God Who Is Above Us, Yet He Is With Us
Moses life had led him to be a shepherd in the desert Midian. While walking, he encountered a bush on fire that never burns up. He draws closer to “the mountain of God” (Exodus 3:1). As he approaches, God’s voice speaks to him from the bush, “Take off your shoes. This is holy ground.”
Fast forward to Exodus 19, God’s people come near to the same mountain. Thunder and lightening shake the scene. Smoke envelops the mountain and fire descends. God comes to converse with his chosen mediator, Moses, but He instructs that no one touch the mountain, or they will die.
This true story from the Bible gives is a glimpse of who He is. God is transcendent, singular, and is over everything He has made. Yet, He is immanent, involved in everything, even down to our next breath.
“He is transcendent above all His works even while He is immanent within them.” – AW Tozer
In biblical theology, transcendence refers to God’s nature as separate from, and superior to, the limitations of the physical world, space, and time.
His immanence refers to God being present within, indwelling, and actively involved in the universe He created.
God, out of His Grace and love, has come down (immanence), to we who could not touch His mountain, to covenant with His people. This should bring us worship Him with respect, humility and to trust Him.
Scripture References:
- Exodus 3:5-6: God said, “Do not come near. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your father.”
- Exodus 19:18: “Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.”
- Hebrews 12:22-24: “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
“The great ‘I AM’ needs nothing, but He chooses to walk with you.” – Adrian Rogers
Thoughts from Knowledge of the Holy
God Is Above All: His Amazing Holiness and Greatness is Above Everything
God is “exalted far above the created universe, so far above that human thought cannot imagine it.” At the mountain, fire, smoke, and thunder showed this. No one could climb up on their own.
In each aspect of your life, remember this perspective of God. Stop and remind yourself, “God is Holy.” This will orient our hearts when we become prideful. It keeps us from treating God any less than He is. May we be mindful and ask, “Do I give reverence to God in the way he commands?”
God Is With Us: His Loving Nearness Every Day
Tozer Goes on to Remind Us: “your soul is not as near to you as God is to your soul.” Remember that at the burning bush, God called Moses by His name: “Moses! Moses!” And He promised, “I will be with you.” He came down the mountain to give His people instructions for living as His covenantal people.
Remember when you feel alone, disheartened, afraid, unsure and directionless – God is closer to you than even the heart beating in your chest. Seek Him through prayer and go to His Word to hear His voice. This will bring true peace when tests and trials come. But remain mindful, God’s nearness should not bring a casual familiarity. We approach God by His terms.
Jesus is the Bridge – The Mediator Between God and Man
Because God is Holy, and we are sinful, we need a great mediator to approach God. Jesus is this mediator. “The high God came near in Jesus! On another mountain (the Transfiguration), Jesus shone bright like the fire at Sinai, but He also died on the cross so we could come close without fear. Hebrews says we now run to “Mount Zion” where Jesus waits with open arms.”
Because of Jesus, the mediator between God and Man (1 Timothy 2:5), we can boldly to the throne of Grace. We have been redeemed, adopted, and by His Word and Enablement, we are called to live holy. We do not cower to the sins of the past, for they have been forgiven by Christ’s atoning and substitutionary sacrifice. This is freedom. Because of Jesus, you can approach the Mountain of God. You can pray to God at anytime, and also are called to live a live or service and obedience. Not out of terror, but out of awe inspired love.
“At the old mountain you were afraid. At Jesus’ mountain you are welcome!” – John MacArthur
Closing Thoughts
The Mountain of God is not just an ancient recounting of a story. It is God’s Word inviting us to “Take off your “shoes”, heed God’s voice, and run to the one who makes it possible to have relationship with God.
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” – Romans 5:6
This means Christ alone justifies us, reconciles us to God, and grants us access to communion with God. A life of sustaining grace for each day. Trust in Him, take your burdens to Him. The God Who spoke creation into being, cares for you. Remember that God has done everything necessary to bring you to Himself, and our response is come to Him through His Son. Worship, praise and serve Him today and all days.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man ruins into it and is safe.” – Proverbs 18:10