Ancient stories sound odd to modern ears. The glory of the
Lord in thick clouds and a devouring fire on the top of the mountain sounds a
lot like lightning and even if a close one warrants an “Oh my God!” we
understand lightning in scientific terms. The ancients saw God’s hand at work
in the timing of what we know as a naturally occurring phenomenon. But then we
“moderns” often do the same thing by giving extra-ordinary meaning to everyday
events as when instead of turning left we turn right and a chance encounter
bears blessings. So I guess I’m okay with the children of Israel camped before
the mountain giving glory to the Lord for what may well have been Mt. Sinai
having a little volcanic hiccup and spewing some smoke. It’s Moses
entering the cloud of mountain top devouring fire that defies explanation. He
was a reluctant leader in the beginning and even though he carried on a barefoot
conversation with a burning bush he was always looking for a way out. Of course
the Lord provided that through signs and wonders, not the least of which was
the parting of the sea, but that’s not what Moses had in mind. In some ways God
has worn down this reluctant leader so that when summoned to come up to the mountain
and camp Moses obeys and does not complain. Maybe a faith that follows without
complaining or seeking a way out has less to do with spiritual discipline and
more to do with God wearing us down so that like Moses the only way out is
really the only way in.
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