The awesome presence of God
Exegetical note: Every aspect of this narrative points to the awesomeness of the presence of God. The people's distant encounter with the Almighty is startling enough, affecting almost every sense; yet, they were kept at the foot of the mountain, protected from the direct experience of God that ostensibly they would not have been able to bear. Only Moses and Aaron are given the privilege of hearing God directly and (subsequently) mediating God's word and will.
Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 115)
Leader:
Brothers and sisters, our God is in the heavens!