Awestruck
Opening Prayer
Father God, the love You have lavished on me is so great. I thank You for the privilege of being Your child.
Read Exodus 20:18-26
[18] 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 [19] and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” [20] 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.” [21] The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. [22] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: [23] Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold. [24] “‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. [25] If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it. [26] And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.’ Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How did Moses calm the fears of God's people (20)?Not only are the people petrified by seeing God, but they are also scared of him speaking to them directly. Hearing God through a mediator seems to be their safer option (19). Although Moses may have felt nervous in God’s presence (3:6), he doesn’t seem to share the terror of his people. “God-fearing” is a term you don’t hear Christians using very much today. Have we slipped into a “Jesus is my best friend” mentality? Certainly there are many songs which are love songs to Jesus. And there is nothing wrong with that–except, are we missing something? Jesus did come as a man to be the mediator between us and God and to allow us to know him. But where is the awe? Have we dumped God-fearing into history–and lost something? God’s message to Moses was straightforward: “You saw me speak, now worship me using ordinary everyday stuff–nothing fancy” (22-23). He is an awesome God who wants simple but authentic worship.
Apply
Where have you been awestruck by God? What is the challenge to you today about being God-fearing? Pray today that you will succeed.
Closing prayer
Lord, give me Your strength to carry my cross through each day and bring the hope of Your redemption to others in need.
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