Splendor of His Holiness Day 6

I have heard so many people ask; is the God of the Old Testament the same God in the New Testament. You know, we believers say that our God, the God of Israel, is consistent. He is invariable in nature and the Holy Scripture speaks widely on this. But it is also irrefutable that in the Old Testament, God’s presence inspired fear. His glory was nothing short of terrifying. Boundaries often had to be set to keep people off and safe when He came down to them. There was a section of the temple that only the serving high priest was allowed to enter because the glory of the Lord dwelt there. God’s presence was almost always signified by lightning, thunders, thick clouds, fire, smoke, earthquakes, and loud trumpet sounds and this terrified people. Everyone who witnessed these manifestations trembled to their cores. The writer of the book of Hebrews in chapter 12:18-21 reflects on these manifestations when he says: For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” You have probably heard people say that our generation is living in the times of grace. Or that God is a little lenient with us than He was in the Old Testament times. But does this mean that God has changed over time? Our God is indeed a loving, patient God. But the absence of those dreadful events does not mean His presence is any less fearsome. His glory ought to be regarded with awe. He is still the Law Giver. He is still the eternal Judge. His power and holiness ought to terrify the hearts of men. It ought to inspire reverence for the majesty of God. And those who have beheld the highest physical manifestations of it understand that. This is why when the Israelites stood by the Mount Sinai and witnessed God in His full majesty they begged that no further word should be spoken to them directly. This is why Moses Himself says I trembled with fear!” They were terrified. Although the Gospel that was delivered to us is kind and we are encouraged to approach God’s presence with boldness, it should never be lost to us that we are approaching the Almighty God. The mercy and resplendence; the sublimeness of the new covenant does not exempt us from the obligation of regarding the splendor and the power of the Lord with as much reverence as it deserves. The dispensation under the new covenant only gives us even more reason for allegiance and fidelity to God. The grace under the new covenant; the greater revelations following Christ should inspire more obedience in us than the law did for the Old Testament generations. It should win and hold our affections for God. It should prompt the deepest desires for righteousness. We may not have something palpable; something material like a tempest or a mountain surrounded with smoke; or thunder and lightning to call us to attention when the Lord is among us because we have the Spirit of God who is able to reach beyond our external senses to give us an even greater experience; a better knowledge and understanding of our God that would over-awe our hearts. But the glorious privileges bestowed upon us by the Gospel calls for an even greater reverence for God. The superior excellence of the Gospel to the law demands that we must be upright in our walk in the ways of our God. That we must hold the consideration for greater spirituality in our hearts. The doctrine of holiness must be at the core of our worship. We must learn to approach the presence of God; we must enter the holy of holies knowing that we are approaching the presence of the living God. Yes, we are heirs with Christ and we have been accorded the privilege of the first born through Him, but we must answer the call to join the g --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

Pastor Lucy Paynter Daily Insights