MOSES ENTERS WHERE GOD WAS

When I go into a classroom as a sub teacher, the first thing I do is establish who I am (former teacher) and what I am going to do for them (teach). I give them only two statements. The first is “When I am talking/teaching, you will listen/learn.” This is followed by the second statement, “We will respect each other.” Then I pull them to a gathering place to explain and give examples of what those statements mean for them, so that we will have a great day together.

As we finish reading God’s spoken commandments in short sentence form, we find that the next thing God does is bring Moses where He is to explain in detail what is meant by the commandments. 

“As the people stood in the distance, Moses entered into the deep darkness where God was. And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Say this to the people of Israel….'” Exodus 20, NLT

God spoke to Moses, His chosen leader, about the details. Moses will spend his lifetime, sharing those details to a stubborn people. God begins with how to worship Him. “Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there.” Exodus 20, NLT God even tells Moses what the altar should be made of and how it should be used. 

As I read this, I think of how the classroom is a microcosmic version of God’s Story of His Law to help His people Love God, and Love Others. Simple. Every classroom has “laws” which are upfront understandings so that optimal learning can take place. (Those classrooms that are consistent in this form of behavior are the most successful!) God has given His laws with the same understanding so all will go well with us.

God’s churches who love God AND love others as the foundation with Jesus Christ as the Head, the “cornerstone” of that foundation, are the churches God blesses. “Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there.” Does your church remind you consistently of Who God is? Do we, as God’s church, trust God’s chosen leaders to give us the details of His law, will and purpose each time we meet together? 

Just as the students listen to the teacher, we need to listen to God’s leaders who have entered into the deep darkness with God, then listen to the details of how to be more and more like Jesus and do what please and glorifies His Name! It shows when a leader has been with God first before relaying His message to us. We must consistently pray for our leaders to stay true to God’s Word, His message to us!

God’s Story. Truth made simple by Him for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your Word that teaches the “details”. Help us to be more like You. Help us to then do what pleases You, what you keep reminding us through your prophets…”to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You” (Micah 6:8, NLT). Yes, thank you for the details. There is no reason, no defense, if we sin, but when we do, thank you for forgiveness of those sins through Jesus Christ, Your Son, the Only Way back to You. We love you, LORD! 
In Jesus Name we pray, Amen