You
have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven.
Exodus 20:22
The
Israelites were camped at the very mountain where Moses, before joining them in
Egypt, had spoken with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3). Now Israel too could
see God’s fire and hear God’s voice through Moses.
Moses
had become God’s mediator, his chosen spokesman. He brought Israel the news of
God’s love, God’s plans, and God’s instructions. Moses represented God, and, on
God’s behalf, he led Israel to freedom and mission in the promised land.
Centuries
later, on the mount of transfiguration, the disciples also saw God’s fire—in
Jesus’ face and in his clothing. Jesus’ face “shone like the sun, and his
clothing became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:1-2). The disciples also
heard God’s voice there and in Jesus’ teachings and, later, through his
sacrifice. Jesus is God, and he leads his people to freedom from sin and sends
them out to make disciples of all nations.
This
message is for each of us as well. I invite you to listen deeply. You can hear
God’s voice in the words of Scripture, in God’s creation around us, and in the
worshiping faith community. The Holy Spirit, symbolized in Acts 2 as tongues of
fire, helps us to hear God’s voice in all of these ways. It’s important that we
follow God’s instructions, and that we obey his words.
We
praise you, Lord and Holy Spirit. You are God. We hear your voice and see your
love. Help us not only to hear but also to follow and obey. Thank you! Amen.
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