Journey to Wholeness: Moving from Salvation to Surrender: Exodus 19

October 15th, 2025
by Richie Cancel

Introduction: A Journey Worth Taking

Have you ever felt tethered by your past, constantly pulled back even when you thought you’d broken free? Maybe you’ve encountered the sweet taste of spiritual liberation but find it hard to commit to living in full surrender. If this resonates with you, rest assured, you are not alone. Many of us embark upon the journey from accepting salvation to embracing a life entirely devoted to God with missteps and struggles. Together, let’s explore this path, finding wisdom in the ancient yet enduring stories of freedom, consecration, and promise.

Exodus 19:3-6

3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

The Eagle's Wings of Freedom

What Can We Learn from the Eagle's Journey of Freedom?

Imagine for a moment, an eagle soaring high above the skies. This majestic creature represents three vital aspects of spiritual freedom integral to our Christian life.

Freedom from: As an eagle leaves its nest, we too experience redemption, liberating us from our past’s burdens.
Freedom in: Just as the eagle finds its home in the sky’s vastness, we grow towards maturity, relishing God’s infinite love and grace.
Freedom to: When an eagle drifts on wind streams, it fulfills its purpose. We are similarly called to live purposefully, committing ourselves to service and ministry.

True freedom is not merely about evading the bad; it’s about adopting the good and fulfilling God’s intention for our lives. It’s a remarkable journey of decisively moving from duties to destinies.

The Furnace vs. The Nest

How Do We Comfortably Resist God’s Call to Maturity?

For the Israelites, Egypt represented both a crucible of suffering and a cozy nest. Don’t we find ourselves in similar puzzling situations? We yearn for deliverance from our tribulations yet clutch at the familiar, even when it's damaging. Like the Israelites, God’s plan involves leading us from bondage to a life purposeful in His kingdom. This journey requires us to open our wings and tackle growth pains that lead to spiritual maturity.

George Morrison aptly notes, “It took one night to take Israel out of Egypt, but it’ll take 40 years to take Egypt out of Israel.” While salvation may come in an instant, sanctification, becoming more like Christ, is a lifelong journey involving constant growth and transformation.

The Treasure of God

How Do We Become God’s Special Treasure?

Envision being referred to as God’s "special treasure.” How awe-inspiring is this promise meant for those devoted wholeheartedly to Him. But what does it mean to be His special treasure?

We Belong to Him: Our lives are not our own. Once delivered, we are His.
He Values Us Deeply: Each of us has a unique role and purpose.
We Have Purpose: Our lives are meant to shine brightly, reflecting His glory to the world.

Being God’s treasure does not involve being elevated above others but being set apart for divine plans and service. It’s an exhilarating invitation to live a life reflecting His glory and love all around.

The Challenge of Consecration

What Does True Dedication to God Look Like?

What does it mean to be consecrated—to be set apart and dedicated wholly to God? It surpasses a mere inward change, reflecting in our outward actions and choices.
The Israelites were asked to wash their clothes in preparation to meet God at Mount Sinai. For us today in Brooklyn, this entails:

Inspecting Our Hearts: Regularly examine, confess, and repent of sins that separate us from God.
Setting Spiritual Boundaries: Recognize areas in life that need God’s guarding.
Removing Distractions: Focus intentionally on areas where you spiritually grow closer to God.

As Ecclesiastes 5:1 reminds us, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.” Drawing near to God is an act permeated with intentionality and reverence.

The Grace That Demands Our All

Why Should We Respond Wholeheartedly to God’s Grace?

The narrative of the Israelites at Mount Sinai is a powerful reminder of God’s holiness and deserving reverence. If the Israelites trembled at His manifestation, how much more should we be in awe of Jesus’ sacrifice? Hebrews 12 illustrates this beautifully—not as a burdening law, but as grace freely given yet requiring a wholehearted response.

Living All In: One Day at a Time

How Do We Live a Life Fully Committed to God?

The journey of faith isn’t about attaining perfection, but it’s anchored in progression. Here’s how we can practically respond:

Daily Commitment: Begin each day with an unwavering commitment to follow God’s leading.
Seek Wisdom: Delve into Scripture for guidance in all life aspects—relationships, work, and decisions.
Community Support: Engage with a supportive community of believers who encourage and guide your spiritual growth.
Embrace God’s New Mercies: When you falter, remember that “because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV).

Closing Prayer & Reflection

How Can We Open Ourselves to God’s Plan?

In a city like Brooklyn, don’t reduce worship to a routine. Question how you can offer your heart. Can you serve in community charities? Dedicate time to prayer walks through your neighborhood? Align business practices with biblical integrity?

Let your everyday decisions in Brooklyn reflect your commitment to true worship.

Closing Reflection and Prayer

Like the Israelites stood before Mount Sinai, we too face a choice: Will we be "all in" for God? Will we embrace the freedom He offers—not just from sin but for an impactful and purposeful life? Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out. God’s grace suffices for today, tomorrow, and every challenge you encounter. He invites our participation in this grand adventure of faith.

Reflect on your journey:

What part of your life resembles an "Egypt” that needs releasing?
Where are you holding back from God’s call to maturity and service?
How can you practically commit yourself to God today?

Embracing the path of true freedom—from salvation to total surrender—is hard, yet incredibly rewarding. It’s a journey towards discovering our true identity in Christ and living boldly and graciously into that identity. Are you ready to spread your wings and experience the life God prepared for you? The choice is yours, the adventure awaits.