The people stood far away from the mountain while Moses went to the dark cloud where God was.
Exodus 20:21 ERV
How is it that the people did not take note of what Moses told them in the preceding verse? “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him [that is, a profound reverence for Him] will remain with you, so that you do not sin” (v20). They vehemently gave in to the choice of the evil of their heart and the errors of their ways. The people did not consider obedience to the words of encouragement that Moses told them about the presence of God.
Then Moses led the people out of the camp to a place near the mountain to meet God.
Exodus 19:17 ERV
Moses was faithful to God’s instruction in leading the people to a place near the mountain (the presence of God). He coupled this with many words of encouragement. However, I realized that this was not a determinant for them to remain in God’s presence. Not that Moses’ ministry was void of power. But it was the same issue that has been at work since the garden of Eden. It was wrongly used, and it led to the fall of man – the matter of choice.
“The people stood far away from the mountain…”. The people all had the capacity to think and choose for themselves. They all had their legs and could walk in whatever direction they wanted. It was the minister’s choice to choose whether to lead the people or not. But the greater choice to remain belonged to the people. Therefore, the Lord Jesus, in His words to the disciples in John 15, made them realize that the determinant of what would become of them is their choice to remain in Him.
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
John 15:3-4, 9 NIV
God has always used several men who are obedient to His words to teach and guide us in His ways. But it is left to us to choose whether we would be obedient or not. More importantly, we must realize that what God seeks in our day are men and women who would worship in spirit and truth.
“But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.”
John 4:23 MSG
Albeit, to worship God in Spirit and truth is a choice. Although it is God’s desire, He will not force anyone into it. Do not be like the Children of Israel or like Adam and Eve. Make the decision to choose to obey the Lord and watch Him manage your life effectively.
In conclusion, the people at Mount Sinai faced a crucial choice—to heed Moses’ words and draw near to God or stand far away. Despite Moses’ faithful leadership and encouragement, they chose to keep their distance. This echoes the timeless truth of choice. Just as Moses led but couldn’t force proximity to God, our choice to remain in God’s presence is paramount. Jesus emphasized this choice, urging us to abide in Him for fruitful lives. So, let our worship be a genuine choice—spirit-led and truth-seeking. As with the Israelites, the decision rests with us. Choose to obey and let God orchestrate your life.