Tuesday 08 April 2008

Background

Earlier in the book of Exodus (chapter 19), God ismade known to the Israelites (who have recently escaped from Egypt)in majesty and awe-inspiring terror. The people must keep theirdistance and not even look upon God otherwise they will be put todeath (Exodus 19:12-13). In this chapter, God - who has not changedin any way - appears to Moses and his colleagues. This time, bothMoses and the elders are able to come near but they remain unharmedand are able to eat and drink in God's presence.

Things are different now because a new relationship has beenestablished between God and Israel. The ritual described in verses3-8, which involves sprinkling blood over the people, seemsgruesome to us today. This very ancient covenant ceremony involvedthe elders reciting the law, the people making a response, animalsbeing sacrificed and finally, the formal sealing of the covenantwith blood.

The new relationship shows the holy, terrifying God as merciful andgracious too. The language used to describe the way in which theIsraelites were able to see God (verse 10) is reminiscent of thewords found in Isaiah 6 -Isaiah's famous vision of God in the temple - where the prophetattempts to describe an encounter that is far beyond humanimagination.

This encounter culminates in a meal where the people can now enjoytheir new communion with God. It is not that God has become lessawesome, but the new relationship means that the God who has beenshown many times to be committed to the people now delights intheir loving response of obedient gratitude.

To Ponder

'Love feasts' used to be a regular feature ofMethodist life. What place does sharing together with others over ameal have in your relationship with God?

What is it about eating together that helps tobreak down barriers and build relationships?

The gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is anoffer of grace and an urgent demand of our lives. Which comesfirst, the offer or the demand?