DAY 160 - BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE LAW

WHEN THE PEOPLE SAW THE THUNDER AND LIGHTNING AND HEARD THE TRUMPET AND SAW THE MOUNTAIN IN SMOKE, THEY TREMBLED WITH FEAR. THEY STAYED AT A DISTANCE AND SAID TO MOSES, “SPEAK TO US YOURSELF AND WE WILL LISTEN. BUT DO NOT HAVE GOD SPEAK TO US OR WE WILL DIE."

Exodus 20:18-19

Reading: Exodus 20: 20-21

Do you fear approaching God’s presence because you are not sure of the reception you will get? If so, today's study is just for you. 

We meet up with the Israelites at a key moment in their history. God had called all of Israel to be a kingdom of priests. He chose to speak to all of them from the mountain of fire in giving them the Ten Commandments, the summary of the law. But the display of power was so great, the Israelites drew back.

Can you imagine that? God is THERE - and you shrink back. 

"Don't be afraid," Moses told them. "God is testing you." God was testing them and giving them an experience that would put the Spirit of the fear of the Lord into them, a display of such magnitude that it would be burned into their remembrance forever. would be burned into their memory and be called into remembrance whenever temptation came to lead them astray. They failed the test. They did not trust that although God is powerful, He is good and trustworthy. They were to stay on the boundaries and not approach the Lord until He said so, but they were too scared that He would break out against them - so they stayed far, far away and asked Moses to speak to God for them.  Instead of choosing intimate relationship with God, they chose to send Moses, a mediator, in their place.

What a missed opportunity. But how many Christians today are not availing themselves of the opportunity to go into God's presence themselves - choosing to ask others to pray on their behalf. 

There is nothing like the presence of God - don't rob yourself of this great treasure won for you through Christ. 

Prayer

How amazing, Lord, that you have done so much to ensure that I can speak directly to You, that Your Spirit can dwell with me, and that I need not fear, because You are good. Help me to remember Your goodness in all situations and not succumb to fear.

For the family

Explain to the children that God always has our best interest at heart – no matter how scary a situation may seem, the best way is always to listen to what He says. Play the “Trust Obstacle Course” game, where you blindfold each of your children (one at a time) and then tell them that they need to listen to your voice as you give them instructions on where to go to avoid the obstacles to get from one side to another. You can make a real course, or you can simply use or rearrange the furniture in your own home.