Apr 29

In Exodus 19 and 20, there is a picture of the people of God standing at the foot of the mountain of God, Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the 10 commandments from him. While they were gathered together there, God descended to the mountain and there was thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud over the mountain, and then a very loud trumpet blast (19:16). That was the signal for the camp to meet with God. And the Scripture continues, "Everyone in the camp trembled" (v. 16).

The Lord then descended in the form of fire and smoke, and the whole mountain quaked at the presence of the Lord, as the trumpet blast became louder and louder.

How would you react to such an encounter with the Almighty God? We know how the people reacted because their reaction is recorded:

"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" (Ex. 20:19).

There is both a good and a bad side to their reaction. It is good that they recognize the reverence due God, but sad that they could not trust him to preserve them in their meeting with him.

How do you react today when God speaks to you?

Scripture for today: Exodus 19, 20
Thought for today: God speaks--and the whole earth trembles, including that part of earth that forms my body.
Prayer for today: May I, too, tremble when you speak, Lord, but never so much that I do not want to hear what you have to say.

APR 29