The earth shook; the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. (Psalm 68:8)
When the people of Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, they were given instructions to prepare themselves for an audience with the Almighty. They were alerted to the fact that, on the third day, “the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people” (Exodus 19:11). True to His Word, on the morning of the third day, God’s Presence descended upon the top of Mount Sinai. The mountain was completely enveloped in smoke, “because the Lord descended upon it in fire … and the whole mountain quaked greatly” (Exodus 19:18). It must have been an awe-inspiring sight and, let’s admit it, one that would have frightened us all. Thunder, lightning, the sound of a trumpet and the ground shaking under their feet caused the people to tremble and withdraw and observe the sight from afar.
The writer of Hebrews refers to this scene to make a point to those of us who are living in the end of days. Referring to the fact that, at Sinai, God’s Voice caused the earth to shake, he reminded us that, according to the prophets, God will speak again and “shake not only the earth, but also heaven” (Hebrews 12:26). He goes on to make the point that this shaking will determine who and what is to remain standing, that is to say, endure. Anything and anyone who cannot withstand the sound of God’s Voice will collapse and be removed. Therefore, we must not respond in the same manner as those who heard God speak at Sinai because “they could not endure what was commanded” (Hebrews 12:20). The admonishment to us is, “Do not refuse Him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25).
Messiah made some similar statements regarding the last days. He warned of a day when great distress would be upon the earth, when the seas would roar; ominous signs in the heavens would reveal that God was shaking the very powers of the heavens. All of this would cause men to tremble with fear and be filled with great anxiety. You might imagine that many will respond to God’s Voice just as Israel did at Sinai — but we have already been forewarned not to do that.
When God speaks from Heaven, we must be those who gladly receive His Word and be quick to follow His command. We are to be those who, because we are established on the Rock, our Messiah, continue to stand as a witness to His power and glory. You see, when these things come upon the earth, we are not to look down; we are to lift our head and look up, because our redemption is at hand. And so, may it be that we all say, “Speak Lord, for Your servant hears.”
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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