As I started to have communion with the Lord yesterday, the Spirit drew me to stand in front of our breakfast room window.  I looked up to the mountain tops before me and heard Him whisper, "That's where you're going.  Come up higher."  Overwhelmed by the realization that I could go 'higher' because of the blood of Jesus, I was suddenly lost in a moment of awe.

This morning, again, I was drawn to the window.  However, this time a dark cloud hung over and covered the mountain.  Thinking of His beckoning the day before, I was reminded of Exodus 20.

The children of Israel had experienced the great favor, deliverance, protection, and provision of the Lord.  They were now at a pivotal point in their relationship - God wanted them to hear His voice.  Up until this point, they had always heard God speak through Moses.

But when God came down upon the mountain in the thick cloud, the people heard the thunder, saw the smoke and lightning, and reacted with fear.  They stood afar off, choosing to continue hearing through Moses instead of drawing near to hear God themselves.

That decision changed their future.

As we recall, Moses - unhindered by the sights and sounds, and driven by his desire and relationship with God - ascended the mountain.  Meanwhile, the Israelites fell into doubt and unbelief, and eventually idolatry.

When God calls you to come closer, what is your response?  Do fears of the unknown cause you to hesitate?  Are there traditions or theologies that stand in the way?  Is it just easier to hear God through someone else's teachings and books?  Do you worship through someone else's words?

There are pivotal points in all of our lives - many of them.  When we allow fear to keep us from God, fear will then direct our thoughts, actions, and futures.  When we settle for hearing God only through someone else, we become very vulnerable to temptation and sin.

But it doesn't have to be that way!

When you step out in faith, through your fears, and towards God, you will in reality find a place of great love and shelter in that dark cloud surrounding Him.  There is a hiddeness in Him which is directly related to our proximity to Him.

You will also find lush gardens and deep springs on His mountains.  You will become so consummed by His unearthly attributes, that you won't want to be anywhere else.  And then He will write on your heart what had only formerly been in your mind.

Then you can exclaim in wonder with Job, "I had heard of You only by the hearing of the ear, but now my spiritual eye sees You!" (Job 42:5)

 

Amy