Come up!

In Exodus 19, God comes down to the mountain to speak to the children of Israel and allow them to see His greatness so that they do not doubt Moses. The people are to sanctify themselves before God comes. They are to stay away from the mountain when He comes - not even touching it lest they die. Boundaries are to be placed around the mountain for their protection.

The appointed day arrives and God comes down to the mount. Smoke, heavy smoke covers the mountain. The mountain quakes. Thunder roars. Lightning flashes. A loud trumpet sounds. God has come down. Moses speaks to Him; He answers back in an audible voice.

Then, in the midst of all the fury and power of God’s presence, God calls Moses to come up to the top of the mount (v. 20). What? I had to read that again. Heavy smoke, thunder, lightning, a mountain quaking, a voice as a loud trumpet, and as far as Moses knows, sure death. God had not told Moses yet that it was okay for him to go up on the mount without dying (v. 24).

What amazes me most is Moses’ response! “…and Moses went up.” Simple. He went up. He did not complain, question, or compromise. He went up. He could have been facing death, but obedience to and fellowship with God were more important. He went up. He trusted God. Whoa! Selah!

A close friend of mine recently posted this quote, “When Augustine read those words, ‘Thou canst not see my face and live,’ he was bold enough to answer, ‘Let me die to see thy face.’” I do not know the originator of the quote, but what an awesome spirit!

What about in my life today? Am I that eager to obey and fellowship with my God?