Who Shall Ascend into the Presence of a Holy God (Exodus 19:1-8, 12-13, and 16-22)

The context of Exodus 19 is Israel’s arrival at Mount Sinai, after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and journey in the wilderness, and right before the giving of the 10 commandments in Exodus 20. Israel gathers at the foot of the mountain and the LORD descends in his unapproachable glory and holiness symbolized by the thunders, lightnings, smoke, fire, and thick cloud. The LORD reminds Moses that He redeemed Israel-- as an eagle carries its young on its wings-- to bring them to Himself. Yet, the people are unable to ascend directly into the presence of God.

The people of Israel, including the priests, are sinful and sin excludes from the presence of God. How can the people be brought into communion with God? They need a mediator to ascend Mount Sinai on their behalf and Moses is God’s chosen mediator to receive and communicate God’s word to his people. Moses points to the ultimate mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Peter says, “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18.

Our culture frowns upon exclusion and prizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many think that Christianity stands against those values. It is true that Christianity is exclusive. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone is unqualified to come into the presence of a Holy God. However, Christianity is at the same time shockingly inclusive. All sinners are invited to come to God, through Christ, irrespective of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc. Who shall ascend into the presence of a Holy God? Only those who come with empty hands through Jesus Christ, acknowledging their unfitness to come into God’s holy presence on their own.