Moses V: Why Are We Here?

Due to technical difficulties, this column arrives a day after production. Thanks again to Matt Wolfington for this commentary.
God is creating a covenant with His people and it is an outline of specifics and conditions. Pay special attention to the calling out of Moses from the people at camp. While the masses are God’s people, Moses is the one called. I said previously to never discount the power of God working with groups. Certainly, God uses the vessel of a single person as well. Jesus would be first on my mind, but here the focus is Moses. Look at the terms of How God is going to claim the people of Israel: The will be His “treasured possession,” and “a kingdom of priests,” and finally “a holy nation.” While God offers the words, it is Moses who will have to deliver them (is his requirement and gifting of communication increasing?) God will also use Moses to administrate these terms (as well as others) of the covenant.

God used Moses once again to show the people His very own power. While Moses could approach God on the mountain, the people could not. It is also apparent that had no desire for they “Trembled with fear,” and told Moses “Do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Notice that the people placed Moses in a position of being able to tell God what to do. (They have certainly changed their tune about Moses’ leadership abilities!)

In Chapter 24 we continue to see Moses as the mediator. God uses Moses to communicate to His people. Chapter 24 is in stark contrast to Chapter 19, which you read first. Chapter 19 has God fending off the people from the mountain as he communicates with Moses. Chapter 24 initiates a covenant which is a new way for the people to be in communion with God. Once again, Moses is called up the mountain to be with God and yet Moses leaves others to care for the people. (Note: he was on the mountain for 40 days) His gifts continue to be evident in many areas, but the one God uses the most is the personal gift between Himself and Moses, personal communication. Even in Moses and all his gifts, just as today, God still prefers the relationship over all else. Now at the end of Chapter 24, look how God is seen again: “consuming fire.”