Sometimes we get so caught up in telling the world about the absolute Grace and Love of God, we forget to tell them of His Almighty Justice. His Holiness, Righteousness are equally as real a part of His Being as His love, grace and Mercy. There cannot be one without the other. That is what He demonstrates to us. Furthermore, we must never forget His Grace and Mercy are magnified; because of His justice. One cannot exist without the other being equally magnified. This thought came even more evident to mind while I was reading Exodus this week.
God had miraculously led the Children of Israel from Egypt. Now at Mount Sinai they stood. And God spoke to Moses to prepare the people to meet with Him.
All Brought to Hear the Voice of Almighty Justice
And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.” Exodus 19 3-9 (NKJV)
Therefore, all the people prepared with great anticipation to hear from God.
And So, the People Heard God’s Voice
God, Almighty Justice descended on Mount Sinai
Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
AND GOD SPOKE ALL THESE WORDS, SAYING:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Exodus 19:16-20: 20:1-6 NKJV
Imagine this: they all could hear His Voice. All the people saw the majestic display of Power descending upon the mountain top. His fiery Glory on Display for all to see. To this day the top of Mount Sinai remains blackened and burnt despite not being a volcanic mountain.
A Covenant of the People with the God of Almighty Justice
God spoke. The people heard as the law was recorded in Exodus 20-23. After this
all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do!” And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. Then he got up early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve memorial stones for the twelve tribes of Israel. And he sent young men of the sons of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed bulls as peace offerings to the Lord.
Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and the other half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it as the people listened; and they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!” So, Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Exodus 24: 3-8 (NASB)
They heard the thunderous voice of Almighty Justice and bowed before it. As a nation, all accepted God’s covenant to be their God. With their own words they agreed to worship no other God and to not make any idols to worship. Yet,
The Leaders Saw the Magnificent Beauty of God’s Love and Grace
Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire,as clear as the sky itself. Yet He did not reach out with His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank. Exodus 24:9-11 (NASB)
This scene is best described and explained by Charles John Ellicott in his extensive Biblical Commentary known as Ellicott’s Commentary.
Then went up.—According to the ordinary ideas of the time, the ratification of the covenant was now complete, and nothing more was needed. It pleased God, however, to terminate the whole transaction by a closing scene of extraordinary grandeur, beauty, and spiritual significance. A sacrifice implied a sacrificial meal (Exodus 18:12). Moses understood that God, by summoning Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders into the mount (Exodus 24:1), had intended the sacrificial meal to be held there; and accordingly, as soon as he had sprinkled the people, ascended Sinai with the persons summoned, and had the feast prepared. A sacrificial meal was always regarded as a religious act—an act done “before God” (Exodus 18:12), involving communion with Him. God willed now to signalise this sacrificial feast above all others by making His presence not only felt but seen. As Moses, Aaron with his two sons, and the elders were engaged in the feast (Exodus 24:11), a vision of marvellous splendour broke upon them. “They saw the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:10). God showed Himself to them—not, as before, amid thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud, and fire, and smoke, and earthquake (Exodus 19:16; Exodus 19:18), but in His loveliness (Song of Solomon 5:16) and His beauty, standing on pellucid sapphire, blue as the blue of heaven. They “saw God,” and were neither hurt nor even terrified; they could, while seeing Him, still eat and drink—they felt themselves like guests at His board, as if He were banqueting with them. So was impressed upon them the mild and sweet relation into which they were brought towards God by covenant—a covenant made, and not yet infringed. The gentle, lovely, attractive side of God’s character was shewn to them, instead of the awful and alarming one; and they were taught to look forward to a final state of bliss, in which God’s covenanted servants would dwell in His presence continually.
They saw the God of Israel.—Probably, in human form, as Isaiah saw Him (Isaiah 6:1-5), and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:26), and even Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:25). It is not of this appearance that Moses says: “Ye saw no similitude” (Deuteronomy 4:12). The appearance which they saw had “feet.”
Charles John Ellicott1
1 https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/24.htm, Accessed 5/25/2025
What a Wondrous Thought
Imagine this. All that is described is the wondrous beauty of the floor beneath His feet. Yet, there was peace, tranquility, love and grace that filled that space. There it was they dined with God. Yet, after this was all complete, Moses along with Joshua ascended further up the mountain. God would give all His instructions to build a tabernacle. Every minute detail representing the true tabernacle which would be Christ. All symbolic of He who would bring the new covenant.
How was it after seeing all this Aaron would allow the children of Israel to convince Him to build the golden calf for them to worship? Furthermore, why did the 70 elders and the sons of Aaron not stop this foolish rebellion against God’s covenant of grace? These had seen both the fiery almighty justice of God. Furthermore, they had witnessed the miracles in Egypt and the desert. Even more, they had felt the rapturous beauty of God’s loving grace and mercy. How could they?
And How Can WE?
We, who now have known of the wondrous grace purchased by Jesus on the cross? Knowing the Almighty Justice of God. The full weight of His wrath against sin was poured out on His own son. Do not forget the price paid to maintain His Almighty Justice. How can we think it not be a major part of who He is. He did that so we might be called His sons and daughters. His almighty justice can not be compromised without it diminishing His Love and Grace. All His attributes are equally a part of His Glory. We, who know Him as Lord and Savior, have tasted the wondrous sweetness of His grace, love, and mercy. Having watched the miracles of His sweet grace toward us, as He has wooed us ever so gently to be more like Jesus.
Romans 5 Reminds us:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. Romans 5:1-9 NASB
Because of that:
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV)
Furthermore, I rest assured that not even I can separate me from His love.
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 37-39 NKJV
For that reason I:
know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8: 28-30 NKJV
So, Why Doesn’t the Grace of God Negate His Almighty Justice?
His love, grace, and mercy cannot be known without His Justice as well. How would I know of His Grace were I never aware of His justice? If He then allowed me to chase after every evil thing, could that be love? He knows that I would continue to destroy my life in so many ways if left to my own volition. Therefore, His justice in my life draws me back to His side, teaching me faithfulness.
His justice in the world is needed desperately as we pray for His return. Yet it is is love and grace that waits. He tarries only while going after that one last lost sheep to be saved during this current church age. Once the bride of Christ is completed, He will return. Then, the tribulation age will begin. There will be many saved during that time. They are the martyrs.
For further information go to my post from January 2023.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025
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