Holiness and Power
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. I am a softie for mountains and the ocean from the same viewpoint. When you add bright Tico culture, fresh pineapple, and active volcanoes to the mix, then you have a very special place. Having been blessed to embark on several mission trips to this Central American bright spot over the years, I reflect back on many memories with joy.
One specific memory was in the city of La Fortuna. The group was enjoying an off day and splashed in the hot springs near the base of Arenal, an active Volcano, that regularly releases gasses into the sky. I will forever cherish the experience of wading in the hot spring water, with a frozen drink in hand, while hearing the rumble of the mountain and watching hot lava shoot upward into the night sky. What an unreal experience.
I recall at that moment being afraid of what could happen if the eruption was dramatic. I also recall the exhilaration of having learned that there would be more fear from this volcano if it were building pressure rather than releasing gas. With that knowledge, I was able to still respect the power of the mountain but then enjoy the experience that its power generated. You may ask, “What does that have to do with anything in my life?”. I’m thankful you asked….
Exodus 20:18-21 paints a picture of the need to fear God so that we don’t fear Him. Initially, a contradiction, as we press into this image, we come to understand that the fear of God’s holiness and power exposes our sin and depravity. We only learn our need for salvation when we see our sin. His holiness displayed leads to a fear of death, which has been demonstrated in Romans 6:23.
Looking more into the Exodus 20 encounter, we see the gift of Moses as a mediator who stood between God and Israel. This ultimately illustrates Jesus and His role as the mediator for humanity. Consider reading Hebrews 9:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, and John 14:6 to compare what the Bible says about Jesus in this role. The beauty is that when we respond in fear to the holiness of God, it leads us to lean into the work of Christ so that we can come boldly before Him without fear.
We are accepted, chosen, adopted, forgiven, declared right, sanctified, and given life because of what Jesus did and continues to do. We have hope and victory of sin, death, and the grave. Our sin is not held against us (Psalm 103) because of Jesus.
With a similar emotion to standing in the hot water staring up at lava flowing, we should fear the power of the mountain but enjoy the experience in the present because we know what God has done for us.
