10 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. 11 And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.” Exodus 19:10-13
Our concept of God isn’t big enough or holy enough. Imagine a God so holy that His people were told not even to touch the mountain on which he visited. It’s true we are privileged to call God, “Abba” or “Daddy” but that should not diminish Him in our eyes; rather it should make His love for us the more remarkable.
We are privileged to communicate with God and to enter into the Holy of Holies, no longer requiring a High Priest, having Jesus as our Great High Priest. Again this does not reduce who God is; but rather enlarges what our privilege is.
There is no wonder that we struggle to convey the enormity of our God or the horror of sin to a world that we have, somehow, taught that God’s our buddy – that He certainly wouldn’t condemn anyone. If we are ever to properly convey a vision of God to a hurting world; we have to have that vision ourselves.
God’s love for us is not impressive; if we think of God as a buddy. It’s awesome if we remember He is the all holy and powerful creator of the universe.
Do we fear God yet recognize His love for us? Do we understand the extent of His holiness; yet know that He has made a way for us? Do we really appreciate the enormity of the task we have been given: to go and make disciples? Do we understand the power we have been given, for He would not give us a task He has not equipped us to perform?
God is great and awesome; and the good news is all the better for it.
Nick
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