Coming to Church to Meet God
George Breay, B. A. Exodus 19:16-25 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mount… "The people stood at the nether part of the mount"; they listened with this very end in view: they came out of the camp to meet God, as God had commanded they should do. When you come up to the house of God keep this in view. There is, in the present day, as there was in the days of the apostle, such a thing as having "itching ears," looking to man, instead of an humble and reverent desire to meet God. Brethren, be much in prayer; and when you leave your closets to attend public worship, say, "I am now going to meet with God." As you enter His house, reflect, "This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate of heaven"; oh that I may meet my Saviour; oh that His love may be shed abroad in my heart; oh that I may understand more of God's plan for the salvation of sinners; oh that I may get my heart warmed by close communion with my God, and have my soul lifted up above the cares and pleasures of this sinful world! Were all our congregations to assemble thus, oh what a savour, and unction, and blessing we should experience! (George Breay, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. WEB: It happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled.