EXODUS 19:10-11 ; Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and
tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third
day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.”
A supposedly true story tells that a very rich man in London died and left a large gift to one of the
hospitals there. His will stipulated, however, that as a condition for the gift, his ashes were to be
brought to the board room for each board meeting and placed at the head of the table.
Accordingly, for more than 100 years the secretary of the board added these words to the minutes of
each meeting: “Jeremy Benthan, present but not voting.”
While this ongoing request may seem a bit ludicrous to you and me, the God of Israel also desired to
be present with His people, and that wasn’t ludicrous at all. As they prepared to receive His law, He
came down upon Mount Sinai in such a way that everyone knew He was present in their midst. In a
very visible manner, God demonstrated His desire to have fellowship with His people.
John made the same observation about Jesus. When it was time to redeem the human race, the
apostle said, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus promised, “For
where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).
And again He said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
Do you see the evidences of God’s presence in your life? Have you felt the warmth of His presence,
the gentleness of His touch or the strength of His everlasting arms? Take both joy and comfort in
knowing that you have a God who not only loves you but also wants to be with you.
WHEN YOU PUT YOUR HAND IN GOD’S HAND, YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE.