Exodus 19:18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.
This scene feels very chaotic to me: thick smoke, billowing; the mountain, violently trembling; the trumpet, blasting. It brings me a measure of comfort to know that God told Moses to keep folks back so that they weren’t overwhelmed by His presence.
Exodus 19:19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.
Today’s verses also bring to mind 1 Kings 19 when the Lord appears to Elijah, and I understand much better why it is remarked that the Lord was not in the wind, the earthquake, nor the fire, but instead in the gentle whisper.
Exodus 19:20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up
Precious Savior, You are all things and everywhere–in the chaos and in the quiet. You show up not only where we need You but also where we least expect to find You. Thank You for seeing us, for knowing us, for showing up for us, again and again. Help us to be there for each other in the same way You are there for us. Amen.
Exodus 19:21 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.
Have a blessed day.