Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth." Psalm 57:11
Text: Exodus 24 : 9-10
GRATEFUL WORSHIP
God had given a most gracious invitation to the leaders of Israel (Exodus 24:1). That thought alone would be sufficient reason to offer grateful worship. And indeed, worship was offered to their gracious God at the foot of the mountain. Worship should spring naturally from the heart as one discovers more and more about God!
TAKING UP GOD’S INVITATION
With both heart and mind refreshed through worship, Moses led the contingent of people who represented Israel up Mount Sinai.
“Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab and Abihu,
and seventy of the elders of Israel.”
EXODUS 24:9
How privileged these men were! They were going to be in the Presence of the Lord Himself!
A SPECIAL MANIFESTATION OF GOD
These men represented the nation of Israel. They played key roles in the shepherding of the flock of Israel. What an honour to experience this special manifestation of God!
“And they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet
as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the
very heavens in its clarity.”
EXODUS 24:10
1. “And they saw the God of Israel”
The word “saw” is not limited to visual perception. What did these men actually see?
a) “A paved work of sapphire stone”
b) “And it was like the very heavens in its clarity”
They saw manifestations of the majesty of God! They did not actually see the form of God! The Lord their God was Spirit and we cannot see that which is spirit!
2. A profound spiritual experience
The word “See” would include, “perception, understanding, comprehension, knowledge” and other cognate words! Standing in the Presence of God was a truly awesome experience, and no adequate words may be found in human vocabulary to describe it!
Another vital question may be raised. What did God have in mind when He manifested Himself to these men? One of the reasons could well be that God wanted them to be even more effective and influential leaders in the years ahead of them! Experiencing God in this manner could go a long way to confirm and enhance their faith.