October 2 – Exodus 20:18-21
October 2 – Exodus 20:18-21
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Exodus 20:18-21
18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off
19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God
speak to us, lest we die.”
20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”
21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
Here we see the Israelites are fearful and stand away while Moses draws nearer to God. Moses understands fearing God with reverence and drawing closer to Him. Growing up I had a healthy fear of my parents because I respected them and knew they wanted the best for me. I never doubted their love. God is the same. I pray that you never doubt Gods love for you.
Think about the nature of this experience. We often are frightened by an active seasonal storm but imagine the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking. Is there any wonder why the people might have been afraid? What may have crossed their minds? If you were present, would you have been fearful?
What do you see in God’s character to urge Moses to draw closer? In other words, “I desire to be closer to you Moses. Please come closer because I have some things I want to say to you?”
Is there a fear of God that actually draws you closer to Him?
Pray to understand a ‘fear for God’ as more of understanding of His awesome nature, character and His extreme love for us.
I pray that you never doubt how very much God loves you.
Heavenly Father, You are to be revered and feared, but many misunderstand what “fear” means here. Please help people to see that You are to be respected, and loved more than anyone or anything else we will ever come across. You alone are to be worshipped. How many things and people do we really worship? We do end up putting many things and people ahead of You. Nothing should ever be more important than You, but I know we have all done it. I know I have. It is easy to slip into the mode where we put importance on things that ultimately won’t matter in the scheme of things. Not that supporting our family, loving our children, and caring about our church isn’t important, but nothing should ever get in the way of our relationship with You and spending quality time with You.
How often do we read our bible, pray, study our Sunday lesson, and check the boxes that we have completed these tasks. They should never be thought of as tasks, but again, I know we have all done it. We get so focused on getting our “To Do” list done, that we treat time with You as another task to complete.
Help me come into Your presence with a sense of awe, love, thankfulness, respect, and yes, some healthy fear, realizing who You are. Help me to never forget how much You love me and although I could never match Your love for me, I want to love You with every ounce of my being. Thank You Father, for that unconditional love You give me.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen!
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