BIBLE SAYS

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven.’” — Exodus 20:22

When the LORD descended on Mount Sinai, the Israelites trembled with fear and kept their distance. They were so terrified that they said to Moses: “Do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Moses explained that their fear of God was reasonable, because the fear of God should keep them from sinning. Similarly, some people do not break the law because they fear being caught, convicted, and cast into prison. Since the people were afraid to hear the words of the LORD directly, the LORD wanted to make certain they knew that Moses would be His trustworthy spokesman; therefore, the LORD insisted that Moses remind them that they had seen for themselves that the LORD had spoken to them from heaven. The Israelites assured Moses: “Speak to us yourself and we will listen (obey God).” The Bible shows that the Israelites, with a few notable exceptions (such as Joshua and Caleb), did not listen to Moses or the LORD; therefore, they were not permitted to enter the Promised Land until that rebellious generation perished. During forty years of regret, they learned the consequences of not fearing the LORD and obeying Him. The Bible says, “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Since grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, we should be inspired to say to Jesus: “Speak to us and we will listen.” Whereas God spoke to the Israelites through the lips and writings of Moses, today God also speaks to us through the words of Jesus and His apostles as recorded in the Bible. — L.G. Parkhurst Jr.

Send email to lgp@prayersteps.org