Carried on Eagles’ Wings

Grace and Obedience at Mt. Sinai

One of the most misunderstood moments in Scripture is Mount Sinai.

For many, Sinai represents rules, law, and obligation. It is often treated as the place where grace ended, and duty began. But when you slow down and listen carefully to the text, Sinai tells a very different story.

Before God gave a single command, He reminded His people of something far more important: what He had already done for them.

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself” (Exodus 19:4).

Sinai begins with grace

Israel did not arrive at the mountain as spiritual applicants seeking God’s favor. They arrived as a redeemed people: rescued from slavery, carried by God’s power, and brought into His presence. The covenant was not a ladder to climb; it was a relationship already established.

Only after reminding them of redemption did God speak of obedience.

This order matters.

God never asked Israel to obey in order to be saved. He asked them to obey because they were saved. Obedience was not a condition of belonging; it was the response of a people who already belonged to Him.

God defined who they were

“If you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession… my kingdom of priests and my holy nation” (Exodus 19:5–6).

Notice that God didn’t begin with behavior. He began with identity.

Israel was God’s treasured possession—not because they were impressive, but because He chose them. They were called a kingdom of priests—not for privilege alone, but for service. They were a holy nation—not to withdraw from the world, but to reflect God’s character within it.

Identity came before instruction

And when the people heard God’s words, they responded together: “We will do everything the Lord has spoken” (Exodus 19:8).

That response was communal. No tribes stood apart. No individuals negotiated their own terms. Covenant faith was meant to be lived together.

Sinai reminds us of something we still need to hear today: God’s people are shaped by grace, defined by identity, and called to shared obedience.

When obedience is disconnected from redemption, it becomes legalism. When identity is forgotten, obedience becomes a burden. But when we remember who God is and who we are because of Him, obedience becomes worship.

The covenant at Sinai calls us back to the heart of faith—not earning, but belonging; not isolation, but unity; not fear, but faithful response.

God still speaks to a redeemed people and says, “This is who you are. Now walk with Me.”