extend to me every day. May the attitude of my heart shift to gratitude and praise when it comes to meeting with You. Amen.