Moses obeys the command to take Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu up to the mountain, as well as 70 elders from Israel, and they all saw God. Although the chronology of the passage from yesterday’s blog and this one today seem a bit confused, or at least redundant, it appears that God wanted to reveal Himself, at least partially, to the leaders of Israel. Under His feet it appeared the ground was paved with sapphires, clear as heaven.
God then instructed Moses to come up onto the mountain, and He would give Him tablets of stone with the law and commandments. Moses took His assistant Joshua, and left Aaron and Hur in charge to settle any disputes or difficulties. The glory of the Lord rested on the mountain (Mount Sinai) and God called Moses up into the cloud and fire, and he stayed there with God for forty days and nights.
Dwelling in the awesome presence of God is a powerful and awe-inspiring, humbling event. One thing I love about worship is that it brings me into a spiritual encounter with God that can change me, transform me, and especially bring me to the reality of my own inadequacies and sinfulness. While that may seem negative, sometimes I need to be reminded that I need God. When I realize my need for God, it is then much easier to ask for forgiveness, be cleansed from my wickedness, and walk in His holiness.
After Moses’ encounter with the presence of God, God instructed Moses to receive an offering from the people. They should contribute gold, silver, and bronze, and many other materials that would be useful in the construction of a sanctuary for God. He then said that He would give Moses instructions on how the tabernacle should be buit.
The presence of God is an awesome thing, but to prepare a sanctuary for His presence, is an awesome task. For thousands of years, men have sought to prepare a house for God. Some have been elaborate, like the temple of Solomon, and the massive cathedrals of Europe. However, in our day the temple of the Holy Spirit is found among men. Churches and sacred spaces definitely have a purpose and function, but it is important to understand two things: make God’s house holy and reverence him within it, and be His house and reverence Him with your life wherever you may be!
Devoted To You 