This Week's Story
click here to play audioMoses climbed up Mt Sinai into a dense. cloud. There God spoke words that revolutionized laws and behaviors in many nations.
This Week’s Story relives American history and the Bible through brief inspiring stories presented on mp3 audio recordings and text for reading.
A Visit from God, part two
I’ve been thinking a lot, the last few days. I am not old enough to catch your eye. But, my eyes work fine, and I have been watching. Something new is happening. Several times Moses has gone up and down Mt. Sinai.
The first time he returned with a challenge from God. I think it is impossible! I am probably disrespectful to question God, but we Israelites are stubborn. Since we left Egypt where we were slaves, you would think we would be grateful to be free. But, when we are short on food or water, like empty minded donkeys, we complain.
The challenge God gave Moses was that if we Israelites obeyed God, we would be a nation of priests. Could that ever happen? Priests are supposed to help other people know God.
The leaders under Moses listened to the challenge and said, “Tell God we will do everything He wants us to do.”
Moses gave their answer to God, and He replied, “I am going to come to you in a thick cloud. Then the people will hear me as I talk to you. This will give them confidence in you.”
Moses gave God’s words to the people. His directions were, “In the next two days get the people ready for my visit.” Oh, what an honor! We have an appointment with God!
The third day I was a witness to God’s control of creation. A powerful thunder and lightning storm ripped the skies above us, a thick cloud covered Mt. Sinai, smoke poured from its top, and an earthquake shook the mountain. We are wrong when we think we know what He can do.
Moses climbed the mountain again. He returned to remind us we were not to cross the boundaries. Boundaries had been placed, at God’s command around the mountain. We are not to cross them and try to climb the mountain. I do not understand why the boundaries are so important, but God has convinced me that He has awesome power.
Then Moses went up the mountain for, I think, the fourth time. His brother Aaron went with him. The same day we began to hear a mighty voice. We felt a power greater than any we had ever experienced in the plagues in Egypt; or in the thunder, lightning, and earthquake at Mt. Sinai. Everyone was speechless. There was silence. No child or adult had to be told, “Be quiet!”
From the mountain God spoke The Ten Commandments.
Do not worship any other gods besides me.
Do not make idols of any kind.
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember to observe the Sabbath day.
Honor your father and mother.
Do not murder.
Do not commit adultery.
Do not steal.
Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.
Do not covet anything your neighbor owns.
The people asked Moses, “Please, tell us what more God speaks. Do not let Him speak directly to us. If He does, we will die.”
Moses answered, “Do not be afraid. God has come in this way to show you His power. From now on, let your knowledge of Him and His power keep you from doing wrong.”
Moses entered the darkness of the thick cloud. God gave many more instructions to him to help the people.
This is Barbara Steiner with a Bible story from Exodus of The Ten Commandments. Please follow thisweeksstory.com.
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