Creating a Distinctive People
Proving God's people
Exodus 20:18-21
Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 42-43 : PM - 1 Timothy 1
And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin" (Exodus 20:20).
Proving God's people
Exodus 20:18-21
Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 42-43 : PM - 1 Timothy 1
And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin" (Exodus 20:20).
For most people tests are not a pleasant experience. A friend recently spent a week taking comprehensive exams for a doctoral degree. He said that those taking the exams suffered significant anxiety, concerned about doing their best and making the grade. Even after months of preparation and years of academic experience, it was not an event he would want to repeat soon.
The people of Israel saw and heard evidence God was on His way to "prove" or test them. God tried to relieve the people's anxiety, but their terror at being in His presence was overwhelming. God told Moses His testing was intended to help the people develop reverence for Him so they wouldn't be prone to sin.
Reverence for God means more than being on our best behavior when we think God is watching. Our God has made us His own and desires to have us abide in His presence all the day long.
Powerful Lord, God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, let me abide close to Thee..
