One of the most remarkable chapters in the Bible is when Jesus, our Lord, had seventy elders, along with a few other men, plus Moses to dine with Him on Mount Sinai. These people were able to see the Lord and also eat and drink with Him. This is because of their desires to hear His words and also do as He says. This true story starts off with the following verses. “And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him. And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Exodus 24:1-4) It would be so awesome to see God’s people today say in unison, “all the words of the Lord, we will do”.
God’s people are obedient to His words and also are willing to sacrifice their time and efforts to serve Him. In the old covenant, the people used burnt offerings as a sacrifice unto God. This was in representation of the Lamb of God who would come into the world to die for our sins. Therefore, the people took the blood of these animals and sprinkled them upon the altar and the people. This is the blood atonement that would be necessary to perform until Jesus came into the world. His sacrifice would end these sacrificial offerings, for the blood He shed for us on the cross would be for all ages to come. Now, concerning God’s people, it is written, “and he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.” (Exodus 24:5-7) Notice how excited the people are when they say this.
When we accept Jesus into our lives, His blood is sprinkled upon us also, as an offering for our sins. The same things happened in the old covenant. The only reason why God’s people could go up to be with the Lord is that His blood was upon them, and because of their obedience to Him. What happened next is amazing. It is written, “and Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words. Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.” (Exodus 24:8-11) Just imagine being in the presence of Jesus in His glorified body. You wouldn’t help but bend down and worship Him. And to be able to dine with him for dinner would be the best thing ever. This is what happened that day on Mount Sinai. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I desire to be where You are. Allow me to dine with You today. As I think upon You now, take me up into Your loving arms. I wish I could see You with my own eyes, but if that is not possible, give me spiritual eyes, that I might see You. In this hour that I pray, I also give You praise. I exalt You, Lord. You are the Lamb of God that came to take away the sins of the world. You are the good shepherd. I am a sheep in Your fold, and You are my shepherd, of whom I love with all my heart. Lead me safely home to be with You in heaven. One day I will die, and I pray that in that hour that I will go up to paradise and be in Your heavenly presence. Then, will I forever be with You, Lord. Even now, I hold back tears just thinking of that time and hour when I will finally see You face to face. Truly, it is an honor to be called Your son and to be led out of the bondage of sin. Have Your way in me now and forever. I will go and do as You say, God. Everything You teach me I will harken unto also. Lead me from temptation and build me up in Your strength. Help me to fight against the enemy. The times we are living in are very difficult, but with You in our lives, we are safe, secure, and in peace. Thank You. I love You. Amen.
