Tuesday 24 April 2012

The exact physical location of Mount Sinai is not clear, butthere is no doubt about its significance as a spiritual landmark.It is the meeting place between God and humanity, and in thischapter we read of the careful preparations that must be madebefore that meeting.

But first Moses sets God's proposal before the people. He remindsthem of all that God has done for them so far, and offers themGod's promise that if they keep God's covenant, they will be "apriestly kingdom and a holy nation" (v. 6). There are similaritieshere to the suzerainty treaties made in those days, which set outthe terms of a relationship between a conqueror and his subjectpeople. It is an indication of the people's trust in God that "asone" (v. 7) they agree to the covenant without its terms havingbeen clearly spelt out.

The concept of the covenant has an important place in Methodistdevotion. In the Covenant Service at the start of each New Year,we are reminded of that gracious relationship between God andourselves. Like the Israelites at Sinai, we too are encouraged tomake an unconditional response to God, although of course ourresponse is to the God revealed in Jesus Christ.

The covenant is not a relationship between equals, and this is madeclear in Exodus 19. The majesty of God is emphasised in thunder andlightning, cloud and loud trumpet blasts, and God's holiness isrecognised in the preparations that the people must make - washingtheir clothes and abstaining from sexual intercourse - a whole twodays of preparation. Holiness was then seen in physical terms, andby virtue of God's presence, the mountain itself becomes a holyplace which must not be approached too closely for fear of death.Only Moses and Aaron the high priest are permitted to enter thepresence of God to receive God's message to the people.

To Ponder

Have you got a personal holy place or places?What makes them special for you?

The people prepared themselves scrupulously tomeet with God. What preparations do you make before attendingworship?

If you take part in it, to what extent do youfind the Methodist Covenant Service helpful? Think about yourfeelings as you make the covenant promises.