Exodus 20:18-21 NIV
When the people saw the thunder and lightning 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.
I am inviting you to imagine what the Israelites saw and heard that seized them with fear? I used to always wish I could see God in his fullness but the more I read about God’s encounter with people in the Old Testament, I have resolved that Jesus is enough for me. What will it take for God to earn your reverence and respect? What would it take for you to fear God that would lead you to obey his commands? The Israelites experienced a glimpse of God, and they were shaking. Is God showing you signs and warnings that you are ignoring? You see, the people stayed at a distance from God and Moses walked toward God the passage says. What or who is hindering you from walking toward God like Moses did? We have Jesus Christ as our path toward God (John 14:6-7). To know Jesus is to know God. How do we get to know Jesus so that we can walk toward God? According to Jesus in John chapter 14 and 15, spending time in God's word and obeying it is how we love God and know him. Jesus also took it a step further letting us know the most common life circumstances that might hinder us from fearing God in reverence. When we talk about fearing God, we are not speaking about anxiety or frightened emotions. We are referring to being in awe, respecting, and revering God as the authority in our lives. Luke 14:26-27, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers, and sisters---yes, even their own life---such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." If you know God like Moses, you will walk toward him when you hear and see him because there is no fear (Terror, dread, anxiety, etc.) in love. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John4:18). Are you standing at a distance from God or are you walking toward God?
