Watch you step!

Reading: Exodus 18-19, Psalm 19, and Romans 5

 

Scripture: Exodus 19:12-13 And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.

 

Thoughts: I remember this being that if the people touched the mountain where God was, they would die, not be put to death. I envisioned a line where livestock wandered over there or someone got too close and touched it boom dead on the side of the mountain. God told Moses to warn everyone to keep away or the people would have to kill those who transgressed God’s command. God was setting up from early on in His relationship with Israel that sin leads to death and that when Israel had to carry out that death sentence they were not to touch that sin. That passage says to stone or shoot, so either they are shooting with a bow and arrow or everyone is picking up rocks and throwing them at the sinner until they are dead. The question I pose is how close to sin are we walking? Are our eyes lingering on things that are leading us astray? Are we listening to things that are drawing us away from God’s embrace? Are we watching things that may not be bad but are keeping us from the great things God has in store for us?

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for all you are, the provider of all things, that power and authority you pour out upon me. I thank you for your love and grace. I thank you for the provisions you pour out on us so that we may serve you better. I ask that you continue to mold me and make me in your image. Help me to walk in your ways keeping a distance between myself and sin. You are my Lord and my God.