Exodus 19-20

Three months after leaving Egypt, Israel approaches Sinai. Here, the Lord wants to meet with them. After consecrating themselves, Moses goes up the mountain to speak with the Lord as the people agree to hear from the Lord. After seeing the spectacle that is the smoke and thunder surrounding the mountain, the people no longer want God to speak directly to them, but prefer to have Moses be their mediator.

God is not someone we can approach in any kind of way and his presence changes us. Everywhere in Scripture we see people encountering God. It changes their lives. This is the one time where the people have an opportunity to have that kind of encounter, but they refuse. God’s presence is too much for them to handle. Jesus’ work on the cross equips us to come before God as Father, and we can approach him, knowing he loves us, while still calling us to holiness and reverence.

What is your response to God’s presence & desire to be near?