Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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We believe in Holy Trinity
Exodus 19:17-25
Vs. 21-22: And the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.”
In the third month after leaving Egypt, the people of Israel came to the Desert of Sinai (Exod.19:1, NIV).  God then commanded Moses to assemble the people at the foot of mount Sinai where Lord God gave them the law or commandments.  This in a way formed the basis for the covenant relationship between God and His people (Jeremiah 11:4).  With trembling and fear people witnessed Shechinah glory descend upon the mountain (Exod 20:18). 
 
When God commissioned Moses to go back to Egypt to deliver the people from slavery he promised: “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12, NRSV).  The Lord Our God is faithful in His promises.  All His words are trustworthy.  He is not only able to tell what things will be in future, but alone can bring it to pass.

In Isaiah 46:9-11 the LORD declares: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done; My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention,”

Yahweh is Holy and He requires His people to be holy or set apart. “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (Lev 11:45) This message we see throughout the scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. 

How does a sinful, weak and mortal human being approach this Holy God? Psalmist says “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Ps 2:11, KJV).  Patriarch Jacob talks of “the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac” (Gen 31:42, NIV).  In the book of Leviticus we see that Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, were struck dead for offering profane fire before the Lord (Lev. 10:1, NIV); so was Uzza for his irreverent act (2 Sam 6:7, NIV).  In short, those who approach the Holy God must approach Him with utmost humility, and reverential fear according to His terms, which is through Jesus, the righteous lamb of God. 

Just as the people of Israel were awe struck by the manifest glory of God at mount Sinai, so were Peter, James and John at the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, the second person in Godhead.  The disciples “fell facedown to the ground, terrified” (Matt 17:6, NIV).  According to the apostle John, when Jesus asked those who came to capture him at the Brook of Kidron, “whom are you seeking?” They said “Jesus of Nazareth”. When Jesus replied “I am He”, they drew back and fell to the ground” (John 18:5-6, NKJV). Philippians 2 talks about how Jesus, though being God, emptied himself, became man, and died on the cross for us. 
PRAYER
Almighty and most merciful God, we acknowledge that we are sinful and unworthy to come before thee.  But we thank thee o Lord for redeeming us through the blood of Jesus Christ, your son.  We humbly pray that You sanctify us and enable us to worship You in Truth and Spirt. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Thought of the day
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  (1Peter 2:9)

Dr. Mathew K. Sadhu
Bethel Mar Thoma Church, Frankfort

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