Lectio Divina from the Jesse Tree
LAWS & WALLS – Day 10 🪨& 11 đź“Ż
Exodus 19:1-11; 20:1-17; Joshua 6:1-20
“I am speaking to you now from a dense cloud…so that the people will be faithful to you.”
When the Israelites encamped at Mt. Sinai for the first time, the glory of God was concealed from them by the mountain and although they were eager to be found as “His treasured possessions” in all the earth, it wasn’t much longer until they betrayed Him.
“On the third day I will come to them in their sight.”
For many, it is easier to tolerate a God on the mountain or a voice in a cloud or fire on a bush than it is a God who is face to face with you.
His nature, like his angels, reveals Him. He can be intimidating to the powerful and obtuse. And yet He is peace itself for the humble at heart.
Moses and Joshua were unafraid before Him and so God talked with them face to face, as a friend. But to the Israelites who grumbled and could not fix their hearts on His peace, they would beg Moses to keep Him from speaking directly to them for fear of death by fright.
It is the same with the law written in stone. There is no room for error. Only foreboding judgement awaits. But to those with hearts of flesh, the law is written in Love.
For those with hearts of stone, only Love has patience enough to encircle them, seven times seven fold, only Love’s trumpet sound can make their walls fall down.
“I am a jealous God.”
All the earth is His and everything in it.
The stars and moon, silver and gold, stone and flesh. You and I.
What stone wouldn’t break, what wall wouldn’t fall at His sound. A jealous God He is. When He calls you, tremble not at His voice. Harden not your hearts. Let your walls fall. Be not afraid to encounter Him face to face.
