Exodus 20:18-20
New King James Version (NKJV)
The People Afraid of God’s Presence
18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19 Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
20 And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”
God had sent Moses to tell the children of Israel to prepare themselves because He was going to come to them and speak so they could hear Him and believe forever. Moses prepared the people as God had instructed. Even though the people were prepared, when the presence of God came with thundering, lightning flashes, the sound of trumpet and the mountain smoking the people were afraid (see also Exodus 19:16). Their fear caused them to forfeit a personal relationship with God. They preferred hearing God's message for them through Moses rather than from God Himself.
God desires to have a personal relationship with each one of His children. He sent His Son for that purpose. Jesus taught his disciples to "watch and pray lest they fall into temptation" (Matthew 26:41). Prayer is communication with God and communication is the tool that builds relationships. Moses communicated with God regularly. He had great faith in God. Although the Istaelite people had all witnessed the same miracles in the escape from Egypt as Moses had, they did not have the same faith Moses did. They often grumpled and complained about their situation, voicing their desire to be back in captivity. The only difference between Moses and the other Israelites was their relationship with God. Moses had a personal relationship and the others did not.
How is your faith? If you find it lacking perhaps the answer is to look at your relationship with God. Do you have an intimate personal relationship or you content to have God speak to you through others, Pastors, Sunday School teachers, Bible study facilitators or other Christians. Spending more time in God's Word, in prayer and listening for His voice isn't easy, but just like anything else with practice it becomes easier!
Father, You have sought me, pursued me and loved me. You desire to have a deep personal relationship with me. You are my light and salvation. You are the strength of my life. One thing I desire and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the House of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple. Teach me to hear Your voice when I inquire of You. Teach me to rest in You. I will sing praises to You all the days of my life! In Jesus name, Amen.
New King James Version (NKJV)
The People Afraid of God’s Presence
18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19 Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
20 And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”
God had sent Moses to tell the children of Israel to prepare themselves because He was going to come to them and speak so they could hear Him and believe forever. Moses prepared the people as God had instructed. Even though the people were prepared, when the presence of God came with thundering, lightning flashes, the sound of trumpet and the mountain smoking the people were afraid (see also Exodus 19:16). Their fear caused them to forfeit a personal relationship with God. They preferred hearing God's message for them through Moses rather than from God Himself.
God desires to have a personal relationship with each one of His children. He sent His Son for that purpose. Jesus taught his disciples to "watch and pray lest they fall into temptation" (Matthew 26:41). Prayer is communication with God and communication is the tool that builds relationships. Moses communicated with God regularly. He had great faith in God. Although the Istaelite people had all witnessed the same miracles in the escape from Egypt as Moses had, they did not have the same faith Moses did. They often grumpled and complained about their situation, voicing their desire to be back in captivity. The only difference between Moses and the other Israelites was their relationship with God. Moses had a personal relationship and the others did not.
How is your faith? If you find it lacking perhaps the answer is to look at your relationship with God. Do you have an intimate personal relationship or you content to have God speak to you through others, Pastors, Sunday School teachers, Bible study facilitators or other Christians. Spending more time in God's Word, in prayer and listening for His voice isn't easy, but just like anything else with practice it becomes easier!
Father, You have sought me, pursued me and loved me. You desire to have a deep personal relationship with me. You are my light and salvation. You are the strength of my life. One thing I desire and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the House of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple. Teach me to hear Your voice when I inquire of You. Teach me to rest in You. I will sing praises to You all the days of my life! In Jesus name, Amen.
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