The Holiness of the LORD

Two months following their miraculous release from Egyptian captivity, the Israelites arrive at the foot of Mount Sinai. It is at this mountain that the Lord will reveal to Moses and the children of Israel, the Ten Commandments and the Law that will govern them for centuries. And yet prior to revealing His direction, the Lord first reveals His holiness.

Listen closely to the instruction from the Lord:
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”
Moses told the Lord what the people had said. Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.” (Exodus 19:9-13 NLT).

As I read these instructions this morning, I wrote in my study notes, “Wow!” I stand amazed at the holiness of the Lord. And His holiness brings two things to mind. The first is that I am extremely grateful that through Jesus Christ, sinners like me can approach the Lord God with confidence.

The second observation is that believers today should not take the privilege to draw near to God through Christ for granted, but to be humbled by the privilege and the holiness of the Lord God. Also, to be careful to not minimize or trivialize the holiness of God and to always remember that He is worthy of our awe and reverence!

Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 19:1-21:36