July 24, 2025 | Be God's Family
The Mountain of Moses
Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-21(NIV)
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
Devotional
It had been only ninety days since the Israelites left slavery in Egypt, escaped through the parted Red Sea, and embarked on a life of freedom. God told them, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6). Everybody said they would do everything the Lord commanded. So, Moses went to the mountain in Sinai to find out what that was.
But only Moses could go. The Lord said, “Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death” (Exodus 19:12). The whole thing was encompassed by thunder, lightning, thick clouds, smoke, and earth tremors.
This was the Mountain of Moses.
This was the Mountain of Fear.
This was Mount Sinai.
Moses ascended the mountain of God to receive the Ten Commandments.
The people stayed in the valley breaking every one of them.
The writer of the book of Hebrews told the followers of Jesus they had not come to Mount Sinai. Faith in Christ is not about fear. Jesus is greater than Moses. The New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant.
We are recipients of that which is better. Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). He also promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
We no longer must live at the foot of the Mountain of Fear. Jesus has provided something better!
Poem
Who Can Stand?
Psalm 76
You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet— when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.
Psalm 76: 4, 7-10
They trembled with fear
At the foot of the hill
Upon which the LORD did
Descend
God gave forth the law
And a covenant true
Who can stand before such glory?
They trembled with fear
As they sat on the mount
Upon which the Lord did
Reside
Christ gave for the sermon
And kingdom principles
Who can stand before such glory?
They trembled with fear
At the top of the mount
Upon which the Lord did
Transfigure
God spoke from the cloud
This my Son—listen to Him
Who can stand such glory?
They trembled with fear
At the foot of the hill
Upon which the Lord did
Die
God tore down the veil
And offered new life
Who can stand such glory?
They trembled with fear
At the crest of the mount
Upon which the Lord did
Ascend
Christ gave a commission
And a promise of presence
Who can stand before such glory?
