Exodus 20:18 All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance.19 “You speak to us, and we will listen,” they said to Moses, “but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”
The people of Israel were afraid of approaching their God. It is understandable. What if they sinned in his presence? What if they were not respectful enough? I can see why they would be scared to go near their Lord. They knew that death would await anyone who disobeyed what God had said. The loud noises also scared them. They could hear God speaking. Just think about when people see angels in scripture. They must be told, "Do not be afraid." Think of how much more frightful God is when he is so much higher than angels.
Exodus 20:20 Moses responded to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear Him and will not sin.” 21 And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
Here Moses does tell the people to not be afraid of God in this moment. He has not come to pass judgement but to give them the law by which to live. The people understood at that time that they could not approach God on their own and needed someone to speak for them. This is why the Israelites needed priest, and we have Christ today.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God
and one mediator between God and humanity,
Christ Jesus, Himself human,
6 who gave Himself—a ransom for all,
a testimony at the proper time.
Christ is the mediator between God and the church. Just look at the prayers we normally pray? We always begin with "Dear God" or some other form of greeting, but always directed to God the Father. Our prayers usually end with "In Christ's name, Amen." We pray to the God the Father through His son, Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment