Israel Turned From God
| Exodus 20:18
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. |
When Israel faced God in all His majesty, fear gripped their heart and they turned from His face. How often fear grips our heart when we face the battles of this life. Time and time again when His hand is extended we turn away, away into the hidden snares of the Devil. For forty years Israel fought the battle of fear in the wilderness, fear that turned to grumbling, strife and all manner of evil. Can we not learn and reach out to the outstretched hand of God, place our hand in His and allow His Love and Mercy to fill our heart?
Moses did not fear but by Faith drew near to God
Exodus 20:21
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
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As Israel turned away from God, Moses turned to Him, turning to face the darkness surrounding the place where God was now resting. Facing the unknown darkness, Moses entered into covenant with the LORD. From the darkness God instructed him in the terms of the covenant.
God's Law for the Nations
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