For they could not bear what was commanded: And if even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned! The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am terrified and trembling. Hebrews 12:20-21
One of my favorite movies is the Wizard of Oz. I remember the scene when Dorothy and her friends finally made it to Oz and they were standing before the great Wizard of Oz seeking a brain for the scarecrow, a heart for the tin man, courage for the lion, and a way to get Dorothy and her little dog back home. Very few people had access to the great Wizard of Oz. Each character in the movie approached him with fear and trembling. They shook in visible terror as they spoke to the great Wizard. His voice was loud and commanding which caused them to shake even more.
The writer of Hebrews is describing what is revealed in greater detail in Exodus 19 when Moses went up on Mount Sinai to receive the Word from God. God had commanded that not only would any person who touched Mount Sinai be put to death by stoning or shot with arrows, but He also commanded that any animal that touched the mountain be killed. God is a majestic and holy God. Where He is must not be contaminated with sin and unholiness. Direct access to Him was limited. This was to contrast the old covenant with the new covenant through Jesus Christ. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, our sins are forgiven and we are no longer contaminated by sin. We are holy and now enjoy direct access to God.
Challenge: Thank God that your sins are forgiven and you now have direct access to God the Father. He loves you and wants to have a close relationship with you. You do not have to shake in fear as you approach your heavenly Father. He is a loving Father who wants to have fellowship with you.