Afraid of God

"All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.' Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.'" -Exodus 20.18-20

God has been speaking with Moses, giving him the Ten Commandments. They people are hearing thunder and seeing lightning, and they stay back and are terrified. The people request that Moses speaks to them so that they don't have to speak directly to God. They are afraid to talk to God and fear that they will die. But this is the reason they have come to this place. Think back to Exodus 19.17, "And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain."

We were made to have a personal relationship with God. We were made to communicate with Him, and yet so many people don't. So many people that look to someone else rather than turning to God. People look to their pastors, or professors, people that are supposed to have knowledge and be able to interpret the things God is saying. But this isn't good enough.

God is deeply personal, and He speaks to each of us in a personal way. God reveals things to me in a certain way because it speaks to me, and He reveals things to you in a different way that speaks to you. At different parts of the journey God tells us different things, and we must be willing to explore and examine them. Yes, look to your pastor they are people who should be walking closely with God. But just because they say something don't cling desperately to it. Seek it out for yourself. Examine what they are saying and hold it next to scripture. After all, they are just men.

Men, are you afraid of God? Are you afraid to speak with Him and so you instead look for someone else to tell you what God is saying? There are things that God wants to tell you, and He will only communicate them to you. Are you willing to draw close to Him and see what He has to say? Yes, it might be scary, this is God after all, and He may ask some difficult things of you. He may take you to places you're hiding from hoping no one ever finds out about. But all of this is done for your benefit.

God spoke as He did so that the people would know who He is in order to keep them from sin. He is giving them a taste of what He is capable of so that they will have a fear of Him, knowing that He is all powerful, which is something to be feared. But later God says to "Fear not." We don't have to be afraid of God. We should not be afraid to come to Him and speak with Him.

May we always draw close to Him, knowing His power, but also knowing that everything He does is for our good.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor