“You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die” (Exodus 20:19 ESV).
In Exodus 20:19, Moses recorded Israel’s response to the LORD’s terrifying display of power at Mount Sinai. Writing to the covenant people, he described how God’s thunder, lightning, trumpet blast, and smoking mountain revealed a holiness so overwhelming that sinful humans could not endure the sound of His voice. The people’s plea for Moses to speak instead reflected a real and appropriate awe, the kind of reverent fear Scripture calls “the fear of the Lord.” Yet their request also revealed the need for mediation. Moses stood between God and the people, foreshadowing the greater Mediator to come. At the same time, their promise, “we will listen,” highlighted that obedience to God’s revealed word was essential to covenant life. This passage showed that fear of God, rightly understood, was not meant to drive people away in despair, but to lead them toward reverence, humility, and a willingness to hear and obey.
We also stand before a holy God whose glory we could never approach on our own. How thankful we are that have a Mediator who is greater than Moses, Christ Jesus our Lord (Heb. 8:6). Through Him, we are invited to listen with faith. Still, we must guard our hearts from wanting distance from God’s voice when it confronts our sin. Right fear leads us to obedience, not avoidance. Today, we choose not just to hear sermons or teachings about God, but to truly listen for His voice. When Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” we want to be those who respond. Lord, give us humble, attentive hearts that have spiritual ears to hear.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You are holy and glorious beyond our understanding. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Mediator so we can draw near without fear of condemnation. Give us spiritual ears to hear Your voice above all others. In Jesus’ name, amen.