Today’s Reading: Exodus 34; Luke 4:1-13; Psalm 26

Be ready in the morning to climb up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. — Exodus 34:2

CALLED ONTO THE MOUNTAIN

The Israelites had sinned against God the last time Moses was on the mountain, because they lost faith in the God who had so faithfully provided for their every need. In recognition of the sinfulness of man, Moses once again climbed the mountain to hear from God. Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain with the Lord. Moses came ready to hear from God — to receive instructions for how God’s people were to live.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down all these instructions, for they represent the terms of the covenant I am making with you and with Israel.”

Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water. And the Lord wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the stone tablets.

When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him. – Exodus 34:27-30

While on the mountain, God took care of the physical needs of His servant. Moses had no need for food or water because he was in the presence of the God who sustains and restores. God had his full attention. After his time with God, the face of Moses radiated God’s light. His time in God’s presence had made an impact on Moses, and he was now reflecting God’s light for all the people to see. This time spent on the mountain can be compared to the time Jesus spent in the wilderness.

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. — Mark 1:12-13

LED INTO THE WILDERNESS

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. — Luke 4:1-2

While there is no mention that Moses was hungry during his 40 days on the mountain, the gospels tell us that Jesus was very hungry. His time in the desert was difficult. Jesus knew what it was to battle against the temptations of the enemy. It was not until the devil went away that angels came and took care of Jesus.

Today marks the 17th day of Lent — a 40-day season of preparing our hearts for our celebration of the resurrection of Christ. This length of time commemorates the days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before his ministry began. It is a time of self-reflection — to consider how sinful we are, and to acknowledge that we need God to come in and do a work in our heart. It is a time to consider how our Savior willingly died on the cross for our sins, even though he was without sin.

We get so busy and we allow so many things to fill our lives. Lent is a season of cutting things out of our life in order to make room for God; it is 40 days to simplify our schedules so that we have more time to focus on Jesus and the sacrifice He made for our salvation. It is a time to renew our relationship with God — to experience communion with the Lord. It is a season to focus our attention on what Jesus did for us on the cross.

When Moses came down from the mountain, it was obvious to all the people that he had spent time in the presence of God. By intentionally setting aside 40 days to turn our face towards God, we have the opportunity to radiate Jesus to those around us. Our faith journey can provide the light someone else needs to find their way to God.

We are almost halfway through Lent. Today is the first day of March and we will celebrate our risen Savior on the last day of March. Have you been intentionally focusing on the Lord during this season? What is God calling you towards during the remainder of this season of repentance? What is He asking you to give up or add in order to grow in your relationship with Him? It’s not too late. We have this whole month to spend time on the mountain with our Lord.

My prayer for you this morning is that this has been and will continue to be a special season for you and your family as you celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ — that God will give you a mountaintop experience that forever changes your understanding of how much Jesus loves you. Are you ready for the climb? Don’t give up! The Lord is eager to spend this time with you.

I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
I come to your altar, O Lord,
singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders.
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells. – Psalm 26:6-8