Moses was blessed by literally having conversations with God on the mountain which we have mentioned on the last 2 days. What hard work he did and what responsibility he carried! But his relationship with God was one which can be envied and has been experienced by very few human beings.

This reminds me of the painting by an English artist, Holman Hunt, of Jesus knocking at the door, inspired by Revelation 3:20. The door has no handle, because the owner must open it. Jesus will not force entry, neither will He force us to climb the mountain and go higher with Him.

If the people in the Exodus had gone near to the mountain, they would have died. We can imagine that most of them were too scared to go anywhere near the mountain, but there would be many different sentiments on this day. Some wanted to go near enough to see.

This psalm was written by Asaph, a Levite, and one of the leaders permanently in charge of the temple music. Twelve psalms are attributed to him or to his family members. His family are mentioned in Ezra as members of the tribes coming back from the exile to Babylon.

Sometimes we have to face the problems, ask God if He is trying to teach us something. And then as we learn the hard lessons we increase in authority and faith to address the mountains verbally. Sometimes we are surprised when God moves very quickly. Life is a learning process.

All of life is a test of our faith, whether we realise it or not. The choice to be scrupulously honest is always before us, and there are many moments when we must remember that the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

This must have been an incredible sight, worthy of an epic film. The Israelites had been wandering for 40 years in the desert, and had finally crossed the Jordan, into their land of promise. But they were not welcomed, and had difficult battles until they could really possess their promises.

God was so very specific in his orders to Moses and Moses was very specific in his obedience, right up to his death. He knew as he made this farewell speech that he would not be the one to climb those mountains and proclaim those blessings and curses.

In the gospel of John we can read details of a discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning the identity of Jesus. And at one point the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan, rudely suggesting that He was not totally Jewish, but of mixed race (John 8:48).

Aaron met Moses on the same mountain. But before Aaron arrived, we have the almost unbelievable account of Moses arguing with God and The Lord showing him in advance two signs he was to perform when he met the resistance of Pharaoh. This was a real dress rehearsal for Moses.