What does Deuteronomy 5:5 teach about approaching God with reverence and respect? Setting the Scene “I was standing between the LORD and you at that time to declare to you the word of the LORD, for you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the mountain.” (Deuteronomy 5:5) Key Observations • Moses “stood between” the people and God—an act of mediation. • The people’s fear was not irrational; God’s holy presence appeared in consuming fire (cf. Exodus 19:18). • Reverence is shown by keeping a respectful distance unless God Himself provides access. Lessons on Reverence • God’s holiness is overwhelming. His presence on Sinai reminds us that casual familiarity is out of place (Psalm 99:1–3). • Healthy fear guards against presumption. “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11). • Mediation is God’s mercy. Rather than rejecting Israel’s fear, He supplied Moses—later fulfilled perfectly in Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). Respect Expressed Through Mediated Access • Approach only as God directs. Israel listened to Moses; we draw near “by the new and living way” Christ opened (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Obedience flows from awe. Israel’s willingness to hear through Moses modeled submission; our obedience demonstrates reverence today (John 14:15). Carrying the Principle into Today • Treat worship as sacred, not routine. • Let Scripture, preached and read, mediate God’s voice—receive it with humility (James 1:21). • Cultivate joyful fear: marvel at grace while remembering “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28–29). Supporting Passages • Exodus 20:18–21—people stand at a distance, Moses approaches the thick darkness. • Leviticus 10:1–3—Nadab and Abihu show the danger of irreverent approach. • Isaiah 6:1–5—Isaiah’s trembling before God’s glory. • Revelation 1:17—John falls “as though dead” before the risen Christ. |
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