It was breathtaking, to say nothing of terrifying, to camp at the base of Mount Horeb, the awesome mountain of God. No one who was there would forget the peals of thunder, the flashes of lightning, the endless fire and smoke that ascended to the heavens, as well as the ear-piercing blasts of trumpets. After witnessing the ten plagues on Egypt and watching the Red Sea part, this was greater still. On the sacred mount, God had dictated His law to Moses in which the divine expectations for His people had been clearly delineated. It had been a defining moment for God’s people.
But, as with all mountain top experiences, it was time to move on. It might have been tempting to dwell at the foot of that great mount, but it would not have accomplished God’s purposes. God intended for His people to bring judgment on the wicked inhabitants of Canaan. God had prepared a wonderful inheritance for the Israelites where they could become a light to the nations. None of that could happen if they remained where they were.
Worship is a central aspect of the Christian’s life. It helps us regain a proper perspective on God as well as ourselves. But at a certain point, it is time to get to work. Some people come too little to the mountain of worship. Others stay too long. Once God has clearly spelled out His will for your life, there comes a time to break camp and begin the process of fully implementing what you experienced in worship into your daily living.