God Is...
On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Exodus 19:16-17
In a recent worship service, we sang “Our God is an awesome God.” I love the song and it’s so appropriate for a worship service. As we sang this song, I was reminded of what I’ve recently learned in our small group Bible Study where we’ve been journeying through the book of Exodus. The song calls us to ponder the greatness and awesomeness of God and these verses in Exodus teach us how the people of Israel, through recent extraordinary experiences of God’s power were contemplating how awesome He is. Verses prior to the ones I chose here say they’ve already asked Moses to take back to God their message of commitment to Him in response to all He has done for them.
Let these words take you back to Mt. Sinai where the children of Israel have been waiting for three days preparing themselves to finally meet the awesome God who had faithfully redeemed His children.
“Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God.”
I try to place myself there and to imagine what was going through their minds. God comes down to the mountain and in His presence, creation reacts – thunder, thick clouds, earth trembling – and trumpets get louder with His approach. Here is the One, the awesome God stepping out to express His wisdom and freely share His love. He parted the Red Sea for their safe escape. He provided the food and water necessary to sustain them on the journey He’s planned for them – especially considering the absence of water in food in the wilderness they would travel.
Ask yourself today this question - when was the last time you trembled in the presence of God? Or have you developed a comfortable image of God that you’ve carved out for Him?
I can honestly say I haven’t figured God out or completely understand Him. He’s beyond anything I can image – He’s awesome – powerful and loving beyond my capacity to know. Just think about it – when He speaks, creation reacts. What I do understand is that this God wants to meet me in His Word. What I do understand is that God, as He demonstrates in Exodus, wants to be with His children. Therefore, He sent His Son into our world. Praise God for His Son, Jesus. His death and resurrection is what provides us the opportunity to stand before God and not perish.
Heavenly Father, Your wonderful plan of redemption and salvation is there on the pages of scripture. May we draw comfort in knowing that You never ever give up on Your children though we stumble. Thank You for Your precious Son who brings us to the mountain where we can be in Your presence. In Jesus’ precious name, AMEN.