Today in Read Together we looked at a combination of passages from Psalm 24 and Exodus 22-24 that seem divinely orchestrated to be read together.

I love how the question the Psalmist asks fits into the story of Moses ascending the mountain of the Lord to meet with God in his presence. This part of scripture is filled with detail on the Law and it is so easy to lose the thread of the larger story and the significance of these things while we struggle to relate the culture of the ancient world with our own. The trick is to not get stuck rationalizing the individual laws for which we have contextual difficulties, but to remember the purpose behind the establishment of the Law – for it to be guidelines of the covenant expectations for the people. God was re-establishing his covenant with Israel that he originally gave to Abraham, and he needed to give them guidelines.

So the story goes on, and Moses tells the people what the Lord has said – not just the ten commandments – but the greater body of laws that he received from the Lord. Then the people wholeheartedly, emphatically, dramatically swear to keep the Law of the Lord. They’ve seen his power and are committing themselves to follow his leading.

But… we know what happens next. They barely make it a month after pledging their fidelity to the Lord and they’re already breaking several of these laws. It’s not that they’re breaking small, confusing laws out of ignorance or tedium. They’re breaking the very first and foremost of the ten commandments!

It’s this part of the story that presents us with a beautiful contrast… at the mountain of the Lord.

The end of our reading today showed Moses going up the mountain and into the very presence of God himself while the rest of the team stays home. One man pursues God and follows him into the dense cloud and fire of his presence. God calls Moses to this, but don’t forget the people had already said, “we’re too scared… you talk to God for us.”(Exodus 20:19 Paraphrased) The mass of people don’t want to hear personally from God. They want someone to go up the mountain for them, and while they wait… they lose focus.

I want to challenge you today. We now that because of what Christ has done for us there is nothing that separates us from the presence of God. God’s desire is to speak to you, and I want you to consider where yo find yourself in this story. Are you ready to go up the mountain into the presence of the Lord like Moses of his aide Joshua (spoiler alert – Joshua is pretty important too later on)? Or are you content to have someone else go into God’s presence for you? Are you allowing the space between you and that presence so you can go on worshipping other things – your job, your habits, your friends – instead of God? Even good things can rob us of God’s best, but we have to get in HIS PRESENCE. Are you ready?

As the psalmist and famous comforter of hearts David concludes… “such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the Face of the God of Jacob.” I want to be part of that generation and seek his face and his presence.

As you chew over these thoughts, allow the words of this song to challenge your heart.

Blessings,
Pastor Ryan