Today’s Reading, Exodus 19-21
Focal Scripture: Exodus 19:18 “Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke because the Lord came down on it in fire. Its smoke went up like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently.”
We often overlook the splendor of the Lord. I understand why we use the language we do when we explain the Lord to other people. In our attempt to make God understandable, we often nerf his character and holiness. We can become so flippant with his name that we lose all reverence for the God we worship. I have been guilty of this in my own life. For instance, I have tried to make church cool and relevant for younger people. I have attempted to even dress the part, and be more relaxed around others. In doing all these things, I have realized it is about me and not about the splendor of the Lord.
In today’s reading Moses and the people are confronted with the presence of the Lord. When he came down he engulfed Mt. Sinai with smoke and fire. His presence was so great that the mountain shook violently. This is evidence of the created being in the presence of the creator. The natural world understands its rightful place. Moses and the people understood their rightful place.
We have a question that must be asked of us today. That is, do we understand our rightful place in front of a Holy God? I would argue that most people do not have a healthy fear or understanding of the Lord. How can I say that? Because our approach to worship is man centered, not God centered. The music that is played in churches focuses more on us than on his glory. The messages that are preached are passionless and void of biblical conviction. I am not saying this happens everywhere but it happens more than it should.
How can we change this? We must reorient our thinking about God. Just like Moses and the Israelites saw the mountain full of smoke and fire, so we must prepare to meet the same God. This is done by approaching his presence with fear and trembling. It is also done by worshipping him completely. This worship however, can’t be halfway. It must be total devotion in our words, actions, and heart.
Examine yourself today and see if you worship a God that you have zero biblical respect or fear of in your life. If you have none, it means that the God your worshipping is man made. Today, change your thinking and worship the creator of heaven and Earth.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Exodus 22-24
