Almighty God

Many Israelites learned about God during their sojourn in Egypt. Yet they also absorbed the Egyptian culture and were influenced by their attitudes and thoughts. Even after their deliverance from bondage, these Israelites still had much to learn.

Early in their journey, God led them to a special mountain where He would teach them many things. This was a place where He demonstrated His power and authority. “There were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound.” The display was so awesome that “all the people who were in the camp trembled.”

Everyone in the community witnessed these events. They saw the mountain “all in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire.” They felt “the whole mountain quaked violently.” And they heard God answer Moses “with thunder.” Before Moses left to spend time alone with God on the mountain, He warned the people and told the priests to “consecrate themselves.”

This defining moment was to help the Israelites understand God’s character and nature. His power and authority. In the coming days they would learn His laws and what it meant to walk with Him. They were to learn that He loved them and wanted the best for them. But the foundation always was what they learned outside that mountain.

They could not take God for granted. They were to revere Him and respect His holiness. To know that He was real. That His power was real. That He was not like the gods of Egypt, but God Almighty.

Today, remember these lessons in your life. Never take God for granted. Know that He loves you. But always remember to approach Him with wonder, fear, and humility, and to obey His Word.