Today’s Reading:
Ex. 20:18-26 (21)
"The people remained at a distance, while Moses approach the thick darkness where God was."
(v. 21 NIV)
God has entered a covenant relationship with his people of Israel, as their heavenly King. But the display of his majestic glory before them frightened them and filled them with alarm. Even before God addressed them, they were terrified and when they heard God spoke their fear increased. They became conscious of their sinfulness before a holy God (vv. 18-19).
But Moses pointed to them that what they heard and saw was not to overawe nor destroy them. It was a test to make them have the fear of God, so that the fear of God would keep them from sinning against him. But the people asked Moses to be the mediator between them and God. This role was also fulfilled by priests, prophets, kings and ultimately by Jesus Christ (1Tim. 2:5).
God speaking with the people from heaven with disembodied voice portrays his transcendent nature and the people were to respond with proper fear of God in awe and reverence which will keeps them from sinning.
God who displayed his majestic glory at the foot of Mount Sinai, is still the same today; he never changes. But because our God is a holy God and we are desperately sinful, we cannot relate with him on our own. Psalm 29 perfectly described the majestic power of the voice of God. If we too were to hear it today, we would shake in terror. But the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross made it possible for us to know God. He took our sin upon himself, died and rose again (1Corin. 15:3-4). He is at the right hand of God as our mediator, interceding for us with God. He also made it possible for us to approach the throne of God boldly, but humbly in his name. We put on the righteousness of Christ before a holy God. Thank you, Jesus Christ, You bridged the gap between us and God the Father. And so, our respectful fear of God leads to confidence and joy in the presence of God (Ps. 64:10; Prov.14:26).
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your finished work on the cross at Calvary. Thank you also for bridging the gap between God and me. Father deliver my soul from the sword and my destiny from the power of the dog, in Jesus name.
In the name of Jesus Christ, as I make this confession of the word of God into my life, I believe and I receive the power that is in the word of God into my spirit, soul and body, in Jesus name.
Father, that I may experience a spiritual overhauling and a new glory, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything you have not planted in your church and revive your Pentecostal fire and power in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for sustaining Nigeria with your power and fire. Give our leaders fresh hopes, vision, inspiration, revelation and direction to move the nation to the next level. Let there be love, peace and harmony of purpose, in Jesus name. Amen.
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