Do you remember the song that began: “As a deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after THEE?”
As I opened up to Psalms 42 that was the 1st thing I saw and of course stopped and sang the song.
Then I went on to read verse 2, “My soul thirsts for GOD for the living GOD: when shall I come and appear before GOD?” The old testament believers couldn’t appear before HIM or hear directly from GOD but got it all 2nd hand from Moses and later the prophets. That reminded me of yesterday’s lesson in Hebrews and I just wanted to share the joy and excitement of it with you.
In the giving of the law to the Jews after they left Egypt they got to Mt Sinai. GOD told Moses to tell the people not to touch the mountain for if they did they would die. GOD was going to appear in the sight of the people on the mountain as fire, smoke and a cloud and speak to the people. The LORD spoke the 10 commandments to the people and in words sounding like a trumpet blast. The people begged that GOD speak no more to them for they couldn’t bear (carry or do) what was being commanded. The sight was so terrible that even Moses said, I am trembling with fear (see Hebrews 12:18-21, Exodus 19:10-12).
1-They couldn’t touch the mountain or go close because they were sinful (Habakkuk 1:13) and GOD is HOLY. Although 2-GOD appeared right on earth in the sight of the people 3-on the mountain they could actually touch and 4-GOD spoke audibly to them, 5-the people begged that GOD speak no more to them personally 6-they could not bear what was being commanded 7-GOD then wrote the law (10 commandments) on tablets of stone.
Then in Hebrews 12:22-23 speaks of us, those who have believed/ trusted in JESUS to save them :1-we can go directly to GOD (Hebrews 4:16) but cannot touch the location for HE is in Heaven and we are on earth (Hebrews 1:3). Since JESUS paid for our sins we have been cleansed (Colossians 2:13-14, Hebrews 10:10, 14) and through faith in JESUS, GOD the GOD FATHER has given us HIS righteous standing (Romans 3:22). When we come to GOD and read HIS word we hear HIM speak (in our hearts) to us personally and it brings us not just understanding and direction but peace and joy for there is joy in the Presence of the LORD (Psalm 16:11).
Let’s compare the Old covenant with the New covenant established on the cross through the blood of JESUS (1 Corinthians 11:25).
1-Old covenant-they actually saw an appearance and could have physically touched the place where GOD was.
1-New Covenant-We live by faith not sight and cannot physically touch the place of GOD for HE is in heaven, and we are on earth.
2-Old Covenant-they could not approach GOD because of their sin
2-New Covenant-We have been cleansed by the blood of CHRIST and come personally and directly to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25)
3-Old Covenant-They were filled with fear and trembling and did not want to hear GOD directly
3-New Covenant-we are to come into HIS presence confidently because HE tells us to (Hebrews 4:16)
4-Old Covenant-GOD spoke to the people through Prophets (Hebrews 1:1).
4-New Covenant-although GOD uses HIS written word, the HOLY SPIRIT given to us when we believe explains GOD’s word to us and directs us individually according to the will of GOD for us by placing within us the desire and ability to do HIS will (John 14:26,16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Philippians 2:13).
5-Old Covenant-GOD wrote with HIS finger the 10 commandments on stone
5-New Covenant-The HOLY SPIRIT writes in our hearts and minds the law (desires) of GOD (HE often uses our reading the Word of GOD to do that as HE places the desire to be like our FATHER in heaven in us.
Let me note that our unchanging GOD’s standard of right and wrong is still the same. The difference is that when we belong to JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT stirs up the desire in our hearts to do right (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16 and if boldly run to the throne for help we are given everything we need to do right.
In the Old Covenant the people followed rules set in stone in fear of the wrath of GOD.
In the New Covenant because we have JESUS and have been born into GOD’s family (John 1:12-13) the HOLY SPIRIT places GOD’s desires within us and we act in order to please our loving FATHER not to get or keep ourselves saved from the wrath of GOD.
2 Corinthians 3:3 “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of CHRIST ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the SPIRIT of the living GOD; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
What a privilege we have, our hearts do not have to pant after GOD we can go directly to HIM at any time, and HE will meet directly with us! Praise the LORD!!!
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 