What can we learn from Moses' ascent about approaching God's presence today? Setting the Scene Exodus 24:15: “When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it.” A real man stepped onto a real mountain at a real point in history, and the visible glory-cloud of the LORD wrapped the peak. That moment becomes a timeless tutorial on how anyone draws near to God. God’s Invitation, Not Human Initiative • Moses climbs only after the LORD calls him (Exodus 24:12). • Approach today also begins with God’s summons: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). • We never barge into divine presence on our own terms; we respond to grace. Mediation and Covenant • Moses goes up as covenant mediator, bearing blood-confirmed promises (Exodus 24:6-8). • Jesus fulfills and surpasses that role: “There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • Therefore “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). Reverence and Holiness • The cloud signifies God’s blazing purity (cf. Exodus 19:16-18). • Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? ... He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” • Saved people still pursue holiness: “Be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Waiting in Quiet Trust • Moses remains six days before the LORD speaks (Exodus 24:16). • Approaching God often involves patient listening more than hurried talking (Psalm 46:10). • Silence and expectancy prepare hearts for revelation. Descending to Serve • Moses returns carrying instructions for communal obedience (Exodus 34:29-32). • We, too, come down from prayer or worship to love neighbors, teach truth, and build up the body (James 1:22; Galatians 6:10). Christ, Our Greater Moses • Moses ascends Sinai; Christ ascends heaven (Acts 1:9-11). • Moses disappears into cloud; Christ will return “in the same way” (Acts 1:11). • Because of His ascension, “let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:14-16). Practical Takeaways for Today – Come because God calls, not because you feel worthy. – Rely on the blood of Christ, the final Mediator. – Enter with reverent awe, confessing sin and pursuing purity. – Make space for silence; wait until God speaks through His Word. – Leave His presence ready to obey and to bless others. |
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