Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Sing to the Lord
Exodus 19: 17-25
Verse: “Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire”. Exodus 19:17-18
Devotion
Verse: “Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire”. Exodus 19:17-18
Devotion
Scripture describes God as a God who is holy, holy, holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Mortal man cannot gaze upon God’s holiness and live (Exodus 33:20). The Israelites of the exodus generation had experienced a wonderful deliverance by God’s hand. But in Exodus 19 God showed them something of His holy transcendence.
In this passage, we witness a profound moment where the Israelites are brought to the foot of Mount Sinai to meet God. The mountain, shrouded in smoke and trembling, signifies the awesome and fearful presence of the Lord. God descends in fire, and the people hear His voice in thunder, demonstrating His power and holiness. God’s instructions through Moses highlight the importance of boundaries and preparation when approaching His holiness. The command to consecrate themselves and not to break through the boundaries set around the mountain emphasizes the sacredness of God’s presence and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence and purity.
We have noted many times through Exodus that we are seeing Moses acting as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 declared that there is one God and there is one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.
While the Old Testament highlights the separation between God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness, the New Testament reveals that through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross bridges the gap, allowing us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). While the Israelites needed Moses to go up the mountain on their behalf, we have the privilege of direct access to God through Jesus. Both the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery by God and the deliverance secured on Mount Zion from spiritual slavery by Jesus are meant to free us to do the will of God.
Exodus 19:17-25 calls us to a profound reverence for God's holiness, a thoughtful preparation to meet Him, and a respectful adherence to His boundaries. It also points us to Jesus, our mediator, who makes it possible for us to draw near to God. As we reflect on this passage, let us cultivate a deeper awe for God, diligently prepare our hearts, respect His commands, and thank Him for the gift of Jesus, who bridges the gap between us and our holy God.
In this passage, we witness a profound moment where the Israelites are brought to the foot of Mount Sinai to meet God. The mountain, shrouded in smoke and trembling, signifies the awesome and fearful presence of the Lord. God descends in fire, and the people hear His voice in thunder, demonstrating His power and holiness. God’s instructions through Moses highlight the importance of boundaries and preparation when approaching His holiness. The command to consecrate themselves and not to break through the boundaries set around the mountain emphasizes the sacredness of God’s presence and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence and purity.
We have noted many times through Exodus that we are seeing Moses acting as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 declared that there is one God and there is one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.
While the Old Testament highlights the separation between God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness, the New Testament reveals that through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross bridges the gap, allowing us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). While the Israelites needed Moses to go up the mountain on their behalf, we have the privilege of direct access to God through Jesus. Both the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery by God and the deliverance secured on Mount Zion from spiritual slavery by Jesus are meant to free us to do the will of God.
Exodus 19:17-25 calls us to a profound reverence for God's holiness, a thoughtful preparation to meet Him, and a respectful adherence to His boundaries. It also points us to Jesus, our mediator, who makes it possible for us to draw near to God. As we reflect on this passage, let us cultivate a deeper awe for God, diligently prepare our hearts, respect His commands, and thank Him for the gift of Jesus, who bridges the gap between us and our holy God.
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, we acknowledge You to be the one true God, almighty and powerful. Help us to approach You with reverence and humility. Cleanse our hearts and minds, and make us worthy to stand in Your presence. Thank You for the access we have through Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Thought for the Day
“We all need God’s power in our lives, and prayer is the dynamic that releases His power, sometimes in dramatic ways.” — Joyce Meyer
Eapen NInan
Mar Thoma Church of South Florida
“We all need God’s power in our lives, and prayer is the dynamic that releases His power, sometimes in dramatic ways.” — Joyce Meyer
Eapen NInan
Mar Thoma Church of South Florida