In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations, we often seek solace and answers. The story of Paul’s journey to Arabia after his dramatic conversion offers a compelling narrative that can help us find our way. While we can’t be certain of the exact location Paul visited, one possibility is Mount Sinai, a place of profound significance in biblical history.
Mount Sinai – A Place of Profound Significance
Mount Sinai is not just a geographical location; it represents the pinnacle of corporate beholding, where God’s presence was unveiled in all its glory. The awe-inspiring display included raging fire, billowing smoke, a massive cloud, lightning, thunder, and even earthquakes. It was a sight to behold, one that would have struck terror into the hearts of any who witnessed it.
God’s Purpose at Mount Sinai
God’s descent upon Mount Sinai was not merely a display of power, but a divine revelation aimed at transforming His people. The intensity of His appearance was designed to compel the Israelites to turn from sin and become more like Him. It was an invitation to gaze upon God and undergo a process of discipleship as a community.
The Role of the Mosaic Law
Some mistakenly view the Old Testament law as a path to salvation, but in reality, it was given after God had already saved Israel from bondage. The law provided guidelines and instructions for repentance, not as a means of salvation but as a way of life to enable the Israelites to host God’s presence among them. The law set the context for Israel’s discipleship through beholding God’s presence.
Mount Sinai – A Place of Glory and Tragedy
Mount Sinai was a place of glory, but it also held a tragic lesson. Despite the invitation to behold and be transformed, the Israelites fell into idolatry and sin, serving as a stark warning that transformation through beholding is not automatic. They failed to embrace the process of discipleship God intended, and their encounter at Sinai serves as a stark reminder that even when we behold God, we may still fall into apostasy.
Paul’s Message to the Corinthians
The Apostle Paul used this historical backdrop to deliver a powerful message to the Corinthians. He compared the glory of God’s appearance at Mount Sinai with the surpassing glory found in Jesus Christ. While the Israelites saw God’s glory as fire and smoke on the mountain, the indwelling Spirit grants us access to an even greater revelation of God’s glory through Jesus.
An Encouragement and a Warning
It’s a question we all must grapple with: do we truly appreciate the magnitude of what is available to us through beholding Jesus? Can we fathom that our experience of God can be more profound than the spectacular encounter the Israelites had at Sinai?
Paul’s comparison serves as both an encouragement and a warning. We have the privilege of beholding God through the Spirit, and our access to His glory should inspire boldness in our faith. But it also carries a cautionary tale, reminding us that the Israelites’ encounter had grave consequences. Their fear prevented them from fully embracing the transformative power of beholding.
The Role of Pastors and Leaders
This story presents a challenging question for us today: do we send our pastors and leaders to gaze at God on our behalf, or do we actively seek to behold God ourselves? The church often suffers when it relies on the “professionals” to have encounters with God, rather than pursuing Him collectively.
The Serious Business of Beholding God
We must remember that beholding God is a serious endeavor. When God reveals Himself to a people, it is in the context of a covenant, and He expects us to respond in kind. It’s not just about having a “worship experience”; it’s about being transformed by the revelation of God’s character.
The Challenge of Today’s Generation
In an age where we have unprecedented access to the Bible, theology, and worship music, we must ensure that our worship leads to transformation. It’s not about emotional experiences that comfort us in our immaturity, but about becoming more like Christ.
Transformation Requires Our Response
Beholding God requires us to confront our own shortcomings and differences with His character. The transformation that results from beholding is not automatic; it requires our active participation and response.
As we consider the surpassing glory available through beholding Jesus, let us remember that we can draw near to God with confidence. Through the Spirit, we have access to a revelation of God that even the Israelites at Sinai could not endure. We need not stand at a distance but can ascend the “holy mountain” to behold Him together.
We must prioritize beholding God above all distractions and diversions. Let us seek transformation, not just entertainment. May our gatherings as a community be centered on the corporate beholding of God’s glory. Remember, transformation is not automatic; it requires our response.
Final Thoughts
Let us heed the warning of Mount Sinai and be cautious about creating a God in our image. Instead, let us earnestly seek to know and behold the uncreated God, allowing His glory to transform us into His image. Beholding God is a serious matter, and it has the power to shape our lives and our communities.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Discipleship begins with Beholding” by Samuel Whitefield.
