The Lord said to Moses, “Come to me on the mountain. I have written my teachings and laws on two stone tablets. These teachings and laws are for the people. I will give these stone tablets to you.” So Moses and his helper, Joshua, went up the mountain of God.
Exodus 24:12-13 ERV
In the narrative of the Israelites at mount Sinai, we witness their drifting away from the presence of God. This departure serves as a sobering reflection of the human tendency to distance oneself from the very source of guidance and wisdom. The consequences of such distancing are evident, and the parallel with our own lives is striking. It raises a critical question: How often do we, in the hustle of daily existence, unknowingly move away from the presence of the divine, relinquishing the guidance that shapes righteous living?
Consider the story of Aaron – a leader without backbone. It serves as a reminder that “you cannot give what you do not have”. Aaron’s inability to lead the people toward God’s presence reflects a deeper truth. It is an evidence that he had not been in personal communion with the Almighty. Hence, his leadership lacked the transformative power that comes from dwelling in the divine presence. Meanwhile, Joshua submitted himself to the yoke of discipleship under Moses. Therefore, he went up the mountain of God with his master and stayed there until Moses had to leave. This was evident in their discussion as they journey back: “When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “There is the sound of war in the camp.”” (Exodus 32:17 NIV)
While everyone else rejected the voice of the Lord, distancing themselves from His presence, Joshua did not. Although he could have stayed at the foot of the mountain where Moses led the people to meet with the Lord, he chose to be Moses’ disciple, willing to follow him everywhere, even to the mountain—in the presence of the Lord. While others, though at the mountain’s base, were terrified by the Lord’s voice, Joshua was willing to climb higher and draw closer to God.
And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death.”
Exodus 19:10-12 NIV
Given the degree of consecration necessary merely to reach the mountain’s base, a significantly greater level of dedication would be essential to ascend the mountain. Yet Joshua satisfied the demands of coming closer into the divine presence. Where no one may touch and live, Joshua climbed with his master, Moses. Although God invited Moses to be with Him, yet He did not prevented Joshua from following Moses. It shows that God will never deny a humble man seeking the privilege of finding Him.
Wait here for us until we come back to you. While I am gone, Aaron and Hur will rule over you. Go to them if anyone has a problem.’
Exodus 24:14 ERV
Aaron, who had been Moses’ spokesman in speaking to Pharaoh seemed to have become complacent with just hearing from Moses. He had settled for the voice of man even when he could have sought to be with the Lord. He was later going to be one who would stand before God for the people. The only man who would have access to the most holy place of the tabernacle. However, he would rather stay at the foot of the mountain.
When the devil tested him, he fell; he could not resist the people’s request for another god. He made them a golden idol. He was not on the mountain, in the presence of the Lord. Likewise, he did not stand for righteousness as a correct leader should among the people.
As we delve into this narrative, let us reflect on our own spiritual journeys. Are we, like Joshua, climbing the mountain, seeking proximity to God even in the face of fear? Or are we, like Aaron, staying at the base, inadvertently becoming conduits of misguided doctrines because we have not personally tasted the richness of God’s presence?