How should the Israelites' response to God's presence influence our worship today? A Scene That Shakes the Camp “On the third morning there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud on the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast; and everyone in the camp trembled.” (Exodus 19:16) The thunder, lightning, dense cloud, and trumpet call were physical realities, not symbolic imagination. The entire nation literally trembled because the living, holy God drew near. What Their Trembling Reveals about Worship • Awe is the only fitting first response when God manifests Himself. • Holy fear guards worship from casual familiarity. • Physical reactions—knees knocking, hearts racing—can mirror internal reverence. • Corporate unity matters: “everyone in the camp” shared one response. Echoes through the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 6:5—Isaiah cries, “Woe to me!” when he sees the Lord’s throne. • Psalm 99:1—“The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble.” • Revelation 1:17—John falls “as though dead” before the risen Christ. • Hebrews 12:18–24 sets Sinai’s terror beside the grace of Zion, urging “reverence and awe.” Trembling and Joy Together The cross and resurrection give confident access, yet never cancel holy fear. • Psalm 2:11: “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” • Philippians 2:12: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Grace and trembling travel side by side rather than canceling each other. Practices that Carry Sinai into Sunday • Prepare in advance—quiet the heart before gathering. • Approach with confessed sin—1 John 1:9 keeps consciences clean. • Lift voices thoughtfully—songs become offerings, not entertainment. • Listen to Scripture standing or with bowed heads, reflecting Nehemiah 8:5–6. • Guard the Lord’s Table—examine oneself per 1 Corinthians 11:28. • Embrace silence—moments of stillness let awe settle. • Value congregational unity—seek reconciliation so the whole “camp” responds together. Remembering the Greater Mountain Hebrews 12:25–29 reminds believers that the God who shook Sinai will shake the heavens and the earth. Worship today anticipates that final shaking, so hearts cultivate reverence now. Never Losing the Wonder Continual exposure to sermons, songs, and church routines can dull amazement. Returning often to Exodus 19:16 restores perspective: the same God still speaks, still saves, and still deserves trembling adoration mingled with grateful joy. |
    |