EXODUS 24 COVENANT CONFIRMATION
When covenants are formed there is agreement between those who come into this pact to the terms stated. When the elders of Israel, Aaron and two of his sons, Joshua and Moses came to that mountain, Israel had twice affirmed they wanted God's law and His commandments. Moses wrote everything down so there could be no misunderstanding or changing of the words of the book of the covenant. There could not be some watered-down version when this book of the law was read to later generations. Even though they would not have been at Mount Sinai, they would be obligated to live by the terms of that covenant. In this ratification ceremony a number of things took place that would make sure everyone knew what was happening between the nation of Israel, and the Holy, Sovereign Lord and Supreme Judge of the universe.
An altar of uncut stones or earth was erected at the base of the mountain and twelve pillars of stacked up stones were made there also. The twelve stone pillars would be a reminder that all the tribes of Israel were in agreement with this covenant. The altar on which the oxen were sacrificed, represented the fact that this covenant was formed with God. This was no casual religious ceremony. A nation was agreeing to form a covenant to obey and serve the Sovereign God. The animal on the altar was accepted by God as a substitute for the sinner so that approach to God could be made because of the sinless substitute. The shed blood symbolized death for sin and a life that was spared because of it. The burnt offerings were made that the people would be accepted by God, and the peace offerings were for thanksgiving to God and communion they could have with Him. Half of the blood was on the altar for approach to God. The other half was sprinkled on the people as a testimony that sin had been paid for. When a person would look at that blood spot on their body, they would realize a serious covenant with God had been formed. "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission." We must never forget the value and terms of the new covenant that has been formed with God on our behalf. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." This affirmation of God's satisfaction assures us of our salvation and acceptance in Christ.
When those men went up that mountain and saw that clear blue sapphire glowing in the place where God was, they would have understood how holy God was and how privileged they were. If the bottom of God's feet made a sky-blue sapphire pavement, how fearful it was to be in His presence. Even though God is a Spirit and cannot be seen by natural eyes, the reality of His presence can be seen in how it affects all that are around Him. They would be reminded, even as we are, that "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and in truth."
For our understanding, we see God when we see the Lord Jesus Christ. We haven't seen Him physically, but we will. When we see Him, we will see God. Jesus said, "He that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father." "In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." It is in Him and through Him we are brought to God. He is the "One Mediator between God and men."
When Moses and Joshua went further up that mountain, the law had already been given and the covenant between God and Israel confirmed. God intended the children of Israel to have those tablets of stone as visible evidence of the law they had agreed to. The covenant principle they had agreed to on their part was the six day wait and then on the seventh day God called Moses in such a way that when he went into that cloud of God's presence, everyone - Joshua, the elders, Aaron and his sons and all of Israel would be impressed with the importance of the covenant they had entered into.
The forty days of being alone with God in that time of communion getting the plans and purposes of the Tabernacle, would have been another reminder of fellowship with God. Joshua was on the lower part of the mountain and the people on the plain below. The people were already failing the test of the forty days. Forty is the number of testing in this scripture as well as in other places in the scriptures. Israel failed in the first test of forty days when they insisted on making the golden-calf, a symbol they still had in their minds from the years spent in Egypt. The world makes lasting impressions on our minds if we do not "Keep our minds stayed" on the Lord. It is very important that we never treat the things of God lightly or consider there are no consequences if we compromise or ignore the truth of God.
We should never think we are always free to do what we choose. If we go our way, not God's, there is everything to lose. Fellowship with God is because a covenant with Him has been made. That covenant is based on the work of Christ, and the price of blood He paid.
The basis of the new covenant is not something to be taken lightly. Some people want drama and beauty, they think blood is too unsightly. But our redemption has been paid by blood, which to us who believe is precious. Any other things that men want to add, is at very best only specious.
God has Himself established the terms by which we can be accepted. He willingly and freely forgives us by blood, nothing else from us is expected. Our part in this covenant with grace and love as its motive is believe by faith. Faith in Him motivates us to obey and serve Him in this place.
To add any more to a covenant based on Christ's life given for me, Would not only be insulting to what God gave, but would make valueless what was free. Free grace defies any amount we might add, divine love can't be measured by man. There is not one thing to add to a complete work not done by any man's hand.
That mountain shook and burned, making the hearts of onlookers to fear. They had to understand the presence and Person of God was near. It is not something light or insignificant to God when we come to Him in faith. There is plenty of evidence around that testifies God is here, without me seeing His face.
When the covenant was made and the terms of it, I gladly received - Then God became real to me, even more real today than when I first believed. In Him I live and move, He knows the way and directs my path. And the fellowship and joy in Him are greater, the more of knowing His grace I grasp.
"Father, a new day is opening before me that will take me far away from here. And yet I find great comfort in knowing that Thou art with me and hast guided me to take this journey. Prosper it I pray and may I meet the terms of Thy covenant with me as I seek to honor and serve Thee in the days ahead. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."