The God Who Commands
Most of us don’t like being told what to do.
We have a lot of laws in the United States.
And there are a few crazy laws that are still on the books to this day.
In Virginia, it’s illegal to hunt on Sunday—unless you’re killing raccoons.
In North Dakota you need permission to exterminate a pigeon.
In Tennessee it’s illegal to hold a public office if you’ve ever fought in a dual.
In North Carolina it’s against the law to hold a meeting if you’re wearing a costume.
While there are definitely some crazy laws on the books, we need to remember that God’s laws are intended to protect us and draw us closer to Him.
If you’ve been in the military, you understand the “chain of command.”
You may have a high rank, but there’s almost always someone who’s ranked higher.
Well, in the entire universe, there’s only one Commander in Chief, and that’s God Himself. He’s in charge. And when He issues a command, it’s serious business.
When God spoke to Moses at the burning bush, He gave him an encouraging promise:
“When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:12 NIV)
That promise had now been fulfilled. The Jews were at Mount Sinai—
“the mount of God” and would remain camped there for the next 11 months.
God had redeemed His people and was now going to claim them as His own and enter into a covenant relationship with them, just as He promised.
By the way, God’s commands are not burdensome. They are intended to bless us, not bind us. Every command of God comes with a promise.
Throughout Exodus, we see striking parallels between Moses and the Lord Jesus Christ. In Exodus 18-20, we see that the people of Israel are not allowed to enter into God’s presence.
They must keep their distance, otherwise, they might forfeit their lives. You can’t just come casually into the presence of God.
They saw the smoke on the mountain, they heard the voice of God, and they didn’t dare come any closer!
But God DID provide a way for His people to come to Him. Moses served as Israel’s mediator, their go-between, their representative before God.
God’s people learned what’s required for coming into God’s presence. We must be careful how we approach Him. Only the mediator whom God has chosen can lead us
to the most holy place.
We’re not able to come into God’s presence on our own. His holiness would most certainly consume us because of our sinfulness. But our Mediator, Jesus Christ, now lives to intercede for us.
“So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 LB)
Instead of fighting God’s laws, be grateful for them. And praise Him that you can come into God’s presence through Jesus Christ.
I love you!
Susie
PS: Please pray for me as I approach my May 12 surgery to have the tube
in my bile duct removed. (This is in response to my gall bladder surgery in
March.)
