Thursday, March 21: Exodus 19– ‘The’ mountain…

Two aspects of the account struck me.

The first was the way in which Mt Sinai was referred. Most times in the account it is simply ‘the mountain.’ When places are great and well known they sometimes do not need to have their name used to be recognized. If I say to my neighbor, “I’m going into the City today.” He would know I am talking about New York City. Interestingly, I have lived outside of Boston, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and never would I have casually referred to those cities in a conversation as ‘the City.’ I would naturally have said, ‘I going into Boston today’.

Sinai was like NYC. For Hebrews it didn’t need the name, it was simply ‘the’ mountain. God appeared to them there! God gave the Law there (chapter 20)! God met Moses face-to-face there. No mountain matches Sinai’s stature in Israelite history. It is simply ‘the’ mountain!

The second was the three day preparation required by God before their meeting with the Lord. Meeting God is no casual affair! Unholy people do not simply stroll into God’s presence and live.

Though not exactly the same, I began to wonder about the casual approach I often take regarding worship. Do I take my access to God for granted? Do I approach God with a casual air that does not accord the Lord with proper due and respect?   I wonder if my relaxed casual approach to God undermines my respect and awe of God?

What do you think about this…???

Lord, the correct question might be, ‘What do You think?’  Lord, have I adopted a far too casual approach to You??? Teach me reverence for You, Lord God. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.