We don’t use the word covenant all that frequently in conversation these days. It is more of a legal word describing an agreement between parties to a contract. But we do use a similar word, promise. As I understand it, the covenant God made with his people is a very strong promise meant to bring about a committed relationship. God was promising to care and provide, and the people were to obey his commands.
As you imagine what was happening when this first covenant was made, what do you see? I see hordes of people milling about doing their daily tasks, and I see leadership trying to keep the peace. God gave Moses the vision, and he was providing daily sustenance to the people. In return, God wanted them to desire a relationship with him.
It was interesting how God called Moses and other leadership into his presence. Can you imagine being one of the top leaders chosen to meet God? It was a quite a light show that followed from the sounds of it. God’s majesty was being contained in a single location. I’m sure the written description cannot begin to capture the magnificence of such an event.
What about the people left behind at the foot of the mountain? What do you think they did for the 40 days and nights that Moses was away? That’s a long time to be without a leader. So much of what is happening here is pivotal stuff for how these people would live in the years to come. How privileged we are to be able to witness from a distance the giving of the law.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for how you reveal yourself to me through the words of Scripture. I am always fascinated by how the same passage can speak to me differently each time I read it. Your Word is alive and well. Help me in being faithful to you and your path for me. Help me not to rush ahead of you. I want to be your obedient child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
