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Day One: Reaching the Mountain

In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain. And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.’" Exodus 19:1-5

We have witnessed the amazing journey of the Israelites, following them from slavery in Egypt, to deliverance, and then wandering in the wilderness. Now, after the three months the pillar of cloud stopped at Mt. Sinai, the mountain of the Lord. The people would remain here for the next year. And here they would meet their God in a new way. On the morning of the third day after their arrival the mountain was covered by a thick cloud filled with thunder and lightning. At the sound of the trumpet the people approached the foot of the mountain. The Lord descended on the mountain and spoke the words that would become the center of the people’s worship: the Ten Commandments. This was the single most significant event along the journey to Canaan. These laws would touch every aspect of the people’s lives, allowing them to know the Lord in a deeper way.

Until now, the Lord led the children of Israel dramatically from without through His physical, external miracles. They were now ready to receive a set of commands or principles that would guide them from within. Moses received these truths written on tablets of stone, yet the end goal was that these commandments would in time be etched on the hearts of all the people.

We’ve spent the last six weeks exploring our spiritual growth in a structured, focused way. Like the children of Israel, we’ve been given specific instructions to remember the importance of having a spiritual life and to acknowledge that the Lord is leading us. As this program comes to a close, we have an opportunity to commit to continuing these habits of spiritual practice.

Key Point
There are physical and natural journeys in every person’s life which are governed by natural laws. But each one of us is also on a spiritual journey which is governed by the laws put forth in the Ten Commandments.

Reflections
What habits of spiritual practice do you hope to continue?

What steps have you taken to move closer to the Lord?

Download this Reflection in printable form. (PDF)

Discussion Board
Share your thoughts on today's Journey in the discussion board.

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