Esodus 19
“’Nothing can exceed the savage grandeur of the view from the summit of Mount Sinai. The infinite complication of jagged peaks and varied ridges, and their prevalent intensely red and greenish tints…’ (Edward Hull 1885)
The final steps of the Stairway of Repentance take to 2,285 metres above sea level and the lofty summit of Mount Sinai; the view from here has been likened to “an ocean of petrified waves”. Sometimes it is possible to see the hazy blues of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba from this point. The northern and eastern boundaries of the Jebeliya territory are demarcated by the dark volcanic circular dyke and the peaks of Jebel Um Alawi. Use the panoramic sketch to orientate yourself and locate landmarks” (http://goo.gl/8wvfL).
There is a mountain near our house called Morro Ipanema (http://goo.gl/8ZqFA). It is just over 900 meters high. Mout Sinai, in the Sinai Peninsula is just under 2300 meters high according to the above article. I have climed half way up Mount Ipanema and was pooped by the time that I reached that 450 meter point. I am 58.
I don’t know if you have noticed or not but in Exodus 19 the 80+ year old Moses makes his trek up and down Mount Sinai THREE TIMES! Three times. Three times.
Do you get the picture of what Moses and company saw as they arrived at the now world famous site. Pondering the physical steps that were involved in the conversation between, God, Moses and the people will literally take your breath away. Realizing that those steps were being taken by an 80 year old man is staggering in more ways than one. Granted Moses was no “ordinary” 80 year old but the feat was amazing none the less.
This was one of History’s most important conversations to be sure. God was doing most of the talking and Moses was up more than down. In fact Moses went a record 40 days and 40 nights without food OR water! In the desert! After he broke the tablets he went another 40 days and nights in unbroken communion with Jehovah God.
How far are you willing to go in your conversations with God Almighty? When we read the Exodus account, especially in chapter 19 we are reading words that Moses suffered to acquire. Countless steps, stumbles and staggering occurred to procure the sacred text. We can read it in less than five minutes. Hours of struggling vs. a five minute jaunt. Which will render more profit?
Am I suggesting that you spend 40 day and nights without food in order to hear from God Almighty? I am not sure. Moses did it and changed History. Jesus did it and changed Eternity. It might be and interesting experiment in our spiritual hike. Let me know how if you take the challenge.
