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APPROACHING GOD
When the people saw the thunder and lightening and heard the trumpet and
saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a
distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. (Exodus 20:18-21)
While at first glance the reaction of the people might appear reasonable - after all the sight must have been terrifying, we need to remember that they had experienced God’s love and compassion. Exodus 4:31 says that when Moses told the people that the Lord had heard their groaning, “the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited them and that He had looked on their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshipped.”
Father God had “heard their cries and remembered His covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the Israelites and felt deep concern for their welfare.” (Exodus 2:23-25,
New Living Translation) So God had come down to deliver them out of their bondage.
They had seen God’s hand of protection as He spared them from the plagues He inflicted upon Egypt. They had seen His power as He parted the Red Sea. They had eagerly accepted His promise to be His people and accept Him as their God. But now they stood afar off.
Not one except Moses accepted His invitation to come close. Not one listened to Moses’ encouragement. Not one approached God. Not one! Before we pass judgment on Israel, let us ask, “How many people today have seen God’s power, experienced His love, received His provision and protection yet still stand afar off?”
God is still inviting people to approach Him – to come closer into intimate relationship – yet often we too hold back.
Why? Why do we often turn our backs and refuse God’s offer of love, peace and joy? Why do we instead run to others and to things to find
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