The mountain was a familiar location for Moses.
When he had seen the unusual display of a bush burning and not being consumed, he had no idea that it would be the prelude to an extraordinary set of events that would see a hope he held for may decades – the liberation of his people – become a reality. He was not prepared for the divine encounter at that time.
This time was very different. Now here he was at the mountain and with him were all the people that God had delivered from slavery. Whereas previously his shepherd vocation had led him to the first divine encounter, now his different kind of pastoral occupation directly led him to this place. This encounter was one between God and the people.
this was a monumental occasion in the life of Moses and in the life of the nation of Israel. They were about to embark on a conversation of massive significance and the terms of the encounter were set at the start.
You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.
Exodus 19:4-6
Imagine the privilege of getting to share that with people. Consider what that meant for Moses as a mediator to encourage the people to pay attention to what God was saying and then offer the response back. This great and holy God who had rescued His people and done so for them to be His own.
In preparation for that encounter, then, the people had to consecrate themselves. The act of consecration is an interesting one to consider today. Key in the concept, however, is the awareness that what you’re about to engage in requires a degree of preparation and separation from the regular routines of life. This is such a special and sacred occasion that even sexual encounters are forbidden. Body and mind are set to embrace this encounter.
This degree of preparation and separation, as mediated by Moses establishes a new degree of appreciation for God who has rescued them. It heightens the importance of the relationship so that it should not be taken for granted.
Moses is not oblivious to the nature of the people he is leading and mediating. He knows that one moment they can rejoice and celebrate in awe of the great works of God. The next they can be complaining and grumbling as though they’ve been duped to go and die in the wilderness.
Moses knows this and he still seeks to lead the people to prepare for the divine encounter and take the instructions for the people seriously – in observing the barriers to the mountain as well as the people being thoroughly prepared in body and mind for the encounter.
The privilege to instruct a people to be prepared for a divine encounter. The persistence with a people who have already proven to be fickle. The priority of communicating the desires of the Saviour to those being saved. An opportunity to see a leader more concerned with who He’s leading people to, than being overly concerned with where he’s leading people from.
Are these the hallmarks of those who serve to lead? Are those the desired hallmarks of those who seek to serve in leading? Is it our longing to be prepared for divine encounters that solidify and develop our relationship with the one who delivered us out of slavery?
(Photo by Raz Jacob on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 