18When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance. 19“Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.”
20“Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” 21And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
Lightning, “The word here is unusual and might be translated ‘torches’, meaning ‘flashes’ or ‘fireballs’. This is the same word used for the symbol of God’s presence that Abraham sees at the making of God’s covenant with him (Genesis 15).” (Cole)
“Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “Fear not. And yet fear.” (Trapp)
The Israelites in these verses remind me of little children! They were afraid!
When we were serving in our church nursery we had a family that was serving in worship so they would drop off two of their children early. We would welcome them with loving and open arms but they only wanted their parents because they were afraid. We would eventually get them to warm up to us by giving them bananas. Eventually they accepted us and wouldn’t cry or reach out for their parents.
But look at what 1 John 4 teaches us about fear. 18There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. 19We love because He first loved us.
Do you fear or love the Lord?
Blessings, David
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