Hebrews 12:18 & 20 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind,…For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.”…
Fellowship with God in the garden was natural and wonderful. All was as it was created to be. After the arrival of sin, this was broken. People could not fix it. Even with their best efforts and attempts at holy lives, they fell short. Through Moses came the first covenant. Fellowship was restored, but in a clumbsy way. The book of Leviticus spells out how the nation and individuals were to live. It also points out the sacrifice for sin. The opening passage refers to Mt. Sinai, which represents the old covenant. The disturbing verses and the peoples reactions describes what it’s like to approach the holy God in a sinful state. Because God is holy and we are sinful, we can’t coexist. It’s like putting an ice cube on a hot side walk. It evaporates. There is a revulsion between God and people. It’s not that God is being mean by not letting us close. We can’t draw near. Adam and Eve’s reaction was to hide. So also, people naturally want to avoid God. That’s why our culture is hostile to christianity. All evidences of it make them want to hide from it or cover it. It’s like when Scrooge asked the first ghost to put on the cap. The ghost asked if he would cover the light of truth? The brightness was uncomfortable. So, also God’s entire essence is greater and more glorious. Our human condition can’t abide it. The Old Testament people lived with the awkwardness of the first system. It atleast brought them access to God. This was certainly better than nothing. James said in Acts 15:10 “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? If it was so difficult, then why was it given? God wants to deal with sin. However, the cost is great, blood. The permanant fix was the life of His Son. If it were done sooner, it wouldn’t have been appreciated. The temporary fix was the blood of a lamb. This worked, but was temporary, nonintuitive and burdensome. When Jesus arrived, the people were weary; greatly yearning for the messiah. His sacrifice was truly good news. Thank You, God, for the better way.