Tuesday, June 9, 2026
They [the people of Israel] set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded Him. All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. (Exodus 19:2-8)
Have you ever wondered why God chose Israel to be His special nation? Indeed, why bother having any special nation at all? I think the reason God chose one nation is right here in these words: “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
What exactly does that mean, a “kingdom of priests”? What exactly are priests, anyway, according to the Bible? What are they supposed to do?
I went looking, and I found this in the book of Hebrews: “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins” (Hebrews 5:1). That is how the Bible describes the work of a priest: to serve as a mediator between God and human beings, mainly by offering sacrifices for human sin.
That was supposed to be Israel’s role when it came to all the other nations. They were to serve as mediators. They were to tell other nations about the true God, so that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, could draw near to Him and put their trust in Him.
But what about the sacrifices part? That, too, came true—because Jesus our Lord was born a Jew, under the law of Israel, pure and holy, without flaw. And as the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus gave Himself up as a sacrifice on the cross, taking away all our sins—all the guilt and shame and penalty that lay against us. Because He suffered and died for us, we are set free from our sins—every human being who trusts in Him, Jew and Gentile alike. And because He rose from the dead, we have life and joy and peace in Him forever—living together in His kingdom.
WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, thank You for sacrificing Yourself for me, so that I too may be part of Your kingdom. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions: