Moving to GraceSample

Mount Sinai - God's Holiness, the Law and our Need

An encounter with God, as described in Exodus, paints an awe-inspiring and terrifying scene. Thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, fire, smoke, an earthquake and a trumpet blast make key ingredients for a blockbuster movie, but this is how God dramatically revealed Himself to Moses after the Exodus. It highlights God's holiness and justice. Only Moses approached God, and even he himself was afraid. The people trembled at a distance; touching the mountain meant death. They needed a mediator to approach God.

Spiritually, Mount Sinai represents the old covenant, God’s holiness and justice, and human inability to meet His standards on our own. The Law reveals sin and God’s righteousness, but it cannot save. It points forward to something greater. It evokes fear, distance, condemnation, and the need for mediation. The Apostle Paul sheds some light on this encounter in 2 Corinthians 3:7, NLT: "The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away."

If we are to link an encounter with God with a physical place only - meeting Him in the 'Mount Sinai' way - we would be missing out on the most wonderful opportunity to find His grace and love towards us.

Reflection Questions:

• How does the description of Sinai shape your understanding of God's Holiness?
• In what ways has the Law and an awareness of God's standards revealed sin or need in your life?
• Why is distance and fear a fitting response to God's glory without a mediator?

Prayer

Holy God, like the Israelites at Sinai, I stand in awe of Your unmatched holiness. Thank You for using the Law to show me my need. Prepare my heart for the grace You offer in Christ. Amen.