Shavuot - Two Testaments on Two Mountains (Page 2)
(continued from page
1)
There are several striking similarities between the two Shavuot
encounters with G-d on the two mountaintops.
1. On both occasions the Torah was given to G-d's people, but in
very different methods. The Torah was given on the first mountain
on tablets of stone by the finger of G-d [Exodus 31:18]. On the
second mountain, the Torah was written on the fleshly tables of
their hearts by the Spirit of G-d
[2 Corinthians 3:3].
2. Both of the Shavuot encounters were accompanied by very unusual
and extremely powerful phenomena. Do you think G-d was trying to
get our attention? Talk about special effects!
3. G-d revealed Himself in a majestic and historic manner, completely
altering the way Israel would relate to Him [Deuteronomy 3:24].
The first time was for 1500 years and the second time is for all
eternity.
4. Both Shavuot encounters were accompanied by fire. Everyone saw
the fire on the first mountain from a distance, for it was an external
national covenant. On the second mountain the experience was meant
for each person, as an individual. Now G-d could place His Torah
in the heart of each believer and dwell in them as a temple of His
holy presence, so the fire was seen upon each of the 120 talmideem
(disciples).
5. At the first mountain there was a mixed multitude [Exodus 12:38]
that was with them and heard the thunderings (Hebrew - Coal = voices)
of G-d. An ancient Midrash (commentary) on this passage suggests
that there were 70 voices of G-d so all nations could hear and receive
the Torah from G-d. On the second mountain the Spirit gave them
other tongues and a mixed multitude that was in Jerusalem for Shavuot
heard the wonderful works of G-d in their own tongue!
Two Mountains, One Message
There is continuity in the message of these two different covenants
inaugurated on two separate mountains. G-d has always desired the
same thing from His people, no matter when they were alive or where
they were living. He wants us to know and understand that He loves
us unconditionally and completely and wants us to respond to this
awesome truth by loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and
strength and our neighbor as ourselves. (Deuteronomy 6:5 & Leviticus
19:18; Matthew 22:36-40)
And because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants
after them; and brought you out of Egypt with His Presence, with
His mighty power. Deuteronomy 4:37 & 7:8
And now Israel, what does the L-RD your G-d require of you, but
to revere the L-RD your G-d, to walk in His ways and to love Him,
to serve the L-RD your G-d with all your heart and with all your
soul. Deuteronomy 10:12
For G-d so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but shall have
everlasting life. John 3:16
As the father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love, just as
I have kept My Father's command-ments and abide in His love.
John 15:9-10
There is a very clear message that G-d has endeavored to impart
His love to all humanity and we have been very slow in understanding
and thus practicing it.
G-d has been trying to show us that when His Word abides in us,
so does His Spirit. The result being that knowing and experiencing
His love will change the way we see ourselves and the world around
us
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