And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.'” — Exodus 19:10-12 (NIV84)

Even for the children of Israel, sin is a powerful separator. They were God’s chosen people, and yet they had to keep a safe distance away from Mt. Sinai while The Lord made it His habitation. Even after two days of spiritual preparation, they had to keep a safe distance from the mountain. Sin breaks the natural bond between the Creator and His creatures. Like oil and water, sin and holy do not mix. The issue is not just that there is an uncomfortable separation between a holy God and a sinful people, but the real issue is death. Exposure to pure holiness leaves one in a state of instant judgment. Death. What a terrible reality to have to live out. To have to stay distant from the God that you love and cherish, because of your own sin.

Good thing we don’t have to live with that separation today! You see on the cross Jesus bore our sins and their consequences. As believers in Jesus Christ we have been redeemed. Our sins have been forgiven and forgotten. When God looks down upon you and me today He sees us as saints. Everything that separated us from God has been taken care of. All barriers have been removed. Today, we are able to have the Holy Spirit live in our hearts because all that separated us from Him was removed. We don’t have to keep our distance when it comes to God. The blood of Jesus has washed our sins away and we can now live in close and intimate fellowship with the Lord. Jesus is truly Immanuel (God with us).

Open wide your heart and let the Lord live with and in you!

Peace!

Pastor Tom