December 31, 2024 - Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭18‬-‭19

“When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!” Exodus 20:18-19 NLT

Lord, as we prepare to go into this new year, we want to fully commit it to you. We want to pursue you regardless of the cost. In this verse, we see the people so afraid of you that they told Moses that they didn’t want you to speak directly to them again, but they wanted Moses to be their intermediary person. Lord, we know that you are the All-Powerful and Almighty God. You are pure and holy, and we are nothing but the dust of the earth. Yet, you call us your beloved creation. I am reminded of something C. S. Lewis wrote about Aslan. That he was not safe, but he was good. Lord, you are not safe, oh, but you are so good. Your love is unfailing. Your mercies are new every morning. You long to walk in relationship with us. You might not be safe, and walking closely with you might cost us everything, but you are a reward that is worth whatever the cost. We may have to share in your suffering, but in doing so we will gain so much more of you. No, a relationship with you isn’t safe, but it is so good.

We want to commit this next year to wholeheartedly pursuing you. We give you permission to have your way in us. We want to hear your voice even if it terrifies us. Help us be willing to pay any cost and take on the burden of your suffering if that is what is required to receive all that you have for us. We don’t want to settle in a place of having someone else encounter you and pass along the crumbs they bring back. No, let us feast with you daily and walk in all that you have for us.

In Jesus name, amen.